d' Plane, d' Plane.....

After several small (and annoying) boat projects at St. Marin, the 'Persephoneies" were hanging out at Barnacles;  the local cruisers bar for happy hour.  Our friends, Bob and Debbie (S/V "Chimayo") suggested, "tomorrow afternoon, let's go to the Sunset Beach Bar at the end of the airport !"  Now, Bob and Debbie are both retired air traffic controllers so I figure that they are just missing being near airports....   "Why do we need to go there....we can drink pretty cheaply right here..." I questioned.  (Presidente Beer were only $1.
25)   "No, we HAVE to go and watch the planes land and take off !!"   Ok, I relented.....thinking they were both jonesing for an airport fix and we would be the enablers.   

The next afternoon, off we went to the Sunset Bar....little did we know that the bar was nearly ON the runway !!

The beach is right at the end of the runway...The planes are literally landing 50 yards away.  The bar has a chalkboard posting the schedule of the landings and takeoffs.  In the late afternoon, the jumbo jets start arriving from Europe.  I it amazing watching these monsters landing only yards away !  Then,  there are the takeoffs....!   The planes sit at the end of the runway reving up their engines.  The jet blast is so strong that traffic stops (see car above) and people on the beach run up and hang on to the fence so they don't get blown into the water....REALLY!  It's NUTS !!  The yellow umbrella in the photo above is about to go airborne into the water....

This is the jet blast......

You can see the blowing sand, and the people hanging onto the fence getting sandblasted as the planes spool up their engines.  In fact, I think some of the pilots put on a show by increasing and decreasing the RPMs several times before takeoff just to please the crowd.

The bar had speakers strategically spaced tuned to the tower frequency so that we could hear the air traffic controllers....Bob and Debbie were in their glory !   We had a great afternoon; and I actually thought about    hanging on the fence during a takeoff of a jumbo jet...but, nawh...didn't want to get sand in my beer !!

Brings a whole new meaning to the term True Grit !  

The Persephoneies

Persephone versus the Volcano....

A week ago, at sunrise, 'Persephone' and 'Sailacious' motored out of  Les Saintes and traveled the 55 miles to the volcanic island of Montserrat.  During the past decade, Montserrat's volcano has had three major eruptions with several lesser "events"; the last one being in 2008.    The most major of the eruptions left the capital city of Plymouth covered in a couple of feet (yes, FEET) of ash.  The city had to be abandoned, and two thirds of the population left Montserrat. The entire south side of island is still an "Exclusionary Zone" where travel is prohibited.

Montserrat's Volcano

In addition to the feet of ash covering Plymouth, the lava flow surrounded the city.  The lava flow is still clearly seen as you approach from seaward....

'Persephone' and 'Sailacious' sailed into Montserrat's remaining harbor; which is tiny, and very commercial.  The harbor is just a small "cut out" behind a small mountain.  The local fishing fleet (small open boats) were moored throughout the harbor further decreasing the room. As a result, the remaining portion of the anchorage is exposed to the swells of the Caribbean Sea.  A north swell was running into the harbor, and the boats were rising and falling five feet, making it very uncomfortable.  But, we were there, wanted to tour the volcano, and made the decision to stay.

Janice and Steve ('Sailacious') picked us up in their dinghy for the short trip ashore.   We were greeted by a customs official who announced that we were anchored in channel and had to move the boats.  We tried to explain that the anchors were in the channel, but the boats themselves were well outside according to our GPS.   He again demanded we move...but where ?  He "suggested" that move further outside of the anchorage into still deeper water.  We were already anchored in water 36 feet deep...much deeper would become "questionable" in the swells.  Smiling, (smurking ?)  the official said we should clear customs first (ie. pay the fees and get our money) and then move the boats.  We all looked at each other, exchanged glances and headed for the dinghy.  We all agreed that the place just "didn't have a good feel".  An unattractive harbor, unprotected from the swells, very deep, crowded with fishing boats and an unfriendly official added up to one conclusion....GET OUT.   So, we hauled anchor (it was 3pm) and moved the boats....out of the country !!  We set a course for Nevis,  35 miles away.  In the end, the volcano won and chased  'Persephone' from it's island.  As we left, Jimmy Buffett was on the stereo singing..."where do you go when the volcano blows"?  Anywhere but Montserrat !!

THE CREW  



  

St Marin

Good morning from St. Martin!! Persephone has been here at anchor for the past couple of days. As typical in the French islands, (Persephone is anchored on the French side of the island, where there are no fees) there is no wifi internet service in the anchorage. We are relegated to using hotspots at bars to download email. Bars aren't very conducive to writing coherent blogs !

