Arriving in the Pacific Northwest

SV Counting Stars arrived in Nanaimo British Columbia, CA on 7-June-2019. Larry Meyer met us to help offload her. Larry owns the local Leopard Sunsail charter company and sailing school branded Island Cruising as well as the Deep Cove marina in Sydney, BC.

After clearing customs, we headed south to Sydney to drop Larry and were asked us stay overnight in his marina. Early the next morning, Bob borrowed Larry’s e-bike and went to a nearby market to pickup water and food as we had not provisioned. We departed mid-morning crossing the US boarder using the CVP Roam app and anchored in Port Ludlow. We dropped the dinghy by hand as the winch switch disconnected during transport and the corrosion needed to be cleaned before a solid connection could be made. We made our way to the Resort at Port Ludlow for dinner.

The following morning we continued on to the Port of Bremerton. We arrived in Bremerton to find new faces at the dock offering to grab our lines. It was a wonderful welcome to her homeport!

Then the work began to check lines for chaffe, put the forward sails back on and clean the dirt accumulated during the last month on the cargo ship.

The Journey to the Pacific Northwest

The journey to the PNW involved stops in Panama, transiting the Panama Canal, Golfito, La Paz, and Ensenada before arriving in Nanaimo, British Columbia, CA

Departing Ft Lauderdale

We prepared SV Counting Stars to be loaded onto the cargo ship… with the help of Andy (SV OliLuki) and Pat (SV Chapter Two), the enclosures and all-weather cushions were removed and stowed; the sail bag and main sail were ratcheted to the boom, the forward sails were removed, folded and stowed in their sail bags in the saloon, all lines except for the main halyard and topping lift were removed and stowed in their line bags in the cockpit.

Bob and Pat navigated SV Counting Stars to closely pull along side the cargo ship, Kraszewski. The loading dive team dove to ensure the lifting straps were properly placed then she was lifted onto the cargo ship.

Around South Florida (April 19-23, 2019)

With the refit completed, it was time to set sail for Ft Lauderdale to prepare SV Counting Stars to be shipped to the Pacific Northwest. For this passage, we invited friends we met at the Miami boat show to crew with us: Andy Temesvary (SV OliLuki), Mike and Sue Pail (On A New Tack).

ASFL – Days 1-2: 0935 (20-April) departed Burnt Store marina fuel dock for overnight passage to Boot Key. Our crew of five bobbed around in Charlotte Harbor for 3 hours while identifying the cause and repairing a rigging issue with the main sail. 1326 the Gulf of Mexico welcomed us with 8ft seas as we exited Charlotte Harbor. Once clear of the channel, we set course for Key West channel on a downwind sail with following seas. 1000 (21-April) entered Key West channel. Dropped anchor in Boot Key 1800. By the numbers: 5.8kts average/9.5kts max speed; 1 day 8 hours; 189.7nm. Winds 5-15kt/12kt average downwind to beam.

ASFL - Day 3: 0652 departed Boot Key anchorage; 2255 arrived No Name (Key Biscayne). With winds on the nose we motor sailed Hawk Channel dodging the plethora of crab pots then fishing boats before passing the lovely Lady Susan (Leopard 58). Reached max speed as we turned to enter Biscayne Channel, navigating the unlit markers in the dark to set anchor at No Name. By the numbers: 5.68kts average/8.85kts max speed; 16 hours 11mins; 91.9nm. Winds 10-20kt/ 15kt average on the nose.

ASFL - Day 4: 0940 departed No Name anchorage at Key Biscayne and at 1800 arrived Ft Lauderdale - completing our 328nm ASFL passage. By the numbers: 5.5kts average/8.9kts max speed; 8 hours and 30 minutes; 46.5nm. Winds 15-20 close reach. We learned more about the feature rich the Raymarine Axiom MFD - heavily using the "auto-tack" and "to windvane" features - and were impressed with how close to the wind we could sail (close reach, 45 deg).

Check out Mike and Sue’s perspective on their blog, On A New Tack; Sailing with Bob and Melinda on SV Counting Stars

The 1st Refit (April - March 2019)

Electrician began installing Webasto Bluecool S16 AC units, additional outlets, rolling back the latest Raymarine update due to bugs, new bilge pumps, antennas (GPS, rouge Wi-Fi/GSM, Iridium satellite), and auto fog horn.

