Ships' News: Monday, May 6, 2013

Greetings, fellow sailors (armchair or otherwise):

Here's a follow-up on my Friday message. Harvey Gamage never made it into Beaufort to enjoy the hospitality of Duke's Marine Lab. After a day of inconsequential beating against the weather, it was decided to just heave to (a technique that requires backing one or more of the sails to bring the boat to an "at rest" position and preventing it from making way) and await a wind shift. By Sunday morning the favorable wind had set in and they were underway again, bound at last in a desired direction (now Sandy Hook, NJ). Last night (Sunday, 5/5) Gamage rounded Cape Hatteras making 11 knots at times--yahoo!!
The winds have become favorable for Amistad as well. She weighed anchor off Port Canaveral this morning and is now approaching the Gulf Stream on a run for Charleston. ETA Wednesday. Meanwhile, back in Charleston, Virginia has completed repairs (to her port engine which caused her to turn back last week a 1/2 day out of port) and is due to cast off for NYC this noon with a newly aligned port shaft.

All are well.

Capt. JB Smith

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Gamage Update May 5, 2013

As of yesterday, Capt. Flansburg has decided to give up on the effort to get to Beaufort as his forward progress against contrary, strong winds is not successful.  He was hove to (holding station) awaiting for the wind to shift as forecast. He reports that the crew and students are in good spirits and working well together.  The plan is to be bound to NYC via Sandy Hook when the wind shifts.  

Having just checked on the weather and ship's position this morning, the wind has already shifted and they are on their way towards Cape Hatteras.  As the wind shifts to the south the seas will die down, and once around Cape Hatteras, Gamage and her crew will be protected from the southerly swell.  

Fair Winds and Following Sea to our Crew Aboard the Harvey Gamage!!!

-Abi

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Ships' News: Friday, May 3, 2013

Fellow Sailors, Armchair or Otherwise:

Should you be interested in what the swarthy crew of Harvey Gamage has been doing since Monday morning (Apr. 29), open the link below and scroll down to Harvey Gamage<2013 Spring Voyage and click on "latest pos." under map commands: http://charthorizon.com/m/cz/map?vessels=Harvey_Gamage&history=2012_Fall&v_scope=recent
 
Gamage and crew departed Charleston for the Chesapeake but soon after were confronted by contrary winds which have been building ever since. A few days ago the objective was changed in favor of Beaufort, NC (Moorehead City) vs attempting the wilds of Cape Hatteras/Diamond Shoals. They are expected to arrive there alongside the Duke Marine Lab tomorrow. Such would make a what is normally a 1 1/2- to 2-day passage a 5-day passage--something of an OCF record!

This afternoon the wind continues NNE @ force 6-7 with an 8- to 10-foot sea running. The fores'l is about to go back up, having been on deck for repairs since yesterday. There's been a lot of water on deck and everything and body is wet. Gamage is holding up well though: no excessive pumping.
We're sure that at some point in the last few months a student voiced the hope of having a sea story to bring home. No doubt that wish has been granted. There'll be more than one on board happy to kiss the sandy shores of Beaufort when that tranquil port is made!

Meanwhile Amistad is trying to put on the brakes. The weather north of Cape Canaveral is ugly (all the way past Hatteras). If she can stay south of the Cape till tomorrow, her quality of life will be vastly improved. We are sympathizing with the sailors at sea in contrary weather such as this. They are earning their sea legs and more, and will have some sea tales to tell!

Capt. JB Smith

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Ships' News: Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Parents' Weekend was a huge success! Students were given ample time to re-connect with the families and are now rejeuvenated and off again, heading up the eastern seaboard: Harvey Gamage is currently off Cape Fear with a long-range forecast for contrary winds. They are bound for Beaufort, North Carolina. Schooner Virginia had to re-route and return to Charleston, South Carolina this week for mechanical repairs. Departure from Charleston is unknown at this time. Students will continue with studies and exploration of this beautiful southern city. Amistad is off the north coast of Cuba bound for Charleston. All are well.

Meanwhile, back in Portland, Westward was transferred from her winter berth to her summer dockage at Portland Yacht Services.

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