Cruising Shot of the Week

A Holiday Wish

May the seas be smooth and gentle

May the wind be always favorable

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall where you are not sailing

And until we meet again, may you stay healthy and forever young.

-(Remodeled Irish Blessing)

Sent in by Hans, Mart and kids, S/V Mareka of Holland

Have a cool cruising shot to share? Send it to us at: comments@cruisingcompass.com.

Welcome to Cruising Compass! Bringing you your weekly fix of news, notes and tips for cruisers and sailors.

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-Your Cruising Editor, Nancy Birnbaum

Dock Talk

Quadriplegic to Sail Across Atlantic



Quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt, 43, from Hampshire, set sail from Lanzarote December 10th en route to become the first disabled man to sail the Atlantic solo. Geoff hopes to be in the British Virgin Islands, in three week's time. Geoff will travel 2,700 miles (4345km) from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.

He will be returning to Garden Bay in Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, where he suffered a diving accident that paralyzed him. Mr. Holt said he hopes the journey will help him "lay some ghosts to rest."

He is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail around Britain and will be accompanied by a caregiver and a cameraman on board his boat, called Impossible Dream. However, he will do all his own sailing on board the specially-equipped boat.

Since he has only limited use of his arms and hands, will use hydraulic push button technology to sail the 60ft (18m) catamaran for the 17 days it is expected to complete the voyage. Click here to read more.

How Many Sailing Sites are Under Pirate Attack?

This past weekend, at least two well-known sailing and cruising sites were under attack by pirate hackers.

"Russian hackers may have been responsible for infecting the Seven Seas Cruising Association website," said Pat Lynch, SSCA's web master. "The site was infected with a Trojan bug that attacked each and every html page." Read the whole story at Click here.

30 Knot Winds and Tough Conditions for 16-Year-Old Watson

On day 51 (December 8) of her solo circumnavigation, Jessica Watson passed the 6000 nautical mile mark and is preparing to take on the Southern Ocean.

The 16-year-old is trying to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. She hopes to do it in eight months.

As she heads south to Cape Horn, Jessica has been very busy in recent days, adhering to detailed checklists as she prepares her boat Ella’s Pink Lady to take on the rougher conditions of the Southern Ocean. She changed over to a heavy weather staysail this afternoon. The 6,000nm mark also means Jessica has completed over 25 percent of her 23,000nm voyage, as the ever-decreasing critics remain eerily silent.

The past 24 hours has seen Jessica endure her toughest conditions to date on her solo circumnavigation attempt, with wind gusts of up to 30 knots and 3 a meter swell, courtesy of a low pressure system on her way south to Cape Horn. Despite the stronger winds, the low was not as bad as the predicted 40-50 knots initially forecast. The good news is that she is through the peak of the squash zone, which is a strange and unpredictable area between the tropics and the Southern Ocean.

"For all the concerned bloggers and supporters eagerly awaiting an update report, we can assure you that Jessica and Ella’s Pink Lady are progressing well and she will update you all when she can. She is resting, eating well and well prepared should conditions rapidly change," her Blog stated. MORE: www.jessicawatson.com.au/.

EU Issues Pirate Warning to Lone French Yachtsman

The EU navy force off Somalia issued a danger alert Monday after finding a lone French yachtsman sailing through pirate infested waters in the Gulf of Aden toward Madagascar.

"The region is considered a hotbed for piracy and is considered too dangerous for lone yachtsmen," EUNAVFOR said in a statement, after one of its vessels, the Dutch warship HNLMS Evertsen made contact Monday with the sailor. More online at BWS.com.



Ransom Deal Blocked for Somali Hostages Paul and Rachel Chandler

The British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates six weeks ago were on the verge of being freed for a 100,000 (GBP) ransom when the government blocked the deal, according to a story in the Guardian UK Observer.

