Paraty to Rio on a classic

It was a late departure from São Paulo. Different committments kept us, and we ended up starting the five hour drive to the coastal town of Paraty only after 11pm. 

The plan was to transfer "Chinook", a 30ft wooden classic from a Marina in the small bay by the touristic colonial town Paraty to Rio. Since Chinook has no engine, the idea was to sail if possible, and tow if not. The mother ship would be the also wooden classic "Chestnut Tree".  A 45 feet, yawl rigged beauty. 

Quite honestly? The forecast was predicting feable wind on the nose. Since miles had to be covered, the prospect was towing, mostly. 

We had a crew of five. The distance to Rio is about 90 miles. We would cover 30 on the first day, and then another 60 on Sunday. The predicted 5-8 knots of wind from due East with waves and current against was not favorable. But the day was splendind. So we started after providing food and drink for the crew, and store it on Chestnut Tree. 

I had never seen Chinook before, and was very curious about this Dragon, a class designed in 1939. Built in Norway, and fabulously restored and maintained, Chinook is a classic lovers dream in wood. So I volunteered for the first tow watch, together with the captain, Andy. It was a pleasure, to enjoy the day tucked into the comfortable and beautiful cockpit, and chat away while watching the world pass by. 

We arrived in the last protected bay of Ilha Grande at the end of the day. Since the crew was tired from the night drive and early work to start the two boats in the morning, the recommendation was to have a hot pasta meal, have a short shut eye to get some rest, and then leave in the dark at 04am, start steaming into the dark of the night, for a long tow. Stars entertained us, while the tow steamed right into massive rollers. Soon the first light broke, and offered an unforgettable spectacle. In the distance, the light revealed the high hills of Rio de Janeiro, making an easy task of navigation. Course right into the rising sun. 

After about 20 miles, in the glittering morning sun, we hoisted sails into a light morning breeze. We tacked, close hauled, outward, away from the coast. Sailing this long keeler in the cold ocean water was exhilerating. Chinook is an Early Forties raceboat, equipped with a small cabin, and a light and high wooden stick as a mast. 

It was a rare, and formidable classic sailing experience. Since Chestnut Tree had steamed into the wind, and out of sight, we felt grand, sailing together into an empty and so beautiful world. The golden light of the winter morning, and the cristal clear, cold water gave it a surreal atmosphere. 

We didn't want to stray away from Chestnut Tree for too long. So we tacked back towards the coast. According to the navigation, we should find them about 1 or 2 miles ahead of us, as we reach Guartiba Point. And so we did, just as they also hoisted sails. It is very hard to describe the pleasure of sitting in such a lovely and functional vehicle, while watching another graceful classic vessel, sail through the clear sea, on a wonderful morning. 

We sailed from the Marambaia Rock until we had Grumari Beach on our port side. The we had to admit that the wind had died away, and that we needed to make it into Rio. So Chinook went back to towing, leaving the crew free to hide away from the chilling wind. We reached Rio in the last of light, and made port in the dark. 

Memories of a unique sailing experience

Here is a little video with images from the crossing from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro, with the two classics, Chinook and Chestnut Tree. Good memories, indeed. Watch it on full screen mode.

Afternoon on Arpex

A Unique Sailing Experience

I am, indeed, a lucky man. This past weekend I took was invited to a unique sailing experience. The proposition by my friend Andy, was to transport two classic wooden boats from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro, a crossing of some odd 90 miles. A course that led us through some of the most beautiful sceneries of our stunning coastline. The first 30 miles led us right through the sheltered waters of the  Ilha Grande Bay. The next 60 miles on the open waters of the South Atlantic, along the famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro, with the dramatic backdrop of steep hills.

Mind you, it was not a pleasure cruise. A bit of nautical spirit was required to appreciate the full range of treats which we were offered during these two days. But for me this was a most unique travel in time. A sailing experience of a very special kind, which will be kept in good memory.  

I will write a full report in along the next posts, with more images. Click on the pictures for a full size view.

Electric Power on Arpex

Arpex has three means of propulsion. Main one is wind - of course. Then I have a 8hp Mercury two stroke. I hate the thing. I mean, it always seems to die off, when it is critical, during the maneuvers, when changing gear... And then I have an electric motor. It is a Torqueedo 1003 travel. I had a good opportunity to bring it from Europe, and I wanted to give it a try. I had not yet tried it on Arpex. But i did during last Sunday. And it suprised me. Depite its weak power, it corresponds to a 3hp, it moved Arpex along nicely. Autonomy is low, but it was there to maneuver from the mooring, and back to the mooring. It wont be of any good to make way in case there is wind. I feel that windage will be an issue. But hey! If there is wind, I should be sailing.

I really wonder, how this could be used, it autonomy could be extended by connecting to the boat battery, and increase of solar power panels. I'll be playing around with this in near future.

Arpex moving again

The weekend was full of activity. On Friday, we managed to re-erect the mast. Consequently, there was a lot to do on Saturday, to get the boat fit for sailing again. We had to adjust the mast, mount the boom, fit the sails. And we also installed the reef... Yes. And we also decided to test it right away. Windguru was giving a forecast of up to 25 knots for the day. And, francly speaking, I was not prepared to go into this with full sail. Not again at this point. Afterall I am human, and I can learn. So it was decided to take it easy. We set off with the reef in the main for a short ride on the bay. Just to see how ti works and give the new shroud the chance to strech a bit.

It was a pleasant ride. The sail worked. And I was happy to have a sailboat again.