Rigger removed our sails to have a UV wrap added to our Code 0, a more hefty zipper installed on our sail bag, replace a missing batten in the main, re-rig the reefing lines. Installed and tested the smart (anchor/tricolor/strobe) mast light by Marine Beam (uses the existing anchor light breaker to rotate light type and has 2nm visibility).

Steve designed new dingy rigging for the davits; uninstalled the propane HOB and oven in preparation for induction cooktop and convection oven, and added longer and stronger anchor chain. Rub rails were installed.

Nick and his team did a great job on the interchangeable screen/strataglass enclosures for the helm, forward and rear cockpits plus matching grill and dinghy covers. They created an arm to swing the grill out when in use for more space.

Bob completed the USCG and FCC Ship Station registration so we now have our MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) so we can complete our AIS (Automatic Identification System) setup.

Around South Florida (Feb 23-27, 2019)

ASFL Day 1: With Harbour Towne Marina behind us, we took the big right turn to head Around South Florida (ASFL) on her maiden voyage to Punta Gorda, FL for SV Counting Stars first refit. Anchored at Key Biscayne.

ASFL Day 2: 0333 departed Key Biscayne for anchorage near Boot Key. 1844 anchored Boot Key (outside. By the numbers: 6.45kts average/9.5kts max speed; 15hr 11min; 105.5nm. Winds gusting to 22kt dropping to 5kt by late afternoon on the nose to close-hauled. Reset Delta anchor last night after dark - somehow snagged an old wooden crab pot and line which Bob was able to cut free... the deck light (standard option) and the Sena headsets (thank you Janet and Pat Hayes) made the task of resetting much easier. We woke a little earlier than planned as swells hit the anchorage and since our anchor monitor showed increased movement so we decided to depart. Upon exiting we were greeted with 1.5M seas which reduced to 0.5M in Hawk Channel. Increased marine traffic this morning and tons of crab pots this afternoon.

ASFL Day 3: 0750 departed Boot Key anchorage; 1342 arrived Stock Island marina in Key West. By the numbers: 7.3kts average/8.2kts max speed; 5hr 51mins; 41nm; winds 5-10kt beam to downwind. Lost count of the estimated thousands of crab pots in the channel. Good shakedown thus far with only minor items identified. Planning underway for overnight sail to Punta Gorda. Monitored weather closely due to storm cells building in the Gulf of Mexico.

ASFL Day 4: 0850 departed Key West (Stock Island marina) on overnight sail to Punta Gorda (Burnt Store marina) ETA 24-30hrs. Expecting light to moderate seas, winds 10-20kts. with gusts upward to 40kts due to developing storm cells in the Gulf of Mexico. Pulling weather via Iridium Go with limited mobile phone service.

ASFL Day 5: 1044 arrived Punta Gorda (Burnt Store marina), completing our overnight passage from Key West (Stock Island marina) - thus concluding our 5-day (342nm) ASFL passage. By the numbers: 6kts average/9kts max speed; 25h 47m; 5-15kt winds gusting 25kt; 1.0-3.0M seas. This overnight passage was quite eventful. We avoided the sea of crab pots (most often with 1ft to spare on each hull), were greeted by numerous dolphins, lost count of all the stars we saw... shutdown engines at 2000 so not to snag a crab pot in the dark (thanks Mike for the tip) and had great winds for 12 hours of sailing. At 2330 we were welcomed to the Gulf of Mexico by a large storm cell - delivering periods of lightening, heavy rain and 2.5-3.0M seas. Despite the rough and cold conditions for over 4 hours - SVCS and her crew performed well.

Taking Possession

On 21-Feb-2019 we completed our walk-thru and test sail, did final signatures then officially took possession of SV Counting Stars. Once provisioning was completed we set sail on her maiden voyage to Charlotte Harbor to dock at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, FL.

The 2019 Miami Boat Show

SV Counting Stars was the Leopard 45 on display at the 2019 Miami Boat Show. We met lots of great like-minded people at the show as well as the Leopard owners party.

SV Counting Start Virtual Tour: https://vrcloud.com/?pv=1552671630&play=1

Commissioning

After SV Counting Stars was offloaded, she was moved to the Leopard docks at the Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach, FL to begin commissioning.

Decking in the cockpit and heads was installed as well as the all-weather cushions and sun pads. Next was the running rigging, sail bag and sails. Dual fresh/salt water switch added to all heads. All systems were thoroughly tested before sailing her down to her slip at the Miami Boat Show.

