Wow! What a summer! Voyageur 10.10 splashed down, was masted and donned her crisp new suit of sails in June 2011! Together, we were ready  to discover Georgian Bay and the North Channel. Our son and daughter joined us on our first voyages along with friends. Voyageur provided comfort and safety as we used, for the first time, each of her sails, tools and equipment. With a tweak here, and a modification there, we slowly ironed out the wrinkles in her sea trials. For two weeks during the months of  July and August, two different crews of four students ran Voyageur through her paces. Voyageur stayed strong and versatile. Her 1700 square foot spinnaker billowed widely from the forestay and pulled us gracefully along at 8.6 knots in 15 knots of wind! Neatly trimmed, her 250 foot stay sail and double reefed mainsail skimmed through a brisk 25-30 knot blow at 8.2 knots.  The iron gennie, a 75 HP Volvo turbo diesel , was infrequently used. However, when coupled with her offset  Max prop, Voyageur ‘s momentum was tamed enough to manoeuvre nimbly in tight quarters. All in all, there were many proud moments for Ken and I as we finally witnessed Voyageur’s fun-loving character and sturdy frame. .....Alleluia!!!!! Another thousand pounds of trim ballast will be installed before haul out. Voyageur will have her cabinetry finished and her shiny decks covered with panels of Treadmaster over the next few months. We look forward to our retirement and world wide travels on Voyageur starting, May 2012!

From the frequency of our logs, you may have guessed... life has been busy! Some unhappy news, ... Carol’s Mum passed away in December 2010. There has been much to arrange, organise and finalize. Throughout the winter months, we have continued to make progress on VOYAGEUR  10.10.  We weathered frosty weekend building excursions to Voyageur; sleeping aboard in -16 degree C temperatures! WE also stole days that our businesses would allow to fit and trim the woodwork and rough in the mechanical. Fibreglassing the foreward head, glueing, painting and varnishing was left till warmer weather arrived. Was it our imagination or  did the cold of winter seemed to drag on a little longer this year? In addition, Ken taught course two sailing courses in the Caribbean in February. I joined him for the first and enjoyed rollicking sails and the warm summery breezes. Although there is a myriad of unfinished tasks to complete; the plumbing and electrical awaits hook up to the various fixtures; both purchased and on order. The 75 foot mast delivered in March, lays ready for its hoist through 3 orifices; the deck, the salon table and the floor boards. This task is to be completed between 8am and 10am on Tuesday June 14, at Dutchman’s Cove, when the 65 foot crane arrives.                      
... Another milestone! ...Boat status truly moves from “Vessel VOYAGEUR” to “Sailing Vessel VOYAGEUR 10.10” on that day! ......Hooray!

At Dutchman’s Cove Marina, VOYAGEUR, aiming water-ward, anxiously awaits her launch! Her blue & white stripped deck cushions are presently doubling as our mattress in our soon-to-be Stateroom. We are comfortable with full sitting headroom and good ventilation. Saturday to Sunday sleepovers have reduced the four x 40 minute car trips to Penetang to two, affording us more effective maintenance and installation time. The results… Cabin sole has been fitted and screwed down.  The Maxwell vertical windlass has been installed on the foredeck. Five Harken winches are bolted to the combing of the cockpit and the bimini has been reinstalled. Last year we had witnessed some pooling of rainwater and few areas of potential wear on the bimini. Ken installed a second aluminum bar to each side of the frame, Carol applied a grommeted facing to both outside edges of the bimini. Now laced over the two bars we can apply ample tension. Wear areas have been reinforced with 3 layers of Sunbrella. The big news! A Volvo 75 hp engine is ordered! It should arrive for install over the next few weeks! …VOYAGEUR is chomping at the bit!

