Miscellaneous mid-Atlantic ramblings

By

Two ancient mariners

PART 2

The scene: 10 days into the Atlantic Crossing with light and variable winds 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:07 PM

Subject: This sailing is a bore

Ø      Dear Camberwell Beauties, (sussed Monarchs)
> We were going to call you cheetahs/cheaters, but couldn't decide which way
> to spell it, as one is the name of the fastest cat in the animal kingdom and
> the other is..... oh, did we get too excited and over-eager on the
> start-line? Still plenty of time to make up the additional 3 hour penalty.
> Chin up old chap.
>
> Thanks for fish recipe. Eyeballs were excellent. Difficult to divide into
> five though
>
> This weather now becoming a bore. Managed to sail all day yesterday but very
> slowly and then resorted to engine again at night. Sailing again this
> morning but even slower. Now trying to balance speed, distance and fuel!
> This was meant to be a fast trade wind sail not a slow meander around the
> mid-Atlantic. Crew think they have done enough gybing practice. Motor boats
> seem more attractive by the moment. I should have taken a tip from Alfred on
> Altair, the Fontain Pagot Bahia, and just loaded 1/2 a ton of diesel. He is
> sitting pretty right now.
>
> Have decided to convert our resident meteorologist into a weather stone as
> it may be more useful. So Martin now hanging from starboard spreader. How
> does it go -  if his head wet, then it's raining? We'd better put him the
> right side up then.
>
> Big cheer from crew - boat speed up to 6 knots!! Now having to dodge squalls
> as well as search for wind. too much for me - I think I shall go back to
> bed.
>
> What are you guys doing for Christmas if we ever get to the Caribbean? Any
> thoughts about where you might be?
> Cheers
> The Remington Electrics

 From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:01 PM

Subject: Over Early!!!

Total Barley Sugar....because we pushed some died in the wool Brits off the line...tough being Canadian sometimes..."one of the colonies'. Oh well where we come from if you are not over early sometimes youre not trying.
I think you guys may soon find out if Razor Blades can go to weather iff my grib files are correct. Or you may be in the hole already? This AM  7 hours of 11 knots..3/4 oz spin..now SFA.
Talk soon
The Slithy Toves

----- Original Message -----

From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 2:52 AM

Subject: Christmas

Well assuming we make it for Xmas..not sure at all...clean swimming water is essential. What are your thoughts?? We will be 4 as John and Jean will return to BC,Canada. Chatted witha  freighter from Brazil en route to Antwerp, Belgium...said he has seen a few boats...rusty low in the water???  2:00AM just crossed the stern of a Swan 55...he's more down wind at 270 , I'm reaching more with genny...back to 3/4 oz chute at dawn.. Should have used thes chutes early on...but having never flown them on a cat...we held back....could have been a different story...
Have you experienced any squalls yet?? Just small spatter of rain here. We will eject 24 em tee wine bottles soon with a letter from students from Mary's school in BC. They are all following our web site...good job you can't read it..you would probably hang back to hurl winch handles at us!!!  Needless the name Snow Leotards is foremost in 55 school kids minds.
Well iff the penalty...which of course I will protest in BC court holds...3 hours won't mean much compared to our motoring time...don't now what penalty is that?
Motoring is now a thing of the past...yes as with us we blew our wad early and gambled...only enough now to make ice cubes....essential for those long hot afternoons and with our 20 yera old whiskey!
Well this is my alotment for today..
Ta taa 4 now
The Snarks  ...Lewis Carrolls poem. The Hunting of the Snark??   
PS I wrote my 11 plus before travelling to the Colony
Cheers
L

