How_to_Sail_Oceans

Ruth Avery is back in the water and I have some new toys to play with. First up is installing an Em-Trak B923 AIS transponder. Second is rigging and testing the new Code 0 from Willis Sails, which is set flying but on a torsion cable furler. I hope to get all of it sorted before setting off on my Down East cruise. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com MUSIC: Flying Fish (a sonatina)--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Projects always seem to proliferate at the end, all those loose ends that need to be tidied up before the splash. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: The Barber of Seville--Rossini (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMKZWVGK2Q) VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

I complete the repair to the upper trim tab gudgeon and encase it in roving and epoxy, which I hope will deter any more hungry teredo worms. I finish up my work on Baby Ruth, so at least I have the little boat ready for sea. Finally I discuss some rigging modifications. WANDERBIRD's CAPE HORN VOYAGE (full video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKS-bGcoZW4&t=2s HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: The Barber of Seville--Rossini (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMKZWVGK2Q) VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

After a week of scraping and sanding the mast, it's time to refinish. This time I will try starting off with MAS penetrating epoxy in hopes of increasing the longevity of the varnish. I try out a novel solution to the chafing problem with the mast tangs, for which I teach myself silver soldering. I complete the installation of the new rubrail on Baby Ruth. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: The Barber of Seville--Rossini (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMKZWVGK2Q) VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Ship worms, rail rot, opened seams ... let the fun begin! HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: 3:33 The Barber of Seville--Rossini (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSMKZWVGK2Q) 6:36 Flying Fish (a sonatina)--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

The scarier weather maps become reality as soon as I enter the Gulf of Maine, with brisk southwesterlies preceding heavy rain showers. But the strong winds are short lived, and overnight I lay becalmed about 40 miles south of Portland, Maine. Then I am greeted with another round of rain and gusty winds as I close the rocky coast of Maine. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkywvr82LOI Take the Win--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

After nearly two weeks of fickle winds all over the US East Coast, I find a somewhat promising window to head out around Cape Cod and north to Maine (the Cape Cod Canal is not open to engineless boats). But first I have to thread my way from Hadleys Harbor to Vineyard Haven, contend with light winds and strong currents. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Flying Fish (a sonatina)--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

I venture across Buzzards Bay to Padanaram where I have a mooring reserved, courtesy of my friend Chris. After doing laundry and stocking up on groceries, Chris and I have another race across Buzzards Bay to Hadleys Harbor. I remain in the idyllic anchorage for the next several days, relaxing but keeping my eye on the weather maps for a window to continue on to Maine. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Meet my Savage--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

My passage from the Chesapeake ended in Pt. Judith, RI. And so is where my short New England cruise begins. I attempt a day sail to Vineyard Haven but do not have the tides right in Vineyard Sound so I put in to Tarpaulin Cove for the night. I reach the fun little town of Vineyard Haven the following day, which also has a supermarket within walking distance. Then it's once again trying to solve the puzzle of winds and tides to get around to Hadleys Harbor, an old favorite. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XYC6FwEFr0 VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

The fog clears with a frontal passage, ushering in brisk southwest to west winds to speed us on our way to New England. With only a few hours of daylight left I debate where to make landfall, whether to put in to Block Island, go to Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, or sail through the night to Vineyard Haven ... HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCs8d1fdkkc VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

After a sleigh ride down the Chesapeake Bay, the winds go light and generally easterly, putting us close hauled on starboard tack, with the occasional port tack thrown in to get some more sea room. Besides light winds, we encounter dense fog, rain and thunder, and some brilliant sunshine to round it all out. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Tears in the Rain (cover)--Joe Satriani (performance by Kevin Boothby) VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

The large low offshore which has me holed up in Put In Creek, Mobjack Bay, has begun moving northeastward and away from the area. Behind it light to moderate southeasterlies are forecast, an acceptable window to exit the Chesapeake Bay and resume my trek north to Maine. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: August Rain--Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Wild thunderstorms, swift tidal currents, strong winds and calms ... all in a day's work. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkywvr82LOI VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