The money to release Paul and Rachel Chandler, taken hostage from their yacht Lynn Rival on October 23, had been agreed by a British negotiator two weeks ago. Foreign Office officials rejected the breakthrough, saying that they would not allow payments to hostage-takers. The disclosure will increase the anguish for relatives of the Chandlers, after concern that Britain's policy of not talking to kidnappers will endanger their lives. Photo: 'Paul and Rachel Chandler: kidnapped on 23 October' /AP. From: www.guardian.co.uk. Read the whole story at BWS.com.

Forecast is for Busy 2010 Hurricane Season



U.S. meteorologists say they expect an above-average number of Atlantic basin hurricanes to develop during next year's hurricane season. Meteorologists Philip Klotzbach and William Gray -- in the 27th annual early extended-range hurricane forecast issued by Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project -- predict 11-16 named storms will develop, 6-8 of them hurricanes and 3-5 of the hurricanes to become major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

The team said its December early season forecast calls for a range of storms since the report is based on Atlantic basin conditions that can change substantially by the June 1 start of the hurricane season. Klotzbach and Gray said they will issue specific numerical predictions in their next forecast April 7.

"We foresee a somewhat above-average Atlantic basin hurricane season," Gray said. "We anticipate the current El Nino event to dissipate by the 2010 hurricane season and warm sea surface temperatures are likely to continue being present in the tropical and North Atlantic during 2010 – conditions that contribute to an above-average season." MORE: http://tinyurl.com/yljxgnz.

Horizon Antigua Launches ‘Shore Side Sailing’ Package

Horizon Antigua launches ‘Shore Side Sailing’ package for the new season with a special introductory promotion. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this new package that combines 5 days of ASA sailing tuition on board a Bavaria 42 yacht while staying in a waterfront villa that has its own 50’ dock for 7 nights. Horizon has a special promotion offering complimentary ASA course materials, two free days of course instruction and two free nights of accommodation (based on a minimum seven night booking). Prices, based on a 5 day ASA course and 7 nights accommodation for four people, start from as little as US$655 per person. MORE: www.horizonyachtcharters.com/l.



Fifth Generation Oceanis 50

First unveiled to the world at the Cannes International Boat / Yacht Show, Beneteau's new Oceanis 50 from BJ Marine ushers in the fifth generation of the Oceanis range, with a new look and new, practical and functional design solutions.

The Oceanis 58 and Oceanis 50 are the first production cruising yachts to be fitted with a fixed sprayhood arch to carry the mainsail sheet track. This newest addition to the Beneteau fleet also offers new energy management solutions, including LED navigation lights and internal lighting and a 2-speed refrigeration compressor.

The new Oceanis 50 pays special attention to shared living spaces, like the galley, saloon and chart table. This yacht offers an unrivalled choice of layout options, from sailing as a couple to cruising with all the family. In all, 4 versions are available, and the Oceanis 50 Family with optional bow cabin offers up to 13 berths! MORE: www.beneteau.com/.

TMM Offers Free WiFi Aboard all BVI-Based Yachts



Tortola, British Virgin Islands – TMM Yacht Charters has announced an innovative plan to offer free WiFi aboard all BVI based charter yachts. This is a first-of-a-kind service provided through a partnership with LIME, the Caribbean’s largest full service communications company.

LIME has worked with TMM to come up with the perfect solution that offers fast Internet access throughout all of the BVI. It utilizes a small wireless router that plugs directly into boat’s electrical systems to create a WiFi umbrella throughout the boat that accesses LIME’s advanced network. This allows charter clients to check email, the weather, or just stay in touch using their laptops, BlackBerry or Smartphones.

TMM was established in 1979 in the British Virgin Islands. They place an emphasis on providing personalized service and top-quality boats to their customers. TMM currently offers both sail and power vessels in Belize, the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands.

NMMA Purchases New England Boat Show

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced the acquisition of the New England Boat Show from North America Expositions Company as part of a larger strategic repositioning of its boat show portfolio. The purchase of the New England Boat Show confirms NMMA’s belief in the long term value of boat shows and its stance that shows in large, populated boating markets are most viable and will remain a successful and important part of the boating industry. With its most recent purchase, NMMA now owns and produces a total of 20 consumer boat shows annually throughout North America .

