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Latest news from the SolarCoaster Crew (Chris, Brent, Paul): A Word from the Captain: SolarCoaster is pulling gently at her moorings at her wonderful new home at the West Bay marina today. She has had the full spa treatment - scrubbed, exfoliated and waxed. Tranquility prevails - the pounding of waves, the whistle of the wind, the creaking and groaning of the hull under strain, are but memories now. What a special boat! In 2 months she has sailed nearly 5400 nautical miles, or about a quarter of the way around the world! In her 2 years since launch, she has sailed nearly 10,000 nautical miles, or about half of the distance around the world. Together, we have shared euphoria, despair, pain, comfort, uncertainty, adventure and discovery. True, she is merely a fibreglass boat...but she is as essential to me as a prosthetic limb is to a man without a leg! Oh, but Alfred Lord Tennyson is a little more eloquent than I ...
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life."
See you soon!
Chris
P.S. SolarCoaster says thanks Beth for picking out such a nice slip for her!
Day 25 Tides and little wind are slowing things down slightly. Arrival at West Bay Marina should be around 2-3pm today! Come down to welcome them back! Arrived at 2pm with smiling faces and loads of great stories to share! Day 24 An exciting night last night with a triple reef and waves crashing over the boat (one went through the dodger and into the cockpit. It took them an hour to mop up 2" of water). They're still in 15' seas, but the sun is out and the albatross is still with them. A new pet perhaps? Brent saw a meteor last night that lit up the sky, and they've had porpoises following in their wake. SolarCoaster is 60nm W of Cape Flattery and are estimating an arrival time of noon tomorrow! Day 23 They're getting close! 177nm to Cape Flattery. Happy to have a nice breeze as they sail along with 2 reefs in the main and a 3/4 headsail. Last night they reached up to 9kts with a triple reef. It's another cloudy day, they've lost their tans and are looking forward to some sunshine back on the Island. They're looking at arriving late Saturday night or Sunday morning. Day 22 Chris had a great birthday - sunny day, Paul caught a TUNA, which let to being accompanied by hundreds of dolphins, and the albtross was repeatedly landing on the boat! Making good time and hoping to arrive on Sunday. Asked if after such a great day were they just going to stay out there? - "maybe". Day 21 416nm to Cape Flattery! Under power today, the sun is out, the seas are calm and it's CHRIS'S BIRTHDAY! After 500-600nm of jellyfish, today there were none to be seen. They were planning a movie party in honour of Chris's birthday! Sad to report that they are out of beer. They're looking at an arrival date somewhere around the 5th or 6th. Stay tuned. Day 20 532nm to Cape Flattery! They enjoyed a full moon and some SUNSHINE yesterday! Cruising along wing on wing under hazy skies today. All doing well and in good spirits. Day 19 Winds out of the SE at 15kts and smooth seas are helping them move right along. It's raining so they've taken cover below decks. The albatross is still with them. Day 18 Cold, wet and windy today with a 12-14kt breeze from the SE. Yesterday they were surrounded by miles and miles of flying jellyfish (Velella velella). They are tiny blue-coloured relatives of the Portuguese man-of-war, but instead of the float having a bladder, it has a flat disc with a diagonal sail. SolarCoaster also nearly t-boned a humpback whale, so it was a pretty exciting day! Day 17 No wind today! Foggy conditions continue and they're seeing tail fin jellies. Lots of fuel still on board but they're hoping to find more wind as the day continues. Day 16 Rolling around in 8-10' seas and up to 30kts of wind! Still dealing with fog and what seems to be a November-like day. Have crushed the 1000nm mark and the three are trampling around with a 3' stride banging into the walls and keeping things going. Day 15 Making good progress under 15-17kt winds and getting a little damp from the fog. The three are getting to know each other pretty well having been living together for 2 weeks now in approx. 60 square feet! 1147nm to Cape Flattery. Chris assures me that his laughter over the phone is not delerium - yet. Day 14 The halfway point has been reached! 