Hi everyone,

We had the most incredible day on the 18th. Friends from Port Stanley ( Don & Jill Wilson on Next Exit ) were anchored nearby and we wanted to take them to see the Thunderball grotto.

This cave has been used in two different films – Thunderball and Splash. We had seen it once before when we were first snorkeling and Murray had been quite uncomfortable inside the cave. This time was quite different. The tide was low and the current was slack, so conditions were perfect. The entrance to the cave is visible at low tide, but underwater at high tide.

We jumped into the water ( 75+ F ) and paddled into the cave. Schools of brightly striped fish ( Sergeant Majors ) swarmed around us. They are used to being fed by swimmers, and have little fear. The first time that we visited, I had brought “squeeze cheese” to feed them. The fish would suck on the nozzle, like a baby at a bottle. It was so funny, that I almost drowned laughing in my snorkel. This time I had forgotten the cheese!

The cave is quite large with an opening to the sky. We swam in the west entrance,through the grotto and out the eastern side. There we saw a deep reef, full of many brightly coloured fish and beautiful coral of different types.

I think we stayed in the water, marvelling at the beauty around us, for about an hour. Truly a wonderful Sunday morning.

Currently, we are in the Exumas and anchored near Black Point. There is a web site that will show you on a map where we are. The address is www.findu.com/VE3ZUA . Jeremy has set up a link to it from our website,if you wish to go that way.

Well, keep in touch as news for home is always important. All the best Murray & Heather

Here a ship, there a ship, everywhere a ship ship!! How do I get talked into these things. There must be 6 HUGE ships within sight of us and who knows how many just over the horizon.

We had been given a short weather window to go further south. So left Lucaya, Grand Bahama on Wed 24th at 0930 heading for Nassau, a distance of 110 nm. It was a downwind motorboat ride as the howling winds had completely dropped overnight. But the wind had left behind some sloppy waves to toss our craft about and make things interesting.

By dark we had reached Great Stirrup Cay and turned further south towards Nassau. Finally we can shut off the motor and sail. There’s LOTS of wind now! And still a lot of traffic – what a busy channel this is with cruise ships, freighters and pleasure boats of all sizes.

All through the night we sailed south. The stars played peek-a-boo in the clouds. The phosphorescence still shone in our wake. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all. We took turns dozing in the cockpit, while the other one kept watch.

Dawn found us just off of Nassau with two giant ships breathing down our stern. By 0900, we were anchored down and ready for a little nap before exploring.

Two days later we are headed for Highborn Cay, Exuma delivering some parts to a broken down vessel there. Yesterday a lot of strange looks came our way as we carried a 2 x 12 x 10ft board down the streets! But, we got the needed parts and made an early departure today.

Sailing along at near 6 knots with approx 15 degrees of heel. Lovely day, but a little cool.

Hope all is well in the north country. Our best to everyone.

Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

We have had some queries regarding what exactly we have done to the boat since the lightning strike. So, here is a summary of the problems that we faced and the solutions.

The lightning, obviously, struck the top of the mast and from there proceeded down the stays. As the boat was not in the water, our grounding system between the stays and the keel could not protect us. The forestay was grounded with a braided cable that was connected to the auxiliary fuel tanks under the vee-berth. The lightning travelled through that path, and burst its way out to a jack stand that was supporting the hull. When the lightning passed down the forestay, the aluminum casting, which forms the ‘nose’ of the boat, was cracked.

There was one obvious hole ( approx quarter sized and 3 dimes deep ) below the waterline on the starboard bow. Then, Heather’s eagle eyes spotted a second one on the port side near the stern, also below the waterline. These holes were repaired by the yard, using epoxy etc.

Neither the depth nor speed units functioned, so those thru-hulls were banged out and new transducers installed. A new Autohelm ST-60 unit was installed in the cockpit. But, we have no idea how many nautical miles we had on the old unit! Now, we are back to zero.

The electronics that were aboard did not survive too well. The VHF radio was nonfunctional and was replaced with the new one from Standard that has the optional microphone in the cockpit. This mike has full functions on its face and can even turn the radio on remotely. This will be a big advantage to us as we have so many steps to get below to the main radio. And sometimes, the handheld is just not powerful enough.

