[PUP] Summer Skis 05/30/07: Calm seas at last en route to Bermuda

[Georgs Kolesnikovs]

Date: 30 May 2007
Time 1200
Position
28.58.90 N
76.55.00 W
Approximately 225 miles east of Daytona Beach FL
Distance covered from the dock at Coral Ridge Y.C.
619 NM
Distance traveled last 24 hours; 188 NM
Approximate distance to go: 630 NM

In the last 24 hours we have moved east of the Gulf Stream and we are 
now enjoying very calm seas and gentle winds.
When we made the turn to Bermuda yesterday we were at the back of the 
fleet as a safety net if there were any problems. We were essentially 
five miles behind the lead boat.
When the turn was made and we intersected the rhumb line to Bermuda 
we were 4 miles ahead of the fleet. The rally leader Milt Baker 
indicated that we could all go to Nav. mode and it was no longer 
necessary to maintain an inverted "V" formation. In essence the 
slower boats are now in the lead. Based on the SOG (Speed Over 
Ground) those behind us should catch up sometime Saturday. We are all 
within VHF radio range and at night we can see the lights of the 
other boats. The boat continues to perform well.
The fishing expertise of "Salty Dawg" is quite good. So good they are 
hosting cookout on their boat in Bermuda so we can enjoy the fruits 
of their labors. So far the count is 6 18-20 Lb Mahi Mahi, 4 20 Lb 
Wahoo, & one Mackerel. The other boats have been not been as 
successful. That includes Summer Skis.
Unfortunately one of our boats had to drop out last night due to a 
serious stabilizer problem. Down Time owned by Walter Smithe of 
Chicago had to return to the Florida coast for repairs. Walter and 
Mary will be missed. Once repairs are made they will continue their 
trip up the ICW to the Chesapeake Bay and New England.
Today being calm and very pleasant we are taking care of some house 
keeping items, vacuuming, doing laundry, and tonight we will grill 
steaks on the grill in the cockpit.
We cannot believe the difference in the weather, in fact we have been 
running without stabilizers for about 4 hours. It reminds me of a day 
trip to Block Island. A very gentle ocean swell and wind of about 5-7 
knots. Based on what we have been hearing from "Weather Bob" as well 
as Chris Parker it looks like this for the rest of the trip.
Our projected ETA to Bermuda's Southwest way point is 0945 Sunday 
June 3. This will be updated as we get closer as there are still some 
currents in the area between us and Bermuda. Based on our speed and 
the distance to travel this should get us into Hamilton in the mid 
afternoon. We will need the time to clean the outside of the boat. We 
are "caked" with salt, even as high as the Radar antenna.
We are all looking forward to the continued calm conditions and our 
arrival in Bermuda.
I will again report tomorrow.
The crew of Summer Skis
wishes you all well.
Jim, Pete & Pat
onboard Summer Skis
Nordhavn 43