Thursday, June 18, 2009

Day 24 - Bermuda to Ireland


Fastnet Lighthouse


Weather: Gray, overcast. Big seas as water shallows and channels around Ireland.

General Comments: "LAND HO!" Kyle shouted around 0521 (GMT) this morning (at this latitude by then, the sun had already been up for an hour). Finally, we could see Ireland (well he could, I'm afraid I acknowledged him, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Kyle says I'm dead inside). When I finally awoke, it was to the cry of seabirds and a gray sliver of land filling the horizon (Ireland is definitely not the Emerald Isle today). Fastnet light is ahead of us, but still a tiny stick right now. We are all set to arrive and clear in by early afternoon. Very few ships around, but we are getting lots of Irish Coast Guard chatter (weather and basics) but not much else on the Radio. 

[Kyle]We are getting into shallower water, and the seas are building. Although winds are only 15-20kt, the waves overtaking us are 15-20'. It is not a good day for a day sail, and we are glad to be headed downwind and not into this mess. We are both very excited.

Food: I wanted to use the last of our Bermuda Free Range/Organic chicken so made Pasta with parmesean chicken... Tonight should be a pub food (with a Guinness perhaps?) if we can find an ATM, or the pub takes cards.

Progress: Yesterday we made 136nm, So far on this trip we have traveled (through the water) 2783nm, and have 16nm (plotted direct course) to go.

5 comments:

Karen said...

YAAAAAAY!! As one of many who are amazed that both of you made the voyage, and more importantly, overcame the several annoying and frustrating obstacles you faced (especially the autopilot failure), not to mention the foul weather you had to endure to successfully arrive in Ireland, I just want to say Yippee! Congratulations! and Bravo! :-) What an accomplishment!!

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your journey! Looking forward to reading details about things you didn't have time to write/post at sea, and of course about your upcoming travels through the Emerald Isle.

May you indulge yourselves silly with as much well-deserved rest, relaxation and pampering as you can handle! :-)

Here's to the Webbs! HIP, HIP HOORAY!!!

Mommy Dearest said...

HIP, HIP, HOORAY!!! I will certainly chime in Karen's previous post. Well done! Congratulations! Can I exhale now? I cannot tell you how excited I am at your arrival. Very, very few people undertake such a challenge and you've done it. Wow. (I never doubted, but always worry about the unforeseen things that happen on a passage like this.) I'm so very proud of you both and wish I could give you huge hugs, more than you'd be comfortable with in public. As soon as you clear customs I hope a Guinness and pub are in the offing, to give you sustenance enough to go find a good hotel. (See my previous email on this.) You have been much loved, admired, looked out for, and enjoyed all along. You were certainly never alone in spirit, at least.

kate said...

YA-HOO!!!! I'm so happy you've arrived, safe and sound! Wow, this is the best news I've had all week. I hope you guys savor these first couple of days in Ireland and just take it all in. And you should positively luxuriate in the recognition of your successful crossing! Can't wait to hear about all you see, hear and experience in that beautiful country. xoxo!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sailors:
I am glad to hear you arrived safely and in good spirits. You two are very special people. Few people understand the stress of such a voyage. You deserve a good break. Stay in a Hotel for a few days and eat and sleep until Footprint starts to look good again to you.

Bob

Angie and Nick M/V Spellbound said...

The whole state of Virginia is cheering!!!! So happy for you guys!!! WELL DONE.