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:10 PM

Subject: Re: Christmas

Ø      Brillig
> Slithy Toves,
> We have  gyred and gamballed all night long, now settling into a regular
> pattern of turning to the engines after dark. At least it makes the night
> watches simple. We actually had a good days sailing yesterday, but this
> morning is windless and wet (just like an English summer's day). Oh how I
> hate sailing - is golf good?
>
> I think you must have different grib from us as there was no sign of
> windward work, nor has there been any. Actually Razor Blade is quite good to
> windward. On that subject would you please refer to the boat in future as
> the "Rolls Razor Blades" in defference to my grandfather who invented that
> forerunner to the modern safery razor (that dastardly
> American, Gillete, bought my grandfather out and thus deprived me of the
> multi-million birthright I should have rightly had).
>
> Crew have had breakfast and having looked at the weather have now gone back
> to bed, to be fit and alert for the multitude of sail changes I will order
> up later when (if) the wind picks up.
>
> Thank you for letting us star on your blog. There is a photo on our blog of
> a big  cat with a brown sun-lounge christened "the enemy". If I could I
> would go and change that now as I feel quite sorry for you guys wallowing
> around with the lead-miners.We think 'Snow Leotard' is a little common and
> not up to your usual standards.
>
> Alfred on Altair is giving us a good run for his money, but even he must run
> out of fuel one day soon, and there is a cat "Inforapenny" who took the
> arctic route who is still in front of us - he must have a tanker alongside.
>
> We have no firm plans for Christmas, but were thinking either Bequi to the
> south or Dominica to the north. Certainly not St Lucia which will full of
> those ARC sailors ( mind you by now you are probably big buddies with all
> your SSB net followers - is that why you are hanging back, to be in better
> contact with all your admirers?)
>
> Must go now as nothing awaits.
> the ROLLS RAZOR team
>

 From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 1:39 AM

Hello Double Arby (Iff u insist)
Wow neat story on razor blade buy out.....just think if history were to change,  you too could be sailing in luxury on a Fountaine Pajot! You must have a small model of Papillon up there and instead of pins you wrapped our spinaker around the forestay... a three hour unwrapping exercise in fresh breezes.....down intact so it lives to fly another day.
At present we have found some 25 knot brezes so finally clocking two digit knottage at 1:30 AM here.
Bequi sounds good as we can anchor close to beach and wade ashore to bar...thats what we did last time. Talking of bars...general panic here as our gen set is down...no ice cubes for a while..be on it at first light. Must be a Moon out there as fairly light back her. If we could find some beam winds still think we could close the gap.
How are the tea bags holding out??
Almost finished book autobiography Kenneth More...Forthyse Saga guy??  Well a cuppa sounds appropriate ..ta ta 4 now.
L

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 5:44 PM

Subject: Re: Wraps

>
> Blue frittilaries,
>
> Sorry to hear about the wrap. Afraid it was not our fault as have moved
> vodoo magic on to other faster opposition. We had our own story of woe
> during the night as the outer end of spi pole decided to fall apart after a
> weld failure. Fortunately we were in enough wind to use jib for 12 hours
> whilst Bill effected a good repair. Now spinnaker back up
> and flying in an NE breeze. Spent the last 24 hours dodging past squalls and
> finally broke clear of low pressure trough a couple of hours ago. Now
> pointing straight at St Lucia and can almost taste the pina coladas at the
> bar of the St Lucian hotel.. The sun is even shining! So I wonder what fate
> will throw at us?  - hold on, the wind is failing already!!
>
> The boat is a scene of domestic bliss with Lucy making bread and Keith
> needing the dough, so so different from last night when we tried to carry
> the spinnaker all night only for the wind instruments to fail making
> trimming a nightmere. The list of repair jobs for St. Lucia  is growing
> alarmingly. I suppose that is the price one has to pay to sailing a
> lightweight flyer instead of a "cruising boat".
>
> Sorry, we decided not to stop and wait for you at 43W. We couldn't afford
> the hefty parking charges for so long a stay, and there is a catamaran way
> up north that is threatening to spoil our St. Lucian arrival party.
>
> Tea bags holding out well due to typical British frugality in hanging used
> bags out to dry then re-using. Tea bags now marked with individuals' names
> on them so no-one can steal an extra cuppa.
>
> PS. What's a gen set?
>
> May you always have ice for your whiskey.
>
> happy sailing
> RRB
>

