Atlantic Crossing

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27/10/06
Good evening Murray.
Sounds like you had a great night out with Rodger – good on you!
Have just connected to wireless network available on the marina for a little sum!!
Clearing customs was an interesting experience – ‘Thanks for calling. Do you have any fire arms? You may like to call customs when you get to London’.
That’s it – amazing!!!
Desperately trying to find out if there is a Miele agent here --- disaster our washing machine is not working!!!!
Lots of Love Lois and Terry
On board Alpha Crucis
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27/10/06
ARRIVED at FALMOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Morning and Evening
Because we are using our last bucket of fuel and being totally becalmed out here have decided to go to Falmouth to clear and get fuel before continuing to Dartmouth tomorrow or Sunday.
Love Terry and Lois 4949N 00544W 0200Z
Could not connect until now.
ARRIVED INTO FALMOUTH HARBOUR AT 0900 ZULU.
Murray - drinking your bottle of champagne now....WOW!!! (remember the one you and Lesley gave us when we arrived on AC into Auckland from Sydney - it was worth keeping it for this milestone from people so special to us) It tastes damn good - and even better at the end of a long long passage - hooray - we have reached Europe -our destination!!!
Thanks so much Murray for your amazing support contribution and enthusiasm of our journey from the beginning - And Matt your contribution and support on our last leg!!
Just read the messages from both of you on alphacrucis@110pct.com. Cleared here over the phone ...amazing. No procedure or paperwork or visitation. Thanks. Just using this message to test sail mail from Falmouth Yacht Haven. Will take down the Q flag sometime.
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26/10/06
Days at sea: 23
Position 49 46N 006 51W
Wind speed: 20 kn
Dind direction: 280
Weather: Sunny
Sea: Moderate
Distance to go: 143
Comments: Distance to go is Dartmouth. Well things have improved especially since 0200Z. We are now on track in sunny conditions with wind on our port quarter. The only thing to report is our mizzen split during the night but will be repairable. You guys got it right so thanks. The question is whether we can make Dartmouth in daylight? We will worry about that tomorrow but we may have to anchor off in Start Bay (Matt have you any suggestions?) This is Champagne sailing compared to the rest of the voyage. The density of shipping has increased of course but no probs except a large fishing boat stood in our way in the early hours...we missed it! Now Murray and Rodger Lois and I speculated about what you two will be doing whilst your lovely wives are in Aussie. I offered the obvious agenda... An Evening with Kiri TeKanawa and the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Attending a concert by the Auckland University String Quartet, The latest display at the Museum, A quick revue of new acquisitions at the Art Gallery, Listening to a lecture on modern PC (politically correct) protocols and probably a couple of visits to Homes for the Infirm. I said to Lois "What Guys!. Wish I could live up to their example".
Love Terry and Lois 1700Z
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25/10/06
Just to let you know that last night was bad in terms of making our course so we may be out here for a little time yet. Uncomfortable but no danger.
The wind and sea increased to F9 and for short bursts of F10 so once again had to "heave to" at 0100 but as we were north of our track it only put us further north. Progress today has been negative as we have been unable to gain ground on either tack because of Gale force easterlies.
In the last 4 hours the wind has moderated to 20/25 and moved to 120/130 degrees but the seas are still here. T+24 fax shows low moving NE and elongating so may be able to sail a course when/if that happens.
We are now on a reasonable track so here's hoping. Talked to Matt on SSB this morning. Great to hear another familiar voice.
Love Terry and Lois 5004N 00933W 1816 hrs
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25/10/06
Position: 50 05 N 009 33W
Days at sea: 22
Comments: Just to let you know that last night was bad in terms of making our course so we may be out here for a little time yet. Uncomfortable but no danger.
The wind and sea increased to F9 and for short bursts of F10 so once again had to "heave to" at 0100 but as we were north of our track it only put us further north. Progress today has been negative as we have been unable to gain ground on either tack because of Gale force easterlies.
In the last 4 hours the wind has moderated to 20/25 and moved to 120/130 degrees but the seas are still here. T+24 fax shows low moving NE and elongating so may be able to sail a course when/if that happens.
