Bermuda again.....maybe

[Jim Walsh]

I've spent the last several weeks getting Orion prepped for another singlehanded run to Bermuda. Today was "perishable food day". I gave the weather sites a final look this morning and I find that "Tropical Depression 3" has given me pause. The track runs between me and my destination. The area of predicted 50 knot (58mph) wind speeds are what really gets my attention. Last year I spent about 12 hours in the mid forties to mid fifties with the resulting 18-20 foot seas. I have no intention of subjecting myself to that on purpose. I'm hoping that this system will move through as predicted and the stars align properly so I can head out several days from now. If not...there's always next season. Plus, I'm planning to make the Maine Cruise this year so it's not like I'll be missing all the fun.

[Steve Laume]

A couple of days wait will serve you well in dealing with the big eddy just to the south of the main stream. This is a very weird year for the Gulf Stream. A bit of a jog south and you should have a great ride, Steve.

http://rads.tudelft.nl/gulfstream/

[jbenagh]

You guys are awesome! Safe travels.

Jeff

[Capt Hook]

Jim,
Are you still thinking of going for it?

[Astronomertoo]

Wow, you are a gluten for punishment aren't you? If you go ahead, I wish you a good and safe trip.
I might recommend you look back down at the continuing activity between Cozumel and Jamaica, which is where Colin came from, and is still active, feeding a continuing line of crud up into the bottom half of Florida for the next few days. This is the time most of the storms happen in the shallower water of the SW gulf (Bay of Campeche) as that water is already hot. But those storms usually treck north into south Texas/western gulf in the early season, which would normally not be a problem to you that far north/east.
I like to refer to the following and customize the display: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/tatl/flash-wv.html

Btw, out of curiosity, what have you done to your boat since returning, in the way of improvements, as spin offs or lessons learned from your last trip?
Best wishes

[Jim Walsh]

Jim,
Are you still thinking of going for it?

Yup, planning to leave tomorrow.

[Jim Walsh]

Wow, you are a gluten for punishment aren't you? If you go ahead, I wish you a good and safe trip.
I might recommend you look back down at the continuing activity between Cozumel and Jamaica, which is where Colin came from, and is still active, feeding a continuing line of crud up into the bottom half of Florida for the next few days. This is the time most of the storms happen in the shallower water of the SW gulf (Bay of Campeche) as that water is already hot. But those storms usually treck north into south Texas/western gulf in the early season, which would normally not be a problem to you that far north/east.
I like to refer to the following and customize the display: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/tatl/flash-wv.html

Btw, out of curiosity, what have you done to your boat since returning, in the way of improvements, as spin offs or lessons learned from your last trip?
Best wishes

I added a Harken furling unit to my staysail. It's always nice not to be on the foredeck. Sometimes the elevator is in the basement and I'm still on the first floor. I also removed and re-bedded my midship hatch. I stripped and barrier coated my hull but that was really just something I wanted to do and not associated with a lesson learned on a long distance passages. I'm sure a smooth bottom will be a benefit. The porpoises won't be able to make any wise cracks.......

[DAHedley]

Safe travels Jim. See you you when you return.



Derrick H
Feelin IRIE
Intreped 28

[Jim Walsh]

Safe travels Jim. See you you when you return.



Derrick H
Feelin IRIE
Intreped 28

Thanks Derrick! I'll be flying my CDSOA pennant all the way.

[Astronomertoo]

Fantastic, have a good journey! And if you decide to head further south, have a good rumrunner for me too.
BobC

[Jim Walsh]

Just filled out my Visiting Yachts Pre-arrival Form for Bermuda and my Small Vessel Reporting System float plan for U.S. Customs, both online, so I'm committed to leave tomorrow. I'll report back once I've arrived. We don't want any more tropical storms till the fall.....

[Capt Hook]

Good luck on your voyage.

Look forward to your reports and pix.

[John Stone]

Safe travels Jim. Wish I was out there too. I miss it already.

[Jim Walsh]

Left today. The wind was just punishing yesterday. Didn't want to beat myself up needlessly. This is Montauk Point Lighthouse. I'll be losing cellphone coverage shortly. Next photos will be from Bermuda.

[Capt Hook]

Do any of you guys in the northeast have any good stories to tell about Jim while he's out at sea and can't defend himself. Sort of an impromtu roast.

He's been helpful to me with my boat and I appreciate his help. I wish him well on his voyage and hope he has some interesting reading when he signs on again.