1262nm to Cape Flattery! Winds have been light, but they're making progress under very calm seas with their albatross friend. All in good spirits and dreaming of pizza and cold beer! Day 13 Moving along well on a close reach today under cloudy skies with the albatross still keeping them company. They travelled into the high yesterday and were becalmed which offered an opportunity to celebrate Paul's birthday below decks by watching a movie. Day 12 They were thinking of starting up the engine this morning and moving north. Had an exciting evening on the 22nd - 30knots and 10-12' seas! Happy Birthday to Paul today!!! Day 9 The albatross is still with them - it's been 4 days now. Last night they delighted in some incredible phosphorescence excentuated by swimming fish and yesterday they were joined by over 30 porpoises! They kept things rolling with some jambalya and wine for dinner. SolarCoaster is motoring this morning and Paul will be heading up the mast to repair the wind instruments under calm conditions. Day 8 With all sails up, they have made the turn and are headed directly for Victoria. The crew is well rested and taking 2.5 hour watches around the clock with naps in between. They had up to 4 albatross at a time visiting yesterday. Word must have gotten out. All three say HELLO! Day 7 Sailing along under grey skies and a rolling sea. An albatross has returned! Is it the same one? Day 6 The stars came out last night, making for a nice evening. No complaints! 20kts of wind and 4' sea making for an enjoyable sail today. 2000nm to Cape Flattery! Day 5 SolarCoaster had an exciting evening pushing along through the night in 18-28kt winds. Moving along this morning with a wave broadsiding and washing over the boat about every 15 minutes. Unfortunately the block for the solant blew out so they're without for now and have rigged up the jib. Things are getting pretty sticky and ripe down below as it's about 30degrees and they aren't able to open any hatches! There was lots of laughter coming over the line as all three huddled under the dodger in an attempt to stay dry. Day 4 The crew is sailing along in good spirits. They plan to maintain their heading and continue to beat into the wind. Today they enjoyed their first hot meal! Day 3 The crew is feeling well and over the seasickness. Spending some time tidying up the aftermath today. They had a visit from a boobie (bird) who sat on the pulpit for a couple of hours after circling the boat. All is well and they are enjoying 15kts of wind. Brent and Paul were both asleep and catching up on some rest during Chris's call. Day 2 Making good ground with a 15kt breeze and 4' sea. A sense of humour is helping to overcome a dreaded condition - seasickness! All 3 have succumbed. Enjoyed crackers and water for breakfast. It's a good thing that SolarCoaster knows what she's doing! Day 1 SolarCoaster will be checking in with Beth by satellite phone and updates will be posted daily unless otherwise noted. Latest news from Chris: Aloha to All! A big warm Hawaiian Aloha to everyone who has been following the meanderings of SolarCoaster for the last 3 weeks. I am so sorry to be so long in sending a message...on arrival I hadn't slept for more than 30 hours, and was a little overwhelmed by my re-entry onto land! To the left of the map above is a picture of me after battling the Molokai channel's 30 knot winds overnight. I haven't slept in over a day, and I'm trying to look triumphant in front of Diamond Head - truth be told I'm feeling completely unreal there - do I look it?! Well, a day's rest has done wonders, although I still can't believe I'm here! SolarCoaster is bobbing happily at Ko'Olina, especially now that her fouled prop is clean, the 8 holes in her mainsail have been patched, SailoMatilda is getting re-rigged, and she's had a bath! I'm enjoying a gentle breeze and a 23 degree evening as I write to you. I have Little River Band's song "Cool Change" in my head - one of my favourites! There's a line in there that is so appropriate right now..."Lots of those friendly people, showing me ways to go, and I never want to lose their inspiration..." This may have officially been a solo journey, but it really was more about all the wonderful friends who have inspired me, and freely shared the ideas and knowledge that have allowed me to realize this long-time