Just back from 2 weeks of sailing around St Martin, Anguilla and St Barts. The winds were lighter than usual for both weeks, averaging 10 knts and topping out around 15. We only had to motorsail a couple of days during the 2 weeks.  After spending days and nights living, eating and sleeping outside the congestion and confinement on the plane was a little overwhelming. Can’t wait to be on the water again. We are now motivated more than ever to get our boat completed and in the water for sea trials by fall of this year. Just have to wait a couple of months for the weather to warm up. First on the list is the spray foam to the interior walls and then the lead in the keel. Our 74’ mast has been selected and delivery will be organized for september when the boat is in the water. Working out final details for auxilliary engine and should have it mid summer.

 

  Kayaking at Massasauga Provincial Park, McTier, Ontario – Ken and I had an early start, driving 1.5 hours from Barrie to meet our kayaking guides, Chas and Sherri at Moon River Marina. 0845-Our daylong kayak trip was organized by Sojourn, a well-known, outdoor equipment store in Barrie’s southend. Cool and overcast at the onset, the weather quickly changed to partly sunny by the time we reached the nest of a family of egrets. Orange segments and homebaked peanut butter cookies, were welcome snacks after 3 k paddle around rock and pine islands. Continuing our journey, the skies cleared; water lilies of white and yellow were almost in bloom, and tall purple iris lined the waterways into secluded bays. Landing on the leeside of a rocky island, Chas an Sherry laid out a plentiful spread of fresh fruits and vegetables and roasted chicken. Wraps and juice were the on the menu for lunch then we reboaded our kayaks. Returning to ourstartingpoint via a different route, all 7 kayaks rafted together. We sailed at about 6 knots with the aid of a 15x20 foot tarp and a couple of kayak paddles.What fun! The upwind leg across the bay to the marina was a good challenge. What a feeling of refreshing satisfaction, as we peeled ourselves out of our kayaks and felt the cooling wind on our legs and body!

DATE:
Apr. 25, 2009

LAT/LONG:
43° 18.1’N   79° 50.75’W

wINDS:
SW 20 kts

BAROMETER:
1011 mb

TEMP:
24°C

 

We had a great two weekends for the wilderness first aid course. The course expands on Standard First Aid by applying first aid in situations where medical treatment may be hours or even days away. This includes stabilizing the victim, monitoring them for extended periods of time, communicating this information to medical professionals and methods of extracting a victim from the wild. Although the course was geared toward land based emergencies, most applications could be related to the marine environment. We even trained in performing wilderness rescues at night. However, our “acting victim” managed to have his accident right beside a dog’s mess, leaving us to decide if the scene was safe for us! I know that we would respond well in a real situation, but rolling around in dog sh__ at 2230 on a Friday night for an “acting victim” . . . . not a chance,… time to go home. 
The instructor expanded the curriculum for us by reviewing water rescue videos that they had taken during a specialty program last summer. This course is a definite must for anyone who will be spending any time off the beaten path. Check out the St John’s Ambulance website for details.

APRIL 13, 2009

Our Winter Seminar Series held at Humber Sailing Center was an awesome success, with over 120 individuals attending one or more of the 13 clinics; an average of 28 attendees per clinic!
After our snow storm three days ago, we hope that spring is finally upon us: Time to get back to work on the boat. There is miscellaneous welding of radar arch and welding of the backer plates for fairlead and traveler car tracks. All welds will be checked and then the boat will be moved to Midland for the installation of lead into the keel.
The decision to purchase a Vertical Windlass was made after much deliberation. Horizontal machines although easier to hand crank in times of power-loss take up much-valued deck-space. The hole is bored and the backer plate is welded; ready for the installation of our new Maxwell VWC 2200!

