Ted’s!

Day 1: Offshore to Panama

The Burnetts have begun their six day journey across the Caribbean Sea to Panama. We left on Tuesday afternoon, only a couple of hours later than anticipated due to Sint Maarten’s magnetic attractiveness. To explain, let’s begin with Mel’s Law of Land Magnetism: the strength of an landmass’s pull is proportional to the square of the ease of getting boat parts there. SXM has figured out that piling all of those boat parts around Simpson Lagoon can break your boat, making it even harder to overcome the SXM Boat Project Field.

So how did Jerry finally break this law? While refueling at Bobby’s in Philipsburg the morning of our launch, one of our fuel tank caps pulled a Wilson and, while Greg’s back was turned, decided to free itself from the bonds of the corroded chain holding it onto the boat and quietly plop into the ocean. Aha! Sint Maarten made its move: Another boat part to get! Surely we can’t leave now! Well, Sint Maarten, you let down your guard. After waiting through a 1.5 hour closure for lunch, Greg learned that Island Water World did not have the right-sized plug. Hooray for the lack of global marine sizing standards! We broke free!

Now Jerry is proudly scooting across the ocean with what looks like a diaper duct-taped to his butt. This is bound to impress any warships he encounters.

Since Mel’s seasickness has prohibited her from drinking the caffeine that helps her focus, Mel will switch topics. Today’s photo and post name was inspired by the greatest sailing movie ever. This is, of course, Captain Ron.

Caroline Harvey: “Captain Ron, I was wondering. Are we going to be going to any more ‘human’ type places?”
Captain Ron: “Well, you heard of St. Croix?”
Caroline Harvey: “Yeah.”
Captain Ron: “We’re going to the island just to the left of it.”
Caroline Harvey: “What’s it called?”
Captain Ron: “Ted’s.”

In the photo the author points out their current trajectory, which is taking them “left” of St Croix! Pretty sure Ted’s is uncharted. Good thing we had a near-full moon last night!

Boat stuff: It’s like we are on a different planet from the last two offshores. Initially, waves were up to 6 feet in on the beam with 15 kn of wind. Now we have between eight and 14 kn apparent, dead down wind. Wind is slowly switching from starboard to port tack, currently at 170° and 10 kn apparent. We are basically motoring or motor sailing until Mel’s watch is done and we hoist the spinnaker. Greg is so excited! However, Mel is not. As she has said before on this blog, spinnakers are bastards. That’s why they are pretty — makes it easier for them to manipulate you.

Dinner last night: Crackers and gingerale

Entertainment: Mel started the audiobook Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homocide, by Rupert Holmes, who happens to be the same guy who wrote and performed the Pina Colada Song. That makes sense.
Don’t think too much about Mel’s book selection — she no longer has anyone to murder!