Departing South Africa

SV Counting Stars has departed South Africa on a container ship making her way to Florida where she will be on display at the Miami Boat Show 14-18 Feb. These boats are all blue water capable boats that in days past would have traveled to US on their own bottoms, however it is more economical now for Leopard to ship up to 18 at a time on a single cargo ship.

A leap of Leopards waiting to be loaded on a cargo ship.

In the pool...

SV Counting Stars has made it to the pool, one of the last steps in manufacturing before splashing down. Only one small step in her long journey, but an exciting one! Fingers crossed that she will depart Cape Town South Africa this month and be in Miami by February or March at the latest.

Around Vancouver Island (AVI) 2018 – 823nm

AVI Day 1: departing Sidney this morning before 0900. This is the start of our 14-day circumnavigation around Vancouver Island (30-April to 13-May 2018)

AVI Day 2: we have a crew of 6 on a rotating day duty schedule until we cross the bar into the Pacific in ~4 days. After we cross, we'll be in teams of two with night shifts of 2hrs-on/4hrs-off until we reach Victoria. Today my duty was captain and Bob was navigator for the 52nm trek to Nanaimo.  I'm holding up ok... glad I picked up some Voltaren gel before departing Sidney.

AVI Day 3: arrived safely at Comax. 10 hours, 68 nm, 25kt winds, 4ft swells. Bob was captain and Bill was navigator.  Prep for bluewater is underway, today we experienced issues with the reefing lines and saved the microwave from certain death.

AVI Day 4: arrived Campbell River. 5 hours, 33nm, no wind and smooth seas, average speed 7kts and 11kts max with current. Spent afternoon paper charting our first overnight passage (tomorrow night) on the inside before we head to the Pacific. Crew working well together. I'm chef tomorrow and at 1900 we start shifts (2hr-on:4hr-off). Estimate Port Hardy arrival at 0700 Friday.

AVI Day 5: 50.28.36N 126.07.82W Greetings from Johnstone Straight. Overnight passage underway. Today currents have been in our favor.  Crew continues to do well and prepare for Pacific run. Weather window looks like we’ll depart Port Hardy for the bar Sunday.

AVI Day 6: Greetings from Port Hardy. Crew continues to prepare for Pacific run. Rain has found us... grateful boat outfitted with canvas and cockpit heat. Engine issue resolved. Raising dingy as it's too low and will catch in following seas. Inspections require someone to go up the mast - our daredevil crewmember, Herman, has volunteered. Final provisioning today and route planning tonight as current weather window has pulled our departure forward. We expect to cross the bar at 1120 tomorrow and will do a 48-hour downwind run to Ucluelet. No mobile access expected on the outside, track our progress via link provided in earlier post.

AVI Day 7: 50.54.08N 128.04.94W Greetings from the Pacific, Cape Sutle. 1010 crossed Nahwitti Bar and raised sails to 10kt winds on a stbd beam reach heading WSW then turning SSW between Cape Scott and VI.  1045: winds reduced to 4kts raised spinnaker. Current plan to run 20-40nm offshore for optimal winds and avoid shore currents. Landfall expected late Sunday/early Monday. Considering alternate port of Hot Springs Cove. At 50.26.45N 128.36.37W Pacific, winds 20-25kts NNE gusting 30. Whale sightings.

AVI Day 8: 49.29.90N 127.06.86 at 1050. Greetings from the Pacific, Estevan Point. 220nm passage. Completed night shifts of 1900-2100 and 0100-0300. Intermittent power outages under sail at the helm during first shift made navigation a challenge - resolved by running generator to top off batteries. 0100 sky clear, excellent view of stars and moon rise at 0240. Winds 25kts with gusts 35+; maintained average boat speed of 8kts with two reefs in both the main and jib, some surfing on 9ft waves. Lost wind at 0615 will motor remaining distance to Hot Springs Cove. Hot Springs overnight, M-T Ucluelet, W-Th overnight to Victoria and Sidney Saturday.

AVI Day 9: 0930 greetings from Hot Springs Cove (only accessible by sea). Enroute to Ucluelet. 3-6ft swells, motor sailing, ETA 7 hours. Arrived Ucluelet 1600.

AVI Day 10: Greetings from Ucluelet. Today we focused on boat chores and preparing for 100nm passage to Victoria. Monitoring weather window to determine tomorrow's departure time.