It should be noted that no 120vac or 12vdc wiring needed to be replaced, although many fuses were blown.

The modem used for ham radio e-mail transmissions also failed and was replaced with an updated model. We are looking forward to powering this unit up and trying it out. It is enough faster than our old unit, that we could transmit photos ( if we had a digital camera ! ).

Our AM/FM radio failed and, after a bit of searching, we were able to replace it with a unit that would work with our existing CD player.

Murray’s favourite piece of electronics was also a victim of the lightning. That was his e-meter and was one of the first items replaced. This unit gives us a constant visual report on the condition of our batteries.

The masthead tri-light was blown and the VHF antenna was completely gone! So, both of those units were replaced along with new coaxial cable . The removal of the mast made this project easier to do.

Some small things also had blown and required disassembly and repair. Of course, as we lived aboard, other problems began to appear. The frig controller failed and was replaced. Many LED’s on our electrical panel had blown and needed troubleshooting. Our ‘sniffer’ also succumbed – this unit detects propane and other gases in our bilge. As an important safety device, this was promptly replaced.

The rig survey, as previously reported, gave us an unpleasant surprise as two different surveyors condemned our rigging. Rod rigging! Granted the boat is 18 years old, but the mast had been removed for 6 months of the year until the last 3 years. So, we had some rod replaced, all of the wire stays replaced ( fore-stay and baby-stay ), and the rest of the rod ends re-coined. So, the rig is essentially new and should be good for another 10 years. Murray and I did the work of re-rigging and tuning the mast.

The bow casting proved to be one of the bigger problems. C & C are no longer in business. A company who has most of their parts did not stock this item. It could be ordered – with a 3 month delivery! Local Florida businesses could fabricate the part out of stainless steel, but at great cost and much time. Finally, we found someone who could build it for a reasonable sum and in just over a weeks time. With some refitting and cursing on Murray’s part, the bow fitting was finally installed. It is a one piece stainless steel weldment incorporating twin bow rollers, offset enough to hold our CQR and Bruce anchors in place.

One complication to the repair process was the yard itself. When we arrived back at the boat, the manager of the yard announced that we were no longer able to work on our own boat. As this was the primary reason that we stored there, we were upset, to say the least. A compromise was reached and the yard did the work on the outside of the boat. We worked inside and launched as soon as possible to finish our work at the dock. Needless to say, this was a disappointment to us and the work performed by the yard will have to be re-done in the future, as the quality is not up to Murray’s standards.

All jobs were finished shortly before Christmas and we were looking forward to rest and relaxation. But, it was not to be. Messages from home indicated that Murray”s mom was seriously ill and we started packing the car for a trip north. We arrived in snowy Ontario on Dec 22nd. Much time was spent visiting hospital rooms, but we found the opportunity to have a turkey dinner with our sons for the first Christmas together in 4 years! Time was carved out for a brief visit to my mom, who had suffered another mild stroke recently.

Dorothy Rand has recovered now, after angioplasty to open clogged arteries. She will have to spend more time in hospital and likely, a nursing home. But, she is certainly better than she was a few weeks ago. We packed the car and must, once again, thank Linda for the use of her ‘rooming house’.

Between snow storms, we worked our way south to the boat again. Just a couple of days to finish stocking up. Then, away from the dock and out to an anchorage for the first time since April! Enjoying it it very much. Now, to fix all those things that don’t fail until you leave the dock! We will watch weather and head to the islands as soon as possible.

Well, this is likely more info than most of you wanted, but I hope it was informative. The only way that we can see to avoid lightning strikes while on the hard would be to remove the mast. A grounding strap between the rig and a rod pounded into the soil could give some protection. If there is a strike, the electronics would still be gone, but the hull should be ok. Bottom line is, if you are in a lightning prone area, there is not much that can be done but hope it hits someplace else!

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV

Everywhere we look, we can see that Christmas is approaching. Carols sing out in the stores, while the Santas outside ring their bells to encourage charitable donations. Boats nearby have lights strung the full length of their rigging. Red bows and pine wreaths gaily adorn bulkheads and hulls. There is no sound of prancing or pawing reindeer hooves on the roof, but the miniature shrimp beneath the hull snap and crackle to fill the void.