Persephone will be at here for another day or two, awaiting a weather window to move west to the BVIs (British Virgin Islands) and then onto St. John, USVI for the holidays. This is nearly a one hundred mile jump which requires a departure in the wee hours of the morning (3 am) so that our arrival is during daylight hours. So, optimum weather conditions are a must.

St. Martin has been terrific for shopping....something the southern Caribbean is lacking. The budget was wounded at the Mega Ace hardware store (more XMAS lites, 18v battery for the drill, Tupperware etc); Budget Marine (new gas grill, spare filters and assorted pieces and parts)and the Grand Marche...a super-super market to restock the panty before heading to the expensive VIs.

Will keep you all updated and post pictures when we have internet...

RAIN Continues.....

Does anyone remember the movie "Caddy Shack" ?  Specifically, the scene where the Bishop is playing the best round of golf of his life, and won't quit due to the rain.  All I can think of is Bill Murray's comment "when is the hard stuff gonna start falling"?All the while it is pouring a monsoon with driving winds....   That scene could have been reshot in the northern Caribbean over the last two+ weeks....

This is the approach to Les Saintes (an island group just south of Guadeloupe....(The color has not been altered or 'photoshopped'.....

Isle des Saintes, Guadeloupe

   The Saintes are a rural-resort area for the French; both from the islands, and Europe.  It reminds me of the main street on Block Island, with "cute" (read: expensive) shops, restaurants,  great ice cream and the world's best patisseries for baguettes and of course pan au chocolat...my mouth is watering as I am typing this.

After spending the day at Les Saintes, we were treated to a wonderful sunset...

The sailors' adage held true for the next day's passage to Montserrat....Persephone left the Saintes before dawn and was treated to a beautiful sunrise at sea with no rain, but unfortunately, there was no wind either. So, it was a 10 hour motor....yuck ! 

Stay tuned for the next posting...."Persephone versus the Volcano" !!

PS... caught a NICE tuna between Les Saintes and Montserrat....10+ pounds...enough for 4 meals.  Gotta save money anyway I can until my Social Security starts in 29 days !!

Membership in the Country Club continues....

Persephone continues to change countries as fast as a sailor changes brands of rum....

We are now in day 15 (yes, FIFTEEN !!) of rain with NO wind. No, Mike, you were not the Jonah bringing us this lousy weather.... the rain has continued for nearly a week since you left the Caribbean. Even the locals are shaking their heads; muttering something about climate change...this is supposed to be "d' dry season, ya know, Mon".

Yesterday, we were sailed (actually we motored as there was zero wind most of the day) into "Dismal Dominica"...just in time for the rain to begin in earnest. It continued to rain all night and sporadically throughout today. The boat is wet, dinghy rides are wet, our foul weather gear is wet, the groceries and beer are wet ! The only things we have managed to keep dry are our passports and boat documents. No one we talk to has ever seen this type of weather in December.... !!

The highlight of our day was finding a brand new IGA food store in Dominica; only a 5 minute walk from customs. We restocked up on basics, and Carib beer. (Cruisers FYI: Carib was $61 EC per case plus VAT..so it is the same price as Grenada).

We left Dominica this morning (in showers) and motored to Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe. We again cleared in and out of customs, grabbed a couple of baguettes, and had a sorbet in the village....this place is SO French. We plan on leaving first thing in the morning for Pigeon Island, Guadeloupe for another 'one nite stand'; before pushing on to Montserrat.

I don't tan very well, but I have lost what I had. I look like I own a submarine instead of a sailboat ! This is getting reminiscent of New England; without the cold.

Doing the wind dance in "paradise"... !!!

THE CREW

The "Country" Club...

Persephone has joined the 'Country' Club...a different day, a different country ! A couple of days ago we were in St. Lucia, and then moved north to St. Anne, Martinique. Today, we sailed from St. Anne's to St. Pierre, Martinique; about 35+ miles. (Doesn't sound like much, but remember, Persephone averages only 6 miles an hour !!) We will spend the night here, and then leave at first light for Portsmouth, Dominica (50+ miles north). Again, our plan is to spend the night in Dominica, and again jump north to Guadeloupe; followed by Montserrat the next day. (Persephone has not been to Montserrat...looking forward to hanging out with an active volcano.) The rain continues (now a solid two weeks of rain !!) but the winds have been moderate, and favorable; so we want to take advantage and get as far north as quickly as possible with the favorable conditions...despite the rain. (We are absolutely soggy !!) Will update you all when we get an internet connection !

THE CREW

Rainy Vacation....

Mike arrived for a weeks vacation last Tuesday...it has now rained 5 out of the last 7 days.  Not the usual tropical showers...but day long monsoon rains dumping 3 to 5 inches of rain per day.  We are saturated.

