tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101700212012-02-04T04:37:48.774+08:00Sailing Log of the vessel WINGS <br> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/99/5646/1024/Wings%20Logo-Grey%20%26%20Blue-Med%20Size2.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/99/5646/400/Wings%20Logo-Grey%20%26%20Blue-Med%20Size2.jpg"> </a>wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.comBlogger4841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-15491287124611933802012-02-04T04:17:00.005+08:002012-02-04T04:34:34.773+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldNamibiaNamibia is not a crowded place.We rented a car on Wednesday and headed out. On Thursday morning we drove across the Namib Desert and for half a day and we encountered only two other cars. That afternoon we saw four more cars and at the check point they said that they were having a busy day.Wild HorsesBut we are glad to be here; the sights in the desert are

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-73959131431785535872012-02-04T04:15:00.004+08:002012-02-04T04:37:48.806+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldDolphins escort usYou couldn’t tell it from the photos I posted but the bay at Luderitz is pretty windy. In fact the world record for speed sailing was recently set here. Randy found out when he tried to take the dingy to shore in a near gale of wind. Only a few yards from the boat a gust of wind picked him up and blew both he and the dingy upside down. That’s

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-74930299162596519052012-01-29T22:38:00.000+08:002012-01-29T22:39:58.763+08:00

We sailed out of Cape Town on Wednesday, anchored at Dassen Island for the night, and in the morning we set sail again for Namibia.For two days we had wind, more than enough at times, and the sailing was good.On the third day the wind lost its strength and we slowed. By the next morning it was light and fitful.We sailed offshore in search for more pressure but found none. We jibed back towards

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-69348429970709881262012-01-26T21:00:00.000+08:002012-01-26T22:26:02.190+08:00

The sailing is glorious today, crisp cool SE breeze behind us blowing 18 knots, cloudless sky, brilliant sunshine, sea birds wheeling overhead, we've seen whales, dolphins, seals, you name it, and we're going in the eights; it can't get any better but I set a couple of lines; maybe we'll get a fish too.The wind is building, were talking about reefing and I have little doubt we'll need to do that

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-6117747460552173622012-01-25T13:40:00.002+08:002012-01-25T13:46:53.458+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldBlue Peter at the YardToday we set sail from Cape Town bound for Namibia. We are checked out, the boat is provisioned, tanks are filled, the weather looks good, the crew is eager to go, and we are just now having breakfast.We cast off the lines at 09:00.Fred & Judy, (and Randy and Laura) SV Wings, Cape Town

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-37034475727962863292012-01-23T22:19:00.006+08:002012-01-23T22:51:28.899+08:00

On Friday night Randy and Laura, our crew for the Atlantic crossing, arrived in Cape Town.wingssail images-fredrick roswold"Oh Laura, I'm so glad to see you."Big hugs all around and then down to the boat to get Randy & Laura settled in. The next day we headed off on a flury of sightseeing: Simon's Town, Cape Town waterfront, Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch Wine Country, a private game park, and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-70158485456193761942012-01-08T05:59:00.004+08:002012-01-10T04:57:57.068+08:00

Wave of Cold Air Breaks over Table MountainOn an otherwise nice day a Tsunami of cold air suddenly crashes over Table Mountain and pours down into Cape Town. Sea gulls take shelter on the lee of our transom.An afternoon Sou’Easter is coming and the masts soon catch the blast and the yachts begin a mad dance like they’re all on ecstasy and they’ll be up all night while we huddle in our cabin and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-22240232732536289142012-01-01T19:13:00.006+08:002012-01-02T12:58:59.690+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldDid this stork bring the new year?It was a midnight kiss, lots of fireworks which we could hear but not see, and the sound of big ships horns blasting that brought in the new year aboard Wings. We didn't go out, maybe too pooped from the boat projects we'd been working on all day, but we had a good celebration anyhow.Last year has been great and we are expecting

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-56161005897407755512011-12-20T05:09:00.003+08:002011-12-20T05:18:04.747+08:00

Cape Town: No this is not 40 ktsFour days ago we were anchored at Cape Agulhas and it was blowing forty knots and we could hardly stand up in the boat it was pitching and rolling so badly. A few days before that we were in the port of Mossel Bay in 35 knots of wind and we were being slammed up against the wall and knocked down so badly fenders were exploding.Now we are in the marina at Royal Cape

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-77764507335752053262011-12-18T03:44:00.003+08:002011-12-18T03:55:18.294+08:00

Yesterdaywingssail images-fredrick roswoldCape AgulhasTodaywingssail images-fredrick roswoldCape Town Words Not Needed.Click photos to see more.Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Cape Town

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-53925971507089776982011-12-16T16:56:00.002+08:002011-12-18T03:44:14.990+08:00

The storm passed over usThe incessant howl of the wind gave way to a soft moanThe hobby horsing became a gentle swayA soft, rhythmic, clatter is heard from the mast, internal halyardsWe sleep.Now sailing, close hauled, rise and fall on a gentle ocean swell sunshine, blue ocean, blue sky, cool southern breezesouth of a continent. No land anywhere but north of us.Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Cape

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-35862997781306162842011-12-15T15:12:00.004+08:002011-12-18T03:41:59.218+08:00

A low pressure system is keeping us hunkered down in the lee of Cape Agulhas at the most southern point of the African continent. For a few days the cold wind from the low cell, one of many that spawn in the roaring 40's and spin past Africa, has been howling over the cape and there is enough fetch where we have taken what little shelter the peninsula affords so that even here Wings pitches and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-18290854640381624992011-12-13T13:22:00.007+08:002011-12-13T14:12:45.113+08:00

