Bahamas - Leg two

Uneventful crossing from the Keys to the outer islands of the Bahamas. Motor sailed the majority of the night in no wind and glassy seas. The drone of the engine was finally silenced about 3a.m. and we sailed at over 7 knots under clear skies for much of the morning.

As we began our crossing of the Banks the wind changed and we were forced to motor sail again. However, the starboard engine didn't respond. Drama of the day. All sails down and King jumped overboard to check the props. A rope was tied around his waist to make sure we didnt lose him. Kinda like trolling. Anyway, sure enough, we had picked up a large black rope loaded with fishing line. Once untangled we were on our way again. Our plan is to travel through the Bahamas by day and anchor at night until we get a good weather window to make the jump to Bermuda.

Our days are settling into a routine. I make coffee and then start breakfast. Once breakfast is finished, I pull out the flour and yeast to begin the days bread. Then we take showers, read, play Sudoko, and write. At noon, I make lunch and as soon as clean up is done Its time to start thinking about dinner. All the meat is frozen so I need a few hours to unthaw if we are going to have dinner aboard. Ive stayed pretty close to the menus. those have really been helpful. The afternoon is back to the books and email. It's also time to do boat chores and the occasional nap. Dinner is served around 7 p.m. This gives us time to put everything away by dark when our formal watches begin or a cut throat game of dominos.

New achievements: Ed got the Wi fi hooked up late yesterday. We will be ready to sign on when Ostinato reaches Bermuda.

Next stop Bermuda

Good weather forecast from Herb last night so we are doing a quick refueling and will continue North. Winds are very light from the South and expected to turn more to the SW. This should improve the ride a bit.

Not much else to report.....still working on the email and weather fax. Got a few hooks up to hang towels. Still more to go.

Hooray for air conditioning!

We moved the boat over to Key West Ocean Marina last night after a quick run to Ross Dress for Less to pick up shorts that wont fall off Everyone is losing weight. Not sureehat that says about my cooking anyway,for a change, I am not finding it.

Ahhha, sweet cool air conditioning! Finally a good night sleep.

Notable recent accomplishments included a little more AND a balanced water line, a complete scrub down of the outside of the boat and, for the first time, the saloon table was clear. Just in time for dinner and a game of dominos (Ed won. However there was much discussion and nashing of teeth about Hamilton rules). King is still stowing "stuff" away but it's now pretty limited to his work room.

After fueling and filling up water tanks we are off the docks this morning, heading for Marathon. The plan is to talk to Herb tonight to see if there is any expected breaks in the weather. If so, we will continue moving on to the Bahamas over night If not, we will stay put. As of yesterday, Herb advised everyone in Bahamas and Bermuda to sit tight.

I'm writing today on my phone. If we jump tonight that will end our cell service so I will need to go to the next phase of skill expansion, learning how to send emails over the SSB radio. Not completely clear it will work for the blog but will give it a go. If not I'll catch you up in Bermuda.

Update on current conditions. We are motoring in flat seas on our nose (of course).

Sue

Anchors Away! maybe.....

Friday - There is a rumor going around the boat that the anchor my be hoisted aboard within the next 24 hrs. Of course, that is weather permitting and we are closely watching all of the activity off the coast. Systems appear to be as good as they are going to get without taking up more permanent residency status. King has his new drivers license, application has been made for a new SS card and credit cards have been replaced.

Clif and Ed had laundry duty while I picked up last minute provisions and King raided West Marine ...one last time.

Saturday- today's chores are to finish sorting the must have from the I can live without. The drill press and microwave left the boat in the first run. Each has a little note attached to tell the finder that they are looking for a new home. Not looking good for any major jumps today so still time to cull some more. We have already achieved a significant increase to the water line but every little bit helps.

Have I mentioned that it is hotter than H here. I'm dying. The guys seem to tolerate it much better than me. I hate to say this but I'm ready for a marina with a bit of air conditioning.






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A little engine surgery

Appears Ostinato's damper plate on the starboard engine decided it had over served its duty Monday morning. The first clue was the yelling and hollering from crew and captain as we attempted to grab a mooring ball. Let me just say "not pretty" and leave it at that. It was finally determine that it was boat error not operated error. Of course!

Ed and King got battle ready with a trip to Home Depot. We drug home wood beams, clothes line bolts and some major metal to hoist the engine. Cliff's bed was torn apart once again bright and early and the work began. By 4:30 a successful install had been achieved. and the tension that filled the day melted away.

On our other projects..... The dinghy engine ended up being bad fuel. The guys cleaned it out and got it started. Just to be sure, we dropped it off at the local Honda dealer where it got a clean bill of health.

Last but not least, the refrigerator. Temperature is still not where we would like but I think we're going to enjoy today's success and think about that tomorrow.

Just so you know, we are doing a little more than working on the boat. Cliff experienced his first Key West sunset last night. I think he like the fire eaters the best! He wants to go back tonight to find the dancing girls.

Update on electronics. AIS is fully operational thanks to Ed To find us, google Marine Traffic. Then search Ostinato III or wdg2021 is the call id. This, along with SPOT will be our main tracking along the coast. AIS lets us recognize any boat in our vicinity on our chart plotter. Additionally, the WIi antenna is working (Ed again) but .... No available free service so we are hanging at McDonalds enjoying their apple pie and wi if.