So on Monday, we decided to sail south to show Michael St. Lucia's impressive Piton Mountains.  All of the moorings were reserved (new thing) except for one in the southern corner of the bay directly under the larger of the two Pitons. The location was dramatic as we were under the mountain; only 100 feet from the rocky base.  We were enjoying watching a video when the wind shifted to the Southwest and the ocean swell shifted from the west simultaneously.  An ocean surge started pounding into the bay....the sea floor raises from several thousand feet to only 50 feet in a mere 100 yards.  The result was a dangerous surf  re-bounding off the side of the Piton wildly rocking Persephone from side to side. Suddenly, our situation became perilous !!

Rainy approach to the Pitons......

  Despite being 11 pm and driving rain, there was only one seaman like decision to be made....immediately escape the 'deathtrap' to the safety of the sea.  Quickly we bailed out the flooded dinghy (full of rain water, as it was pouring that hard...being in the dinghy was like riding a bucking bronco; without the clowns to get you out !), readied the boat, reviewed our escape plans to safety and quickly dropped the mooring lines.  There could be zero error...as we were only 100 feet from the pounding surf against the base of the mountain.  THE PLAN was executed perfectly and Persephone motored away from danger.  It is counter intuitive to drop a mooring line and motor out to sea, in the black of night,  with driving rain studded with cracks of lightning.  But boats like water... not rocks.   Persephone was MUCH safer at sea than trapped against a lee shore.

We motored back to Marigot Bay and arrived just before 2 AM where we picked up a mooring, had a beer and had a comfortable, safe nights sleep.

Lesson Learned:  Last summer there was a debate among serveral  sailing friends about whether radar was a worthwile expense in the Caribbean.  Many 'seasoned' sailors said I was foolish to spend the money replacing our radar as it was an unnecessary, needless expense which used to much power.   Despite their 'sage advise', I bit the bullet and installed a new digital radar system when  upgrading the navigational equipment.  Was this the right decision !!  Without radar, our escape from Monday's deathtrap would have been much more difficult, and entering narrow Marigot Bay  in the black of night would have been as dangerous as staying on the Piton mooring.  (The light on the outter marker at Marigot had nearly failed;  blinking only sporatically).   Simply, radar saved our butt, making a very difficult situation managable by increasing our situational awareness.  Thank God I listened to my gut and kept radar as an essential part of our navigational instruments. 

RADAR ROCKS (and keeps you off them too) !!

THE CREW

Third Tropical Thanksgiving...

'Persephone' celebrated a wonderful, traditional Thanksgiving Day in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia....

L to R:  Ann 'Impressionist', Janice 'Sailacious' and Trudie

Trudie prepared a fresh turkey, cranberry sauce, and two pumpkin pies.  Ann and Janice prepared all the 'side fixings'.   Mike (who is aboard until Wednesday) and I went to a beach bar while Trudie was slaving in the galley !   We ate and ate and ate some more.  It was a terrific turkey day among friends.

Yesterday, I went to the dentist in Castries while Trudie and Mike hung out on Persephone cleaning up after the feast.  We all spent the afternoon lounging on the beach and just relaxing.   The beer supply is running short !  THE CREW

Quick Update....

Good morning from Persephone....

Marigot Bay...'Persephone' is in the center of the anchorage.

 This is just a quick update on what's going on here.  Persephone spent 3 nights in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia; one of our favorite anchorages.  When we arrived, several of the 'boat boys' welcomed us back to the Bay...guess we have become 'regulars'.
On Sunday, we moved up to Rodney Bay; only eight miles from Marigot.  We dragged a fishing line with only a single hit, but the fish was not hooked....hate it when that happens !

Persephone, for the first time in 6 months,  went into a marina.  This is a rare occurrence due to the cost, noise and lack of privacy.  But, the batteries on Persephone needed to be equalized; which can only be done efficiently with shore power.  The other treat of being in a marina is being able to take a LONG  shower ashore with limitless water.  Thinking back,   I haven't taken a shower ashore since being in New England a year ago !!    It was luxurious !!

Our friend Mike arrives today from the States.  We are picking him up at the airport (1 1/2 hours away) in the early afternoon.  The taxi fare is approximately $100.00 US one way !!  NO WAY !  So, we are going to take a bus from here to Castries (St. Lucia's capital) at a cost of $3.50 EC ($1.30 US)  and then transfer to Vieux Fort which is located at the opposite end of the island from Rodney Bay.  (Cost:  appx $7.00 EC or $2.60 US)  Less than $4 US sounds a lot better than $100....we will let you know how we make out.....

Busing our way across St. Lucia....  THE CREW
  

Time for Pictures.....

After days without internet, I managed to find an internet connection (weak)  tonite in Saline Bay, Mayreau.  (A small island part to the Grenedines island chain, owned by the country of St. Vincent....  So, it is time to post some pictures of the adventure:

Sandy Island, Carriacou.  The mountains of Union Island in the background.
"Sailacious" and "Persephone" anchored here for the night.