Mast Erection

In a joint effort of five able guys, we re-erected the mast on Arpex. The day was a little bit too windy for my liking, but the window of opportunity was there, I took the Friday off for this job, the right guys were available and motivated, and interprid Giovani, who doesn't like to keep things slack, gave a speech, and defended the case, giving me the confidence to just do it. In a more or less coordinated effort, we put the stick back on its rightful place.

Using the engine we parked Arpex alongside "StantoAntonio", where the mast had been fixed, and where it was still stored. Coming from the top of SantoAntonios roof, the mast foot was manoevered to the deck opening. Once held in place there, we used the stays to pull the mast top, and brought the stick into vertical. I admit at being slightly nervous, when we were precariously holding the 9 meter, and 50kg stick on deck level. Thankfully it was a short moment until we let it slip carefully down to the mast step. Once down there, there was little concern, for it would not fall down any more.

I'd like to say thanks to the team again. Without Roger, Giovani, Joe and Carlos, it would have been impossible. These guys make things look easy.

Thanks

A lovely afternoon on Arpex was gifted to us, my girl, Adri, #mrsarpex, and I. A comfortable place to spend some time. And never mind the view. 

Never mind the view.

Weekend Passage to Angra on Minna

Last weekend I helped my brother to bring my sisters boat, the 40ft. Minna, to Angra dos Reis, a passage of some 60 miles. It was a pleasant trip with all sorts of sailing. We went from becalmed to 25 knots and two reefs. But the boat is sound and safe, so we went through without much fuss, and arived at Ilha Grande without problems. Before we left Rio, we waved good bye to Arpex, who stayed safe on its mooring under the Sugar Loaf.

Mast mended and more

Yesterday I finished the work on the mast. After Rogerio made the repairs, and laminated the carbon, he let all ready for me to apply a layer of paint. It now looks as if nothing ever happened. Now I just need to source the new shrouds. This is taking me longer than antecipated. But in not much more than a week or two this should be solved, and the mast will br put back into its right place. 

During the day, while chatting with the boys, I mentioned the need of producing a bimini style sun shelter for Arpex. To my surprise Pedro produced a massive boat cover, which he inherited from the owner of a 54 footer.  A smaller part of it seemed to provide an excellent opportunity  for Arpex with only some minor, adjustments. 

Beside the work we organized a little barbecue, so as to not work with an empty stomach. The current work station, on the "Santantonio", provides a comfortable platform for activities, with a nice view. 

All in all a successful day, with a spectacular scenario at the end. 

Random Thoughts on Lessons Learned

Random Thoughts

In the aftermath of the eventful passage from Ramos to Urca, I have been coming to a few conclusions and lessons learned.

The main conclusion  might seem pretty well known to some: “If you have one, you have none. If you have two, you have one.”

Second conclusion is, that I was not prepared for a real structured test. Even more so, if you consider, that I am not acquainted with multihull sailing. I say this, because when the shroud came down, the wind was blowing around 20 knots, and we were carrying full sail. This was too much, and considering this, I am happy that the damage was limited. I had no real action plan as to what to do in case the wind piped up. But I should. Even if the forecast pointed towards the possibility of strnger winds in the afternoon. I did not really transform this into an action plan in case the wind kicked in.

As a weak defense I can mention, that we were sailing in moderate winds. Pretty swifly we sailed at around 9 knots in about 13-15 knots of wind. The speed is pretty good, considering that the hull was pretty dirty, after 6 months parked in the unsavory Ramos sauce, and that the engine was dragging pittifully. This must have accounted for at least 2-3 knots. Hence we could have been sailing at 11-12 knots.

For an untested and un-tuned boat, that is not too bad. And it is also according to my objectives for the boat.

However, at the position where we lost the shroud and damaged the mast, we slipped out of the wind-shadow from the Arsenal Marinho (Navy Area). And the wind kicked in at about 20-22 knots. This overburdened the shroud, which gave way with the consequences which are to be expected, if your mast has only one shroud.  

Still on the positive side, the boat proved to be very stable. Considering that we were sailing in a breeze with full sail, and that the ama did not make any mention as to be close to lifting from the water, I guess I can say that. In general the boat is very stable. The is no hobbyhorsing. Stepping on t the boat, and moving about feels stable and solid. 

Work on the mast is ongoing

The mast is almost ready by now. Assuming that it will be erected again for the next weekend might be a bittoo optimistic. But it wont take much longer. 

New look

As mentioned, last weeks sail to my mooring on Urca Beach, resulted in some damage to the mast. The stick has been taken off, and repair work is under way. 

Festa Junina

The Shroud Report

Bang!

Bang! The starboard shroud broke. And now I need to mend the mast, which received the full pressure of the sails without the support to windward. Consequently the mast tilted to port, flexing like a bamboo. The foot of the mast escaped from its base, and banged against the hull side. I am quite happy that I decided to double up the hull with 10mm ply and a few layers of fiberglass. There was no damage. Also the cabin ceiling, with the strong structure that surrounds the spot where it goes through the deck, withstood the blow. Lucky thing that the mast did not go over the side.

However, the mast did receive some damage, as the leeward side, cracked up a bit. I should have taken a picture. The mast will have to be removed. I need to cut it up, and splice up a wooden replacement. Finally it will receive a carbon fiber sleeve. It is a good thing that I can save the mast. Having to build a new one would be very bad.

All in all, I am happy the damage was not greater. Also, the crew reacted very well. We managed to maintain a cold head, and clean up the mess efficiently. First we released all sheets. I am happy the mainsail came down. Not without effort, but it did. Then the jib. The engine got started.

 

Ready to go out

All seems sorted out. The boat is ready to leave the filthy berth in Ramos, and go into further testing and sailing. Saturday will be the day, despite a weather forecast which promises weak winds, and maybe some rain. But who cares? I can't wait to move the boat!