Aboard Windswept IV, the work is still progressing. But soon, we too will string lights in the cockpit, hang our stockings around the mast and decorate our Christmas tree. Yes, we do have a tree. It is only just over a foot high, and has fiber-optic lights on the tips of the branches. I kept the tiniest of the decorations that once hung on the tree at home and have found other small ones here and there.

Christmas aboard is not much different than Christmas ashore. Just smaller, due to the lack of space. The Christmas letter is written and the cards addressed and sent. The presents have been ordered and sent. No turkey as yet, but it will likely be a turkey breast, sized for two. With some leftovers for sandwiches the next day. Mmm.

Probably we will join friends for some part of the celebration. Share a glass or two and eat too much. Maybe still in the US or perhaps someplace in the islands. Either place, there will be palm trees and white sand beaches. Not a snow flake in sight.

Currently, we are still in Ft Pierce at the marina. The rig and bow stem could be in place as early as next weekend. So, things are looking up here. We will finish stocking the boat with food supplies and the winter’s requirements of beer and pop. Then just need to wait for good weather to cross to the islands. Or at least, better weather than last year!

We wish everyone all the best for Christmas and wonderful things for the year to come. Imagine that – 2001!

Hugs to all, Heather & Murray

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV

Hello everyone,

First, I must apologize for the long silence. It has been a very busy time for us and writing just didn’t bubble to the top of the list of things-to-do. But, to re-cap our summer for you.

We arrived in Ontario near the end of April and visited with family and friends before making our way to Killarney and our new jobs at Killarney Mountain Lodge starting May 15th.

It was very cool in Killarney at that time of year. In fact, spring had not yet arrived and there were few leaves on the trees. We spent our days getting some things organized in the Boat House and figuring out where in the world we would put all of the boats scheduled to arrive in July. There was a rendezvous of the Great Lakes Cruising Club in Killarney mid July and our docks weren’t completely finished until just days before they all arrived! There were three other staff at the Boat House. They learned fast and worked very hard. The summer sped by with 10 hour working days, six days per week. We fell into bed at night just exhausted.

There was time for one break in July. Jeremy, our oldest son, was married to Cynthia on July 22nd. The wedding took place in Ottawa at the downtown Sheridan Hotel. What a joyous occasion! The happy couple even spent some of their honeymoon at the Lodge and shared their time with us. How lucky can we be!

It continued busy on the docks until late August. About that time, the rest of the staff went back to school and it was just the two of us again. Still boats to dock, fuel to pump and holding tanks to empty. Several cruisers stopped by for visits: John & Angela from Suffolk Punch; Dave & Brenda from Lo n Slo; John & Kristin from Shivaree; Hans & Judy from Whisper V. We had radio contacts with others in the area. The ham radio rig was up and running in our cabin, but we spent so little time there that we seldom got on the air! Thank heavens for pocketmail – that kept us in touch with most of you.

Near the end of August, we received a phone call from the marina where Windswept IV was stored on the hard. They had noticed a spot where the bottom paint had been blown off, below the waterline and suspected that she had been hit by lightning. After many phone calls, Murray decided to fly down, meet with a surveyor and check out the damage first hand. Our thanks to the many friends that gave him beds on the stages of this journey. The news from the surveyor was mixed – most electronics aboard were damaged, but luckily we had removed many that were easily taken out. The radio antenna was blown off of the mast and the light up there was damaged. Murray returned to Killarney with a list of damaged items and we spent the rest of our spare time organizing replacements and checking prices.

Not much boating traffic was passing through by late September, and the lodge agreed to allow us to leave early. So, the Volvo was loaded down again and we hit the road. Brief visit with Jeremy & Cynthia in Ottawa to celebrate his 30th birthday. Then, to London to stay with friends and do the doctor/dentist check-up stuff. We worked in as many visits with friends locally as time would allow. A few weekends were spent in the Woodstock area with Murray’s family and our youngest son Steve, who has moved there with his girlfriend Tracy. By mid October, we were headed for Orillia to spend time with my mom , sister Karyn and her partner. Karyn and Lou are the proud “parents” of six schnauzer puppies. The puppies sure were adorable but would not fit on the boat!

We managed a flying trip to Parry Sound to surprise Ole Pederson on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Ole is a sailor and a longtime friend from our car rally days.