Saltwhistle Bay, Mayreau....'Persephone' is anchored in
middle of the bay...beautiful !!

Mayreau Island looking out over the Tobago Keys where 'Persephone' anchored last night.

A rum shop in Mayreau..."Love Happens"

"Pink Lady" anchored in Saltwhistle Bay.  You may remember "Pink Lady" from the April Blog from the
Classic Yacht Regatta in Antigua.  This is the boat with the all woman crew deck out in pink bikinis
 floppy white hats, and occasional T-shirts saying "Girls for Sail" !!

FLYPAPER......

"PERSEPHONE !! PERSEPHONE !! DAVID, GET ON DECK QUICK !!!!! YOU HAVE A KITE WRAPPED AROUND YOUR MAST !!!"; the radio blared. It was Janice on 'Sailacious' shouting into the mike….
I bounded through the companionway expecting to see a kid's kite caught in the rigging. WRONG !! It was a HUGE kite-wing from a kite boarder. He was trying "sail" through the fleet of anchored boats in the Tobago Keys. He lost control and flew his kite directly into Persephone; wrapping the rigging of the kite wing (including the harness) around the upper two-thirds of Persephone's mast !! The rigging lines of the wing (sort of looks like a parachute) was wrapped around the second spreader, and the rest of the lines were wrapped around the masthead. The wing was blowing in the wind about 40 feet behind Persephone and about 50 feet off the water.

WTF !!! I examined the situation and realized that something had to be done; and fast. The immediate issue was preventing damage to the instruments at the top of the mast. Steve and Janice (sv Sailacious) arrived by dinghy with their mouths literally wide open in amazement. We discussed THE PLAN… Now, you all know how I feel about heights….I would rather have a quadruple root canal without Novocain than go up the mast. Simply, I don't do heights, nada, never, no way…but the wing had to be cut down; and soon.

So, with mucho bravado I rigged the bosom chair for the assent up the mast. I rigged the chair, attached a safety line, swallowed heavily, and Steve winched me up the mast to about 30 feet. Did I mention the wind and the approaching squall ? The wind was blowing 20+ knots and the boat was rolling side to side in the swells. My legs were tightly wrapped around the mast to prevent me from becoming a human pendulum as the boat rocked side to side in the waves. I brought a boat hook with me and was able to hook the rigging of the kite-wing and pull it from the spreader end. The pole jammed and started to bend due to the pressure of the wind on the flogging wing…."Look out below", I yelled as I released the pole. The pole sprung free, and was propelled 50 feet into the air and nearly 100 feet behind Persephone where it landed in the water (at least this time I had bought a floating pole…recall the anchoring dilemma in St. Lucia last year ? ). The wing was partially freed; but continued to stream straight back as it was still wrapped around the very top of the mast., I just didn't have the testicular fortitude to go to the top of the mast in the wind and waves. (I don't leave the deck in the BEST of conditions….what the hell was I doing dangling between the first and second spreader 30 + feet in the air ? )

As I was hanging around (literally), a crew of charter boaters who we had met in Saltwhistle Bay arrived by dinghy and offered to help. One of the crew was a mountain climber and offered to go aloft. "NO problem" …I gasped in relief. "Steve, get me down "!
As Steve lowered me to the deck the wind increased as the squall approached….it just wasn't safe for anyone to be up the mast with the boat rolling in the wind generated waves. As we were re-working THE PLAN, POP !! the rigging line on the wing broke and the whole rig streamed free of Persephone . Free at last, free at last !! The last I saw was the wing flying toward Union Island….I never looked back.

Being a bit shaken from my aerial acrobatics, I darted below and reappeared with shot glasses, a nice bottle of rum, and beers for all. We (all 6 of us) retired to the cockpit to toast the squall (and for me to settle my frayed nerves). This is the first time I know of that a sailor toasted a squall !

About a year ago, Lynn and Ken on 'Silver Heels III' changed 'Persephone's name to "Flypaper". The change of name was due to the uncanny number of boats that anchor way to close to ' Persephone'. 'Persephone' could be the only boat in a wide open anchorage and the only other boat (usually French flagged) will drop it's anchor 15 feet away. When asked to anchor further away, the offending boat usually puts out fenders, and gives me the finger….thus, the moniker "Flypaper".

The name "Flypaper" now has a whole new literal meaning…. it gets things with wings stuck in the rigging….could the name be any more perfect ?

Capt. Dave

Ham Fist Mechanic !!!!