06:30We just anchored in a large bay within sight of Cape Alguhas, Africa's southernmost point, intending to sit out a three day blow which is supposed to be coming. We think this bay will shield us from the westerly wind but right now the SE swell rolls in pretty good. It might not be the most fun place to be but probably better than the alternative of sailing around Cape of Good Hope in a

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-30947949915518540452011-12-12T03:13:00.003+08:002011-12-12T03:21:48.106+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldWaves at Cape BlaiseThe back wash slammed us against the side of the fish boat Mary Ann. Our fenders took the load and took it badly; another one blew. That is three out of five down. Mossel Bay surge is tough. Then the next surge threw us forward and the spring lines shrieked and jerked us to a stop. Down below we were both almost thrown from our seats.“That’s

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-77055799387338079492011-12-07T22:10:00.002+08:002011-12-07T22:44:55.067+08:00

Green Winged MacawOn Sunday we fired up the merc and hit the road, eastbound out N2. The Birds of Eden aviary was the first destination and that was the star attraction as far as we're concerned. Click here to see more photos.After lunch, maybe a bit late it turned out, we headed northward to cross the Price Alfred Pass and take R62 home. Coastal MountainsWe crawled over the rough gravel road for

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-36080212318548174302011-11-27T16:25:00.007+08:002011-11-27T17:17:25.107+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldFishing boat in Mossel BayMossel Bay is a fishing port, as are most of the ports on this coast, filled with rugged seagoing vessels and working boats which come and go on a daily basis. There is little provision for cruising yachts and we were lucky to find a place to tie up. In fact the port’s first response was to turn us away.“You must anchor outside the port,”

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-41430089211735096602011-11-18T14:09:00.001+08:002011-11-18T16:26:24.692+08:00

Knysna looked as beautiful as its reputation led us to expect: a blue lagoon surrounded by rolling green pastoral hills and mountains behind. The entrance looked a bit different though: white water all the way across.Bar was roughThat was the view from Outside.We never got in. Mission aborted.Knysna is a river entrance with a narrow gap in the rocks called "The Heads" which is, apparently,

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-49016342752175787502011-11-17T19:04:00.000+08:002011-11-17T19:10:18.542+08:00

Left Port Elizabeth at dawn, set the main and #4 and sailed offshore twenty miles looking for a little breeze. Found some: 13 knots from the ESE. Sailing at 6 knots but not towards the mark; VMG 5.0.Saw a sailboat abeam of us outside, couldn't raise him on the radio. We crossed ahead and left him astern within an hour. Wonder who it was?Gybed at noon; 103 miles to go. Poled out the jib and now

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-12281274126503916452011-11-16T21:26:00.001+08:002011-11-16T21:28:49.454+08:00

Port Elizabeth LibraryToday we are securing the boat to go to sea; we're leaving Port Elizabeth with the tide in the morning bound for Knysna.We've been here a week, give or take, since we were gone for a few days, but the boat was here. Anyhow, we've enjoed our stay and we like Port Elizabeth. It is, as the locals say, "The Friendly City", to which we concur. They also say it is "The Windy City"

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-84310144247447159022011-11-13T16:33:00.007+08:002011-11-14T03:12:30.639+08:00

Drive Across the High VeldOur red Merc thundered down the mountain at 145km with the silver VW right on our tail. Out of the Great Karoo we came, headed for the coast, and we could smell the barn, Port Elizabeth, where Wings was moored just four hundred klicks to the South, and we pressed on to make it by dinner time.We’d flown back to Durban to pick up the car and after a wonderful curry dinner

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-43282436609868755162011-11-10T05:13:00.004+08:002011-11-10T05:26:14.808+08:00

Boisterous SailingThis was the trip we’ve been thinking about, dreading maybe, for a couple of years. It’s the BIG African coastal hop and it has a reputation for wild weather and dangerous storms. But Saturday was a nice day, the forecast was good and we set out with optimism and excitement to be going to sea again.The optimism evaporated with the new forecast we received a few hours after we

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-88308603980414911172011-11-05T15:51:00.001+08:002011-11-05T15:53:55.312+08:00

Today we set sail from Durban, South Africa, for points south, including around Cape of Good Hope, to Cape Town, a distance of about 825 miles. We will break this passage into shorter legs with possible stops at East London, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Simontown, and Cape Town. Other stops are possible. The weather on this coast is daunting but the forecasting is excellent so we will only

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-26255088741767852072011-10-31T04:18:00.012+08:002011-10-31T05:27:20.227+08:00

Autopilotwingssail imagesOur trackIt should have been a 2 hour job but it turned out to be a week of work; par for the course for boat projects.When we decided to put in the new Raymarine X5 Autopilot (after carrying it as a spare for several years) we found that one thing led to another: open up the autopilot hood and we found that we had to remove the instrument cluster. Remove the instrument

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-40294216341531517052011-10-24T02:04:00.003+08:002011-10-24T02:15:48.793+08:00

Sometimes it pays to be the smallest boat on the dock.wingssail images-fredrick roswoldAfternoon ThunderstormOn Wednesday a lightning storm landed on Durban and at least two boats in Durban Marina were hit including Doughty, the 70’er next to us, but we were spared. In fact I was on the computer typing an email when the sky darkened, the afternoon storm hit, the rain came pouring down, and the

