Jim - Master Navigator
Jim kicked ass analyzing that last weather system! There’s no other way to say it. After my note to you, he continued to review weather and decided our best bet was to, in effect, turn tail and run for it. We didn’t do a complete 180 but we did alter course and return 90 miles back the way we came with a more westerward angle. Jim’s routing made sure we stayed south of heavy weather and allowed us to sneak up behind the low-pressure system. While we had winds in excess of 20 knots and seas in the 10 ft range, it was less than half of what we could have encountered had we tried to plow through. All the boats in our flotilla altered course in one way or another. Seas remain lumpy and bumpy today with 9-10-foot swells, but winds have abated to the 12-15 knot range. The hardest challenge facing us now is laying a course directly for Lautoka, Fiji. We are currently motor-sailing upwind, which is no fun but better than getting our butts kicked last night.
NOTE: Mothers, sisters and aunts stop reading here. Again, I’m not being funny but recommend you not read the following until we arrive in Fiji.
About seven hours before the system hit-and it does in fact “hit”. We heard a distressing call that our dear friends, Steve and Wendy, on Elusive were taking on water. Another friend of ours, Scarlett O’Hara was en route to assist them. Wendy, you may recall, was my Auckland buddy for two weeks while our husbands brought our boats over from Tonga in November. Elusive, a J race boat, had started taking on water. Steve tore it apart trying to find the source he couldn’t locate it. Wendy and their 30-year-old son, Allan, boarded the dinghy (liferaft in effect) in anticipation of sinking. Luckily, Scarlett O’Hara, made it to them before things went further. Tied aside Elusive, John from Scarlett boarded the sinking boat in an attempt to help Steve find the leak. Steve and John are two of the most savvy boat maintenance, fix-it guys in the fleet. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough this time. Elusive had to be abandoned and was coasting barely above the surface less than an hour before dark. It goes without saying we were devastated listening to these events unfold on the emergency net that coincided in timing with the sinking. It was emotionally disturbing and shocking to say the very least. We’ve heard and talked with Steve over the radio since then and it is still heart-warming every time we hear his voice. They were so very fortunate that Scarlett was so close, that this happened before dark and before the storm. It is said, “Things happen for a reason.” If this weather system had not been advancing Elusive and Scarlett would not have been as close to one another and a sea rescue of this sort may not have been possible. We thank God, a million times over, things worked out the way they did. Steve, Wendy and Allan remain on Scarlett en route to Fiji with the rest of the fleet.
May 17th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Wow! We are so glad you guys are OK, and that the boat was the only casualty for your friends. We pray for safe passage to Fiji, and look forward to your post-decompression posts! Much love, Julie, Steve and Ryan
May 17th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Jim and Tiffany:
Great news! that you have outwitted this storm. From the Sonoran desert, the thought of you two entering the dark weather was a strange contrast - but did think of you often yesterday and talked about it with family. Spend Saturday wondering what the storm was like for you. My kids were asking about you Sunday morning. It’s a wonderful surprise to hear from you so quickly and with great news.
The realities of sailing long distance are captured in your blog entry. Decided contrast to many of your light hearted and joyous postings. Maybe it is time to go back to land for awhile, since your experiences are beginning to sound like a complete trip (used in the 60’s context). The joy and frivolity are fun reads, but this entry carries a mature perspective. And the economy seems to be improving, which may allow for a few years of provisioning. Whoa, have you guys learned so much. It would fill a large warehouse. Sure do appreciate that you’re sharing it with us. Thanks and God Speed.
Best,
Scott
May 17th, 2009 at 11:32 am
We’re so glad that you’ve made it through the storm safely. I totally uderstand why you;’d like to be come land dwellers again!
May 17th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
You’re sure getting a full experience of the seafaring life in your three short years of going to sea!!! Thanks to good seamanship and the always needed, share of good luck, no liives were lost. As you know, these experiences are lessons that will be with you the rest of your lives. May God bring you fair winds and smooth seas for the rest of your voyage. Dan y Linda
May 17th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hey Guys!
Wanted to let you know we are thinking of you all, especially Steve and Wendy. Please give them a big hug for us when you see them. We are in Annaoplis, MD with Little Wing - getting her ready to go on the market. You may have heard we have purchased an Outbound 46 (”Flyer”), located in Seattle, and can’t wait to get out there again.
Our best to everyone and we wish we were there!
Kay
May 17th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Wow and wow!! God bless your friends and their rescurers. Good job to all three of you as it is more than luck that you BPD are still afloat and safe. You have the needed skill and talents to be doing what you are doing! My congratulations! And randy’s too.
Be safe my friends
Della
May 17th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Tiffany and Jim,
Nice work on the routing Jim, you got it going on chief! Tiffany, you sound pretty darn game, go girl!
Please give Steve and Wendy my condolences on the loss of Elusive, they are a great couple and the boat was incredible. Hang in there, Fiji Bitter a few days out!! Wishin’ I was there to enjoy with you!
Dave
May 17th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
For Patrick (spamrice): doesn’t look you’ll make your May 23 return date, eh?
May 17th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Great news to hear you were able to steer clear of the weather system. So sorry to hear about Elusive, but still wonderful news that Steve and Wendy are safe. Look forward to hearing more when you arrive in Fiji.
May 18th, 2009 at 4:58 am
Wait a minute - what do you mean “Eight Sank”? How do 8 boats sink like that? You’ll have to follow up on that teaser in your next blog. This is the kind of stat you don’t want your family reading! Good job navigating, and sorry to hear about your friends boat.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Selfishly, I’m happy that this was a third-person narrative. We’re glad you guys are ok!
May 18th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Hey guys,
I’m anxious to hear any more news about the Botts. Please email or call when you can.
Best regards,
Mark McClellen ( Steve’s crew from Tonga to NZ)
(cell ph sent by email to the BP Crew & deleted from the comment by Admin)
May 19th, 2009 at 10:25 am
WOW! I was off line for a few days and just got caught up. I’m so sorry to hear about your friends but glad to hear that they and all of you are safe. I’ll be glad to hear when you safely arrive in Fiji.
Bill
May 20th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Thank God that you are all safe. My best to Steve and Wendy. Take care of each other.
Ed