Hostage Crisis Resumed
Jun 18th, 2008 by Elise
North to Alaska 2008 Series
18 June 2008
Lat N47.12.675
Lon W133.38.200
Yesterday proved to be a productive day of travel…at least until the evening hours when once again, our captor (the winds/weather) ambushed the Cutthroat without warning and currently holds the brave crew in captivity yet again. No degree of diplomacy appears to influence these hideous terrorists. Perhaps we can offer up the “little boy” as ransom payment to earn the release of the rest. I’m sure with time; they will see the wisdom in returning him to his loving parents. He will wear them out!
The winds, once they returned to us began to swing further and further behind us and even though we made repairs to the genyker (big ass sail), we needed to sail further downwind. So we put up the whisker pole and spent a very relaxing day sailing wing-on-wing across the Northern Pacific Ocean. For you non-sailors, wing-on-wing refers to the main sail being out on one side of the boat and the genoa poled out on the opposite side. We then use the pole to hold out the genoa thus minimizing the thrashing around of the sail and maximizing the efficiency of motion. Unfortunately, by late day that plan also came to screeching halt and we have been becalmed since then. The good news is that it appears that this will be short-lived as winds are expected in the near term. We are so close to the coast too…less than 400 miles to go. The crew is more than ready to make landfall at this point.
Meanwhile, the crew is becoming unruly. The Chuck, Pat and Paul watch team are speaking in tongues now with some hokey eastern European accent that occasionally roles into middle-eastern. It’s very funny. They also appear to have developed some rare form of group amnesia. Last night on their watch a cup of coffee fell or at least splashed all over the cockpit. This morning they have each looked at it and feigned ignorance. I think they all took the vow of stupidity last night. The Bob and Roger watch team has retained a greater degree of decorum - they’re just probably not having as much fun. Actually, everyone is maintaining a great sense of humor and while this latest windless spell is a disappointment, we know it will return to us shortly and the weather ahead looks lively.
As of early afternoon we are moving along at around 3.5 knots…oh boy! It’s raining on and off, getting colder, with calm seas. The winds are supposed to move further south which would be a good thing so we can actually sail towards Puget Sound. Hopefully, these winds will only improve for us and bring us closer to landfall. We’re all ready!
Thanks for all the tips we’re getting on available help we’re getting in the Puget Sound area.
Roger, Elise, Bob, Chuck, Pat and Paul…
s/v Cutthroat
Sounds like things get more exciting each day ! Many challenges to remember forever. As I sit here I think how lucky you are to have such a sailing adventure which you certainly worked hard preparing for, God speed–my thoughts and prayers are always with all of you, Good wind for the rest of your trip and please keep updates coming. Wish I had a helpful tip.
Love to all, Mom Wag and Molly (woof-woof)
You should be sailing across Tx. You would have no problems with wind this month. Glad you are safe and sound and having fun.
Jan
Love your emails…it’s like reading a favorite book on sailing adventures, thanks for including us in your adventure. Stay safe, never forget every moment of every part of everyday. What a great opportunity that you all can be together, I’m jealous! Oh by the way Elise… Happy Birthday, hope it was a great day! Knowing you, I know it was! Wish we could have celebrated with you!
Love,
Lorraine & Mo
I’m so blessed to be able to read your postings each day. Elise you really write so beautifully. You definitely should write a book or two. I’ve never met you but could read the stories of your adventures all day long. I only wish I could be there with a nice hot pot of chili and cornbread and have a hot jacuzzi for everyone to jump into and a massage table after that. (Now there’s another party idea for Bob’s house…..I have to go call Debbie again.) As I sit here typing, Streak is begging at the door to come in and snuggle with me. Sometimes I leave the door open and wake up to her right next to me. Maggie is getting very spoiled with having her own personal massage therapist and decided that maybe she will start living outside of the closet a bit. As for me….I feel blessed to be able to have spent this time in such a wonderful home filled with so many warm memories, great maps, photos, etc. Thank you Bob from the bottom of my heart. This experience has made me want more in life. I appreciate everything and look forward to seeing you and hearing all the stories. Elise, thanks for the daily chuckles. lGod bless you all and be safe and warm.
Chuck,
It seems like bizarre tongues follow you wherever you go. Remember Klaus & Sonny @ Block Island Race Week? Try to explain that to your shipmates !!
It’s great to follow your progress, best of luck with the rest of the trip.
Moose
The levity in your reports indicate what a truly wonderful time you are all having, despite the issues you’ve encountered. Thanks so much for sharing these personal aspects of your adventure that makes it so much more interesting than mere “progress reports”. Anyone reading them can’t help but envy the experience you are all having.
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Kenneth Grahame
Wind in The Willows
Ahh yes…. the ‘vow of stupidity’ tactic. Can usually be defeated with the ‘threat of starvation’ counter.
Sounds like great fun. Good sailing!
Andy
I echo everyones comments - what fun it sounds like along with an enormous amout of work and patience. God speed into Seattle. Take care of each other and tell Paulie hello from his quasi third girl cousin in Clermont.
Hugs to all
Wanda