So, there I am motor-sailing from Grenada to Carricou on Sunday watching the engine temp gauge teetering on the edge of over-heating. When I got to Carriacou, I tore much of the cooling system apart looking for the problem. The final part of reassembly was putting a 2 1/2" cap on the end of the heat exchanger. As I am tightening, I am saying to myself..."not to tight...not to tight...that's it...NAW, one more 1/8 of a turn will do it". SNAP !!!!!! Yep, that did it !!! I cracked the damn thing. Of course it leaked like a sieve....I knew it !! Well, not to be deterred by a gushing leak, out came the Gorilla Tape and Crazy Glue and I was able to stem the deluge to a moderate drip.

THE TEST came on Tuesday when 'Persephone' motored the 3 miles from Tyrell Bay to Sandy Island. Sandy Island is an idyllic, tropical mini-island; perfect for beaching and snorkeling. (This posting is being sent via ham radio, so I can't send pictures). My best description is the small island where CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow was left by Capt Barbosa in the first Pirates of the Caribbean. The kind of island with white sands, and a handful of picturesque palm trees. On yeah, back to THE TEST...(I get distracted so easily these days...) Other than the drip, the temp was pretty good...just a bit elevated, but acceptable for now. I will deal with it when I arrive in a more civilized spot ie. St. Lucia.

Yesterday was a perfect sailing day, so 'Persephone' flew up to Clifton, Union Island (part of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines...SVG for short). Customs and Immigration were cleared with the usual hassles and Clifton was left astern as quickly as possible. (Clifton has a lot of pastel, tropical colored paint but that is about it...) 'Persephone' took advantage of the favorable winds and made the short hop over to Chatham Bay. Chatham is on the FAVORITES list...A long curving bay of white sand, dotted with a couple of rustic beach bars...the way the Caribbean was 20 years ago. There is only a very rough road to Chatham, so it is insulated from the tourist, and left in its natural state. I will post pictures when I have internet....it is truly beautiful. As I type this, the sky is bright blue, a couple of puffy white clouds, and just a zephyr of a breeze. Just the kind of day which makes one glad that they are a ham fisted mechanic breaking things in paradise...
Capt Dave

On the Road Again.....

As our Texan friend Miss Kitty (sv 'Falcon') says: "This cruising life is just a series of 'howdies and 'so longs'"…. She is so right. After five months, it is time for 'Persephone' to say 'so long' to Grenada. This year's departure is even harder than last year's due to the additional friendships we made this summer. Saying 'so long' to 'Silver Heels III' was especially "tuff"…last winter we buddy-boated for nearly 6 months from Grenada to Antigua and back. This year, the Heels are spending the Christmas season in Toronto so they won't get underway from Grenada until late January. They will be missed…..hope to see you up island later in the season.
'Persephone' left Grenada on Sunday, and sailed the 38 miles north to the island of Carriacou (one of the 3 islands which make up the country of Grenada). This was a "shake down" cruise to get the kinks out after sitting in the harbor for five months. The Gremlins were obviously at play while 'Persephone' sat in Mt. Hartman Bay (rhyme intentional) …The most serious issue was overheating of the main engine. Although it didn't reach the critical stage, the engine was running about 20 degrees hotter than normal. (all the time the engine was running, the over-heat alarm was sounding…enough to drive you nuts ! Thank Neptune that it was good sailing and the engine was only needed for about 45 minutes to enter the harbor). Yesterday, I spent the entire day trying to find the problem; replaced the thermostat, checked the sea water intake, and cleaned the heat exchanger. I have not been able to determine if my labors solved the problem as I found (or I over tightened it during re-install) an end cap on the heat exchanger cracked which is now leaking salt water all over the transmission. This is a $2.00 proprietary part which must be ordered from the states. Carriacou is a very small, rural, quintessential Carib island and has no marine parts or services… heck, the internet hasn't worked since I arrived…and I want boat parts…good luck !! So, I am going to have to use my best Rube Goldberg skills and jury-rig something so I can use the engine to leave. Now, I'm trying not to over-heat !!

(I still don't have internet so I am posting this via amateur (ham) radio)

Past Week in Pictures.....

Today is  Thanksgiving Day in Grenada which celebrates the US led interdiction to rescue the island from  Russian // Cuban occupation.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING, GRENADA !!

The action is brisk as Lynn (Silver Heels III) reels in a barracuda under the
watchful eye of Ronnie (sv Campechano) and hubby Ken (seated)

Gotta love pink shorts !!

Our friends Mark and Willie on 's/v Liahona' arrived in Grenada after spending the summer in Trinidad.  Saturday was Willie's birthday so Capt Dave put on his Sunday best for the occasion !
   

  Willie prepares to blow out the candles on her birthday cake....

5th Dinghy Concert

Late on Monday afternoon the rain let up and off we all went to the 5th Dinghy Concert in Clark's Court Bay (a five minute dinghy ride through the reefs to the adjacent bay)...

Dinghys arrive at 1700 hrs for the concert

 Hors d'oeuvre get passed from dinghy to dinghy...