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-91486020616221987172011-10-11T02:32:00.008+08:002011-10-12T15:09:23.817+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldDan PatlanskyIn the 90’s grunge was in and Judy and I often visited Moe's Mo' Rockin' Cafe and the Crocodile in Seattle to hear bands that sounded like Nirvana and Pearl Jam where everyone wore black clothes and on Friday night the bands changed every twenty minutes. We were the oldest folks in the crowd and we were asked if we were the parents of the band, “or

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-44324088248615470812011-10-02T17:17:00.003+08:002011-10-02T17:29:51.335+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldBike in Stone TownFinishing off the last of our Zanzibar coffee reminded us of that nice holiday we had in Tanzania. Fortunately for us Ellen got us some good coffee in Richards Bay so we are not even sad about running out.Click here for a few other Tanzanian Images.Click here for the previous Zanzibar story and here for links to all the other photos.Fred & Judy,

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-5565285984982474242011-10-02T17:05:00.003+08:002011-10-02T17:17:30.174+08:00

Peaceful BelowSometimes it seems that you are just along for the ride, when the boat is sailing itself and there’s nothing really for you to do. Once we got settled down (the departure was a bit chaotic) sailing to Durban Wednesday night was one of those times; we spent our watches just sitting in the cockpit staring at the flickering orange numbers on the knotmeter.9.22 knotsWe expected light

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-42209956450850193322011-09-28T02:25:00.004+08:002011-09-28T02:47:29.908+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldRacing in African WatersI called for the genoa, the “red bag”, and as it came on deck I went forward to help Andy hook it up.When I called back to Judy, in the cockpit, to relead the sheets she demurred, “That’s the wrong sail.” She said. I looked up from my work on the bow and saw she was right. In the few moments since I’d gone forward the wind had built. It

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-51926367079252549072011-09-23T04:41:00.009+08:002011-09-26T15:32:59.248+08:00

Back in 1988 we were just starting to learn how fast this boat really is in a breeze and how to sail it. That year, at the start of the Swiftsure Race, we had 30kts in the starting area and gales of wind in the forecast. The waters around Brotchie Ledge were choppy and everywhere mains were flapping, boats were changing down and most were reefing. We set the #4 and hoisted a full main, as flat as

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-78788394110021840732011-09-18T06:17:00.006+08:002011-09-18T06:33:42.734+08:00

Zululand Yacht Club, where we now lie in Richards Bay, is a small corner of shelter on a wild coast of few shelters on a wild continent and it is spare harbor at best; our berth is just tucked inside a pair of thin jetties within eyesight of the opening and only a little ways around the bend from the angry expanse of the sea that runs clear to Australia to the east and south to Antarctica. On a

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-67606110493361570102011-09-06T00:14:00.003+08:002011-09-08T12:02:02.345+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldWings in the Zululand FogThis morning I woke to find that for the first time since we’ve been in Africa a heavy fog had rolled into Zululand. The air was still and damp and thick with the fog and the boats in the marina and the trees ashore were just grey silhouettes. It reminded me of Seattle or the California or Oregon coasts and it felt like home.I loved it.I

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-1164069114208116442011-09-01T15:07:00.007+08:002011-09-07T23:40:57.622+08:00

It’s been cool in South Africa and for weeks we’ve been looking forward to spring time. Now the signs of spring are unmistakable: the days are growing longer, Wings’ heater is no longer required, and, most of all, the Weaver Birds are active.The locals told us that when the Weaver Birds are active it is a sure sign of spring and boy, the Weaver Birds are sure active. In one nearby tree alone

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-6588184952895315132011-08-13T01:00:00.004+08:002011-08-13T01:29:07.066+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswold Sailor Girl The mast has been up a month, the rig is tuned, the mainsail repaired, the hydraulics all fixed; we’re ready to go sailing. So today we took Wings out for a little test sail. The weather was perfect: blue African skies, blue Indian Ocean, big east coast waves, and 20 fresh knots of true cool wind with plenty of punch. Wings loved it, we loved it.

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-15497712887126087862011-08-04T01:23:00.004+08:002011-08-11T01:52:27.441+08:00

We've now posted the photos we took in Tanzania, mostly on the island of Zanzibar. I've fanticized for years about sailing to Zanzibar since I first heard of the place the 1980's. We didn't sail there but we visited just the same. It was pretty close to what I'd imagined: a maze of a city of old buildings on the waterfront in East Africa with a mix of Arab, African, and Indian populations. Well

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-77231177560307158562011-07-31T00:20:00.003+08:002011-07-31T00:37:44.672+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldZanzibar waterfrontFlying north from Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania the captain came on and said, “We are now crossing the border from Zimbabwe to Mozambique, Malawi is on the right and Zambia is in the distance to the left.” Those names were evocative of Africa. Despite the fact that we had been in South Africa since April and we’ve been to the Durban

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-91756943659182066762011-07-12T16:34:00.004+08:002011-07-12T16:47:41.444+08:00

wingssail images-judy jensenMast coming back aboardSamual, the crane operator waved his finger from side to side, “No no, can’t do.” I ducked out of the tangle of shrouds and spreaders and walked across the lawn to his cab. “Too far away,” he said. There were alarms were going off in the cab. The computer wouldn’t allow the lift I was asking for.His company put the mast down on the lawn in June

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-23235394504581044922011-07-10T06:27:00.004+08:002011-07-10T13:01:11.910+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldEclipse of the MoonIn June Judy and I heard about the upcoming eclipse of the moon and we decided to watch it from Wings' deck. I've pointed my camera at the moon plenty of times but the shots never came out. I never understood why a beautiful moon looks so crummy in my photos.With this eclipse I had another chance; we had clear weather and a good view of the sky