dream. Your spirit has carried SolarCoaster and me for 2728.3 nautical miles over 23.5 days, and for that I am deeply grateful! I hope in return, this voyage has brought people closer together, fostered new relationships, and perhaps hatched a dream or two in someone else's mind. As I write to you, I know I will continue to realize new things that I will have learned from this journey, probably for quite some time to come. It has had a profound effect on me, and I have been forever changed by the experience... To all my dear friends and family, much love from Chris and SolarCoaster PS 1. To all those that have e-mailed, I'm sorry to be so slow in responding! E-mails and phone calls to come over the next few days. PS 2. There are many folks to thank, but for now a very BIG thank you to my wonderful friends: Brent, who provided daily communication service, weather, and healthy doses of moral support...and Beth, who was responsible for coordinating those communications into that fantastic tracking website! Day 26 Thanks again for supporting the Reach for Hawaii Program! Day 26 A steady day of sailing yesterday in 20+ knots of wind with 7-8 foot seas along with a few squalls bringing Molokai into sight at 7:15pm PDT! The final night at sea was not about to give Chris and Solar Coaster the impression that their journey was over as it unleashed 30+ knots of wind, seas well over 10 feet and an abundance of commercial shipping traffic. With the rail buried in the sea, water squirting through the life ring on the pushpit and a rudder complaining heavily of the abuse, Chris and Solar Coaster arrived at Diamond Head this morning tired and exhausted. They expect to be tied up at the dock in Ko'olina within the next four hours to clear Customs and I expect a short nap may be in order. Official arrival will be posted as soon as we get the word. Day 25 Steady winds of 20+ knots, seas 7 feet with scattered thundershowers through yesterday and last night with Chris running wing and wing at 6 to 7 knots. Various seabirds showing up, along with the usual flying fish, a few passing freighters and a night sky with Venus bright on the horizon. Solar Coaster is starting to show the effects of the journey as the rudder has some play along with the occasional creak and groan, rust on the turnbuckles and a good layer of crystallized salt covering various surfaces that the rain can’t access. As for Chris, he’s 100 nautical miles from Hawaii, and he’s looking forward to an all-day breakfast (amongst other things!) when he gets there! His hair was fairly long when he left, and he didn’t take a razor, so let’s hope that U.S. Immigration doesn’t send him back to sea! Day 24 Well into the trade winds at 15 to 20 kts (occasional 25 to 30) with a few thunder showers in the vicinity and hot muggy conditions. A better day yesterday and through the night for Chris and Solar Coaster as they managed to avoid most of the squalls and make a steady 4 to 5 knots placing him about 220nm from destination. Spirits are good, canned food diet is so – so and the sleep patterns are intermittent due to heat and squalls. A bit of marine life around – one being a small flying fish that found its way through the companionway and into the sink! He is definitely looking forward to a cool beverage and a hammock in the near future! Day 23 A hot muggy day with very little wind most of yesterday with the wind picking up to 10-15kts in the early evening. As the sun set the skies cleared slightly allowing the moon and the stars to break through – until midnight… The moon went into hiding, the wind puffed up to 35kts and the driving rain began! Chris scrambled about the boat gathering up sails as she exceeded the 8kt mark and fervently tried to get her prepared for the present conditions. After 45 minutes of wind and rain the calm conditions returned, so Chris not wanting to waste any time set to work to get Solar Coaster moving again just to have the whole process repeat itself 30 minutes later! So that is how Chris spent the night, the sun is now up, the black clouds and he have parted company and Chris is back into the much coveted 15kt breeze. He promises to not curse the becalmed conditions again should they arrive…