Last week, I gave a seminar on The Pleasure Craft Market to the claims and underwriting departments of Guarantee Company of North America. They are launching a new marine insurance product to the market.
We had the local machine shop fabricate our rudder shaft and bore the keyhole for the tiller arm. The rudder shaft is now installed in the boat and the hydraulic steering cylinder is being fitted on its support platform.
For now, we will be spending the next two weekends on our Wilderness First Aid Certification; an intensive course run by the St John’s Ambulance.
Our summer teaching schedule at Humber has been finalized. For more information on being involved in one of these sailing adventures click here

 

DATE:
Feb. 14, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  03.2’N   63°  01’W

wINDS:
eNE 20 kts

BAROMETER:
1014 mb

TEMP:
25°C

 

Well that’s it for another trip! We all woke up at 0600, prepped the boat and weighed anchor at 0700. Beam reach on a north west course to Oyter Pond. Keeped Molly Baday rock to our port side watching the waves break on the reefs surrounding it. Another beautiful day in paradise – but also our last. Arrived at Oyster pond at 0825 and were already second to make it to the fuel dock. After a short wait, we were fueled and back in a slip ready to off load our equipment. A quick debrief with the Sunsail staff. With the flight being on time, I’ll be back in Toronto to have Valentines dinner out with Carol.

P.S. February 16, 2009 – Gorgeous, sunny day in Barrie, with temp near freezing – got out snowshoeing in Collingwood and soon forgot the weather down south.

DATE:
Feb. 13, 2009

LAT/LONG:
17°  57.3’N   62°  54.4’W

wINDS:
e 20 kts

BAROMETER:
1014 mb

TEMP:
27°C

 

With only a short sail on the schedule today, the crew spends more time ashore checking out Gustavia and the rest of the island. We hoist the anchor and set sail for Ile Fourchue at 1230. The winds have deminished to just under 20 knots and the wave down to 1.5 m, These conditions are much more appropriate for practicing COB’s without the crew getting as beat up as they did earlier in the week. While performing our exercises, we noticed a number of boats entering the secludud bay at Ile Fourchue. With limited mooring balls available, the decisicion is made to head in before they are all occupied. This left lots of time for snorkeling and a trip ashore in the dingy. Last night on the boat is spectacular, with a moonless clear night and no light pollution  to spoil the star gazing. The volcanic walls are practically invisible, the only give away is that it they are as totally black as the sky but without stars. What a way to finish the week! Need t be up early tomorrow to get the boat to Oyster Pond by 0815.

DATE:
Feb. 12, 2009

LAT/LONG:
17°  54.25’N   62°  51.4’W

wINDS:
eNE 24 kts

BAROMETER:
1013 mb

TEMP:
28°C

 

The anchorage in Philipsburg was relatively calm last night and all crew got some much needed sleep. Looks like an awesome day! The air is drier (barometer is back up) and that reflects in clear skys and no squalls in the forecast. Winds are 24 knots from the east notheast. That means we should have a reasonable shot at a good sail to St Barts today with only a couple of tacks. The waves are still 2m, but the crew is definitely up for the challenge and eager to go! We set out at 0930 with double reefed main and 2/3rd of the genoa unfurled providing enough power to punch through the waves and point high enoungh to make a course within 15 degrees of Gustavia. The crew are very comfortable with the conditions and the handling of the boat, even spending time below to make lunch as the boat heeled and carved through the surf. We made St Barts in good time with anchor set by 1400 – average speed for the day was 7.2 knots. Dingyed ashore for cleaance into St Barts and still lots of time to tour Gustavia. Two crew members rented a scooter and had the b#!!s to take a ride around the island – no flat wide open roads here. However, they managed to return, unscathed, in time for dinner out at a local french restaurant. Whow! What a difference from last year in terms of activity! Half as many superyachts as last year, the boutiques are empty and we were the only patrons of what is normally a busy restaurant.

