Sunday, December 4, 2011

Day 35-37 on the gulf, Dec 1-3


Day 35 (day 7 on the gulf)
We are going to run the outboard motor until we run out of gas, with the exception of one tank of gas for the generator, because we're not sure we'll have enough gasoline and diesel fuel to get to Belize. So we are looking to stop in Cancun for fuel. We saw another freighter this morning. We ran half of the day with a dozen dolphins. Overnight we drifted in the right direction, and made 7 nautical miles. Other nights we drifted 3-5 miles in the wrong direction. Over the past couple of days I've started to feel better, and able to eat small amounts of food.

Day 36 (day 8 on the gulf)
We put the main sail up today because we weren't sure if we had enough fuel to get to either Cancun or Cozumel. We were going only 1-4 knots today. We're still not sure what amount of fuel we need in order to make it to Cozumel. The wind went from about 15 kt to 20 to 30 plus, as we got near Cuba and shallower water. We had tough time getting the sail down. We motored the boat till about 4:00 am.

Day 37 (day 9 on the gulf)
Started motoring around 6:30 a.m. We redid routes to Belize and found that we don't have enough fuel to make it, so we are heading for Cozumel for fuel and gas midday tomorrow sometime. The sea flattened out somewhat during the day, with light winds, few clouds. Nice sailing weather if we could. But sailing at this point is getting too risky until everything fixed, which can't happen until the trip is over. Dave motored the boat till about 4:00 am.

10 comments:

  1. I am SO HAPPY I did not know about all this while it was happening! Dave is black and blue??!! Get your butts to Caye Caulker so I can feed you!! Well, not you, Donavan, until your seasickness is over. Oh my god, you guys!

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  2. Sending good thoughts to all of you guys! WOW what a journey!! Like Noelle, im glad that we did not know so much was going on. Sail safe and get to safe harbor asap!!

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  3. Holy shit. I really hope the last leg of this journey is calm and easy.

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  4. Just in case I was thinking it would be fun to sail across the gulf of mexico ... you guys changed my mind. I'm awfully glad you're still alive.

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  5. Wow. Just picturing the two of you out in the middle of nowhere, nothing but water all around you, for days and days. I'm in awe of you guys and, I must admit, a little envious! What a great life! Glad you're both safe. Hugs!

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  6. I glad you two are on the last leg of the trip, it sounds like you are on your last leg too.What a adventure you two have had, I am glad you will be able to have some down time in Caye Caulker.

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  7. Okay, after reading htis, I have to say that it's a typical sailing story. No matter how prepared you are, it's definitely part of sailing. Knew you guys were resourceful and capable enough to survive though and never had a worry. Much love!

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  8. Thans for the perspective, Heidi! As a landlubber it looks like chaos but you're probably right and it's typical for a trip across the Gulf. Kind of confirms all my personal phobias about sailing, though!

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  9. Nice update and glad you made it. We were following your progress as you left - especially when the forecasts predicted a cold front with +12 foot seas and 20-30 knot winds bearing down on your path! We have the same boat and she has never let us down, but never experienced conditions like this.

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  10. Wheeee! Let's do it again!

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