AVI Day 11: Departing Ucluelet 0600. 100nm passage to Victoria. ETA 15 hours. Expecting 15-25kt winds beam to broad reach, rain until we reach the straight. Arrived Victoria at 2300.

AVI Day 12: Departing Victoria Harbour 1215. 8nm passage to the other side of Victoria. ETA 4 hours of sailing. Expecting 5-15kt winds beam to broad reach. Enjoyed a great dinner at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club where we moored for the night.

AVI Day 13: Departing Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Oak Harbour 1030. 20nm passage to Poets Cove. Estimated 6 hours of sailing. Expecting 5-15kt winds with gusts 25+ close to beam reach. At 48.31.810N 123.13.618W brief chat with RCMP at 1050. All good, were shocked we are a few nm from completing our circumnavigation. 1400 arrived Poets Cove.

AVI Day 14: departed Poets Cove 0830. 15nm to refuel in Van Isles marina then back to Port Sidney marina where it all began. ETA 2.5hrs. This completes our 14-day, 823nm circumnavigation around Vancouver Island. Tested underway for practical and written ASA 106... perfect scores for both of us on both parts of the exam.

Gulf Islands, BC 2017 - 170nm

In June 2017 we charted a 40ft Leopard Catamaran from Island Cruising out of Sidney BC. This is the start of us getting a feel for the size boat we wanted. (Spoiler alert: 40ft is too small for us!)

Day 1-3: Celebrated Bob's birthday in Telegraph Harbor and our 17 year wedding anniversary with breakfast in Montague Harbour. Sailed across the Trincomali Channel into Ganges Harbour for dinner.

Day 4-5: Learned of the Canada Day festivities today/tonight in Ganges and decided to stay at our anchorage one more night. This morning we enjoyed lunch and a stroll thru town exploring local stores and the Saturday market... wind picked up on the dingy ride back and I was soaked. Tonight, along with two hundred fellow boaters, we'll have a front row seat to the Salt Island fireworks display over the harbor.

Day 6: Topped off the fuel at the Van Isle Marina fuel dock then returned to the Port of Sidney Marina ending our 170nm trip. We checked the boat in, unloaded our gear and headed back to Seattle, WA.

Salty Dawgs Rally to Cuba 2017 - 116nm

In April 2017, we were invited by Pat and Janet Hayes to crew on their 45ft Lagoon Catamaran (Chapter Two) as part of the Salty Dawgs “Rally to Cuba”. It was a 116nm downwind overnight passage… departing Stock Island Marina (Key West, FL) at 1730 on 4-April arriving Marina Hemingway (Havana, Cuba) at 0900 on 5-April. After clearing customs, we docked in our assigned slip and explored the marina. The Hemingway International Yacht Club officially welcomed the rally participants with a colorful and fun Welcome Party and closed our visit with a Farewell Dinner.

Salty Dawgs hosted this rally for 23 American vessels in compliance with OFAC requirements for US vessels and persons. As a participant, we were required to research on a range of topics of interest to those who may visit Cuba in the future, from marine issues to Cuban culture and cuisine. During the 14 day visit (5-17 April), research involved travels to many points in NW Cuba and throughout Havana, meetings and interviews with Cubans, visiting historical sites, attending cultural activities and events and sampling local cuisine. Articles were published in May 2017 to Salty Dawgs membership.

Chapter Two also transported donation supplies to be given to Cuban artists, crafts persons and specialty clubs.

Due to work schedules we were unable to crew on the return and flew home from Havana on 16-April. Grateful to have had this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to sail to and visit Cuba.

Sailing Bootcamp - Blue Water Sailing Ft Lauderdale, FL

Day 1: Let the fun begin! ASA 101, 103, 104 and 114 on SV About Time (36ft Fortuna) with Daryl at Blue Water Sailing in Ft Lauderdale, FL.

Day 2: Best conditions to learn how to sail. Thunderstorms, rain and wind gusts. Learned how to repair the traveler after a pin snapped.

Day 3-4: Tacking, jibbing, heave to, docking, man overboard rescue, knots, anchoring, coastal navigation - check. 3 more days to go.

Day 5-6: One more day of sailing! Tonight we're treating ourselves to a slip at a marina. Our catamaran does not have a generator so we're grateful to have a/c tonight and no mosquitos.

Day 7: Put a fork in us as we are DONE! Survived sailing boot camp... lots of blood, sweat, tears and mosquitoes this week. We passed the exams and drills for ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114.

Not a lot of time for photos as we were working the boat.