From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 10:13 PM

Subject: First sightings

Well we have just overhauled that stubborn Halberg-Rassey, and behind him a Norwegian. Looks like once we break free of the hole ahead we will start sledding.....don't count your tea bags before they are brewed.  Sorry about pole...I guess the forward workshop was a buzz. I should have donated a 100 lb vise for your tool collection, that would probably dull those razor blades. So have you send your weatherman on Sabatical yet?? All three of us back here surfed in 30 knot winds last night. So down to single digit days as Lexie says. Happy hour tomorrow to aknowledge less than 1000 Nm...OK, OK, OK  you had yours two days ago!! At leat we have a full stocked bar and not just raise a cup of weak tea!!! I guess builders tea is starting to taste like gay tea??  No fish today..had to dig out some tenderloin.
Well off to bed. Shower and nite cap. I guess you guys are swapping underwear in lieu of showers?
Keep on trucking. Note your mileage was sort of dismal??? Note ours within a few miles as we shed the wine bottles and beer cans.
Cheers
L

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 12:03 PM

Subject: Re: First sightings

> Hi Sledders,
>
> Obviously you managed to get the gen set working as you would have no humour
> if no ice for 24 hours.
> We have a problem with our autopilot. It will not point at St. Lucia!  It
> will happily go 40 degrees either side of rhum line but no nearer. After
> finally breakng through into what we thought were the proper trade winds
> yesterday afternoon  we headed north east towards New York to get to the
> wind swicth from E to NE as predicted on all the gribs only to find winds
> that they have gone SE again - so now headed back toward Venezuela.
> Weatherman now hanging by balls from mast.
>
> I'm now in black mood and have taken to shouting at the crew for any minor
> indiscretion - real or perceived. Mutiny probably not far off so I've banned
> happy hour as well. If I'm feeling pissed off then so shall all the crew.
> And if those bastards in the Aussie cat coming in from way up north ride
> over the top of us I'll shoot everyone. (Lucy says this last statement sums
> up my mood beautifully --I'm not averse to shooting women too!)
>
> I should have hung back with you guys and waited till the trade winds
> develop properly later in Decenber.
>
> Cheers
>
> Growltiger

From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 3:16 AM

Subject: Missing the Rodney Bay Party

Greetings Oh Smug Ones
Well it appears that they emtied the Marina and scheduled space and parties in Rodney Bay and no one has shown up yet. Not even Snow Leopard. Everytime our meteorologist indicates wind ahead  it dissapears by the time we arrive.  Note your last mileage...slipping aren't you???
Motoring slowly with a 3 knot tail wind... I imagine even razor blades would stall in that?
We had two hours of sustained beam wind at 20 knots......and we averaged 12 - 14  knots boat speed, so it is possible. Next five days look like they will be a diesel poker play!!!
Everyone getting cabin fever back here...a Canadian _expression_ from living in snow drifts for long periods.
We discover we are down to 9 X 24 packs beer...a point of concern.
Hows fishing...even that is dismal.
Gen set back up and running...raw water impellor was in bits...backup spare wrong size.. but broken one seems to wtill work.
A wise old Frenchman said to me..."Replace all your impellors before you depart" I replied "But they are all new"  reply..."Yes, but you'll find out iff you have the correct spares"
Getting desparte for reading material...may have to read about soccer.I  imagine Victoria Secret is hidden under a few pillows up there. Rattata may get you at finish line?? More razor blades?
Hows the 40hp program doing?
Ta Taa 4 Now
The Great Canadian Cruising Club

