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Monthly archives for May, 2015

Internet?!?! Here?!?! Yup – Her...

May 25, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Internet?!?! Here?!?! Yup – Here are some pics!!

Unbelievably, this tiny village of 50 people, on a small atoll 800 miles away from what we would call “civilization” has reasonable internet service. I am typing these words from the nav table at anchor! You have to love technology sometimes… I bet a thank you is also in order for the Cook Islands Protectorate, New Zealand. [...]

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Anchored Safely in Penrhyn…Afte...

May 24, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Anchored Safely in Penrhyn…After 48 hours of Excitement

We are finally anchored on the windward side of Penrhyn after 48 hours of pure excitement. Since making landfall we have: – Battled the current and breakers to enter the pass [Pucker Factor (PF): medium to high] – Picked our way through a minefield of coral heads [PF: medium] – Dropped anchor on a lee shore to clear in [PF: [...]

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Bashing Towards Penrhyn – Will ...

May 22, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Bashing Towards Penrhyn – Will Make Landfall Today

Kia Orana Tongareva! [Hello Penrhyn!] We are continuing to bash our way closer to Penrhyn (Tongareva). Only 26 more miles to go. We should be inside the pass by 2:00pm local. The last 200 miles have been very hard earned. We have been close on the wind, sailing when we can and motor-sailing when the wind dictates. We have been battling squall [...]

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Running Away from a Storm – Now...

May 20, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Running Away from a Storm – Now Trying to Make Penrhyn

We have sailed 650 miles since leaving Fanning 5 days ago and are 425 miles NE of Suwarrow. A storm system called the SPCZ (South Pacific Convergence Zone) has decided to park itself right over Suwarrow and prevent us from sailing directly there unless we have some sick desire to play chicken with thunder and lightning…which we don̵ [...]

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Fanning to Suwarrow – Halfway P...

May 20, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Fanning to Suwarrow – Halfway Point

We have sailed 500 miles since leaving Fanning Island four days ago and we have 550 to go until we reach Suwarrow. Still thinking of putting in to Manihiki, 370 miles south, if the wind dies or the weather deteriorates. Conditions have been idyllic, the seas calm, and the sailing great. We covered 144 miles in the past 24 hours, all close on [...]

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Fanning to Penrhyn or Manihiki or Suw...

May 20, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Fanning to Penrhyn or Manihiki or Suwarrow…. We’re Back in the South Pacific!!

We are in the southern hemisphere again! Early this morning we crossed the equator for the fourth time in less than two years. We’re back in the south pacific! Ellie is in her groove and tearing away the miles. We are two days out of Fanning and have covered 250 miles since departing on Friday. Conditions are very pleasant with some per [...]

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Fanning to Suwarrow – 1,000 mil...

May 20, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Fanning to Suwarrow – 1,000 miles – 8 Days

We sailed out of Fanning at 11:00 UTC today, 5/15, bound for Suwarrow Island, 1,000 miles SSW of here. Expecting 8 days under way at 125 miles per day. Not overdue until 5/28. We are motor sailing into light SE wind. Expecting it to strengthen to 10-12 knots by tomorrow and it will continue to clock more easterly and eventually be on the beam [...]

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Fanning Island Adventures and Departu...

May 20, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Fanning Island Adventures and Departure Plan

Mauri! We have enjoyed some spectacular flat water here at Fanning over the past few days. We have been filling our days with paddle boarding, drifting the incoming tide in the pass, swimming, dinghy exploration, watching the picturesque sailing canoes traverse the lagoon, happy hour get-together’s with the other two boats, and watching [...]

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Kickin’ Back in Fanning Island

May 12, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Kickin’ Back in Fanning Island

We finally had a great day in Fanning Island! It’s amazing how closely correlated your well-being becomes with the weather when you’re cruising. The wind was non-existent, the Mermaid was paddle-boarding, we were swimming, the sun was out, the drinks were cold and the sunset gorgeous. A great day in paradise…finally! Now thi [...]

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Fanning Island – It’s Cal...

May 11, 2015 Written by El Capitán

Fanning Island – It’s Calm! (and very very hot)

The I-Kiribati people have completely redeemed themselves on the musical front. Karaoke = not so good – church singing in the chapel = excellent. Yesterday we attended the Catholic church services. The melodies were harmonious and beautiful, if a bit loud inside of a concrete building.. The women sat on one side and the men on the other [...]

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