Catatude is Finally home in Mystic Connecticut

The long awaited day had finally come. We traveled to Newport with friends (Dick and Mary Ann) on Wednesday 6/3 to finally see Catatude for the first time since she arrived in the states. We were certainly in augh. It seemed forever since we ordered her and we were overwhelmed at the first sight of her. Captain Damian and First Mate Morgan had taken such care of everything in the boat. We would now take possession of Catatude and sleep over night for the first time and take off in the morning for home Noank, CT (Mystic). But not before spending some quality time going over the boat and having a wonderful dinner with Damian and Morgan. They are truly one of the most delightful and amazing couples we have ever met. Thursday morning came fast and we were eager to get underway. Winds were southeast at a comfortable 10 knots and we sailed home in less than 5 hours. We were greeted at Spicer's by wonderful friends taking photos (Barbara, Bob, Mary Ann, Dick, Gail and Steve). There was no wind behind the seawall which was just perfect when docking the boat for the first time. Mark did a great job and got her into her slip safely. On deck came everyone with wine to toast the new arrival. It is a day we will never forget. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this journey with us. The rest of the weekend was full of cleaning, decorating and just enjoying our new prize possession.

Catatude arrived in Newport RI. at 7:30 am on 6-2-09

We have arrived in Newport, as of an hour ago (7:30am). Currently we are waiting for customs - I am not sure when they will arrive, so we have to sit and wait. Regards Damian

An hour later Customs Cleared Catatude into the US.

Here are the Stats:
Covered 6,744 miles in 54 days from LaRochelle France
1st leg from France to the Canarie Islands took 18 days and covered 1,637 miles
2nd leg from Canarie Islands to St. Martin took 23 days and covered 3,039 miles
3rd leg from St. Martin to Newport RI. USA took 13 days and covered 1,794 miles

Should arrive in the early hours of Tuesday morning 6-2-09

The last position I think. All is good - if a little tired....After bad weather North wind 22-33 knots last night we were unable to make land fall today, spent the night holding station, with little progress. We should arrive in Newport RI in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Current position is 40d 04N071d 36W . The winds have settled back into the SW and are light. I will text to say we have arrived, though the sat phone may not work in harbour.

Nearly there.....160Nm to Block Island

Nearly there..... motoring gently today - no wind at the moment - though looking like plenty of wind from the north in time for our arrival - Situation normal for a delivery... Position at 1500UT is 38d 25N070d 32W for a day run of 114Nm. Approx 160Nm to Block Island. Regards Damian

270 mile to Block Island

All is well. A little weather last night and this morning - heavy rain, thunder and lightning, so a little lively. Position at 1800UT 36d 41N070d 46W for a day run 135. Distance to go approx 270 ( to Block Island) Regards Damian

Approx 420Nm to go

All good. Position at 1500UT34d 14N069d 33W. The winds are SW 7- 21 knots with seas moderate. Day run 135Nm (to destination with current) 146Nm Approx 420Nm to go Regards Damian

560Nm to go

All good - Position at 1500UT is 32d 00N068d 09W with wind SW 7-16 Knots with smooth seas. Day run is 130Nm and (143Nm to destination) approx 560Nm to go. Regards Damian

Approximately 700nm to go

All is good here. Definately getting on the home straight. Position at 1500Ut is 29d 44N067d 15W with wind SSE 8-24 knots and a day run of 127nm, but to destination is 146Nm with current approx 700nm to go. Regards Damian

Yep, we seem to be making out okay... As per usual - after sending the email - the wind died a little - but we're still doing okay. Your plan for our arrival sounds fine, and of course we will be happy to show you her systems. Furuno ( and windows of course) aside, everything is operating fine, and we have had very little problems. Position today is 27d 31N065d 56W with wind ESE - SE 4-16 knots and sea's are calm. Day run of 137Nm from the log, but 149 to Newport with current .regardsDamian

Hope to arrive in Newport in 6 days

All sounds good. We hope to arrive in 6 days - not quite sure of the time at the moment - though the wind is being favourable. We will work around you as best we can. Ideally we will arrive first thing in the morning, clear customs by lunch time, and can make a good stab at packing etc. in the afternoon, stay on board the night, then complete everything else the following day; unpacking and fitting stowed gear, removing remaining protection and cleaning.
Todays position;25d 06.08N065d 39.87Wwinds ENE 8 - 24 knots, seas calm Day run; 156Nm have coverd 164Nm over the ground - this push from the current should improve as we close on the coast. Regards Damian