DATE:
Feb. 11, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  01.3’N   63°  02.9’W

wINDS:
NE 30 kts

BAROMETER:
1010 mb

TEMP:
25°C

 

The wind shifted further north last night and was gusting to 40 knots. The wind driven swell was making it into he anchorage, resulting in a rolly night and morning. Despite the driving rain and gusting wind, I still slept outside in the cockpit - just like being outside whenever I can. My new Gore-tex bivy bag met the challenge with flying colours, slept through the night and woke up completely dry.Our andchor did drag about 100’ during the night, but the anchorage is large with no hazards behind us. This is supposed to be our off day from sailing to tour the island of St Martin, which many of the crew members are of doing when we get the 1230 weather forecast. It is calling for the winds to maintain their sustained speed of 30 knots, but they are calling for them to swing further to the north and possibly even NW, leaving us totally exposed in this anchorage. With some of the crew returning to the boat at 1400, the decision is made to move the boats to the south end of the island for protection. A couple of crew stayed behind to notify the crew members that are still ashore, and we will meet up in Philipsburg. We set of at 1500 with minimum crew aboard and sailed  downwind southwest past Marigot in 30 knots true. The boat is surfing down the 3 m waves at 8 knots with only the genoa unfurled. Fifty minutes later we have travelled the 7 miles to Pte Basse Terre and head up to a south east course and trim the sails for a close haul. The apparent wind is now in the low thirties, but the waves have deminished as we are in the lee of the island. We pass by long beach, then decide to scout out anchorages in Simpson Bay (still pretty rolly), so we continue with our original plan of going to Philipsburg, where we get the anchor down at 1800, just as the sun sets, and the radio call from our mates ashore ready to be picked up. Welcomed dinner and drinks aboard at 2000.

DATE:
Feb. 10, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  12.1’N   63°  05.5’W

wINDS:
eNE 25 kts

BAROMETER:
1010 mb

TEMP:
25°C

 

Our original plan was to spend an off day touring Anguilla, but work is that there is a street festival in Grande Casse on Tuesday night, so that’s the plan for today. Forecast is for winds in the mid 20’s with gusts to 30, and frequent squalls producing larger gusts. Barometer has dropped 2 mb overnight The sail out of Road Bay is quick with a boat speed approaching 8 knots on a broad reach. However, as we make our turn east around the bottom of Anguilla we set for close hauled and the apparent wind builds to 28 knots and we power through the 2 meter waves. On the horizon we can see the squalls approaching, and we try to time our tacks to avoid the worst of them. Even so, we do catch one of the and the wind builds to the low 30’s with a driving rain. One thing though, is the squalls are generally small in size and affect us for only a few minutes. We make our last tack toward Grande Casse and see a larger squall barrelling down the Anguilla Channel. We make it to the bay and get the anchor down just as this squall hits. Winds howl and top out at 38 knots true. It appears that this is what the weather will be for the next number of hours. The weather eases long enough for our dingy ride ashore and have our dinner out at a french restaurant come part time pizzaria. Unfortuneately the weather also puts a damper on the street festivities that end up being cancelled, but we still managed to party with some boisterous locals and lead singer Lulu.

DATE:
Feb. 9, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  06.5’N   63°  03.3’W

wINDS:
eNE 22 kts

BAROMETER:
1013 mb

TEMP:
27°C

 

The wind built overnight with gusts over 25 knots combined with a few squalls. The morning starts with coffee on, a quick dip and wash  in the salt water before all wake up and start using the head, breakfast and the crew doing their checkout of the boat. I love cooking on a boat – think it’s the combination of a smaller area and gas stove. However, this is the first time that I have had a boat with the elongated galley along one side of the boat. Can’t say that I like this layout at all, but the fridge/freezer is doing an awesome job. Navigation plan is put together for our sail to Road Bay, Anguilla. We set out on a beam reach across the Anguilla Channel. Wind is gusting to 25 knots, boat speed is 7.2 knots under double reef main and full genoa. The tension builds as the COB dumby comes out of the lazarette and leaps into the water. The crew executes the triangle method and we get back to the victim but the strong winds and large seas make it difficult to retrieve the dumby, so we go around the circuit again, and again, and again, all of which were successful at getting back to victim, but it was only the 5th try that we were able to get the boat hook around the COB and bring it back on board. The crew is pretty much exhausted from the exercise, so time to get back on course for Anguilla. We round Blowing Rocks and Anguillita on the western tip of the island and set a course close hauled, trying to run parallel to the coast. Slowly moving away from the island, we track north of Sandy Island and make our final tack toward Road Bay. Clearing through customs by 1430, we have time for a road trip to Lower Shoal Bay for a relaxing afternoon on the beach and snorkeling. Back to the boat for happy hour and dinner. I think all crew were in the sack by 2100.