A line of black clouds shadowed Solar Coaster most of yesterday, sapping her of any consistent wind and direction. Tried motor sailing for a while but it appears the prop may be fouled reducing her speed to 2-3 knots and therefore has decided to save the motoring for emergency purposes only. Continued through the night with a very light breeze however, conditions improved slightly this morning to 8kts giving a boat speed 0f 3.5 kts. Just finishing up the book The Life of PI, contemplating today’s menu and trying hard not to think about everything that has to be done after he reaches Hawaii. Looks like a good day for observing the local marine life! Day 21 A mixed day for sun and cloud with a few showers around causing the wind to be variable and a little unpredictable, but the temperature and sea state are great making for a fairly relaxed sail. Sunrise reveals an utterly be-calmed sea with dark clouds to the North and an almost imperceptible swell from the North East. A few fish jumping this morning, an oily looking bird circling the boat eyeing it up as place to perch and no sign of the Albatross... Morning stretches, breakfast, tend to the boat, look for some wind then kick back and take it all in! Day 20 Yesterday was a fantastic day of being on the Pacific – with beautiful azure blue waters, glorious sunshine, balmy 25C temperature, a light 10 knot breeze and a gentle rolling ocean – a great time to break out the fiddle and accentuate it all with Bach! A variable breeze out of the East last night of 10 to 15 knots made for a great sleep and has awoken this morning to generally sunny skies and 10 knot winds – I think a book may be in order… Day 19 Difficult day and into the evening yesterday as Chris transited a line of squalls making for frequent sail tending and boat handling however sunrise this morning brought glorious blue skies and some visitors. He’s had porpoises, flying fish and his long range buddy the Albatross all keeping him company this morning in much improved sea conditions. The temperature is warm, the waters getting bluer and Hawaii is less than 700nm (1300kms) away (only an hour and a half out in a Boeing 737)! Chris is thoroughly enjoying the entire package and wishes to thank all of you that are keeping track of his progress and supporting and promoting his cause with the Disabled Sailing Association! Day 18 A little more westward bound this morning to avoid some stronger winds and rolling seas to the South. The winds have been very consistent allowing for good daily average distances of around 130 nautical miles and seas averaging between 7 and 11 feet. Has had some small squid accidentally landing on the boat during the day, not something you want hitting you in the face in the black of night! Finding the boat to be fairly light for these conditions requiring lots of tending and care. Lots of water and provisions left and is starting to count down the miles left to go! Day 17 Passed the 1000 nautical miles (1863kms) to go mark at 03:30 this morning! Winds and seas have moderated a bit today but generally much the same conditions as the last couple of days. A continuous layer of alto stratus clouds stretching as far as the eye can see make for a gray day and a very dark night. Has not had the chance to observe much marine life with the present sea conditions although Joey the Albatross is never far away. All is well with Chris and Solar Coaster and he extends a hearty hello to all! Day 16 Continuing to run wing on wing with the occasional jibe in rolling 20 to 25kt seas making for more work than book reading time. Seas are in a 5-6 foot swell with a 2-3 foot break on top of that with intervals of 5 to 7 seconds. Have had several freighters pass by and Joey the Albatross has brought a friend along to observe this curious individual pitching and rolling about like a mad man! Skies continue to be mostly overcast and the sea conditions not very conducive to doing anything relaxing – but still looking forward to some sunshine and that book! Day 15 Continuing to run wing on wing with a steady 20kt wind during the day but variable during the night from 15-25kts making for lots of sail tending during the night. Woke up at one point to find the boat doing 9kts in a rather precarious sail configuration! The halfway point of 1306nm was achieved at 16:30 PDT! Skies continue to be overcast and the sea in a mixed state with swells converging from the North East and the South West. All is well and still looking forward to Some sunshine and a book.
