Reality

It’s been 24 hours since our sudden and shocking dismasting. We are in a daze of six hour watches as we slowly motor back to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. We’re depressed and disheartened. We had this boat in tiptop condition when we transited the canal and now we look like we’ve been hit by a bomb. As far as we can tell we are structurally sound but we’ll need a surveyor and more time to be sure our bulkheads aren’t compromised and that nothing has been displaced by the force of the mast coming down.

We both agree this is the most uncomfortable ride we’ve ever experienced on a boat. The seas are confused and big, causing rolling and lurching like we’ve never seen before. I had to resort to the dreaded seasickness pills which puts me in a stupor but that’s ok since without sails to monitor our watch duties involve making sure we’re on course, making sure the engines don’t overheat and watching for ships. Fat chance on the ships. We haven’t seen another boat on AIS since the day we left the Galapagos. It’s a good thing we didn’t need to be rescued because there was no one in the vicinity.

We don’t go very fast under motor, so we don’t expect to get back to Santa Cruz until Thursday, one week since we left. One week, and a year of cruising lost. It’s so sad.

17 Comments

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17 Responses to Reality

  1. our hearts are breaking for you

  2. deb

    You must be reliving those horrible minutes over and over
    Wish there was something we could do to help

  3. Ron Dicola

    I am so so sorry, I feel for you guys, it has to be terribly uncomfortable. Baby those engines until you get in. I know it’s hard, but be grateful that you were not further along on the passage.

  4. Darshna (Deb's friend you met in PR)

    I’m so sorry to hear about what you have to endure. I read your blog oftern and am happy to see that your stories. I had to comment on your most recent experience. Keep on going.

  5. deb

    It was a bad day for equipment malfunctions – Ringling Brothers Circus had an accident in Providence, RI. Eight people are hospitalized in critical condition. It was a single carabiner that malfunctioned

  6. George

    We are thinking of you and wish you a safe passage to a safe port. I feel your disappointment and I know how difficulty It must be for you after all the work you put into getting the boat ready for the trip. And now this. The upside of course I that your are safe and things can be fixed. Stay safe.

  7. You could be back up and running in a few weeks. I hope you are insured?

  8. gordoncassidy

    This is heartbreaking — but I keep thinking thank god you were four days out and not a week and a half. Just put one foot in front of the other for now. A lot of good thoughts are flying your way

  9. Carole L Esley

    I just checked your spotter … so glad that works. I’ve been so very sad thinking of this shattering of a dream. Just “baby those engines” and “just put one foot in front of the other for now” …. and know you two are in so many friends thoughts….. xoxo

  10. Karen sherer

    OMG just be careful AND grateful you weren’t even further. Be safe keep in touch. We r thinking about you soooo much

  11. As a reader very soon about to embark on our own adventure I read your tale with horror. This is the ultimate “kick in the guts kind of moment.”
    Having read all thus far I have no doubt you will both deal with this situation with grace and do whatever is necessary. I hope it turns around for the better. My thoughts and warm wishes to you.

  12. Jennifer Ullmann

    We feel so bad for you! Glad you are safe.

  13. zap

    Sending good wishes and support from Annapolis! Hoping you arrive at port safely and have some time to regroup.

  14. I’m sure you’ll overcome this setback, disheartening as it is at present.

  15. I won’t be condescending and say I know how you feel, but I do have a good idea. Now all you can do is look around you and decide the next step and take it from there, while you still have EV under you the dream goes on. I feel for you and wish you all the best

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