All is good. Making reasonable progress our Position at 1500UT 22d 33N064d 46W with Wind ENE 8-18 occ 21 knots sea's calm. day run of136nm Regards Damian

Leaving St. Martin

You will be glad to hear we are under way, so will be returning to the sat phone email. Weather is generally lookin okay. There is a small, but possibly intense low developing in our path, so we are going to head out slowly to let it pass ahead of us. I will update you with our position on Friday,and then daily from there. I'm aiming at 10 days, with a little luck we may be a bit quicker. regadsDamian

Auto pilot has been replaced

The Auto pilot has been replaced - and now should be fine - we have to do the on water set up still, but should all be fine. There was a problem with the unit that dealt with the wind data translation to form usuable information by the computer. The rest was replaced to ensure all was sorted. Damian

Furuno is fixing the electronics

Necol Technical Services (Furuno) guy is on board and busy. I will update you as to there progress Damian

We are in Simpson Bay in St. Martin

All is good. We are in Simpson Bay in St Martin. Fortunatey, right next door to Necol Technical Services (Furuno). They are coming to the boat shortly - and have all the kits to fully replace the electronics that let the wind instrument talk to the autopilot if neccesary. Will update you as I know more. Regards Damian

130 miles to Simpson Bay, St. Martin

All is good. Sea's died down rapidly last night and made a good heading through the night. I am aiming to make the Thursday 11:00am bridge opening in Simpson Bay St. Martin. It is looking good at the moment. We are currently approx 130Nm from Simpson Bay. I will contact Furuno et al once we are tied up, and yourself of course. Regards Damian

Thanks for the info on all counts. The bakery location could be the decider on where to stop...Much will depend on our arrival time and that bridge that opens only three times a day. I was hoping there would be a marina before the bridge - ah well no worries. Does look like Simpsons Bay would be the better. Still hoping on Thursday. Just waiting on a weather forecast. Its a little lumpy at the moment. Position 1600 UT 17d 11N58d 37W with wind E 17 to 27 with occasional 33 knots. Sea's are a little messy. Day run 143nm with approx 250nm to go, but not able to go direct - depending on how sea develops, may well be motoring direct this evening or at worst and ironically, if we really need shelter the closest port is Guadaloupe. I am not expecting this to be the case. I will contact Necol services (Furuno) on arrival. Regards Damian

Should make landfall in St Martin, Great Bay on Thursday

From the look of the chart there are 2 marinas on the eastern side of the bay - At present I will aim to head to the more southerly of the two. If you could check their names and phone numbers / VHF channels for me that would be great. Otherwise all is fine. Position at 1600UT today is18d 12N56d 33W with wind E - ENE 16 to 27 with Occasional 33 knots, so we are a little slow as we are having to keep reefed as the wind is so up and down. Day run 138nm. We are hoping for Thursday - we are a little directionally challenged -but we should be able to pencil in Furuno for Friday - Does Furuno have an idea of a worst case scenario time scale? Oh probably not a bad idea for directions to a decent birthday cake -good thinking ; ) Regards Damian

Hopefully, Necol Technical Services (Furuno) can straighten our our autopilot

If there is a marina in Simpsons bay we will head there - Otherwise we will go to Great Bay, as I know there are marinas there. I do not know the names as of yet. Both bays are within a few miles of each other. Maybe Necol Technical Services could advise. By the way - I keep forgetting to mention - the sat phone txt is restricted to 90 characters, so messages get cut short. Sorry should have mentioned earlier. As to progress. Our Position at 1600ut today is 19d 25N54d 31W with winds E to ENE 11-21 knots and cloudy but dry. Day run 149nm, Damian

Change of plans Heading to St. Martin to meet with Furuno

All is well. Making steady progress to St Martin. Looking to be there around Wednesday - may have to wait offshore until daylight Any news on the Furuno guy? Position at 1600ut 18d 45N52d 25W Day run 148nm cloudy skies and ENE 16 with gusts to 27 knots. Regards Damian

