Alpha Crucis Atlantic Crossing

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03/10/06
Our article in the local Yarmouth paper – not a great photo of us though ha ha!!

New Zealand sailors on their way to England

BY CARLA ALLEN
The Vanguard

They’d planned on sailing directly from Maine to England, but equipment breakdowns and bad weather forced a New Zealander couple to tuck their 60-foot yacht, Alpha Crucis, into Little River Harbour on September 13.
The following day Lois and Terry Rogers moved to a Yarmouth marina where they welcomed many new friends aboard their vessel during the next two weeks.
“The thing we love the most about sailing is meeting people and making new friends,” said Lois Rogers.
The Jolly Rogers, as they refer to themselves, waited for a window between several hurricanes that wound their way up the coast before they departed Yarmouth on Sept. 27.
Since starting their adventure at sea in August 2005, the couple has logged 16,500 miles and 115 nights at sea.
They’ve sailed from Auckland to Tahiti, from the Marquesas to Hawaii, then across to San Diego, down the west coast to the Panama Canal and up the East Coast.
It’s unusual for a sailboat this large to be crewed by just two. Lois admits “it’s challenging to get round the place when it’s rough” but says they manage.
“People are in awe of us saying there’s just you two on this boat? But we have been fine,” she said.
She’s been hauling lines for 15-years. Her husband, a former engineer, has been sailing for 30.
They make a good team.
“What you need is a good brain and a good attitude,” said Terry.
“Lois is one of the few people that I’ve never had to explain the same thing twice to,” he said.
“I’m not stupid enough to do something that I don’t know what I’m doing,” she added.
“Whatever needs to be done needs to be done properly. It’s pretty unforgiving when you go to sea.
“If I’m not sure about something, I’ll say to Terry, I’m not sure about this and you need to check it. It’s normal common sense.”
When the Rogers decided to spend an extended time at sea they searched for two and a half years before finding a boat that fit their requirements.
They wanted an intermediate sized vessel with an aft cabin island berth (bed accessible from both sides), a roomy engine room, a dive platform off the stern, and an open galley/salon so Lois could chat with guests while preparing meals.
The “high-wooded” Alpha Crucis is ideal for Terry’s 6’ 3” height. The boat is both finely crafted and comfortable.
Horizontal surfaces are made of Australian Jarrah and the hull is made of kahikatea (New Zealand white pine).
DVDs, flat screens, 9,000 songs, an expresso machine, and a well-stocked liquor cabinet are on board.
“This is our home. It has been for over a year. The wonderful thing is we can have people in our home. It’s not a discomfort. We have everything,” said Lois.
The couple plan on spending six months tied up at St. Katherine’s dock in London, England before continuing to the Hebrides Islands, Scotland, Ireland, the Caledonia canal, the Black Sea, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Sicily.
After they’ve explored Europe for several years they plan on selling the boat and flying back to New Zealand.

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30/09/06
Plans changed due to Tropical Storm Isaac predicted to be in their are in a few days time.
Now safley tied up in Halifax
Following are excerpts from emails of a day in the life of AC weather:
29/09/06
*MA*Boston Fax still not operating - have sent email to HQ asking when it will be up and why we want it! NOAA has Tropical Storm Issac Warning but looks like you will be well clear of it. Predicted Posns: (times are 0800) Sun 35N 61W Mon 42N 54W Tue 47N 43W Weather chart shows me that you are in the middle of a high 10-15 head winds? +24 Hrs there is a low 980 mbars centred 53N 75W with 25kn southerlies but +36 hrs it has moved further east so well out of you way and looks like your window/posn is ok.

*AC*Thanks for the info.
We are currently motoring at 5 knots due East from 42 30 N 50 20 W heading for 42N 50W (ETA 4-5 days)to pass South of the Grand Banks to avoid Fishing boats, long lines etc. This we were advised to do. With your info that means we could meet Isaac personally? Have I got this wrong. With this info would appreciate your opinion. Maybe we should head for Newfoundland? Luv T&L

*MA*Not sure I have your current posn correct in last email at 42 30 N40 20 W? Anyway your ETA in 4-5 days posn MIGHT put you in the neighbourhood. 5 day prediction is for it to be centred 47N 47W. Do you run for it? I think maybe but wait 12 hrs? I will forward these to Tink and get his view. Also can you get local info from other boats on SSB or VHF? I will re check and re-email you in say 5 hours?

*AC*I screwed up. Up all night. Pos was about 42 15 N, 63 25 W. Now rx Boston Fax.

*MA*Isaac current centre location 28.9N 54.9W max sustained wind 45mph, moving at 8mph NNW.
5 day posn wind strength is rated Sustained at 39-73 mph.
Cheers M

*AC*Until we receive your input, or new info, have set course 355T for Halifax. Bugger.

30/09/06
*AC*Thanks for all your wonderful support. We are about 2 hours out of Halifax Roads (15 miles). Have made good speed in Easterly gale overnight. Expect to be tucked up somewhere in Halifax Harbour by 1500 hrs preparing for my Bday tomorrow. Thought the best strategy was not to take any chances with Isaac. Time will tell.
*AC*Now safely installed at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron after looking in vane for a safe berth downtown. Blowing 40 kts in the harbour. RNSYS is up an estuary (North West arm I think?) and we got here in almost zero vis.(Radar and GPS) . Were well greeted and are about to join our welcome committee for drinks and dinner.
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They are on their way.
27/09/06
Days at sea: 01
Position: 43 26 N 065 59 W
Nautical Miles to Lands End: 2470
Wind Speed: 5 Knots
Wind Direction: 120
Weater: Fine
Sea: Calm