Enjoying the concert.......

One of the performers from Switzerland wrote a song called "Flying to Grenada". To join the concert, just click on the following link....  http://youtu.be/2ZPhUq2RsUo    ENJOY !!!




 





Alarm System....

A bit off topic.....

I have received several emails, and a couple of comments to the Blog (see prior Blog under comments)  concerning the alarm diagram,  our security system and plan.  Just a couple of comments:

George...the switches are momentary 'horn' type switches.  The first relay (relay to the far left) is a 'locking' or latching relay circuit.  Once the horn button is pushed, the circuit is activated and the bells etc continue whether the switch is being pushed or not.  The only way to shut it off is to shut off the power at the circuit breaker.

Mike picked up a similar issue...ie. there is no 'reset' in the diagram.  This is correct.  I wanted the alarm to be 'difficult' to deactivate.  So, as mentioned above the only way to shut it off is to cut the power.  That is the primary reason why I used a 'horn' type switch, and not a regular on//off toggle switch.

Geoff... The sleeping area on Persephone is the V-birth; so an open hatch over the V-birth is necessary for ventilation.  The hatch is nearly 22 inches square, big enough for a perp to jump through. When speaking with Kate and Allen, their attackers entered their boat through the V-birth hatch.  So, I put 1" stainless steel tubes across the opening to prevent this from happening.  The tubes are attractive, and don't interfere with airflow, the screen or operation of the hatch.  The main midships hatch is closed and locked at night.  We have screens in solid frames for the companionway entrance and the slider is locked with a barrel bolt so that it can be securely locked from inside (and unreachable from the cockpit).   If Persephone were in an area that was very insecure (St. Vincent for example),  I can substitute the screens for the solid 3/4 teak hatch boards.


Bottom line, the cabin can secured,  with lots of outside noise and light... Hopefully, it will never be needed !This is a picture of the the hatch security system.....   

1" stainless tubing, Taco brand standard end caps, and bimini attachment
hardware tapped into the aluminum frame of the hatch.  The
result is incredibly strong and unobtrusive.

Goeff on "Beach House" sent a comment quoting Dylan:  "The times they are a changing".  This Blog used to be dedicated to beaches, bars, and beers.....promise to get back there soon...

Capt Dave

Pirates of the Caribbean.....

Kate and Allen anchored next to
'Persephone' in Grenada

I am not talking about the Disney, romanticized Pirates of the Carib, I am talking about the dirtbags that prey on cruisers.  This summer, our friends Kate and Allen on 'Mendosino Queen' were viciously attacked in the Tobaggo Keys.  The Keys are a National Park and turtle sancuary located just north of Grenada in the Grenedines.  This is a prestine reef system, frequented by cruisers for snorkelling, diving and turtle watching.  While anchored there, Kate and Allen were the victims of an armed robbery.  The full details are available on the following link: http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2011-07-12-2     

As a result (and as part of our systems upgrade), we have installed a panic alarm system as suggested by Kate and Allen.  Panic buttons are located in the V birth, and in the nav station.  A push of the button activates two LARGE bells, turns on the deck lights, and turns on a bright cockpit light.  One bell is located in the cabin, to disorient and the intruder, and to prevent any intruder from hearing what is happening outside;  the other bell is located in the cockpit to alert other cruisers.  We have also installed a remote radio microphone in the sleeping quarters; along with stainless steel bars over the hatch above the V birth.  I am sharing my design of the Panic Button Alarm System with fellow cruisers....hopefully none of us will ever need it....

   

Happy Thanksgiving....

Persephone flys a Canadain flag in celebration !! 

   Today is Canadian Thanksgiving....so a hearty HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our friends from the north.... !!  A full turkey dinner is planned at a local marina.

Our Canadian friends Lynn and Ken  (Silver Heels III) just completed hoisting a giant flag to honor the day !  In addition to the national celebration, it just happens to be Lynn's Birthday....So, its a double celebration on Silver Heels III.  Special "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" wishes to a great friend, Lynn. Have a great day !! 

The BLOG is BACK !!

    First, I want to thank all of you in the Blogisphere who have written me to make sure all was OK.  The simple answer is all is fine.  So,  how come there hasn't been a Blog in over a month ?  I got carried away with a major boat project.
    The navigation equipment on Persephone was over 12 years old, and nearing the end of its useful life.  Raymarine had a great rebate offer, so the decision was made to completely upgrade the entire chartplotter, radar, GPS, AIS, DSC, and MARPA  systems on Persephone (don't you just love all the initials !).  It took over a month to remove (and sell) the 'old' nav equipment, install the new system, and completely intergrate it.  During that month, the entire boat was pulled apart for wire runs, especially the nav station.  So, here is the result of all the hard (and sweaty) work......

