The Big Crossing

12.28.2010

Well, weather permitting, we are finally about to make the big trek across the Gulf Stream. We are a bit nervous, but confident in our boat. We have gleaned all the knowledge we can from the sailors around here, who have been more than helpful and insured that we will not cross unprepared. We are "buddy boating" with a couple from Canada and hope to reach the islands by the end of the week. It will be 130 miles from Marathon to Alicetown, Bimini and we hope to do it in one and a bit days.
The weather has turned cold again and we are not looking forward to sailing overnight in this bitter wind, but are hoping once we get there it will all be worth it!! We are racing against the clock right now to complete the last few repairs/enhancements before we go. We have opted to go without our radar as many sailors have told us they do not have radar and the ships are all lit as they cross the Stream. Our anemometer works...sometimes. But we are able to read the wind with our wind vane and can at this point make a relatively accurate guess as to the wind speed ourselves. Our depth sounder seems to be working better everyday (the only good thing in the electrical department) and we finally wired our cockpit VHF correctly so we don't have to run downstairs every time we want to communicate with another boat. We still have to fix two lights today that are vital to our travel, but otherwise, she is ready to sail!
Once we get to the Bahamas, we will not be able to keep in contact with anyone via phone or text messaging. So, if you want to keep in touch with us, please email us or, to those of you that have it, facebook works too! We love getting emails from everyone keeping us updated with your lives - that way we don't feel so out of the loop! And we will respond as soon as we come across internet service.
Thank you all for your continued support and continue to follow our blog as we start this newest and most exciting part of our journey!!