Ecklund Wins Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series Event No. 1

On close, competitive Biscayne Bay, the 2010 Audi Melges 20 Miami Winter Series Event No. 1 concluded with Jeff Ecklund (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) on STAR, and crew members Bora Gulari and George ‘Bear’ Peet as champions. Trying to fill Ecklund’s superstar-size, top-notch helmsman shoes was substitute-helm, good friend and fellow Lauderdale Yacht Club member Tom Lihan. Ecklund won the event on count back after Saturday’s solid performance. Tied for first in points, occupying second place overall is Eric Wynsma (East Grand Rapids, Mich.) on Superfly and in third was fleet newcomer Robert Wilber (Stone Creek, Conn.) on Cinghaile. The first of three Miami Winter regattas is hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), supported by Shake-A-Leg Miami and Melges Performance Sailboats, the International Audi Melges 20 Class Association is thrilled to be welcoming 13 teams to the crystal-clear blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

Teck Talk

Hark! The Heralding of New C-Map 4-D

Jeppesen Marine is heralding the unveiling of C-MAP 4-D electronic charting. The "4-D" (fourth dimension) refers to time. Users will be able to update, choose or change their electronic charts at any time without having to buy new cartography cartridges, says Michelle Buckalew, Jeppesen senior marketing manager. C-MAP 4-D content will be updated at least twice per year, says Buckalew.

Other features include True-View and Photos, Easy-Routing Technology, and Nautical Paper Charts (vector charts overlaid on 3-D images). The other half of C-MAP 4-D is the MAX segment, which includes features of C-MAP MAX charts, like 3-D viewing and satellite photos. Jeppesen expects C-MAP 4-D to be available in 2010. Pricing information was not immediately available. MORE: (303) 799-9090 or www.jeppesen.com/lightmarine. From Tradeonlytoday.com.

Another Great Boater Gift – the Multipurpose Ice Pick!



Beckson Marine's Shipmate Stainless Steel Pick/Probe is capable of splitting the smallest ice pieces while also serving as the perfect hole starter. It's great for boating, fishing or even when serving cocktails at a party. The stainless steel blade does not flex under normal use. Shipmate's special handle design fits almost everyone's hand size and is shaped to prevent accidental roll-off from counters and decks. The handle is constructed from unbreakable marine plastic, resulting in a lifetime of trouble-free service. Starting at just $13.25, it makes a great stocking stuffer. Get it at www.beckson.com.

Cool Things To Do

International Sailing Regatta Key West – Jan 18-22, 2010

Veteran sailboat racing teams from around the world are to compete in the waters off America’s southernmost city during Key West 2010, scheduled Monday through Friday, Jan. 18-22.

Presented by Nautica and now in its 23rd year, the Key West event is one of the most prestigious sailing regattas on the international calendar. National and international racing teams, including that of repeat competitor Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, are to test their mettle against teams from around the United States during five days of competition.

The action is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. daily, with as many as 10 races scheduled during the challenge. Competitors are to race on courses set over an 8-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean just off Key West’s shore and inside the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys. Spectators also can watch the races from prime viewing spots on land including Key West’s Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches. For more information and a race schedule, visit www.Premiere-Racing.com or call (781) 639-9545.

Boat Rat's Tip of the Week

10 Towing Tips



1. When you tow, attach the line from your stern tie down or a stern cleat. The lower the attachment point on your boat the better.

2. If you have a tow bridle for your boat that's better than a single line attachment. While the cleats on most boats can handle docking stresses and anchoring stresses, some are not fit to tow another vessel through waves. The shock of riding up and down while also experiencing a lateral pull can tear cleats off decks. Under the stress of a stretched line, a cleat that tears itself free from a boat can become a deadly missile. The best way to avoid this on both the towing boat and the towed boat is to make a bridle for both vessels and use a long towrope. On the towing boat the bridle begins at the bow eye, wraps around both sides of the tow vessel and is padded off the hull to prevent chaffing with fenders. (Keep the bridle up out of the water by suspending it through loops coming down from each cleat. Spreading the load this way ensures the strain is taken up by the entire hull and not just focused on the two stern cleats. It also helps in maneuvering.