Morgane sends her thanks for the good birthday wishes - we had to pass on the candles - saves all those dangerous jokes about not being able to see the cake etc. As to progress, all is good, winds are easy - ENE 11-16 knots dropped from 21 knots with occasional 27 knot gusts. Just waiting for a lttle further drop, and sea to settle to shake out the reef. All blue skies and sunburn...Our position at 1600ut 20D 28N048D 30W for a day run of 154 miles. You asked about our arrival port - we had planned on St Francois,Guadaloupe, but my have to go to the marina at Pointe-a-pitre, for clearance, as the clearance possibilities in St Francois may have changed. We are waiting confimation. Furuno have not contacted. We have since had a 'abnormal heading data' message. The alarm sounds,the course being steered alters on the screeen, after briefly putting on standby it operates normally, but the heading is incorrect. Shortly after wards the alarm goes again and then resumes normal course heading. So again doesn't overly affect us, and would say it is a connection issue. I assume it loses GPS input briefly, or it gets distorted. The GPS unit is fine and its postion data is good during these periods. I have a backup running at all times. Regards Damian

Welcome to the middle of the week. All good on our end. The wind has returned, ENE to NE 4

(11-16 knots) Generally making a good course, and comfortable coonditions. Position 1600ut 20D 43N45D 48W Day run was 139nm. No news from Furuno. I think it would be best to wait until we arrive it doesn't overly affect us, and it will stop any chance of delay. Damian

A question was asked as to what the keel looks like under the boat, So Bob here is your answer :)

As we are on the subject. I will explain how Catatude was moved from the French country side about 15 miles inland down to the shore for launch. This truck has 3d movement, so it tilts over guard rails and other cars on the side of the road.

Busy day - We have crossed the 1000 nm to go point, and my other halfs birthday - so break out the tinned fruit... It's usually better than it sounds - depending on how supplies are going... Anyway. Still no wind, making gentle headway, day run 115nm on log, but an extra 14nm from the current. Our position at 1600UT is 20d 56N43d 30W. All is well. Regards Damian

Hope your weekend was pleasant. We are currently motoring again - wind all last night, and died this morning, So motoring gently in the right direction. All is well and running smoothly. Position today at 1600UT - ( have changed the ships clock - hence the time change) 21d 40W41d 17W. Todays run 129nm. Regards Damian

Today is the half way point in the crossing

All is OK. Position is 21D44N 38D51W. Little wind. Sails are down and the motor is on.
Todays run is 140 nm. Regards Damian

1641 miles to Antigua

All is well. Wind is dropping - and truing E; ENE 3-4bu (7-16 knots) fine weather and scattered cloud.
Position today: at 13:00UT 22d 57N37d 18W for a Day run of 153 nm. No mail from Furuno. Regards Damian

Had a couple of minor problems to deal with. First the outhaul on the main slipped - the line is a little small for the in boom jammer - though perfectly satisfactory for its purpose. Secondly the grub screws on the furling gear came out - causing the foil to drop down the the forestay, making the furling hard - as the foil was catching. I have made a temporary repair and will try to improve on it, or obtain new grub screws at next stop. Wind is NE 4 -5bu (11 to 21 knots) with occasional 6bu (27 knot gusts). Weather is pleasant - simpsons clouds - i.e., trade wind cloud formations; small cumulus, in rows ( cloud streets) spreading out around us. Day run yesterday was 140nm, I am expecting similiar or a little higher today; winds overnight were up and down.

I had asked Damian a few days ago what he though I could improve on Catatude and this was his reply below.

I did have a few suggestions I was going to make to you. The addition of a few jammers for the genoa sheets and a small winch at the mast and possibly a cleat could make life easier. The reefing lines are also a little small for the boom jammers - and need a winch to remove. We are generally sailing with the first reef in place. This causes less rounding up due to surfing, though it is slightly slower the autopilot is working much less. Another factor is that we have a little more scope on the mainsheet - I keep it off the stays, which means it is slightly over sheeted, but again cuts down wear and tear. Though I stick to the reefing plan with the boat, in part due to the added influence of swell. We could carry more sail safely, but as I mentioned before, this would all add to general fatigue. A primary addition for a speed increase would be the addition of a gennaker. After that, as you must have found with Rummy Cat, she is quite lively and making good speed 8-9knots in a stiff breeze and flat seas will not be difficult. Other than that, possibly experimenting with barber hauls - I haven't as of yet, but often do use them on cats, and a genoa track would probably enhance performance. Regarding Furuno meeting us in Antigua. Nothing from them as of today - I will update you as soon as they have been in touch. I guess you must have pushed the right button, when you spoke to them. I hope that is of some help. Have a pleasant weekend. Ourseleves, we are hoping to make it to the Mid Atlantic Restaurant tomorrow (-35W)regards Damian

