Our First Attempt: The Journey Begins
Ahoy, fellow sailors and adventure enthusiasts! The time had finally come to embark on our grand journey with Zosca from the US Virgin Islands to California. With our preparations complete and our crew assembled, we were ready to set sail. But, as every sailor knows, the sea is unpredictable, and the best-laid plans can quickly go awry. Here’s the tale of our first attempt to bring Zosca home.
Setting the Navigation Plan
Our carefully crafted navigation plan had us sailing from the US Virgin Islands to Aruba, a three-day journey. From Aruba, we would head to Panama, a trip that would take five to six days. We had spent the spring months planning every detail, monitoring the weather forecasts closely as hurricane season approached.
Delays and Logistics
As departure day neared, we encountered a series of delays. Equipping Zosca took longer than expected, pushing our departure back by almost a week. The last few days in the USVI were a flurry of activity as we stocked up on food and supplies for the journey. Our new sails were delayed, so we arranged for their delivery in Aruba instead.
Departure Day Drama
On the morning of our departure, we were busy installing jacklines when Mr. Murphy decided to pay us a visit. One of our crew members accidentally cut his foot deeply while handling a knife. We rushed him to the hospital and spent most of the day there. Fortunately, the doctor assured us it was safe to sail, with the condition that we see another doctor upon arriving in Aruba.
A Change of Plans
With our departure delayed, we found the gas stations closed. We decided to sail to St. Croix, spend the night there, and fill up the tanks in the morning. The evening sail to St. Croix was delightful, with 15-knot winds and a few feet of waves—a typical Caribbean sailing experience.
Arrival Challenges
Arriving in St. Croix at night was tricky. The high waves, narrow channels, and sharp turns made navigation challenging, but we managed to find a spot to anchor. Just when we thought we could relax, we discovered our windlass wasn’t working. Thankfully, we found a buoy to tie up to for the night.
The First Leg
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we filled our tanks and checked the latest weather updates. The forecast showed rougher weather ahead but manageable conditions with winds below 25 knots and seas at 5-6 feet, along with some scattered thunderstorms. We set off, enjoying the first part of the day with smooth sailing and good speed.
The Weather Turns
As evening approached and we were 80+ miles from St. Croix, the weather began to deteriorate. The wind picked up, and we had already reefed the mainsail twice and furled the jib partially. By nightfall, the waves grew to 10+ feet, and the wind was just below 30 knots and up to 40 knots in gusts. We put the mainsail on the third reef and furled the jib even more.
Stormy Night
The night turned into a battle against the elements. We were surrounded by thunderstorms, with lightning striking the sea around us. Our autopilot lost most of its power, adding to the challenge. When dawn broke, we checked the updated weather forecast. The conditions were expected to worsen over the next two days.
The Decision to Turn Back
Facing the prospect of deteriorating weather and a failing autopilot, we made the tough decision to turn back. Safety was our priority. Unfortunately, returning to St. Croix was not an option due to the wind direction, so we headed to Vieques Island in Puerto Rico instead.
Arrival in Puerto Rico
Arriving at Vieques was surprisingly easy. We completed the necessary online forms, and by the next morning, we received a call from CBP confirming we were all clear. However, our plans were now up in the air. We had missed our window before the peak of hurricane season and needed to find a safe place for Zosca.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
After some research, it became clear that we needed to haul Zosca out of the water for the hurricane season and try again after October. Luckily, the region offered plenty of services to meet our needs.
Stay tuned for the next blog post, where we prepare Zosca for the hurricane season and regroup for our next attempt. As always, fair winds and following seas to all our fellow adventurers!
Stay tuned for the next chapter as we prepare Zosca for the hurricane season and plan our next attempt to sail her home. More tales of trials, triumphs, and tips for aspiring sailors await. Until then, may your sails be full and your compass true!