DATE:
Feb. 8, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  03.3’N   63°  01’W

wINDS:
E 22 kts

BAROMETER:
1012 mb

TEMP:
26°C

This morning we were up at 0700, and off to the marche to pick up a few supplies to make a breakfast of fresh baguettes and peanut butter. After breakfast a couple of crew from each boat headed out to do the privisioning for the week. Balance of crew started to prep the boat, do some navigation pre-planning and acquire a weather forecast. The Sunsail staff came on board to familiarize us with the boat systems.  They have now incorporated a new compressor system for the refrigeration, running off 220v drawn from the batteries through an inverter. Most of these charter boats used to have engine driven compressors. The revised system got rid of the compressor on the engine, replacing it with an additionl high output alternator to meet the large power draw. Engine still needs to be running when charging the cold storage plate in the freezer.Provisions brought on board, tanks filled, we set out for our first destination on the north side of St Martin – Grand Case. Exiting the protection of Oyster Pond, we have to snake our way around the breaking surf and motor hard into the 2 ½ m waves. Once through the reefs, the course is set northward toward Tintemarre and unfurl the genoa and trim for a close reach.We pass between Ile Pinel and Tintemarre, round the top of St Martin and bear away on a broad reach for Grand Case.  This is a large anchorage on the french side of the island that is well protected from the prevailing easterly tradewinds. It was a short sail and we arrive with the hook down at 1630. Bangkirai handled the 20 knot winds and 1.5 meter waves nicely. The initial sail was a good introduction to the boat for the crew, enabling them to get a feel for the helm response and the workings of the running rigging.

DATE:
fEB 7, 2009

LAT/LONG:
18°  03.3’N   63°  01’W

wINDS:
eNE 20 kts

BAROMETER:
1014 mb

TEMP:
25°C

Getting out of Toronto proved to be the most difficult task today. Our 0620 flight kept being delayed, but finally got off the ground at 1115, arriving in St. Martin and clearing customs with bags at 1630 local time. This also worked out to be the arrival time of the balance of our crew travelling on another airline. A couple of us just had to head over to Sunset Beach to watch the jets fly in just meters above our heads and stand in the jet wash as they take off. If you haven’t seen this phenomena, go to U-tube and search St Martin Airport. Watch some of the videos that have been posted, then imagine actually standing there.Taxi to the Sunsail base in Oyster Pond where we are assigned “Bangkirai”, a Beneteau Oceanis 473. The name relates to a type of very hard wood used for flooring and in marine construction, not sure about its reference in this case as a boat name. This boat was built in 2004 and has been well kept through its service life with Sunsail. Our extensive checkout of the boat revealed no apparent problems or difficiencies. The rest of the evening was spent at Captain Oliversrestaurant eating their extensive buffet, a drink or two and getting aquainted with the crew of the boat. The crew consists of two couples and two men of various sailing experience, all eager to built on their skills.

DATE:
Jan. 8, 2009

LAT/LONG:
12°  29’N   61°  29’W

wINDS:
NE 15 kts

BAROMETER:
1013 mb

TEMP:
29°C

 

We left Tyrrel Bay early this morning. Making our way around the west side of Carriacou to Hillsborough where we would clear out at customs and continue our trip north to Union Island, part of the Grenadines. In town we had coffee at a little beach side restaurant. Once we had cleared customs we sailed a mile to beautiful Sandy Island for a walk on the beach, swim and lunch on board before heading further north.