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-88360158451031304952011-07-08T03:51:00.006+08:002011-07-08T04:12:35.970+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldOsler DepartingIt’s howling out tonight as it has been for three days and cold and I’m sitting here listening to the wind and feeling Wings shake in the gusts and thinking of Osler out there sailing. I watched the 54 foot Osler leave on Saturday with the paint still wet and gear stacked on deck and though it was calm on that day I feared a little for them then and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-63361688613062099822011-07-07T16:59:00.005+08:002011-07-08T12:46:14.491+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldIn Readiness for the MastWe installed the the new mast step, slathered in yellow barrier cream to prevent the corrosion which occurred on the last one, and the three new new keel backing plates (one visible in photo above) on Wednesday. Five other plates are in better shape, and in any case can be replaced with out removing the mast, so we left them alone.It has

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-42730673361553347442011-06-26T02:46:00.004+08:002011-06-26T03:19:22.385+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldRefinished and re-assembledWe have had a few really nice days just doing mast work under the coconut trees on the yacht club lawn. We have a work table set up and we have all of our tools handy and the work is going smoothly. It is warm and quiet and very satisfying to work here each day.We have now completed all the work on the mast and it is ready to go back

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-1202552040717595702011-06-22T15:21:00.007+08:002011-06-22T16:01:22.126+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJudy SandingWe previously painted Wings’ mast eighteen years ago at Seaview East Boatyard in Seattle. We sanded it four times back then; once at the beginning and then, due to our poor painting skills, three more times as the Sterling LPU paint had to be sanded off and reapplied to get a smooth finish. Now, in Zululand Yacht Club, in South Africa, we are back at

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-22577808061017943132011-06-16T00:21:00.006+08:002011-06-16T13:18:01.567+08:00

haere maru image Stephane, Valerie, PatrickOur friends Patrick & Valerie, from the yacht Haere Maru, sailed from Mauritius to little a bit of hidden paradise in the Indian Ocean, St. Brandon Rocks, and sent us a brief report. "We went later with Valerie and the kids and Stephane my Mauritian friend that you met in the marina, to St Brandon , nice weather but not a lot of wind , I used my engine

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-41047047132242906272011-06-05T14:44:00.005+08:002011-06-05T22:49:12.269+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldWhat is missing from this Photo?I don’t know when the troubles with the main halyard started, when the friction began to get bad, probably on the first Indian Ocean leg when we were crossing from Sumatra to Mauritius, but I do know we were aware of the problem before leaving Mauritius. A few times in Mauritius the sail was tough to put up or down but not

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-47386407127998107482011-05-23T18:16:00.006+08:002011-05-25T02:48:38.211+08:00

Fantastic!wingssail images-fredrick roswoldKruger National ParkThat's all we could say after spending six days in South Africa's Kruger National Park. In all of our years cruising we have never had an adventure ashore that matched this. We went into the animals' environment, where they are the masters, and we watched them live as they would in the wild. It is their world, not ours, we felt that,

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-3518958541351148622011-05-15T23:34:00.010+08:002011-05-16T02:31:25.054+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldElephant on the moveGeorge slammed our Hyundai “safari” car into gear and we sped up the road, dust flying, looking in the rearview mirrors at the big bull elephants charging over spot where we were sitting just a moment earlier. We got out of there in time but it was too close for Judy and Ellen who were beating on George’s seat back and shouting, “Go, Go” while

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-56872007393304226572011-05-02T16:55:00.005+08:002011-06-23T14:57:17.737+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldDrying the 3AWe are in Zululand Yacht Club in Richard’s Bay, South Africa, in the warm north east of the country famed for game parks and quiet living. Things are pretty easy going here especially in the boatyard where quite a lot of funky boats are getting refurbished. This is where we plan to work on our mast after we get back from some land travel.The weather

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-57010884000203499042011-05-01T03:43:00.002+08:002011-05-01T03:54:26.103+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldDurbanI told Judy she needed to have her head examined. It was because of the fall she took on the passage here; the bruising was going down but she had hearing problems. Richards Bay has a hospital and we went there but they seemed too busy and seeing a neurologist was going to take weeks they said. Even ER couldn’t attend to her.So we drove to Durban. George and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-55903339312936100512011-04-17T19:25:00.003+08:002011-04-30T18:36:15.020+08:00

We have landed in Richard's Bay Africa, as the previous post describes. We've got some cleaning up to do and some repairs to make (not many) and we've got to get an Internet connection (right now I'm writing this from the hotel lobby).So, not totally organized yet.Meanwhile, here are some links to some photos. More to come.Click here for photos of Reunion Island and hereClick here for for

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-68622739622160713572011-04-17T18:35:00.002+08:002011-06-23T14:54:38.130+08:00

It's pouring down rain here and cold. I hook up power and turn on a heater.The three others are sleeping.I have a cup of coffee.I contemplate:We have completed our crossing of the entire Indian Ocean.We are tied up to a marina berth in Tuzu Gazi Marina, Richard's Bay, South Africa.We made it to Africa.The last 36 hours were a race against the clock. We were due on Friday but mostly we just wanted

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-33232533994660030332011-04-17T18:13:00.003+08:002011-06-23T14:53:49.293+08:00

