We continue to enjoy spectacular weather.  Winds are steady and from the right direction.. Fair winds and following seas indeed.  We had incredible sailing overnight, with 13-16 knots of wind.  Effortless and smooth.  We crossed the Nantucket shipping channels at midnight and had to steer around some big fellas, no problem.  Phosphorescent dolphin sighting on the 2-5 am watch. Late in the afternoon, having established ourselves in the cobalt waters of the Gulf Stream, and after fighting a contrary eddy current for 4 hours, we bore off to a new heading of 105 degrees. Then how we flew!  Winds kicked up to 25-28 knots, and we were broad reaching (which even my wife likes) at 10 knots. We put a reef in the main and still steamed along. We saw 13.5 knots surfing a wave.  This is sailing.

We have a 24-hour watch schedule broken into 3 four-hour watches during the day and 4 three-hour watches at night.  Two people sit watch at all times; one watch captain and one watch mate.  One crew (yay!) is wonderful full time cook.  Every 8 am- noon watch is a single.  This schedule ensures the watch captains get three off watches to rest and also effects a social rotation among the crew.  Night watches move each night so the 2-5am watch occurs only once every four days for any watch captain.  Working so far!

Before we changed course we were heeled over and it was a bit lumpy.  Just getting dressed for a night watch in these conditions is a challenge.  Every time you pick up a leg to put on pants the boat heels a bit harder and you slip, bump , and catch yourself.  It is actually pretty good exercise.  My particular cabin adds to this challenge as I am on the starboard (uphill) side with nothing to lean on.   Every cabinet opens downhill and empties its contents whenever opened. Add to this the 50-pound bag of apples and oranges swinging wildly and you begin to see the fun of it.

We appreciate all of your well-wishes!  Time for dinner!

We are off to a wonderful start.  We topped off the diesel tanks and spares and set off at 1:30 pm.  The forecast had called for SW winds 10-15 knots with gusts to 20, but we found ourselves in a steady 18-20 knots.  We had a blast tacking out of Newport, slightly overpowered but knowing we were to bear off shortly. We tacked near Castle Hill to wave at our gathered family.  Saw 9.5 knots a few times. We were heeled over a bit but out careful stowage mostly stayed put.  What a beautiful, crystalline day. clear skies and steady breezes.  Dinner is in the oven (sesame-ginger grilled chicken, rice and veggies) and I hear laughter and chatter from the cockpit.  After bearing off to 150 degrees, we have been on a sprightly beam reach doing an effortless 8-9 knots.  Seas a little rocky so we have a few twisty stomachs, but nothing serious. Highly recommend Anchor Bars. Nice for us all to have a gentle beginning.  The crew sends love to all of our loved ones.  Thank you for all of your well wishes and prayers, please do not worry!

We have been furiously preparing for two straight days. Safety gear, communications, provisioning; Moondance was a disaster 24 hours ago as we had pulled all extra gear out of its various hiding places and prepared the nooks and crannies for our own gear.  Magically today it all came together and the provisions and gear somehow all got stowed.  It is now night before departure and we are re-checking to-do lists (need coffee cups, as we rejected the ceramic as dangerous) and washing all the fresh fruit and vegetables.  Some idea of what it takes in terms of food for 8 people on the ocean for 3 weeks: 25 boxes of cereal (if only the rest of the world liked Grape Nuts), 17 pre-made casseroles and dinners, one Yeti cooler with 50 lbs dry ice, 20 cans of tuna, 16 jars of peanut butter, 35 lbs of flour (for homemade bread!), 42 bananas, 60 granola bars, 4 lbs of pasta, 40 sleeves of saltines.

The weather forecast is looking good for tomorrow, 10-15 knots from the SW, gusts to 20 knots in the afternoon. Sweet.

You can track our progress beginning on June 10th at:

https://share.delorme.com/Moondance2015

Here is Moondance from last year, at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI.  She is now in Jamestown, being prepped for the Crossing. Long to-do lists!

Only 8 days until we disembark! Still tidying up some loose ends, but we are just about ready to go.

     

Here’s some of the sustenance Jackie and Matt have been gathering for the crew. Quite the spread to keep everyone eating healthy and happy. And yes, that is a tower of canned chicken. Please stay tuned for more updates once our voyage has begun!