[PUP] Nordhavns headed south

[Dennis Bruckel]

Scott wrote...

There is a
certain buffer in traveling with others as I know they are there to assist
if needed. That doesn't mean I need to borrow their crew, but it means I
know 3 radars are looking for targets. Several times last night the three
of us changed course to miss fishing boats and other cruising boats. 

Dennis replies...

 Hello Scott, and first, congratulations on your beginning to "realize the
dream"!

The recently completed Milt Baker-led Med Bound 07 was the first time I
have made ocean passages accompanied by another vessel or several others.
The change in intensity level needed to stand watch was amazingly different
from previous passages as a single unaccompanied vessel. On previous
passage I had always thought I needed nearly 100% concentration at night to
keep things in order, with often large numbers of things happening at the
same time, and feeling quite alone to sort it out.

On the Med Bound trip we had 8 vessels for the first leg to Bermuda, then
three for the balance of the trip to the Azores and on to Gibraltar. We
traveled in a loose V pattern with perhaps less than a mile separation
during the day, and generally more than a mile between each vessel during
the dark hours. Generally, the lead boat, Milt's Bluewater, made contact
with potential crossing or overtaking conflicts. All or nearly all our
vessels had AIS, and some worked exceptionally well and they generally
alerted the vessels with less well tweaked systems to upcoming situations.

We never did have to stop or slow for another vessel's mechanical problems,
but the advantage of multiple sets of eyes and radar on watch made for
remarkably stress free nighttime watches. It made me a believer in
passagemaking in groups where possible, as long as everyone understands the
responsibilities and expectations, and all the vessels and crews are well
prepared. 

If  I've not thanked Milt and Judy Baker enough for organizing the event,
and David and Lowie Bock for asking Esther and I along for the cruise on
Salty Dawg, again, a mighty thanks.

A personal thrill was being noted by Milt as the "Fishing Czar" as Salty
Dawg consistently landed many more fish that the rest of the fleet
combined. I had not thought of myself as a particularly successful salt
water fisherman, and need to thank David Bock for having a VERY well
equipped locker(s) of fishing tackle. Esther and Lowie even produced a
hilarious CD titled "Fishing Techniques on Nordhavns" which we showed to
the group in Bermuda. Last week my wife gave me a T shirt with photographic
images of several (actually 9) of the biggest fish we caught. I drag it out
to brag at the slightest opportunity.

Do keep us posted on your experiences!

Dennis

Dennis Bruckel, Cruising Editor
Waterway Guide
Albin 27  Sadie B
website www.debruckel.com 
cell phone 407 414 0531