All is OK. Wind ENE 4-5bu (11 to 21 knots) with occasional 6bu (27knots)
position is 23D12N 30D33W with a day run of 148NM. RGDS DAMIAN

Covered 860 of the 3,036 miles on the red rum line. 2176 miles to go to Antigua

All is well, and getting warmer and calmer - which makes for a more pleasant trip. Position at 1300UT today is 23d 39N28d 22 W. The day run 146nms lightly down on previous, but less surfing as the seas have settled somewhat. Wind E/ ENE 4-5 occ 6 with clearing skies. RegardsDamian

Glad all Satphone messages are getting thru. Yes we do seem to be getting into a good stride. Position at 1400ut today is 26d 08N27d 22W with winds east to ENE 4-5bu (11 to 21 knots) turning East. We had a day run of 158nm. All good. General weather situation is looking more settled. I expect easterlies 4 to 5bu (11 to 21 knots) for a while now. Regards Damian

All good - though wind neglected to die down last night - so a little lumpy, and having to play dodge the cloudy, but otherwise okay. Position this morning at 0800 UT 25d 57.7N, 23d 39.53W Skies clearing, but still plenty of clouds, wind NNE to NE 4 -6B (11, gusting to 27 knots) reefed down and moving along comfortably. We had a 158nm day run. Regards Damian

ALL OK. Position is 26D40N 22D13W.
OVERCAST. Day run iss 158nm
WIND NE 5-6B (17, gusting to 27 knots) and Decreasing. RGDS DAMIAN

Well all is well we left without problem and have cleared the Canarie island chain.
Weather has been too calm - and have had to motor a lot, but the wind is returning.
Or position is 26d 41.05N, 18d 57.84W we have covered 213 nm since we left.
We should be able to pick up the pace a little now. General conditions are good for the crossing.
As far as the Furuno Wind Instrument not talking to the Autopilot, In short - it is as though they fitted the power boat version of the system, rather than the sail version. I will txt position tomorrow and email the following day - and so on. Have a great weekend. Regards Damian

Off to cross the Atlantic to Antigua

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We are leaving this afternoon. I have had Furuno on board to review the problem of the Wind instrument not talking to the Autopilot. The result is that a unit was not fitted with a part for that connection.
Gran Canaria is pleasant enough, but it is good to get moving again. All is looking good. As to preference to catamaran or monohull - it depènds on general conditions, it is very pleasant being upright and being able to put things down and they stay there.... Though the sailing can be livelier on a monohull. So it is a mixed bag, mostly I really enjoy the process as a whole and the time at sea. Will update position at least every 2 days. Regards Damian

Getting ready for the next 3039 mile leg

Best sustained speed we had was 7.5kts - We could be a little quicker - but I keep sail reduced to cut stress on the boat. We were regularly surfing at 9kts comfortably and with out over powering at all. In General the winds are looking excellant for he next leg.



Yep, oil change is all done. Basically one day to rest, one day to provision and check over the rigging etc, and make a few minor adjustments. Regards Damian

Covered 1,637 miles, Next stop Antigua

We are in Gran Canaria. Planning to to leave on Wednesday/ Thursday.
I will email before we leave. No on board email - Regards Damian

Next passage will be 18 days 3,039 miles to Antigua

Covered 1339 miles, 296 miles to Grand Canaria

All is OK. Position is 31d46n 12d31w. Weather is good. Wind w-wnw 2-3. todays 24 hour run is 146nm. Regards Damian

Well just finished Catatuding the Dock Cart. What do you think :)

1163 miles covered, 472 miles to Grand Canaria

Todays position ;33d52.8N, 10d55.3W for a Day run of 137 nm weather has improved blue skies and 'Simpson' clouds... Wind W3 - 5 All going well. Should arrive in Grand Canaria late Saturday early Sunday morning. Regards Damian

1,023 miles coverd so far

All is OK. POSN. 35D59N 10D04W. Weather today is Showers.
WIND W 5-6. DAY RUN 140NM. Regards Damian