Winds out of the North East 15kts with 4 foot chop and overcast conditions. Ran most of yesterday wing on wing with the occasional jibe making for pretty steady time and speed. Drama on the high seas as… the head failed! Fortunately Kelly (Island Cruising) had included a head overhaul kit in Chris’s spares and part of yesterday was devoted to fixing the white throne. Looks like a full day under the clouds but is looking forward to the HALFWAY PARTY some time this evening! Day 13 Fairly calm conditions yesterday with the wind around 5kts allowed for some house keeping and maintenance on the self steering gear. The wind picked up through the night and Chris is now enjoying 12-15kt on a broad reach with the seas at a gentle swell and a balmy temperature that allows for t-shirt and shorts! Venus and Mars were bright enough to light the way last night making for a pretty spectacular evening of star gazing. Awoke to a heavy dew this morning and a friendly sunrise fly-over by Joey the Albatross. Chris is well rested and passes on a big hello to all! Day 12 Slowly pushing around the South East side of a building stationary High and getting favorable winds out of the North West putting him on a beam reach for the last 20 hours. Seas are settling into a nice 9 foot swell with good 10 second intervals and the skies are a mixture of cloud and sunshine. The self steering gear (manufacture name Sail o Mat – Chris calls Sail Matilda) has been working overtime and requires some maintenance and repairs which he will work on today. Slowly getting things dried out, had an extended sleep last night and is really looking forward to that book and sunshine! The Albatross was back for his morning visit (Douglas has decided to call him Joey!). Day 11 Spent most of yesterday beating into a South West wind of 20-25+kts with 7-11 foot waves, and very short intervals
making for a very wet and rough ride. Cold front passed over around 20:00 last night with the wind veering to the
West/Northwest putting him on a beam reach for most of the night. Conditions improved this morning as the wind comes
around to Northwest and reduced to 15-20 knots and is now on a broad reach making 7 knots! Conditions should continue to improve
throughout the day; looking forward to making up some lost time. Feeling a little wet and soggy right now, has been resting
at intervals…and his albatross mate has returned! Assures me he is doing fine but is really looking forward to
reading a good book in the sunshine! Day 10 Low pressure moved down from the North West further than forecast bringing a strong South West wind of 20 to 25kts – yes he’s beating again! Low swells with a 4 foot chop, driving rain and sea spray making for soggy conditions inside and out. The A.I.S. system earned its keep as it warned him of an approaching freighter as Chris was trying to get some shuteye, he made radio contact with the freighter and they made a course correction and updated him on the weather forecast. His 2 sea birds and the Albatross that were accompanying him are not around – but neither is the shark that approached the boat yesterday! Hopes to be out of these conditions in the next 12-18 hours and is looking forward to a hot meal and some pleasant conditions. Day 9 Presently motoring as the wind has died off and the batteries need charging. High pressure approaching from the North West will keep the winds light and the seas calm for the next couple of days – hard to find a happy medium! My Albatross friend was back for his early morning visit as I was taking pictures of the sunrise. The skies are generally clear and the seas are at a gentle swell from the North West. Day 8 Had a much welcomed calm evening, with the wind less than 10 kts allowing for a hot dinner and good rest! This morning the breeze continues at around 10 kts out of the North East, the seas are a light ripple with a gentle swell out of the North West 3 to 4 feet at a good 15 second interval. An Albatross has been visiting me once a day for the last several days. I’m doing well, not lonely yet and am looking forward to a period of relative calm! Hi to all! Day 7 Good day of sailing yesterday under generally clear skies with a few thunder showers around. Wind out of the West 10-15kts with a full main sail and solant allowing for some food and rest time. Around midnight the wind picked up out of the West to North West 25 to 30kts and am now on a beam reach with 3 reefs in the main and the solant with the seas around 11 feet. Passing just to the North of a Low pressure system that developed yesterday and anticipate reduced winds and seas in the next 24hours. Continue to steer a course to 40N130W. Hi to All! Day 6 Continuing to beat with an overnight wind out of the South West 10-15 kts, generally clear night as the cold front
passed over early evening yesterday. Thunderstorms to the North and South with much calmer sailing conditions
at present allowing for a much more restful night. Will continue to parallel the coast to get South of a developing
High pressure and steer clear of some wind and weather to the West, North West. Day 5 Have passed over the continental shelf and the wind and seas are settling, just about to have breakfast and enjoy the daylight. Ran the night with three reefs in the main and am still beating against that Southwest wind. Day 4 Good day of sailing however continue to beat against the wind and expect to continue with headwinds the next couple of days. Just passed by some off shore fish boats and am marveling at the various seabirds and marine life. Expect to be 40'N 130'W in 5 to 6 days. Day 3 Day 2 Day 1
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