We are now on a reasonable track so here's hoping. Talked to Matt on SSB this morning. Great to hear another familiar voice.
Love Terry and Lois 5004N 00933W 1816 hrs
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24/10/06
Position: 49 12N 010 03W
Days at sea: 21
NM to Lizard: 200
Wind speed: 20
Wind direction: 100
Weather: Overcast
Sea: Moderate
Comments: 3 weeks at sea with 2 nights to go with luck? We did not make it ahead of the low that was in front of us last report. Had to "hove to" as the easterlies filled in and let the low roll over us. Fortunately it moved NNW faster than predicted so we were in that situation for only 12 hours before being able to continue. Since then things have been relatively pleasant when contrasted with what we have experienced thus far. At the moment we are heading about 25 degrees to far to port (north) but hope the wind will veer and bring us back on track... Here's hoping. Good news is we haven't had to use any fuel for motoring and will be OK for the end of this leg. Lois' acute hearing detected a knocking sound down aft. It was the auto pilot hydraulic ram coming loose from it's mounting. Re mounted it before it became a major. Maybe the next report will be from the tranquillity of Dartmouth Harbour!! Love Terry and Lois
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21/10/06
Position: 47 41N 018 30W
Days at sea: 18
NM to Lizard: 545
Wind speed: 20
Wind direction: 200
Weather: Sunny
Seas: Moderate
Comments: Things have improved since 0700. Following was written at 0300..."Despite the conditions over night Lois cooked a solid meal but we had to downgrade it to 4 star plus from her normal 5 star plus rating in terms of cuisine but later restored the rating because of the "degree of difficulty" allowance. She still lit the candle in the cockpit. For a fleeting moment thought we should rename AC as F&P (Matt...decode.. Fisher & Paykel is a NZ based Company that has an international reputation for excellent products including washing machines, dishwashers etc). Bet you guys would just love to be out here with us rather than soaking up the Queensland sun with the aroma of hot rubber, glycol, 110 octane petrol, the bouquet of Rob's Chardonnay and the crispness of his Sauv Blanc and what about you Matt. You've recently passed this way but probably Watney's with Haddock and Chips. Ha ha! Typing this is akin to having your laptop on your knee whilst riding a roller coaster." Love Terry and Lois

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20/10/06
Position: 46 53N 021 31W
Days at sea: 17
NM to Lizard: 674
Wind speed; 48
Wind direction: 235
Weather: Overcast
Seas: Storm
Comments: We are moving from forecast area FARADAY to area ROMEO in Metarea II administered by French Meteo. Unfortunately their forecast is accurate. Over night we have been in Force 8 Gales and since 0600 have been in F9 and F10 (Storm) conditions. Mountainous seas and the whole 9 yards. The not so bad news is we are making our course at 7/8 knots average. AC is coping well as are we. Think it will be a long night. Will report again tomorrow approx same time. Ships clocks now GMT-1hr. Love Terry and Lois

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19/10/06
Position: 45 11N 027 09W
Days at sea: 15
NM to the Lizard: 928
Wind speed: 12
Wind direction: 066
Weather: Raining
Sea state: Moderate
Comments:Light winds since last evening but westerly. Now motoring into slight head wind. Seas moderate but large swell lingers. Edge of low causing this should move away o'night... we will see.Regards to Rob and Pam Murray and Lesley. Tks for your input Murray and Matt.Love Terry and Lois
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17/10/06
Position: 44 39N 031 25W
Days at sea: 13
NM to Lands End: 1107
Wind Speed: 35Kn
Wind Direction: 335
Weather: Overcast
Sea: Rough
Comments: Wind moderated yesterday 1100 so set main and moved along well, reefed at dusk but by midnight the boat was crashing along in increasing conditions. Lowered main about 0200 and reduced headsail and mizzen. B... awful night wet, windy and no sleep. Decided on a lay day today so severely reduced sail to a comfortable 2-3 knots (a relative statement) to enable sleep and to maintain our position while this low moves south. Will watch the low north west of Ireland and see what that may bring over the next few days.