I'm standing by the mast looking to the west. Africa is there somewhere just over the horizon. I can smell it. Africa!The sky to the west is clear; a pale blue with a few light clouds. There is a hint of dirt and livestock in the air. The dirt and livestock of Africa. I swear it! I've been waiting for years for this landfall. I know we'll make it in a day or so.Standing here with the wind

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-8250513634295782332011-04-17T18:10:00.002+08:002011-06-23T14:53:10.686+08:00

Each day is a new one. Two days ago we had weather from hell.Yesterday it moderated but we still had huge waves and lots of rain.Today it is gorgeous: fine weather, good wind, and, after a few frustratingly slow days, we are finally making great speeds. Judy and Jennifer each covered sixteen miles on their two hour watches today. Right now (Wednesday afternoon) we are speeding along on a broad

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-4082172995881034692011-04-12T13:07:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:52:35.127+08:00

This trip has gone from frustrating to difficult.The change came on Jean-Mee's watch, 17:00. I was on the foredeck bagging a genoa. Suddenly the boat heeled and rounded up. I thought we were going to tack. Then, almost head to wind, the bow bucked sharply and I was hit by a wave and I grabbed a lifeline to stay on board. I nearly lost the sail over the side. What the hell? I looked at Jean-Mee

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-92114017396906104452011-04-10T12:49:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:51:49.090+08:00

For two days it was good. Then the wind left us.For the next two days we have toiled, struggling to keep the boat moving; putting sails up and taking them down, reefing, shaking it out. The blue skies were gone; grey damped the mood and spitting rain, if not pouring rain, finished it off and left us in a funk.Or me any how; the crew seemed to keep their spirits up and Judy was positively buoyant.

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-61261256631190667262011-04-08T12:30:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:51:11.480+08:00

It is the third morning at sea on this passage and I stand the dawn watch as is my habit and with my first cup of coffee in my hand I look over my shoulder and see sun rise behind me where it has been these last 14 years as we've sailed ever westward.We're bound from Reunion Island for Africa and while it is still early, so far it's been a good trip. Oh, we got out of Reunion a bit late on

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-34408502852139434922011-04-06T12:21:00.002+08:002011-06-23T14:50:42.876+08:00

On Wednesday, April 6, we left Reunion Island, after a short stay, bound for Richard's Bay, South Africa.We enjoyed the brief time we had here and might have stayed longer than the five days but there is weather coming. If you believe the long-range forecasts there will be a depression, or more, that would keep us in this port for a couple of more weeks, something we don't want to do. By leaving

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-44559594865725963212011-04-02T21:30:00.007+08:002011-06-23T14:47:46.596+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldApproaching ReunionWe're here. In Reunion. Another island in the Indian Ocean and already we can see that Reunion is a really beautiful and interesting place. A part of France really.The only problem we've found so far is that we cannot readily get Internet and definately not on the boat so our updates may be limited to occasional chances we have to get into an

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-45575507525329271002011-04-02T12:57:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:46:42.363+08:00

How we came to be blasting into Reunion Island under spinnaker is a bit of a story.Judy and I talked about it on the way out of Port Louis and we had a plan for the trip; the winds were supposed to be fresh so our idea was to make this first leg an easy one, to set the tone for rest of voyage. We put up the #4 jib even when we both knew the boat would nicely carry a #2.The reduced sail area

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-19703702134367885222011-03-30T16:56:00.004+08:002011-03-31T10:36:46.067+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldReady to DepartWings is tugging at the dock lines and a fresh breeze is blowing. The flags are standing out straight. The sky is blue. The tide is high. It’s a good time to set sail.Yet again we are about to depart for Africa. At 11:00 today we will stow the dingy and the awnings, say our goodbyes, make our numbers with the port, slip the lines and take a course

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-49868253897081562352011-03-29T02:00:00.005+08:002011-03-29T02:43:37.306+08:00

wingssail images-judy jensenServicing the Barient 532 3-spToday I finished servicing the winches. It’s been a while since I last had a look inside these monsters and I was pleasantly surprised; they were all still pretty well lubricated and reasonably clean. Still, going into eight winches, to clean and re-lube them all, is a slow and messy job.But it’s done now, as is the refueling, propane

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-25016413788364146092011-03-22T14:08:00.006+08:002011-03-26T11:28:57.268+08:00

wingssail images-judy jensenPaulBack in November, when my new refrigerator didn’t work, I called for a local refrigeration expert to help out. A man named Paul Sungalle showed up with gauges and a bottle of R34 and a good attitude and, together, he and I worked on the problem. It was tricky but Paul was a smart guy, a problem solver, and a good worker. We fixed the refrigerator. When my

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-75667226115192500572011-03-20T02:16:00.007+08:002011-03-22T23:08:48.044+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJudy takes the yard launch to the boat yardThe cyclone shelter here in Port Louis has a few wrecks hiding in its murky depths; we knew of three and while moving around back there last month trying to avoid cyclone Bingiza we found a fourth. Backing up a few feet from one spot to another we unfortunately came to a sudden stop. Bang! Wow! What was that and what

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-1192750765772076102011-03-18T16:08:00.004+08:002011-03-18T17:27:41.455+08:00

We have some new content for you and we've created a new blog to hold it:http://wingssaillogbookpages.blogspot.com (see the link at the top of this page). This blog contains the scanned pages of our log book.Example:wingssaillogbookpages-fredrick roswoldAustralia to New Cal (2002)(Click here for the rest of that trip.)As long as we have had Wings each time we went sailing or even just untied the

