It is Feb.18,2013 We are still in Cancun for 2 more weeks.
Where are you two enjoying the winter months these days? Seems like it has been an awful long time since we heard from you. When you can let me hear about your travels. Waiting to hear Fred
Paul and Monica,
We have't heard from you lately. We missed your Christmas day phone call! Cindy and I are just now thinking about getting the Almond Joy ready for Spring. Damn, it snowed 3 inches a couple of days ago. You all are definitely livin the dream. Stay in touch. Keith and Cindy
Hope all is well in Paradise Lynn & I are enjoying the warm breezes as well as the sunny days of Cancun for the next 7 weeks. Then we will return to try & prepare Wild Oats for spring commissioning about April 15 th. or sooner. I cannot wait The bottom was not as bad as I expected after being in the water continuously for 3 years with two trips south in that time. It was time to be pulled & let dry out for a few months. No blisters thank goodness. The Insurance survey went well. Now I am in good shape for a few more years.
Keep in totch When are you headed north?
Fair winds & good sails Fred
What a terrible tragedy for the folks on Rule 62, let's all pray that Laura will be found. Of course, as bad as I feel for them, my overwhelming feeling is one of relief that Monica and Paul are fine.
Googling for more information I found a sailing forum where there's some interesting information. Apparently the conditions in the Bahamas over the weekend were very bad. Those cuts entering the Bahamas were in 'rage' condition which happens when the currents are going one way and the swells and wind are going the opposite direction. Causes very turbulent water. A resident on the Bahamian island just south of where they sank said the conditions were the worst he's seen in ten years. The guy who was in charge of the 8 Caribbean 1500 boats that sailed directly to the Bahamas said that going through that cut in those conditions was 'impossible'. We also don't know why they diverted to the Bahamas and what may have been wrong with the boat.
If you want to read more you can see the comment thread at Sailnet.
Tuesday, Nov 16, noon: Steve Black, owner of Cruising Rally Association, has been notified by the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) today that “the conditions are not favorable for finding Laura Zekoll alive.” The search and rescue mission involving the US Coast Guard, the Bahamas Defense Force, BASRA, and local efforts since Saturday night has resulted in “no findings.” The US Coast Guard has suspended its activity. The BDF will suspend its activity today. BASRA will continue aerial surveys of the vessel and area. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura's friends and family as well as the crew of Rule 62.
Here's coverage by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Though details are still sketchy the best word now is that they diverted because the two ladies on the boat were both seasick and as they attempted to enter the cut into the Bahamas they were hit by a large wave, lost their mast, were swamped and then slammed onto the reef.
Its great news that you have arrived safely ,now the celebrations can start .Well done guys !!
Our thoughts are also with the Laura and that she is found safely .
You have put so much time and effort into your goal of getting to BVIS ,and now it has paid off !
Cant wait for the detail !!
Just wishing you fair winds and calm seas ... or at least 25 knots from the east all the way, with no seas to speak of, of course!!
See you in November!
Best,
Dennis and Heidi
Hi Guys.. We have been following your progress and are glad you arrived safely home. Sorry we missed you in Nanny Cay. We saw Moonshadow and immediately notice the the new paint job. Now that I read your blog and realize you did the work....totally impressed! Great job. George has had shoulder surgery, recuperating this summer so we can head back to Nanny Cay for the winter. Hope to see you there. Sam & George s/v Champlain
Hi Guys,
Just checked your track...looks like your two piers over now. Last time I looked you were maybe in Charleston, SC. Anyway, thanks for helping this lonely sailor live out his dreams, if only in virtual realty. I admire your adventuresome spirit. Rum & Reggie Anyone?
Allan
s/v Asolare
We made it back from the BVI's on May 17. It was a long trip back, but we had a blast. I have to get shoulder surgery as well on June 6. Hope all is well with you! We are planning to go back to the island in the fall. Talk to you soon!
Hi Guys
Sorry that we missed you in the BVI's last week (I did make VHF contact with another boat named Moonshadow, too funny).
Let us know your radio briefing frequency and schedule and we will listen in and try to hail you on the SSB when we are on the boat.
Safe voyage and see you soon.
Drew
Glad you two are back on board.When do you expect to head out for Bermuda & then back to the Bay? Hope you have fair winds 7 smooth seas all the way back.
The new paint job looks great Fred
Visitor Comments
What a terrible tragedy for the folks on Rule 62, let's all pray that Laura will be found. Of course, as bad as I feel for them, my overwhelming feeling is one of relief that Monica and Paul are fine.
Googling for more information I found a sailing forum where there's some interesting information. Apparently the conditions in the Bahamas over the weekend were very bad. Those cuts entering the Bahamas were in 'rage' condition which happens when the currents are going one way and the swells and wind are going the opposite direction. Causes very turbulent water. A resident on the Bahamian island just south of where they sank said the conditions were the worst he's seen in ten years. The guy who was in charge of the 8 Caribbean 1500 boats that sailed directly to the Bahamas said that going through that cut in those conditions was 'impossible'. We also don't know why they diverted to the Bahamas and what may have been wrong with the boat.
If you want to read more you can see the comment thread at Sailnet.
Tuesday, Nov 16, noon: Steve Black, owner of Cruising Rally Association, has been notified by the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) today that “the conditions are not favorable for finding Laura Zekoll alive.” The search and rescue mission involving the US Coast Guard, the Bahamas Defense Force, BASRA, and local efforts since Saturday night has resulted in “no findings.” The US Coast Guard has suspended its activity. The BDF will suspend its activity today. BASRA will continue aerial surveys of the vessel and area. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura's friends and family as well as the crew of Rule 62.
Here's coverage by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Coast Guard ends search for missing Atlanta woman
Atlanta woman, lost at sea, known for indefatigable spirit
Wed 11/17 - Here's a story and video from the Atlanta Fox station:
Vigil Held For Atlanta Women Missing From Sailboat
Though details are still sketchy the best word now is that they diverted because the two ladies on the boat were both seasick and as they attempted to enter the cut into the Bahamas they were hit by a large wave, lost their mast, were swamped and then slammed onto the reef.
Hi Guys.. We have been following your progress and are glad you arrived safely home. Sorry we missed you in Nanny Cay. We saw Moonshadow and immediately notice the the new paint job. Now that I read your blog and realize you did the work....totally impressed! Great job. George has had shoulder surgery, recuperating this summer so we can head back to Nanny Cay for the winter. Hope to see you there. Sam & George s/v Champlain
We made it back from the BVI's on May 17. It was a long trip back, but we had a blast. I have to get shoulder surgery as well on June 6. Hope all is well with you! We are planning to go back to the island in the fall. Talk to you soon!
Monica