A few Dolphins and Whales sighted

Have been mostly sailing. As I said the Furuno is not a problem, more of an inconvenience. Todays position; 37d45.8N, 11d25.33W. for a 148nm run in last 24 hrs. Much more like it. We have had a bit of weather today; running south is the best - and as it is our route all should be well. Wind currently west 17, gusting 27 knots. Seas moderate to rough. We are well reefed and holding well. A few Dolphins and Whales sighted in the distance will try for some decent photos. Regards Damian

Weather is Fair

All OK. Position. 40D09N 10D29W. Weather is Fair.
WIND W-NW 11 to 21 knots. Day Run 130NM

On our way to Gran Canaria (Canaries Islands)

Position as of 0930 UT on Easter Sunday 4-12-09 is 42d 32.8N, 10d 05.9 W Covered 135 nm in the last 24hrs. All well aboard.We have a minor hiccup with the autopilot - with its wind following function. I have spoken to Furuno and will see some one at Gran Canaria - if it fits with our time. It does not cause us a major problem, so will not wait for a technician. But wanted to make sure they were aware of the problem. The unit is operating fine otherwise, and I don't believe it is anything serious.

Heading for the Canaries

You will be glad to hear we will be underway shortly. I am just checking the weather and then we go. Sea is still a little high - but the cross seas should be gone, and no head winds for a while. Hoping to arrive in the Canaries in approx 8 days. Regards Damian

Luckily Viveiro is pleasant, though quiet...

SW Beaufort wind force of 5 - 7 - average 25kts, gusting 35 with very rough 6 to 13 ft sea's. Head on is not pleasant, and not good for boat or crew. Wind is turning northerly giving very confused seas in Finisterre. The wind is calming down on Friday and the seas should settle by Saturday morning. This is a notorious area with little shelter, hence the caution. There may be some strong winds as we head south, but will be down wind and offshore, so the sea state will be better.

Luckily the town is pleasant though quiet.Though there are some pleasant resturants...We generally take it easy, look around as the time allow. Much depends on if I know we are definately stuck for a few days or not. Hoping to rent a bicycle and look around tomorrow. Generally though as weather is not good we sit tight and watch the weather.Carrying a small library is always useful. Regards, Damian

In Viviero Spain until Fri. or Sat.

We are still in Viviero Spain. We had to abort leaving due to the rough seas and bad weather. It looks like Friday or Saturday morning, as I said before, after this the general situation is good. Catatude is performing well, everything is in order; and there appears to be no ex factory problems. Regards, Captain Damian

In Viviero Spain

We have pulled in briefly to avoid a SW gale & bad seas at Finisterre.
We are currently in Viviero, approx 60 miles east of Coruna. We are continuing on now, possibly stopping in A Coruna. Sea's are notorious around this area. If we have to stop in A Coruna, we will be stuck for a couple of days. Otherwise beyond here the general situation is looking good. Regards, Captain Damian

Catatude Left France today to start her Transatlantic Journey

Well she is on her way. Captain Damian and two crew members left LaRochelle France today at 2:20 pm there time 8:20am this morning our Eastern standard time. The first day was low to no wind which is perfect for crossing Biscay Bay, which can be rough. The bay is 400 miles across, so it will take a few days to cross. Damian will be sending satphone LAT & LONG's on a daily basis to us so we can track the progress. After months of planning it's really nice to see things comming together.

What a difference a day makes

I read this statement from our Captain Damian.
"You will be glad to hear we will be removing the carpet on arrival - not the best quality - or color." Of course, I am thinking Oh no the carpet under the salon table was damaged. Boy was I surprised. Damian put protective carpeting and bubble wrap on everything.

Wow what a job, everything is covered, even the stove top. He also removed the lazy bag with lazy jacks and checked the rigging and added some protection on the spreaders.

Captain Damian is loading all the supplies for Catatude's trip

All is good for a Friday 4-4-09 departure from LaRochelle France - the guys from Furuno come Friday to calibrate the autopilot at lunchtime and we leave directly after they are finished. Weather is looking good, little wind - possibly no wind. Definately the better way of things for escaping Biscay Bay. Our first stop will be wind dependant. But I will update you en-route regarding our first stop.

Captain Damians first day on the job "Let's take pictures"

Today our Captain Damian gets on board Catatude and take pictures so we can see her for the first time in LaRochelle France 3-30-09