Although we had car problems in Orillia, we headed to Killarney once more for the closing party at the lodge and to say good bye to a lot of new friends and wonderful people. By Oct 26th, we were headed to the boat. By way of Sault St Marie!!

Eventually, we did arrive back here in Florida. To discover that we could no longer work on our own boat!! The yard had changed owners and policy while we stored. So, we allowed the yard to do the outside stuff, concentrated our efforts on electronic stuff inside and worked through it. The boat launched on Wednesday of this week, a scant 10 days after our arrival. Most work is done. Or in the process. A survey of the rig resulting in it being condemned – meaning it must be replaced. Haven’t heard yet if the insurance will pay for that, but, as it was the lightning damage, I sure hope so. The mast was pulled out after the launch. So, now we are a powerboat! The stem fitting on the bow was also damaged, so we are unable to anchor. For now, we will stay on the dock in Ft Pierce and work on the boat, finishing all sorts of jobs. Friends in Vero Beach have taken pity on us and given us a bed while we worked on the boat in the yard. Soon, we plan to move back aboard – perhaps tomorrow.

I haven’t been feeling too well and have not been able to help much for the last three days. I developed a terrible cold with bronchitis and, at the same time, my back started to bother me. So, I have been playing couch potato. Finally the back is good enough to allow me to sit and type this!!!

This winter plans – well…. As soon as all parts are repaired and replaced, we will head out. Route should be through the Abacos, to the Exumas with intentions of hanging about Staniel Cay. And swimming, relaxing , shelling etc.

Perhaps now you will understand my lack of communication this summer. It was incredibly busy! But, the lodge want us to return . We haven’t decided yet. Perhaps. The scenery up there is incredible and the people, as with people that we have met everywhere, are wonderful. But, the water is COLD. Clear and a beautiful green, but cold. I do have a few pictures of the area with me, just in case we meet up.

So, stay in touch and I promise to write more often now.

Hugs to everyone, Heather & Murray

PS Please write back to our pocketmail address. It is just easier to do the bulk mailing from the computer. Thanks.

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV

Hello everyone,

So much has happened since we last wrote! We were in Staniel Cay, awaiting our repaired autopilot.

We had a lot of fun, putting in the time. We dove with Rick & Evelyn on Annual Hope. And spent an afternoon with a local artist. But, the part arrived and off we went on Mar 13th. The wind is blowing well, so we sailed north to Norman’s Cay, passing vessels who were motor-sailing! The wind was really up the next day, so on we went to Ship Channel Cay. Arrived there at only 9:30 am, and wind is still howling. Perhaps we have time to sit this blow out.

Some snorkeling, beach walking and fishing from the dinghy was enjoyed . In the morning, the wind had lessen slightly. So, up comes the anchor and we head into the Middle Ground towards Fleeming Channel and Spanish Wells. This passage had been recommended to us, but what a trip!. Approx five miles into the day, we met the first coral heads. Now these are small or large mounds of coral that are below the surface, but we don’t know how far below! So, the approved method is to go around all coral heads. Murray spent at least 1.5 hrs on the bow, pointing the way to steer. At times, he said that there didn’t appear to be a clear way ahead. Finally, we left those heads behind and had deep water ( 4 feet under the keel ) all the way.

As the winds were good and the forecast appeared to give us a window for heading to Abaco, we continued straight into Spanish Wells. While there, we re-connected with some old friends – Woody Perry, a local pilot and Tom & Jean, former cruisers now re-storing a house in Spanish Wells. Woody and his family joined us for dinner aboard the next night and he led us out through the reef early morning on Mar 17th.

Our faithful wind deserted us today and we had to motorsail north to the Little Harbour entrance into the Abacos. Luckily, we dodged the thunderstorm that others met. We spent a couple of days exploring the shallow waters nearby, and fishing from the dinghy. When we finally headed for Marsh Harbour, we met friends just leaving. It didn’t take much convincing to get us to sail off to Bakers Bay with them. My favourite shelling spot is near there and I got to spend a couple of hours searching the shore with promises of more time to follow.

But, company is coming and the boat needs cleaning, stocking and the laundry done. Back to Marsh Harbour. MaryAnn Leverton joined us there for a week of quiet time in the islands. We managed to drag her all over Man-of-War, Hope Town, Bakers Bay and Marsh Harbour during her time aboard. But, then she was gone and the ‘honeymoon’ started again. That is how cruisers refer to the time after company leave.