The new chartplotter/GPS is the large screen in the left of the picture.  The grey box below is the AIS (anti- collision device).  Above the chartplotter is the WIFI router and Pactor (radio modem).  In the center are 3 radios; SSB (long distance shortwave), a VHF (short range marine comm), and ordinary stereo with Sirius Sat capability. 

An idential chartplotter was installed at the helm.  This is networked with the plotter at the nav station.  Below the plotter is the auto-pilot control, a data repeater (depth and speed) and controls for the anchor windless (so the anchor can be controlled from the helm).











This is the 'back' of the helm from the cockpit.  All of the wires from the nav system were run down the stainless tubing (which I had custom made here in Grenada).  The blue "square" is a sunbrella cover over the teak cockpit table.  The table was designed to swing down against the pedistal (and covered) when not is use.  Before, the table was stored down below when not in use and had to be carried out to the cocpit for each use.  I am now busy with the sewing machine finishing the covers for the new instruments.

The project is essential complete, everything works and all the instruments are 'talking' to each other.  It is a great system which should make navigation easier, safer and increase our situational awareness.  It was a big project and now that it is done, I promise to update you on all of the fun things that happened over the past month.  Stay tuned.....Capt Dave 

Roger's Barefoot Beach Bar

Roger's Barefoot Beach Bar

So, we're hanging out at Roger's having a coldie and listening to the band. As I approach the bar, I hear a local fellow asking Roger if he knows the crews of  'Persephone' or 'Silverheels III'.  "Hi, I'm from Persephone", I announce.  "Hi, I'm Franklin, and I have been following your blog for months now...it's really great to meet you", he says.  Mon, you need to get a life !", I retort.  Undaunted, Franklin continues..."I'm Grenadian, but working in Brooklyn...I've got 14 years left before I can retire, I can hardly wait to do what you are doing", he lamented"...

Parking Lot at Roger's

 Handshakes all around, clinking of Carib bottles, and tales of adventure followed.  As we talked we were entertained by a live local band (with their portable generator whining in the near background).  The waterlogged, blown-out, and muffled speakers added to the ambiance.  What they lacked in equipment, they made up in enthusiasm !!

The bandstand is below the high water mark, note
the seaweed under the stage....

Franklin, this Blog is dedicated to you, mon.  Twelve years ago, my dream was kept alive by the voyages of Bob and Lori on 'Pride'.  I hope that the travels of 'Persephone' help keep your dream alive, and you are able to sail in our wake as we did in Pride's....    

Should have kept practicing law !!

Genset being installed winter of 2008

Ever have one of those projects where everything you touch goes wrong ?  Well that is what happened while working on the genset (generator for making electricity when solar is unavailable).  The genset just ticked over 1000 hours so it was time for some major maintenance. I haven't ever changed the impeller (rubber vane device that pumps in sea water for cooling)  so it was about time.  The pump assembly was nearly against the starter motor, so it had to be totally removed.  It was mounted with a combination of metric and US bolts so it became an hour long guessing game to determine proper sizes.  The cover was attached with Allen bolts...I couldn't find the correct size and had to borrow one from friends on 'Joanna'. (another 1/2 hour).  Of course the impeller was seized in the housing and had to be manhandled to get it out....(add another 3/4 hour which included finding the bandaids).  I dropped a part (half the size of a dime) which keeps the impeller from free-spinning into the bowels of the engine...add another 20 minutes to find it...and another bandaid.  Reassembly was uneventful, but took nearly an hour.  OK, time to see if it works....I pushed the start switch and nothing but the sounds of silence !!  WTF !!!   I pushed it again....NOTHING !!  I pulled out a small mirror on  long handle to take a look around the starter circuit.  Yup, a wire was hanging with a plug on the end...but where did it belong ??  Add another 30 minutes of searching for a lonely male spade connector.  Finally, I found it on the rear of the starter circuit.  Add another 20 minutes of turning into a contortionist it get it back in place.  I hit the switch and the genset leaped to life....YIKES....I'm soaked....a hose had been loosened by accident, and it was spraying gallons of seawater all over me, and the genset.  But worse, the deluge was aimed  squarely at the back of the electronic panel for the solar panel charge controller....As I watched, I could see the circuit board frying and the LED lights going off one by one....  &^$+@#  !!  Cleaning up the saltwater took another hour.  The next day you have to add another 3 hours for a trip to Budget Marine for a new controller for $350.00 US and the installation.  What should have been a 15 minute project took nearly 10 hours and hundreds of dollars !!....  Some days it just doesn't pay to play mechanic....law was more fun, and cheaper !!

Lead us into Temptation....

"Lead us into Temptation" is one of the themes of this year's Carnival...  Join the cruisers of Grenada at this bacchanalian event --->

Susie of "Spirited Lady" always seems to be in the middle
of any spirited activity.  Here she is playing carnival with
one of the local groups !!  Cruisers are invited to participate;
you just have to purchase the costume.