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-89830975121150134102011-03-15T15:07:00.001+08:002011-03-27T15:17:45.115+08:00

MauritiusRodriguez, Mauritius, Reunion: the Mascarene Islands. More than what you would read in Patrick O’Brien, although that is interesting in and of itself, and with more yachts thinking of crossing the Southern Indian Ocean to Africa instead of the higher pirate risk of the Red Sea Route we thought that sharing our experience in Mauritius would be of use to others who might follow in our

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-5234611610029094112011-03-14T00:29:00.003+08:002011-03-14T00:41:16.160+08:00

We are back in Port Louis getting ready for the passage to Africa but the recent trip to Grand Port is still fresh in our memories. Patrick send some great photos.images-patrickWings in Grand PortClick here to see his photos.Our time in Mauritius is getting short; three weeks from now we should be on passage. Before then we will try to get a haul out completed and wrap-up a few minor projects.

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-35159118430527333642011-03-07T19:57:00.007+08:002011-03-16T23:05:19.102+08:00

With our new crew, Jean-Mee and Jennifer, we sailed Wings on a six day cruise all the way around Mauritius early in March; the main destination was Grand Port, on the opposite coast from Port Louis. wingssail images-fredrick roswoldIslands at Grand PortGrand Port In 1810 the British naval commander, engaging the French fleet in Mauritius, sailed his warships into Grand Port on Mauritius’ east

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-91305471758547814722011-02-28T18:42:00.003+08:002011-03-08T15:57:24.872+08:00

Julian Mustoe, the voyager pictured below, has sent me an email indicating his safe arrival in Africa.wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJulian Mustoe in MauritiusDear Fred,When I left Port Louis I intended to sail directly to Simonstown. But on the way I had several exasperating gear failures and so I have put into East London for repairs.If the same thing happens to Wings you can haul out at East

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-82433728381287617652011-02-23T14:18:00.003+08:002011-02-23T14:35:34.962+08:00

We're fine; the cyclone missed us. wingssail images-fredrick roswoldRoute of BingizaWe moved into the cyclone shelter, then when Bingiza didn't come our way we moved back out to the marina where we have power and water and easier access, then Bingiza reappeared south of Madagascar and, while it didn't actually threaten us, it pulled a flow of humid equatorial air southward over us, which, besides

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-77204382823514542382011-02-18T11:35:00.004+08:002011-03-16T23:09:03.060+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldIndian OceanThis Indian Ocean passage had been going on for a couple of weeks and was nowhere near over. Each morning, as we came on deck for our watches, we surveyed the sea around us and saw the waves extending all the way to the horizon, topped with white foam and blown by the never-ending trade winds and it was hard to fathom the vastness of the ocean. The

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-50504951162410486442011-02-12T14:37:00.007+08:002011-02-12T15:26:17.422+08:00

The talk around the marina is about cyclone Bingiza, a few hundred miles to the north of us. wingssail images-fredrick roswoldCyclone Bingiza, projected to turn westWe check the satellite photos, the weather bureaus, and the GRIB files twice a day.I talk to Patrick, who owns Haere Maru, the boat behind us, on the phone frequently. We discuss the situation.Jean-Mee sends me grib files.Right now

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-59333785558094404282011-02-07T18:03:00.004+08:002011-02-07T18:31:51.082+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJudy Steers in OzWe've just posted a couple of old stories from our first trip to Australia in November 2000.Click here to read about a great sail we had (after a bad beginning) from New Caledonia to Bundaberg Australia.Click here to read how we managed to beat Warrior, a super cool boat once from Seattle then with some nice people, Sandy & Lloyd Banta, with their

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-38328439143784191832011-01-31T00:28:00.006+08:002011-02-02T21:39:17.422+08:00

Wordless hours of peace go by on a quiet night in a remote place.Wings lies at rest in a small harbor somewhere on the planet’s watery surface and late into the night Judy and I sit up in our cabin. It is still and quiet outside.I select familiar, old, songs on the computer which play softly on the cabin speakers and Judy reclines on the settee reading her book. We are sipping glasses of white

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-17198864579780814572011-01-27T13:51:00.005+08:002011-01-27T18:55:56.962+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJulian MustoeHe is a voyager but not a cruiser.He is a brave man, but some might say foolhardy.Julian Mustoe, 78, is sailing his 25’ IOR quarter tonner Harrier alone around the world following the path of Charles Darwin, and Monday he set out for Africa to continue his voyage directly into the face of whatever Neptune had in store for him. He has no HF radio, no

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-28111515950768397032011-01-04T03:12:00.004+08:002011-01-04T03:43:38.759+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldThailand MementoWe spent six years in Asia and it kind of crept up on us; once it was strange and exotic, next it was familiar and comfortable; our home. Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Bangkok and Phuket,Thailand; how we miss those places where we sailed and traveled so often. How we miss the friends we made there, the places there where we used to

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-36605623618037250852011-01-04T02:40:00.009+08:002011-03-16T23:12:50.994+08:00

We met a Mauritian couple here when they walked up to our boat at the dock in Port Louis and said “Hello, did you sail here from the US?”? It’s not an unusual question; we get asked it about three times a day in Port Louis and usually it’s just a tourist who is awed by the idea but really has no concept even when we try to tell them why it took 14 years because that’s always the next question,“