It is Sunday morning, and I have until Tuesday evening to cover the 200 miles from the Cape Lookout Bight to the Chesapeake Bay, according to the latest weather models. After that I am contending with a cold front. In theory it is doable ... HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Better Days -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Twice I have sailed into Beaufort, and twice I had thought it a rather risky thing to do. The original plan was for a short stay in the Cape Lookout Bight before continuing on around Cape Hatteras to the Chesapeake Bay. The weather, however, did not comply with my plans, so I decided to put into Beaufort and wait it out. Some engineless adventures ensued. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Take the Win -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

The gentle southerly breezes which propelled me north-eastward toward Cape Lookout die away as I approach Frying Pan Shoals, off Cape Fear. After laying becalmed for nearly one day, southerlies appear again ahead of a "weak" cold front. What's behind that front is not weak. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Doodles -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

The entrance to Fernandina Beach is wide, and the anchorage is spacious. But the skipper of a sailboat sans auxiliary must me mindful of the strong tidal currents that run through there. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Doodles -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

There was no dodging the thunderstorms and squalls this time around, which preceded the passage of a cold front. Behind the front was moderate northerlies and crisp, cool conditions. Apart from the headwinds, it was pleasant sailing. Then the winds fell light, and finally flat calm, leaving me adrift with 60 miles left to run to Fernandina Beach, Florida. During which I was visited up by some unusually talkative dolphins. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

A so-so weather window to begin my trek north from Miami, but after two weeks of waiting I decide it's a go. Once out in the Gulf Stream we are just bombing along with over 3 knots of favorable current and near perfect sailing conditions. Those near perfect conditions quickly deteriorate however with the onset of thunderstorms. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Take the Win -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Up at first light to begin the 45-mile sail to Key Biscayne from Key Largo, and I am rewarded with near perfect sailing conditions. One would never guess that a strong cold front is less than 24 hours away, putting me under some pressure to locate a decent anchoring spot. And the front does not disappoint in its ferocity. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Doodles -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Moderate to fresh easterlies persist while my next destinations all lay to the east and north. So my anchor remains buried in the mud of Newfound Harbor for over a week. But the patience pays off and I am rewarded with a pleasant sail to Marathon, FL, and then on to Rodriguez Key. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Doodles -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Five miles from the entrance to Newfound Harbor and I am hit with a ferocious squall. I decide to temporarily drop anchor to ride it out, but that turns out to be a mistake and I nearly lose my ground tackle. Some days later when the winds subside I return to Key West. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Tears in the Rain -- Joe Satriani (cover by Kevin Boothby). VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Would have liked to spend another day or two in the Dry Tortugas, but alas the weather gods do abide sailors' wishes. As it was I had about 24 hours to return to civilization before the next cold front. While the cold front was not forecast to be particularly severe, it was to usher in nearly a week of fresh to strong easterlies, which would make a return to the much more sheltered Newfound Harbor far more difficult, as it lay nearly 80 miles east of the Dry Tortugas. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: August Rain -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

I return to Key West for provisions and fresh water. Following the passage of another cold front, I finally set off for the Dry Tortugas during the late afternoon, planning to do the 60-mile run overnight. As the Dry Tortugas do not offer much shelter for small craft, and the fact that any other decent anchorage is at least 10 hours sailing away, the trip must be planned with special attention to the weather, especially during the winter months when powerful cold fronts come blasting through. Once there, however, the sailor is rewarded with an anchorage of exceptional beauty. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Take the Win -- Kevin Boothby VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.

Off to the Dry Tortugas! However, an imminent strong cold front obliges me to stop in Boca Grande Key, where I set out two anchors and hang on. The trailing winds behind the front have me waylaid there for several days, as it turns out, so I decide to return to Key West to re-provision--and regroup for the next attempt. HOW TO SAIL OCEANS TEE SHIRT: https://maritimetees.net/search?q=how+to+sail+oceans WEBSITE: https://www.kevinboothbysailing.com DONATE: https://www.paypal.me/KevinBoothby MUSIC: Etude 19 in A minor -- Dionisio Aguado (performance by Kevin Boothby) VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: https://soundcloud.com/user-177118317 CAMERAS: Canon EOS 60D with EF 24-105mm L IS zoom lens Olympus TG-3 Go Pro Hero 7 Black DRONE: DJI Phantom 3 Professional THE BOAT: Design: Gilmer 31; LOD 31', LWL 25', Beam 9.5', Draft 4.5', Displ. 13,600lbs.