The next part of our adventure is beyond the scope of anything I ever imagined doing. I hope you continue to share the experience - living vicariously through these stories.
Day One 31-Mar-2016 a Thursday
1500: Confidence and her crew are ready to leave the dock at Isla de Navidad.
Our captain: David Matthews. Admiral: Betty-Ann Vesala. First Mate: Armon Cravens
There were many times in the last year when we stopped believing that this day would every come - as if some higher power was sending us a message that we should not be making this journey. I think we were just interpreting the message incorrectly. Confidence and all the systems on board were just not ready. It was her way of warning us - little issues coming up which made us look at the bigger issue and doing something about it. Lot’s of times this meant total replacement rather than bandaid solutions. Confidence made sure that they happened while we were still in a location where we could do something about it.
The main concern was the engine. Those issues have been resolved and she is running like a charm. The auto pilot keeps us on course.
The new radar
will warn us of any traffic or storm systems coming our way. The adjustments on the wind monitor have already proven themselves.
It has never kept course so well. Most of this is simply due to the diameter of the control lines to the helm.
1500: Confidence leaves the Marina at Isla de Navidad.
First stop is the fuel dock where we ensure that all tanks are full!
1530: Confidence and her crew passes through the channel between the town of Barra de Navidad and Isla de Navidad, Mexico - our home for the last year. We are all sporting smiles from ear to ear. Our feet will not touch land for the next 2700 - 3000 nm.
Course is set at 220*. Seas have a 3-4 foot chop. Winds are westerly 12-15 knots.
1711: The sails are raised and the motor is off. We each decide to open one beer to celebrate - a mistake which all three of us experienced in the next few days - me the most as I do not drink beer very often!
The predicted winds were light but for once the error in forecasting was in our favour. We covered 102 nm in 20.5 hours at an average speed of 5.5 knots. Except for the 1.5 hours of run time to get out of port, the motor would not be turned on again for days
Our first dinner at sea included an Italian sausage and spinach lasagna accompanied with a blue cheese, pear and pecan salad.
The gods are surely smiling on us for this first day.The night is clear and the moon is at 50%, and the stars are lighting our way.
Sunset on Day One