The radio had been buzzing with news of a party. The Mad Hatters Ball on April 1st at Pete’s Pub in Little Harbour. Come in a hat or come naked – that was the rule. The wind was howling, but we can’t miss a good party. The costumes were outrageous, the food was good and plentiful and the music was terrific. When the tops came off, Murray was in heaven. But, eventually you have to go home and ours was about a mile and a half to windward in 25 knots of wind! Talk about wet t-shirt contests! It was a scary ride, but we made sure to travel with other dinghies.

Time to move on. Anchor up and heading to Baker’s Bay and more shelling. But, the weather doesn’t look good for the next few days. And right now we can safely pass through the cut and around to Green Turtle. So, I agreed and on we sailed.

Lots of wind forecasted in the front heading for us tomorrow, so at high tide we entered White Sound for shelter. It is a great ‘hurricane hole’ but many vessels were damaged here last year in Floyd. The winds recorded locally peaked near 150 knots! No wonder boats dragged mooring and ended up on shore. Friends on Jazzbrek – Larry & Phyllis from Kingston – had damage to their vessel. But, she was back in the water again and looking good. It was wonderful to re-connect with them. Also, Shutin Star from Sarnia was moored nearby. More reunions, and parties.

My computer had been giving me problems. Someone recommended re-installing Windows 95. So, one morning, when it was stuttering once again, I did that. The up-shot of everything was – I lost my screen! Now, I can’t see to fix anything. But, ham friends from Pt Stanley & St Thomas ( Dave -VA3 TD & Mike- VA3 MD ) spent two hours on the radio with us and got me running again. The screen is reduced in size and has only 16 bit colour, but it is a screen.

Our time in the islands is coming to an end now, and we sail north to Allens-Pensacola. Murray caught 2 more big fish – cero mackerels. The Abacos has been good fishing for him with a 10 lb mutton snapper caught recently and our freezer full of conch. No shortage of meals aboard.

The weather report seems favourable and at 10:00 am, we hauled the anchor up. From our current location to Ft Pierce FL, it is 140 miles. We sailed straight through and made it in 22 hrs. The seas were very large, but on the stern. As the auto-pilot couldn’t handle wind and seas too well, we hand steered for the last 50 miles. Coming into the inlet, the wind and current were opposing and it felt as though we were inside a washing machine!

After clearing customs and arranging our dockage and haul-out, then the work began. Emptying the boat of gear, food and clothing for the seasons up north. Retrieve the car, polish the hull, wash , fold and store sails .. Wash teak with vinegar to slow down mildew. Ziplock all books. The list goes on.

So, we will haul out and leave Windswept IV behind in Ft Pierce. She has looked after us well this year, handling the storms and narrow cuts with current, and anything else we throw at her. The watermaker has performed flawlessly, making 250 gals of fresh water for us. The computer has had its problems but that will be addressed. The new GPS was wonderful. And the ham radio was invaluable! For weather, communications and just for fun.

All in all, it was a wonderful winter. I hope the spring and summer are just as great. We will arrive in Ontario near the end of April and start work in Killarney mid May. Hopefully, we will connect sometime this summer.

All the best to everyone and stay in touch. The pocketmail address will be used in Ontario, so please write. The excitement continues with Jeremy & Cynthia’s wedding on July 22nd. What a summer we will have!

I am not sure that I will continue the monthly updates while working up north. So, you may not receive any further newsletters until the fall. Enjoy the summer everyone, and, especially, have fun.

Love to all, Murray & Heather

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV

Hello all from Staniel Cay,

A lot has happened since my last message and I will try to bring you up to date. You may remember that I mentioned free drinks and food at the yacht club the night of the last message. Well…….

We went for the free rum and food and then they announced the skippers meeting for Nassau Race Week. Murray went ” just to see what’s happening”. He returned with a big grin, a bag of goodies and a pennant to affix to our backstay. We’re racing!! But, the laundry, groceries, Jeremy & Cynthia arrive on Sat, the boat’s too heavy….. I had lots of reasons not to race, but we raced anyhow.