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-9291957499604641722010-12-23T02:17:00.008+08:002011-03-16T23:14:17.868+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldJudy steers with the big sails upYou go, you go out, out to sea, out to the blue sea, out to the ocean.You go out forthe sailing, the fix,the sailing fix,the fix you need.Out there onthe flat horizon,the blue flat horizon,where the wind blows,where the sailing is good,real good.You put up the sails, the big sails,the really big sails.and sheet them in,sheet them

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-76454444102488101292010-12-20T02:51:00.000+08:002010-12-23T02:52:19.495+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldMerry Christmas

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-53728443808517672442010-12-17T11:59:00.012+08:002011-03-16T23:15:06.496+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldMountians of MauritiusIn the evening the wind comes offshore and our vessel swings toward the land to face the breeze. Mount Tamarin and the hills of Black River Gorge rise over the small collection of houses known as Riviere Noire (Black River) where Wings is anchored. Beyond these lies the central plateau of Mauritius. These high land forms spawn the offshore

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-76851786375573028542010-11-28T21:14:00.009+08:002011-03-16T23:16:26.902+08:00

pascal mamet photographySailing againI thought the La Bourdonnais Challenge was just a fun race to a bar in Port Louis, not too much competition, just some fun, like the old days when we raced to Chung Chow Island for lunch with the Discovery Bay Yacht Club in Hong Kong. Perfect for just Judy & I to sail.So we entered.But this event was a pretty big deal for the Grand Bay Yacht Club, nearly

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-71663146874049246122010-11-25T13:12:00.004+08:002010-11-26T19:34:35.661+08:00

kimberly stacy roswoldMt. Si, Washington StateSometimes it is hard for us to decide where home is; is it here on our boat which has been our home for 24 years where ever it has been located or is it back in Washington State, where we haven't lived since 1996, or is it where our family lives? Well not the last since we have family all over the USA.Right now I tend to think of Washington State as "

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-71509914094450625222010-11-18T20:59:00.003+08:002010-11-18T21:13:48.833+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldWings anchored in MauritiusI wake up at 05:30 each day when the sun rises and as I lie in my bunk I can see blue sky out the port over my head.It makes me want to get up, get a cup of coffee, and go on deck to see the world, which I will do as Judy continues to sleep in. There is coffee from yesterday already in the pot and I heat it. I’ll make another pot later

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-82543328507436609602010-11-10T14:43:00.005+08:002011-03-16T23:17:06.591+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldLa Caudan Marina, Port Louis, MauritiusBeing there was too comfortable. We’d been securely tied to the wall since the day three weeks ago when we arrived in Mauritius. It was close to the market, had water and power (free), and it was a good base for touring the island by car; and we’d been there and done that three times already. We met some people from other

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-3377577401876410122010-11-10T14:19:00.004+08:002010-11-10T16:51:26.380+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldPort Louis Rice sellerIt’s the Creole I guess which makes Mauritius feel like a Caribbean Island, the creole along with the French and African cultures here. The streets are filled with Africans speaking that French based slang dialog called Creole.And the age of the place: In Port Louis, the capital, old buildings abound, decrepit but still in use even in their

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-65076942477517894302010-11-10T14:14:00.003+08:002010-11-10T15:02:19.682+08:00

wingssail images-judy jensenPaul & Fred finish the refer repairFor those who are paying attention to such details you will be happy to know that repair projects are progressing nicely, if slowly. The new ColdMachine cooling unit for the refrigerator arrived and is installed and finally, thanks to the help and creativity (and R134a and gauges) of ace local repairman Paul Sungalle, seems to be leak

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-49089514534458860512010-10-25T11:28:00.003+08:002010-10-25T11:38:20.133+08:00

We've also posted some images Pierre took in Sumatra.wingssail images-pierre yves hadamarWingsClick here for some photos of Wings in Sumatra.Click here for other Indonesia shots from Pierre.We'll post a link to his photo albums when he has all the images up.Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Mauritius

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-79973515283008289382010-10-24T15:46:00.005+08:002010-10-24T18:59:23.886+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldYachts In MauritiusI’m watching the parade of yachts coming in from the sea and those heading back out. They don’t stay here long. Mauritius has long been a stopover on the Indian Ocean sailing route and sees a lot of traffic. This welcoming harbor in the middle a vast ocean offers a respite from the sea where ships and yachts crossing the Indian Ocean can rest

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-59709833150500149812010-10-24T14:53:00.002+08:002010-10-24T19:15:45.267+08:00

It's been nearly a month since September when we dropped off the grid back in Indonesia. Now, here in Mauritius, we've got an Internet connection again and though it is expensive to use it seems to work good enough.We thought we'd catch you up up on all the photos we've been taking.wingssail images-fredrick roswoldIn the Mentawai'sClick here for more photos of the Mentawai Islands where we

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-78704104687173953972010-10-22T18:43:00.003+08:002010-10-24T18:57:46.614+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldSega DancerThe culture in Mauritius is a mix of French, Indian, and African/Creole. One Creole contribution is this unique sega dancing which was a form of relaxation of the African workers after a hard day working in the sugar fields. Now it is an erotic dance enjoyed for the fun of it and particularly enjoyed by tourists. The ARC Around the World Rally organized

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-31041965510329662042010-10-20T18:00:00.005+08:002011-03-18T15:14:06.725+08:00

Just to let you know we made a safe landfall in Mauritius on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 17:00 and are tucked into a marina in the main harbor of Port Louis. We are fine and the boat is fine.We sailed 2772 miles in 18.5 days, an average of about 150 miles/day.We'll send more information and put some photos on the blog soon. Right now we are trying to get established here and start fixing the few things