DATE:
Jan. 7, 2009

LAT/LONG:
12°  02.5’N   61°  46.1’W

wINDS:
NE 20 kts

BAROMETER:
1014 mb

TEMP:
26°C

 

Leaving Grenada we continue our journey upwind, up current for 50 miles toward Carriacou.  We overhear the Queen Mary II calling in to St Georges pilot that they will be arriving in one hour. Looking eastward and we can see the vessel on the horizon. Over the course of 50 minutes the bearing to the QMII doesn’t change and we know that we are on a collision course. Normally, I would change course to avoid the other vessel without communicating with them. However, this was the Queen Mary II and presented an opportunity to talk to the bridge of the largest, fastest ocean liner in the world.The conversation was short and to the point. They acknowledged our position and that we were going to give way to them, taking their stern. We slowed our boat and allowed them to pass  ¼ mile ahead. The passage to Carriacou is strewn with numerous volcanic upcroppings with names like The Sisters and London Bridge. The passage took us within a couple of miles of an active submerged volcanoe called Kick ‘em Jenny. We arrived at Tyrrel Bay at 1600.

DATE:
Jan. 6, 2009

LAT/LONG:
12°  N   61°  45’W

wINDS:
NE 18 kts

BAROMETER:
1014 mb

TEMP:
27°C

 

We had a day available to us for touring Grenada. Top of the list was to visit Graham and Julie Perry in St David’s Harbor. They are putting the finishing touches on a refit of Artemo. All going well (not quite as planned) and should be in the water next week and continuing their adventures. Grenada is well known for its many waterfalls. An hour long drive and 20 minute hike through the forest revealed the spectacular Royal Mt Carmel waterfall. Finished the day off with a walk on Grand Anse Beach just south of St Georges.

DATE:
Jan. 3, 2009

LAT/LONG:
10°  40.75’N  61°   37’W

wINDS:
ENE 15 kts

BAROMETER:
1012 mb

TEMP:
28°C

 

In Chaguaramas Bay, we boarded the catamaran, Green Flash; a Lagoon 38. After preparing boat and crew, we set out at 1600 for our 85 mile passage straight north to Grenada. The overnight passage would assure a daylight landing in Grenada.  Conditions were probably as good as they get; Winds- ENE 15knots, gusting to 20 waves topping out at 2m. The catamaran handled the conditions well and we were able to hold a direct course to our destination for most of the night. Closing in on Grenada the current became stronger, pushing us to the west at 2 knots. We eventually had to motor the last 10 miles pushing the boat against the wind and current, making only 2 knots over ground under full throttle. The water turned tourquoise as we aproached Prickly Bay.

DATE:
Jan. 2, 2009

LAT/LONG:
10°  35.5’N   61°  20.8’W

wINDS:
NE 12 kts

BAROMETER:
1013 mb

TEMP:
28°C

 

We were to bring in the New Year, quietly at a pre-arranged yet unrated 60 room hotel, Bel Air, close to Piarco International Airport, Trinidad. The motel was built by a US Air force pilot in the late 1940’s, and has NOT undergone many renovations since. Situated a stone’s throw from the airport runway, the 12 foot barbed wire fence and guard house did not add to its appeal. However, two friendly and polite gentlemen greeted us at the desk. It was 11pm. The New Year`s Celebration that evening had evidently ended at 8:30pm! So with nothing to purchase but 2 cans of FRUITA, Ken & I wished each other a happy new year by the light of a partially closed bathroom door. Our room, although clean, was tired and ill-equipped; the TV did not work nor did either of the 2 lamps, the shower did not drain and each of the drawers stuck. The bed was bug free and comfy and there was a noisy but effective air conditioner in our room. The next morning, unexpectedly, the pool & gardens were well kept. The dining room was large and all the tables were set. A pleasant, tailored gentleman served us a tasty breakfast and a gaggle of maids, gardeners and pool-keepers went about their duties, nodding kindly as we passed. BUT we appeared to be the ONLY guests in this episode of the Twilight Zone!