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 11:27 AM

Subject: Re: Missing the Rodney Bay Party

Ø      Dear Great Canadian Boozing Club,
> Yes, finally we are feeling smug. Woke up this morning to lines of little
> fluffy white clouds and a 16knot NE wind. Boat currently heading for St.
> Lucia at average 10 knots. Oh, smell that Rum Punch served on the thigh of a
> dusky maiden.
> What can go wrong? something for sure - not that I'm a pessimist but I've
> been at sea too long, especially on this trip!
>
> Don't worry about the meteorological prediction, it's all true. We have
> spent the last week chasing flat spots and for the last two days our track
> is that of a mad captain meandering aimlessly around the ocean. (crew just
> agreed in unison).
>
> Some advice about motoring slowly in 3 knot tail wind- motor faster and that
> tail wind will go away!
>
> I told you that Chelsea mag would be interesting after 21 days. Don't know
> where Victorias Secrets have gone and I'm not going into that pit called the
> crew hull to find them.
>
> Had a chat last night with the skipper of 'Wonderful' the big black cat in
> Las Palmas with us. He left two days after us and has motored nearly all the
> way.
>
> Looks like the first boats will get in to St. Lucia tonight, we are
> currently reckoning on Wednesday - but who knows.
> If you pick up steady trade winds before 50W I will be jealous.
>
> Just about to finish this missive when I notice yet another squall heading
> our way - obviously not time to relax yet.
>
> Have fun
> Tthe50W+ Club

 From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 12:02 PM

Subject: Re: Missing the Rodney Bay Party - all the more for us

> Dear Semaphores,
>
> Don't worry , we are on to your ruse. You've been giving us false position
> reports all the way across to lull us into a false sense of security, then
> when approaching St luciayou stop all position reports to sneak up and
> overtake us. Well, to cover that trick we've stopped 'cruising' and gone up
> a gear (see our daily mileage) to 'fast cruising'. We still have the
> 'racing' and 'mega-racing' gears to go, but they are very tiring on the
> crew.
>
> I hope you manage to sort your comms problem  - you must have a back up - or
> it will be back to flags. Just ask that nice Halberg Rassey next to you to
> report your position.
>
> Trade wind sailing is now quite fun and we can sniff the scents of the
> Caribbean.
> We will be waiting for you.
> Cheers
> Happy Sailors
>

From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 12:03 AM

Subject: Sleep deprived wretches

Good AMl Razor Blades
Well looks like you had a good day again....pat yourselves on the back.  Well 50W just started to deliver, thanks for the tip. Starting to see ARC people around us. How are the tea bags panning out?  Todays matinee was "The Devil Wears Prada". By the time we opened the curtains we were a little high on the course so working our way dwn with this new breeze.
Fishing has been non existent. Lost a small tuna that appeared dead but flapped right off the deck. Back to tenderloin and scalloped potaoes.
Well after you have caught up on your sleep you will be fit to party with us.
Save us a spot.
Cheers
Lawrence

From: "papillon"

To: "James & Lucy Stewart"

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:11 AM

Subject: Swollen Heads

Greetings Shadow Boat
Well I imagine if you ever read this for a week you are suffering from swollen heads....and not from excessive Rum...anyway congratulations....good ad for razor blades.
On that score did you guys look like extras from the Deptment of Silly Walks, after you extrcated yourself from your cocoons?
Friday 2:30PM is my estimated ETA.
Talk soon.
You have prepared for our arrival haven't you...after all you are the Shadow Boat.

Cheers
Papillon

From: "Snow Leopard"

To: "papillon"

Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:23 PM

Subject: Re: Swollen Heads

> Greetings,
>
> Oh how nice to wake up to a nice flat sea with no movement! Heads ok except
> Martin who doesn't know when to stop and is still unconscious.
>
> ARC staff are very upset about their T-shirts. They were led to believe that
> 'Popalong' was a fast boat and would be in St. Lucia early. They have run
> out of shirts and are looking a bit embarrased. So put away the dvds , turn
> off the wide-screen and try sailing. 'Inforapenny' arrived here in th middle
> of the night. They have taken the berth next to us as the second multihull
> to arrive. At this rate you will be parked in the boon-docks with the
> Lagoons. (Lucy thinks I being too cruel to you guys - but razor blades are
> very cutting!)
>
> I met an English couple on another Fontain-Pagot who met you in La Rochelle.
> They too are looking forward to seeing you again - do you owe them money?
>
> Keep sailing fast. We are all looking forward to your arrival tomorrow. Your
> arrival time is noted. Doubt there will be too many around as it is
> lunchtime and the cold beers can't wait.
>
> The smug ones
>

Snow Leopard finished after 16 days, 18 hours at sea.

Papillon arrived nearly three and a half days later days later