Racing started Friday with very little wind. And this overloaded cruising boat just left the rest of the fleet behind and nipped over the line in first place for the cruising division. There was too little wind, so the second race was called off. More free rum at the yacht club that night. Great music and dancing! For the races on Sat, the wind was also very light and everyone had decided to stay tight to Windswept IV. But, Murray shook them off and was once more first across the start line. The rest of the race was a repeat of the day before, light wind and we just drifted into first place. Again, the second race was canceled for lack of wind. Jeremy and Cynthia arrived at midnight on Sat and we announced that we would be racing again on Sunday. So, up early and out on the race course again. A little more wind this time. Murray made his usual great start and we held them all off for another first place finish. The race committee called for another race. This time we were boxed in at the start and couldn’t get clear air on the first leg. We made up as much time as possible but finished in third place in that race.

The awards banquet was held at the Nassau Yacht Club ( where the PSSS club burgee has a place of honour in the bar ) with more free rum. Windswept IV won first place in the cruising division and the prize was a piece of Bahamian art. It is a four foot long carved and painted barracuda! It is actually very lovely and we are quite proud of it. The race organizer wants us to try to return for next year’s racing. Also, if anyone wants to bring your boat across to race, they have a great deal on shipping from Florida – I think it only cost $150. Jeremy has set up a weblink with the Yacht Club from our site, so you can get more info there.

The rest of Jeremy & Cynthia’s visit was great weather and good snorkeling. We took them to Allen’s Cay to see the iguana, and then to Norman’s. We fished and shelled and walked and read. Even played some dominos. Murray got his first lobster with Jeremy’s help. He shot it three times, but it got away each time. Finally Jeremy grabbed it! Not a huge meal between four people but we each had a taste. Back in Nassau, we took them on a tour of the aquarium at Atlantis. That was an incredible couple of hours! Shopping downtown was a bore for the guys, but Cynthia and I had a ball looking at the diamonds and emeralds and also expensive clothes.

Jeremy & Cynthia stayed 10 days but the time flew by. The big news is that wedding bells are ringing for those two. More details as they become available.

Andy Wright and his friend Margo joined us for a few days and we sailed to some of the anchorages close to Nassau. Rose Island was particularly lovely. After treating us to a great dinner out, they flew off again.

Alone again, we cleaned, shopped, did laundry and joined up with some old friends. Tundra and MarNel IV arrived . We all met in Highborne Cay in the Exumas. Diving, fishing and lots of rum drinks were shared.

Now, we have moved south to Staniel Cay. Many reunions with old friends – Just Ducky, Jimson, Shady Lady, Blue Snail, Sumac, Annual Hope. And many more new ones to meet. I think that I will organize a cocktail party on the beach tonight………

We have our repaired autohelm meeting us here on Sat and then we will turn northward. To Royal Island, Spanish Wells and then the Abacos. Mary Ann Leverton will meet us in Marsh Harbour this month. By mid April, we must head for Florida.

So, that’s what’s happening here – lots of fish, lots of rum and good friends to share it with.

Hope all is well with everyone up north. Spring can’t be too far away. Time to order bottom paint and start working on the boats.

Hugs to all,

Heather & Murray

Murray & Heather Rand aboard Windswept IV

Hello everyone,

Thought I should bring you all up-to-date on the happenings for the last month. When last I wrote, we were ready to leave Vero Beach, FL .

We spent one night in Peck Lake and then proceeded to Lake Worth, accompanied by Southern Cross ( with Karen & Marcel aboard ). In Lake Worth, we met another vessel from last year – Veruna from Montreal with Bob & Viv aboard. The reunion was great fun! As we all had the same plan to head for the Bahamas, a fleet was formed.

Another vessel – Ariel with Jeff and Terry aboard – joined our little group and we all listened to Herb ( the weather guru ) and collected weather fax. After a couple of days, a window seemed to appear. Last minute stores were gotten from the grocery. Murray wasn’t sure he had quite enough beer for 4 months, so additional boxes were lining the floor of the salon. Along with more of the best wines that can be bought in cardboard! The dinghy was lifted, meals prepared and we are ready.