Key West! First leg complete!

Ostinato sailed into Key West Sunday night just after sunset. The anchoring was celebrated with a champagne toast. Thank you Dee Dee and Jerry! While exhausted, the crew sat on the trampoline for a while just enjoying the moment before falling into bed for a much deserved undisturbed sleep.

Chores this morning included continuing to stow away "stuff" and look for potential things we can live without. I've hidden my hair dryer and flat iron! The AIS system appears to be working for everyone but us. Ed has worked that out and it appears it will be fixed in the morning. Also, called Isotherm to seek info on why the refrigerator wasn't cooling well. seems the new door was for an updated model that has a magnetic strip. Hmmmm. Good news is they will trade out at no cost. Bad news is we have to rent a car to drive to Pompano to make the exchange. The joys of cruising.

The good news is we have moved over to a mooring ball and are heading into town for dinner out. Cooks night off!

What happened to the water line?

After a major early morning effort to finish loading, and quick goodbyes to Ziggy and Monster Kitty, the dock lines were finally untied at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning. The effort was assisted by friends and neighbors who got up early to document the departure and for this effort they immediately got put to work. Thank you all! The water line?....well, to no one's surprise, a few items will be departing the boat in Key West looking for other places to live.

We left under light winds (10 to 15) out of the NE with clear skies. Beautiful ride averaging around 6.5 knots all day. The crew worked to find homes aboard for all of the "stuff" (nautical term aboard Ostinato for King's must haves) and bring the chaos under control.

My seasickness has been tolerable so far. I decided to try a patch the night before we left. The worst part is the side effects ...stuffy nose, headache and drowsiness. I got the prize for sleeping. My day consisted of coming up to prepare meals and then heading back to bed.

As luck will have it, the winds began to build after dark to 25 to 30 knots from the E. All hands on deck around 1:30 am to put a reef in the main and jib. By sunrise it was all over and by noon the wind dropped to 5 knots with calm seas.

I made my first loaf of bread aboard this morning using the Zojirushi Mini bread maker. Makes just enough for one day. My new best friend. The guys have given it a thumbs up.

Between the solar panels and wind generator we are doing great with power consumption. Wonderful to see all of that work pay off.

For those that have not received the Spot web location for tracking here's the address:

Http/fms.ws/7y2tN27.39658N/82.90344W

We are still working on the AIS system and will post as soon as possible.

I think I feel a nap coming on.

Progress

No turning back now, both cars are sold!  Thank you daughter for loaning us the Prius back for a few weeks.  We have sold lots of "stuff" the last few months but still have a couple of prizes left! 

Johnson 9.9 hp outboard.  It was just serviced.  $795 OBO
Dingy trailer - $250
90 feet of anchor chain and spliced 100 + feet of twisted nylon rode in good condition - $95

Call King to negotiate.

The boat looks about as bad as I have every seen her...........so we must be making progress!  She is no longer the "boat with no name".  Cliff and I bravely took on the job of moving stencil letters from paper to boat.  Good grief.  Who wrote those directions!  Regardless of our angst, Ostinato III is now on the starboard bow.  Tomorrow we tackle the port bow.

The last couple of days have been busy.  New chain was installed on Saturday morning, the watermaker is in and operational and 2 new solar panals have also been installed.  Battary cables have been upgrade, high water alarms and smoke detectors installed and cables for lifting the dinghy are in process. 

A Little Help From Our Friends

The days are flying by as the final 2 weeks approach. The list is still way too long but thanks to great friends and neighbors we are making good progress. My long time friend Suzy came up from Stuart over the weekend to lend a hand (and to say goodbyes). She may never be the same. Varnishing door frames was followed up by talking her into the dinghy to sit under the trampolines to assist with adding caulking to a few bolts that were high and dry. I owe you a manicure!


So many people have lent a hand it would take days to go through the list but we do want to say a special thank you to a few. First on the list are Carl and Marcia. From picking up Ostinato in Houston to responding to calls just yesterday, both have not only provided sage advice but also scrubbed soot, recreated walls and given encouragement when needed. The new shower seats are great! I show them to everyone. Also on the list is Bob who shared his and Jean's sailing adventures in the Med along with stacks of charts, guide books, and flags of every country. It’s my personal challenge to get to them all. Many of you have fed us over and over again with scant reciprocation. We thank you all. A special thanks to John and Beth. We would have had little social life over this past year if you had not tempted us away from the boat with your fine food, drink and the occasional game of dominos. And of course, Ed who has his own list of "to do" items that must be done to get us out of here. Last but not least.........Kate and Sally who understand that sometimes you just gotta have some time with the girls.


The heater installation is still under way. What a bear it has been but King is very close to getting that one wrapped up. The stern starboard birth is close to complete. The cushions have been added back to the room for the first time in over a year. Of course, all of the tools that were living there are now in the main salon so it looks like a bomb went off. We learned early in the week that two of the ports that were replaced were leaking. Those repairs have been completed, but this afternoon we found the third port also leaks. Another item on the list. Two steps forward, one back.