06:45S 102:30W Galapagos to the Marquesas Isles

Babe!
Paul & Trish Ducker
Sun 24 Mar 2013 22:11

Hi Folks,

 

OK finally left Galapagos on Wednesday 20th March bound for Nuka Hiva, in the Marquesas Isles. Left late partially cuz we loved Isobela island so much (see piccies in last blog) and partially cuz our crew Nelius managed to get himself a dose of food poisoning from eating a suspected dodgy chicken when in Santa Cruz, so he’s been knocked out in bed for the last few days, poor lad xx

 

Set off at first light, well maybe got-up just after first light and set off circa 8am knowing that we’d probably be motoring for a few days………….. and someone neglected to completely fill the fuel tanks, taking on only 50 Gallons giving us ¾ tank for a 3000nm trip (200nm further than the Atlantic crossing). 2 days in and we’re already down to 55% fuel remaining and we need to get to the Marquesas by no later than 7th April to catch the fuel tanker there!!  Guess who

 

Trish’s version - out of the 3 islands that we were allowed to sail, anchor and go ashore Isobela  was by far the nicest, it was I think  and what most others thought the Galapagos was all about (the other 2 are now gearing there little islands for the tourist market as they think we want it) such a shame. While on Isobela we were told of a lovely restaurant up in the highlands and owned by an Austrian that was by far the best on the island (red rag to a bull as far as Paul was concerned) we had to go . So off we went us. Geoff & Sue (Spent) Tony (Wolfhound) in the taxi all the way up to the highlands half hour or so we arrived only to find he was closed and only took bookings from the agent JC (same guy who told us about it but neglected to tell us that bit) so booked for the following day for we think around 11 of us (I have a booking for 10 tomorrow says the owner) em could be the same people we are all thinking, no matter we will check the JC. Off we go back down to the village but on route call into a Tortoise shelter for $2 each get to walk around the most amazing grounds see lots of Tortoise, tress and the most usually egg plant (never seen on before) found some secret enclosed open showers ( yep your right Paul was in like a shot, t-shirt off we him shouting come on Trish lets have one together) I declined J

We returned for lunch the next day and had a lovely 3 course buffet the only think that was missing was the wine (the owner forgot to order any) oh dear so we made do with a bottle of libframilch (OMG I hear the whole world shouting not had that since we were 16) it hasn’t got any better, and one bottle of red. (At least we (as in Babe) will be able to head for the Marquesas this afternoon as planned). No we headed back down to all do some internet bits, more provisioning (shopping) one last happy hour, a few cocktails later oh sod it lets go in the morning. Had a bet with Geoff as to which one of us would be leaving early (Paul had said first light – (about 05.30am) Paul never, Geoff’s comment Paul will make sure he leaves before us he likes us coming up behind him. Next morning the four Oysters anchored in Isobela left between 6.30 – 8am in the following order Wolfhound, Babe, (never I hear)Paul at the helm) Legend and Spent ( I now owe Geoff a drink) for circa 18-22 day sail and 3000nms with Babe sporting 2 boys that feed of each others humour( nt sure I am going to cope.  With as Paul has said not enough fuel , could be bobbing round the ocean for a very long time(bets now being taken haha)

 

So no cruising for us this is a both race to get there before 7th whilst minimising fuel usage – a right conflict. Still we were late leaving, so we have approx 15 other Oysters in front of us ranging from 70-250 + miles and initially 2 others along side of us – a fine target to go for, not that we’re doing competitive! Fortunately we’ve managed to find some wind and are sailing for real.

Paul is getting very excited about his new spread sheet and is on the SSB every morning at 8am and agin at 6pm so he can log everyone’s position the rest of the time he is working out are sailing configuration to maximise our distance covered so that we can close in and overtake. (it doesn’t get any better even out at sea hehe)

 

For those that are interested (skip this para if you want) I’ve generated a great little spreadsheet so that when we exchange positions in the daily radio net I can put them in and instantly see how far we are from the other yacts, the ground that we have gained (or lost) re other yachts and our ETA, which has now gone from 12th April, when we first set off to 7th April, provided we can keep the same average speed! We are also using a different tactic to the other yachts which appear to have gone south (for the wind) and then turned right, whereas we’ve only gone partially South and are now on a direct course. We’ve already picked off a few of the other yachts and have 3 more in our sights! For those interested you can track all yachts via yellowbrick or via the link from our web site …………..yawn yawn over

 

So 3 days in and Trish’s already pulling her hair out with boredom! Reading books (Kindle) don’t appear to cut it, so having to work out a schedule of DVD’s, Wii, games and other stuff (if you get my meaning)! He’s right I am going mad but not sure if it’s the sail or being cooped up with the 2 Bonzai boys (the 80’s TV show). Hope I will get lots of visitors in my new home? (nut house/prison) in case you couldn’t work it out

 

4th day now after a night of heavy sea’s and squalls and plenty of wind (be the beans then) we’ve managed to do over 200 miles in the last 24hrs – a  good milestone for the yacht! Looking miserable outside, but at least its cooler and dryer (been circa 35deg C in 70% humidity – humidity now down to 60%) – so rather than sweating our cobs off may be a more comfortable day??

We are filling ours days with (work PDS L,) boat duties, roll calls, picking flying fish and squids (all dead) off the boat, the boys (hehe) put the fishing rod out and got a catch but lost it again after it bit through the steel leader line (Jaws springs to mind), watching films, playing games and trying to recreate Michael Jacksons Thriller moves while the boat is fling though the water at 8knts healing from side to side.(its amazing what you find funny when things are limited)

                                            

Our position on the 4th day at 15.30 is Lat 06.43S 102.23.80W we have 2244nm to go and around 270 hours to go. Aarrrrr help beam me up Scotty

 

More updates to follow soon

 

Luv Paul & Trish