On the boat being towed, the bridle extends through the bow eye around both sides and attaches to itself with a bowline knot at the stern. If you don’t have enough rope to create such a bridle, consider calling the Coast Guard or at least distribute the load over several cleats. Once the bridles are in place, connect the towline between them again using a bowline. The towline must be strong enough for the tow and capable of some stretch. Double braided nylon line is the best, but you will have to use whatever is available. Try to avoid twisted nylon because if it breaks, it will snap back with tremendous force.

3. Increasing the length of the towline increases the maneuverability of the tow boat.

4. The towline should be long enough so that there is Catenary (dip in the line) during the tow.

5. The length should be adjusted so that both vessels are "in step" - both riding up and down waves at the same time, not one going down a wave while the other is shouldering up a wave. The longer the tow line, the easier the ride. The easier the ride, the less stress applied to the hardware. Three or four hundred feet of tow line is typically used when towing a thirty foot to fifty foot vessel in from offshore - sometimes more.

6. Tie a towel around the tow line about 2/3 the way to his boat. If the towline breaks this will hopefully prevent the line from sling-shotting into your boat and possibly injuring someone.

7. PFD's for everyone on both boats.

8. Have the person in charge of the other boat stay aboard (with PFD on) and tell him to stay inside your wake.

9. Have a sharp knife (serrated blades work best) ready in case you need to cut the towline. A stretched rope can itself snap and cause serious injury.

10. Always carefully consider the safety of the rescue boat and the crew of both vessels before beginning.

Portions of these tips were published previously online; powerboating.com – "24-4-Lifeline -Towing Safety" and boatingabc.com – "Safely Towing Another Boat."

Cruising Community

More Extreme Cruising with Eric Forsyth

Eric Forsyth, recipient of the 2000 Blue Water Medal (Cruising Club of America) and the 2007 Seven Seas Award given by the Seven Seas Cruising Association, has just returned from his second cruise through the Northwest Passage.

Truly a remarkable feat which makes Fiona one of the first cruising yachts to have completed this difficult and dangerous 7,000 mile journey.

"We pushed on," writes Eric, "for nearly twelve hours before we had to admit we were stuck and we tied ourselves to an iceberg just before midnight, although the light from a watery sun illuminated the fog and the gloomy scene around us. I was awakened by a crash and the sudden tilting of my bunk. We all rushed on deck; a berg had collided with our own icy haven, it had rotated and the underwater mass had lifted Fiona's bow clear of the surface. With the stern still in deep water I started the engine. . . Read the entire story online at BWS.com. Photo: 'Fiona aground at low tide, pushed onshore by ice at Resolute Bay.' / R. Roberts.

Cartagena Cruisers Security Issue

In a report from the Cruisers Network Online and, posted by moderator Glenn Tuttle, (M/V Tothill) another incident involving a cruising vessel has the security of this popular stopover on the minds of visiting cruisers.

"The following security incident was reported on the Cartagena Cruisers Net (8:00 am VHF radio net Ch-68):

Wednesday, December 2nd in the late afternoon, a sailboat arriving in Cartagena at the Boca Chica ship channel, was boarded by 4 men carrying guns and machetes. They robbed the vessel of an extensive inventory of electronic equipment, computers, money, etc. The incident was reported to the Colombian Guardia Costa who are investigating the incident.

This is not the first time that vessels have been boarded while using the Boca Chica ship channel. It is the consensus of most cruisers in Cartagena the Boca Grande channel is a much safer choice to enter Cartagena harbor. The Boca Grande channel entrance is well marked by red and green buoys showing the location of the underwater wall and the safe route into the harbor.

