We've got a good trolling rod and a box of lures so as soon as we leave Mexican waters, we'll be trolling.
Even saw a whale off in the distance. Interesting and friendly conversation with the crew as we get to know each other. Equipment: Diesel engine ran for 1 hour @ 2000 rpm to charge the battery. Full sails up and moving along.
We can't run the engine for too long since we only have a limited amount of fuel. Equipment: Diesel ran for 3 hrs @ 2200 rpm for range and to charge batteries. Full sails up, switched working jib for full genoa. InReach seems to only want to pair with smartphone, not Nexus 7 tablet. InReach also eats AA batteries, 2/day. Good thing we brought lots and have the Goal Zero solar charger.
Going to Ensenada and waiting for better wind is tempting but would be a very bad idea, since we would use fuel going in the opposite direction. The wind can pick up anytime. We have neither the time nor money to divert course from Hawaii, so we must keep the bow pointed WSW and wait/hope for good wind. We must go to Hawaii! Equipment: Diesel ran for 3 hrs @ 2200 rpm for range and to charge the batteries. Autopilot disc broke, but can easily fix later. One lazy jack line also broke with the bashing of the sails and got tangled with the main halyard. Do I need to climb the mast? Can't fix until daylight. Good news is that the SW radio/ Nexus 7 WXfax app works great and we're getting good weather reports.
Trying to make a crank tool for the engine crank shaft pulley, but it is difficult. This model engine does not have decompression levers nor is it made to be hand cranked. Also trying everything to charge the batteries: hand spin the alternator and tried making a hydro generator from a tuna can and spare 12 volt pump/ motor. The former doesn't work at all, and the latter sort of worked but couldn't attach the rope warp to the motor effectively and lost the contraption. Just have to keep sailing!
Making much slower progress than planned, due to the loss of the engine, so the water supply is lower than desired. We want to arrive with plenty of extra water so we can take a shower before we get into port! Now flying along with a 15 kt tail wind, wing on wing in the trade winds. Forecast says we should have good tail winds for the next few days. Equipment: NSTR
A bit of a pain in the ass getting the jib halyard to not wrap around when hoisting the jib up the furler foil in big seas. Got wrapped at the top anyway and spent a few hours trying to unwrap. Finally fixed. In these wind/sea conditions, the boat doesn't seem to need a headsail. Just 2nd reefed mainsail and we are still sail/surfing at full hull speed. This is awesome!
Equipment: Loss of battery power now a problem, since can't use running lights or VHF. VHF handheld radio OOC as well, since the switch got accidentally turned on in the ditch bag- d'oh! Need another VHF AA battery pack. In lieu of running lights, will keep the spot light handy to illuminate the sails if another vessel is sighted. Need to start keeping a good watch again.
Called Vessel Assist (1-800-391-4869) and they are on standby to give us a tow into port tomorrow if needed. Definitely want to sail in though if at all possible to save $250. Just need wind from any direction except the north. Equipment: F@#$ing engine...
We have just... barely... enough wind now and are just barely making headway to just... barely... get to the fuel dock. We made it!! Crisis averted and s/v Gemini is officially moored at the now abandoned former fuel dock at Ala Wai. What a convenient spot. Too bad access to shore is gated off with barbed wire. But we've come this far and we have bolt cutters! Just kidding, we can climb the fence and/or use the dinghy now to access the rest of the harbor and check in with the harbormaster. Made friends right away with Dave, Gary, ...(and a few other people) who have boats here. Now to get checked in to a proper spot here with the added challenge of moving the boat in the harbor without an engine and/or charging the batteries to get the diesel started... Aloha Hawaii, it's so great to be here!!
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