4th Attempt Ends
Kiwi Spirit II heads for St. Augustine. It is not what we wanted to hear. It's a bitter disappointment, I know. Never in over my 100,000 sea miles have I had so much go wrong so soon. Major problems include: loss of bilge pumps, loss of two starboard side hydro generators so necessary for power. In addition diesel fuel leaks into bilges and fresh water system failure. I could sail on but I don't believe we have a chance of making it. I will have a more detailed report
Kiwi Spirit Disabled - for now
In the predawn hour the Code Zero headsail furling failed and the sail in fresh winds unwound. The furling gear on the drum then parted and so I had no choice but to dump the sail in the ocean while keeping it attached. Four hours later I had it on board - mostly. A good piece was snagged on the propeller and would not yield so i dumped the whole sail back in the water again hoping it might float free of the propeller. No luck. By 2:00pm I was exhausted from the eight hours o
Bermuda Rounded in 6 Days
It began with a send off from St Augustine. Not like the first time when there were hundreds present on the dock and bridge, twenty some boats in escort including the Coast Guard and the fort fired canon in a salute. Now on my fourth and final attempt there were a faithful hundred and just a few boats. The fort did not notice me. None the less I was overwhelmed with the emotions of the support. Thank you St Augustine. I will return. I am rounding Bermuda as I dictate this, it