Also, there has been a sharp increase in dinghy thefts in the Cartagena anchorage and surrounding areas. All of the dinghies than have been stolen were left in the water and unsecured. A meeting was held between a group of cruisers and the Guardia Costa relative to the situation. The Guardia Costa believes the banditos are swimmers from the street, and the activity usually occurs between 2 am and 4 am. The bottom line is although the Guardia Costa is very concerned about the thefts, the cruisers are responsible for lifting and securing of their dinghies.

On a lighter note, since Club Nautico Marina is in a state of total reconstruction, the usual Wednesday night cruisers happy hour is now at happening at Pacho y Guillo's Bar / Restaurant which is conveniently located across from Mimo's Ice Cream and around the corner from the Carulla Express convenience store, within walking distance of both Club Nautico and Club de Pesca. Last night there were well over 100 cruisers there having a good time."

Cruising Green

BVI Spring Regatta Recycling Campaign Raises the Bar

We can all be pleased that the BVI Spring Regatta campaign to promote the use of recyclable water bottles resulted in funds being raised for the donation to VISAR and Green VI, but it was even more important what this donation represented.

Judy Petz, BVI Spring Regatta Director explained, “We really did it. We set out to reduce plastic waste by 30 percent and with the donation by the BVI Tourist Board of the green reusable water bottles and Chuck Peterson stepping in and supplying free refills throughout our regatta, plastic waste was reduced considerably. We met our goal and next year plan to raise the bar even higher.” The new "Clean, Green event" is set for March 29 to April 4, 2010.

Sailors for the Sea, an organization committed to protecting the oceans and sponsors of the Clean Regattas Certification Program, awarded the 2009 BVI Spring Regatta the first Silver certificate to ever be awarded to any regatta. Building on the success of 2009, Petz said that efforts will be expanded for the March 29 – April 4, 2010 event to include a further reduction of disposable plastic, a reduction of paper used in the registration process, electronic press packets, volunteers monitoring recycling bins and helping sailors and partygoers to get the trash and recyclable materials disposed of properly. Photo: 'Happy to be Green! Judy Petz reads Blue Water Sailing' / N.Birnbaum. MORE: www.bvispringregatta.org.

Thousands of Starfish Stranded on Beach in UK



Thousands of starfish have perished on a beach in Norfolk on the UK's East Anglia coastline. Scientists have speculated that strong currents due to the abnormally stormy weather may have caused the mass stranding that covered a quarter of a mile of the beach near Holkham. Others have speculated that dredging could be to blame. From: www.pbo.co.uk.

Website of the Week

www.pixlmonster.com/quackerjack/boat_captains/

Just for fun this week, "Famous Boat Captains Compared." Find out what Ahab, Columbus, Captain Hook, Captain Crunch and even The Captain and Tennille all have in common!

For the Hungry Crew...

Rum Cake

• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 18 1/2 ounces yellow cake mix
• 1 3/4 ounces instant vanilla pudding
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk, chilled
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1 stick butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dark rum

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Sprinkle nuts on bottom of pan. Combine the cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, milk, vegetable oil and 1 / 2 cup dark rum. Beat for 2 minutes on high with an electric mixer. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool in the pan, invert on a serving plate. To make the glaze, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum. (The rum will cause it to steam so be careful not to burn yourself.) Prick the top of the cake with a fork. Drizzle the glaze. Let cool and place in an airtight plastic container. NOTE: This cake gets better if it sits for 1-3 days. It also freezes very well. You can make it ahead and freeze in a container. Serves 10.

From The Yachting Gourmet – Easy gourmet cooking on board! By Mary Maskal. Order one for your favorite galley crew today! www.yachtinggourmetstore.com.

Mindbender

How do Flying Fish Fly?

Anyone who has made a long distance passage or even an over-nighter has probably found a flying fish or two on deck in the morning. How'd they get on board?

• Congrats to Joe Eletto, Apollo Beach, FL! "Lengthening a tow rope generally increases the maneuverability of the towboat." From: The Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge by John Vigor. In case you missed it or read the CC from the bottom up – check out today's Boat Rat – 10 Towing Tips.