 

Our friend Steve who works for Secret Harbor Marina here in Mt. Hartman Bay enjoys himself with
a rum in one hand at a young lady in the other !!
Enjoy Steve !!

Future Queen of Carnival

This custom stretches across the entire street !!

The Peacock !!

After a raucous afternoon at Carnival , on the bus ride home we had a tire blow out.  The jack was too large to fit under the bus, so we had to "lift" it up to get the jack under the frame. It took about about 20 minutes to get the tire changed (remember, we are on 'island time').  Yup, flat tires happen even in paradise....   

So, What's Up ??



Summer flowers of Grenada

 So about now,  you may be asking: "what's happened to the regular Blogs from Persephone" ?  Sharks ?  Pirates ? Rum ?  No, nothing that dramatic !!

A friend, Captain Morgan of "Winergie" bought a new boat (a 64 foot catamaran named "Nirvana")  which was located in St. Maarten.  He needed help delivering the boat to Grenada and offered to fly me to St. Maartin to assist in the delivery.  I said " sounds like fun, let's go !"  So, a week ago Monday, we flew up to the SXM to pick up the new boat.  "Persephone" was left by herself on her mooring in Grenada; under the watchful eyes of  Lynn and Ken of "Silverheels III".   For security reasons, I told very few people that I had left Grenada and "Persephone" was unattended and certainly didn't want to post that information on a public Blog.
Due to red tape, the potential formation of  the tropical event 'Emily' and minor repairs needed to "Nirvana" we didn't set sail from St. Maarten until noon on Friday. "Nirvana" is a BIG, nimble and FAST cat !!  In a moderate breeze she lopped along at 15 knots (or twice the speed of "Persephone" !!   She is so fast,  I think seatbelts would be a good idea !! We did the 370 mile trip in approximately 40 hours, averaging over 9 knots....that's flying !!  We arrived back in Grenada yesterday afternoon to the oohs and ahhs of fellow cruisers.
Now that I am back, the Blog will again be updated regularly....Next event here is Carnival which started yesterday.  Another event not to be missed .....   Capt Dave

Gone Green....

Everyone knows that my 'carbon footprint' is about the same shoe size as the Jolly Green Giant's !   But, not any more !!  The third (and final) solar panel has been installed and is fully operational.  'Persephone' is now totally green; meaning, we do not have to rely on the genset for making power.  Simply, 'Persephone' is 100% percent solar powered for all of our energy needs; including the largest power consumers... refrig-freezer and the computers. 

For the technically minded,  the panels total 455 watts and produce approximately 30 amps (per hour)  of electricity between 10 am and 3 pm.  This is more than sufficient to keep the batteries at full charge while meeting all of the onboard power needs.   The genset consumes 3/4 gallon of diesel fuel per hour, and was previously run for 2 hours per day.  At $5.50 US per gallon, we are saving  $8.25 US per day or $3,000.00 PER YEAR (120 cases of beer) !!

Well, enough with the numbers (I get a bit confused)  anyway....just remember 4 out of 3 yachties really like solar !

Lazy, Hazy Days....

So, here we are in tropics during the summer season.  Yes, it's HOT (but not nearly as hot as New York and the rest of the states this past week).  So, what's there to do to beat the heat ?  Go tubing down a river....

Getting ready to go tubing....



Staying cool on a hot day....

Mike (left) of "Zero to Cruising" and Lynn of "SH III"

Shooting the rapids (John, "Celtic Dream" left)

Our guide steers us through the rocks....



Dawnelle's ("Celtic Dream") smile says it all !!





"MANGO MADNESS".....

On Friday, Grenada celebrated MANGO FESTIVAL 2011.  This is an annual event dedicated to THE mango.  Yup, you've got it... Grenada opened it's National Stadium to a bunch of fruits !! 

A mango is a mango, right ?  WRONG ! !  I was overwhelmed by the number of varieties of mango.  On the table pictured at the left, there were approximately 20 varieties displayed. Our local friend Keith (who keeps Persephone supplied with all kinds of fruits from his yard) explained that there are nearly a hundred different varieties grown on the island. ("Excuse me, are mangoes and pineapples related " ?   "No, mon, 'des pineapples are d'air for decorations."  She then muttered something in creole under her breath....probably "'have a nice day"...






The day was dedicated to all of the things you can do with a mango....juice, wine, plain sauce, hot sauce, cake, truffles, pie, ice cream (VERY GOOD)  candies, soap, lotions, tarts, cookies, dried, just to name a very few.  The table at the right was one of several displaying the different mango products.







The best thing to do with a mango ----just eat it as is...DELICIOUS !!!