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-36909737474484922632010-10-19T12:09:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:14:38.706+08:00

Day 19; 19.45.093S 58.26.080EA very quiet morning on our last morning at sea. At 07:00 AM the sun is up and glorious, the sea is up a bit, the wind is 22 knots and building, Pierre & Judy are still sleep on the settees and Wings rocks on silently, racing ever westward.After 17 days on port this morning we jibed onto starboard to set up our approach to the north end of Mauritius. At 08:30 we will

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-40236412295327313642010-10-17T20:56:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:15:03.053+08:00

Day 17; 18.46.124S 63.48.821E17 days at sea is something of an endurance test. Of course other sailors, many others, have done longer passages by far, but for the three sailors on Wings this test is a mix of good and bad.The sailing itself is glorious, that is true. We have had days on end of fresh, now cooling, breezes from a steady SE direction. Twenty knots of wind, or more, which push us ever

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-84081374027253183372010-10-15T20:50:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:15:22.249+08:00

Day 15; 17.57.098S 68.47.467ESent from African Radio Connection; we're now close enough to Africa to connect with them.Heading WSW at 7.5 knots reaching on port jibe with a #2 genoa and a second reef in the main. The wind is from 123 degrees at 19-20kts. Sun is shining and sky and ocean are blue. Sailing is good and very fast. A positive current is helping.The wind came back and we're flying

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-5994886002038760902010-10-14T09:14:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:16:28.382+08:00

Day 14; 17.27.891S 73.24.459EHeading WSW at 6.6 knots reaching on port jibe with a #2 genoa and a full main. The wind is from 133 degrees at 15-16kts. Sun is shining and sky and ocean are blue. Sailing is good.Two days of lighter winds have both slowed our westward progress and given us a rest from the motion which always results from being on a speeding boat on a big ocean of angry waves in

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-41180654014504567992010-10-11T17:18:00.004+08:002011-03-18T15:17:04.169+08:00

Day 11; 15.21.585S 79.15.368EHeading WSW at 7 knots running with a poled out #4 jib and a full main. The wind is from 80 degrees at 15-16kts. Sun is shining and sky and ocean are blue. Sailing is good.Sailors know all voyages will eventually end and so will this one but for me this voyage is taking a while.I realize that we will still be seeing this same vista of vast blue ocean filled with waves

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-78177150221399451662010-10-10T16:59:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:22:34.325+08:00

Day 10; 14.42.56S-82.16.4EHeading WSW at 6 knots running with a poled out #4 jib and a reefed main. About to shake the reef. The wind is from 97 degrees at 15-16kts. Sun is shining and sky and ocean are blue. Sailing is good but...We are diverting to Mauritius to be better able to repair the boat. Failures so far are not so serious although they are bad for the morale but who knows what will

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-22610386969841373412010-10-10T12:22:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:22:54.070+08:00

At the halfway point we are losing digital radio contact. This will be the last transmission for several days. All is well except today the freezer/refer failed. Shit!Fred & Judy & Pierre, SV Wings, Indian Ocean----------radio email processed by SailMailfor information see: http://www.sailmail.comClick here to see the log book pages of our passage from Sumatra to Mauritius.

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-1795949415455032802010-10-09T15:19:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:23:21.680+08:00

Day 9; 14.01.81S 85.14.9E Wind: 25kt E, Partial overcast, Seas: moderate, Speed: 7-8, Hdg: 265degWe've finally turned the corner and are running down the latitude wing on wing headed directly for Rodriguez rolling along under blue or less grey skies on a sometimes blue ocean.Despite that less than glowing report it is really better now than before on this passage. Now we have steady winds and

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-44532464577330060722010-10-06T17:46:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:23:55.527+08:00

Day six; 10.18.252S-92.27.096ESky overcast and heavy rain. Wind SE @ 28.8. Sailing on a broad reach with three reefs and small jib. Speed 8-9. Could carry a bit more main but this combination leaves us better prepared for the 38 knot gusts which have come in some of the squalls.This is day six and we've had three days of these strong SE winds, angry waves, and heavy rain following three days of

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-79953453622771239482010-10-03T08:51:00.002+08:002011-03-18T15:24:24.185+08:00

Day three; 5,09 deg S-98,24 deg EHeading SW at 7-8 knots on a broad reach with #4 jib and a reefed main. The wind is from 97 degrees at 18-26 knot. Sun is peeking out for the first time this passage. Judy and Pierre are sleeping. Wet weather gear swings dripping circles in the forepeak. Everything is damp.By dawn the third day we have covered 194 nautical miles and until this morning there has

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-5798388696008064872010-09-30T09:25:00.001+08:002010-10-26T13:18:37.544+08:00

We've come back to the edge of the world and we are about to step off.This time for keeps.We're in the Mentawai Islands half way down the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Out here there are few people and nothing but wild, untouched islands and big surf and to the west of us lies only the vast ocean. There is no convoy of yachts waiting to depart with us. We are alone.This is the edge of the

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10170021.post-89232279129140344742010-09-25T02:08:00.005+08:002010-10-26T13:19:42.947+08:00

wingssail images-fredrick roswoldFishing boat at Teluk BayurThe old wooden jetty was a wreck already but there was no other choice for a yachtie wishing to go ashore in Pedang’s Teluk Bayur since the surf on the shoreline is too huge to consider. However landing in the dingy at the Teluk Bayur jetty is a real adventure; the waves rise and fall about three feet and you have to time your leap from

wingssailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13170619136224079532noreply@blogger.com3