Enjoy your respective Spring and Indian Summer!!
Had a successful and fast sailmail transfer this am through Belgium.
All well on board.. hope you'all are too.
Love Terry and Lois
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16/10/06
Terry and Lois 4429N 3429W
Hi
Just to let you know we are now receiving weather forecasts from France (in English) over Inmarsat and radio faxes from Northwood UK. Still receiving from Boston but clarity is reducing at some transmission times. But we are covered. Still interested in your feedback when convenient.
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12/10/06
Days at sea: 09
Position: 42 47N 042 45W
Distance to Lands End: 1604
Wind Speed 30
Wind Direction 315
Weather: Fine
Seas: Rough
Comments: Struggling to make Rhumb and Great Circle course but are moving due east at least. Rough last night winds up to 40 but better today. Looks like tomorrow is much the same? Will be sending a little later as propagation seems better just before dusk. Love Terry and Lois
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10/10/06
Days at sea: 07
Position: 42 37N 048 47N
Distance to Lands End: 1840
Wind Speed: 10 Kn
Wind Direction: 225
Weather: Sunny
Sea: Calm
Light winds with all sails up for first time since leaving the North American ontinent. Only since midday though, aking 4-5 knots at present. Previous 36 hours we motored in glassy calm with hardly a cloud in the sky but made about 6.5 knots during that time. Last evening provided the most amazing sunset we have ever seen and collectively we have seen a few over the decades.
Yes we receive the 96 hr forecasts and we are set up to receive radiofaxes from Northwood (UK) as and if the NOAA stuff from Boston fades.
It was great to have the 36 hrs of calm... R&R and laundry etc... Felt like a wee holiday,
Hope all is well with you all.
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08/10/06
Position: 40 24N 053 24W
Nautical Miles to Lands End: 2130
Wind Speed: 15 Kn
Wind Direction: 60
Weather: Overcast
Sea: Rough
Comments:Sorry about repeating "the knock on the hull story", had not realised Lois had told the tale before. We are receiving better quality faxes by using our old Xaxero software which has better resolution than the sail mail version and all systems are "go". The only problem is we are down at 40N and in what seems to be no-man's-land. We went almost due South overnight and are now heading due North at 4 knots in mod/rough beam seas albeit quite comfortable waiting for the wind to change in our favour. ha ha. Rx last surface analysis at 1235 and will get 24 hr f'cast at 1605. We are GMT-3hrs. So here's hoping. When we left Sable Bank near Sable Island the water temp was 8 degrees C, it is now 20 degrees. Cabin temp 23 degrees..amazing. We were advised by an experienced? trans-atlantic person in Halifax to go SE until the water temp increases dramatically. It sure has but are in the middle of a no go zone. I notice a tropical wave noted down south which will need watching. Will send this textual stuff with coded report as at 1500 our time. Current time is 1330. Great that you are churning up the Gulf. Comment/advice welcomed and appreciated. Love Terry and Lois
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06/10/06
Position: 43 00N, 052 01W
Nautical Miles to Lands End: 2262
Wind Speed: 28 Kn
Wind Direction: 345
Weather: Fine
Seas: Rough
Comments: Hi Half way to clearing the south end of the Grand Banks (42N,50W} but the winds ahead look a bit confused so here's hoping. We are getting wfax from Boston but lack of clarity makes them hard to read. On the morning we left there was a knock on the hull and a club member handed me a wad of NOAA printouts showing the history/frequency of Hurricanes over the last three years with the suggestion we reconsider leaving. Very nice of him to do so so we did some sole searching. I then called the Hurricane guru at NOAA and discussed our strategy with him. He thought we should be OK as the tropic belt was settled and calm on Wednesday. He also agreed that leaving much later would expose us to inclement stuff. So we hope it stays that way. Pse keep an eye on it for us. As usual it takes a while to get our sea legs back in trim. Today has improved but last night and the night before were pretty rough and miserable although we have made relatively good progress. Love Terry and Lois