The next morning at noon was our planned departure time ( to make landfall in daylight ), forgetting that it was Sunday. Every boat in south Florida was out on the waterway! By the time we reached the inlet to the sea, we were almost sick from the wakes. The wind is howling in the rigging – is this a good sign? But, out we go. The first couple of miles were terrible with wind against current creating square Lake Erie-like waves. But eventually it calms down and on we sail.

Of the fleet of four, we are the only vessel sailing. The rest motorsail. The Gulf Stream carries us north further than we want, but the wind is supposed to clock. As the sun sets, we enjoy a lovely dinner in the cockpit. One of the group remarks on the radio – ” this is the best crossing ever, a piece of cake “. Well, the wind gods were listening.

The wind picks up, but we reef and sail on. It picks up more, but on we sail. Finally we roll up all of the jib and continue to sail only on the reefed main. Now the wind is reported to be at 50 knots. The seas are constantly dumping in the cockpit and we are drenched. As our destination was to windward, we dropped the main and motored on.

The island of Grand Bahama has been in view for hours but, with the wind howling, we are unsure if we can enter the harbour at Lucaya. The other three vessels have turned back and asked for a harbour of refuge at the commercial port of Freeport. Out of the rain and salt spray, we see the outer buoy at Lucaya. When Murray turns onto the course to enter, we are pooped by a wave. The cockpit is full but drains very quickly. The huge waves give us a sleigh ride between the reefs and finally we are into calm water inside the harbour.

After three days the weather settled enough and our friends were able to join us at the marina and share with us their experiences in Freeport. Much beer and rum were shared as well as stories of ‘the night’ .But, finally it was time to leave this lovely place. Check the weather, listen to Herb and off we go again accompanied by Veruna. At midnight we picked our way out of the harbour, through the buoys and into deep water again. It was a lovely night of motorsailing towards the Berry Islands. At dawn, Murray put his fishing line in the water and soon ‘ fish reports’ were heard on the radio. Both boats caught fish.

Landfall was made at Bullocks Harbour, by Grand Harbour Cay. After a couple of days, we sailed down to Little Harbour Cay. More fish for the freezer. There we snorkeled and shelled and explored and relaxed. The wind is from the right direction – on we sail to Nassau. Except when we can’t quite make the course, we change destinations and sail to Old Fort Bay, on New Providence. That is 9 miles west of Nassau and a gorgeous bay with a beautiful sand beach. More snorkeling, shelling and exploring.

But, early Wed am, the wind switched around and we were on a lee shore. Time to head for Nassau. Which is where we are now. The Yachtsmans Lunch is today and the Yacht Club is hosting a party tonight with free drinks and snacks. So, I think we timed this perfectly.

Jeremy and Cynthia arrive here Sat and will be aboard for 10 days. So, the plans are to visit the Exuma chain for a while and then head to the Abacos, arriving back in the US by late April.

The memory of the passage is already fading, being replaced by days of glorious sun and lovely beaches. Was it worth it – yes! But, I hope the next crossing is better.

Hugs to all,

Heather & Murray Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV
Ham Radio VE3 ZUA

It sure seems strange to write that date. As we seldom write cheques, it will take us quite a while to get used to the new century.

The launch of the shuttle finally took place and we were there to see it go. A most spectacular sight, but over quickly. I took some photos, but as they haven’t been developed yet, am not sure if they turned out at all.

Within a day of the launch, Windswept IV was finally underway again. Murray single-handed the boat, while I drove the car. It was two short days to Vero Beach where we took a mooring until after Christmas. The marina requires that vessels raft together on these mooring, so we were tied to friends, Bev and John on Chalet de Mer.

Christmas was quiet aboard, but Santa managed to fill our stockings. The cruisers got together for dinner ashore. It was a lovely time, but quite cool. No snow though!

Our friend Linda arrived on Dec 29th and we dropped the mooring and headed further south the next day. Peck Lake was our planned destination for New Year’s Eve. I guess that was a popular choice, as it started to fill up. By evening, it was packed. So, not too much drinking aboard this ship, just in case we had to haul anchor quickly during the night. Just before midnight, the fireworks started from at least three different locations. The next 45 minutes were spent quaffing champagne and enjoying the beautiful display.

New Year’s Day found us out on the ocean heading for West Palm Beach. It was a glorious day, with lots of sun and sea. But no fish. So, we had turkey.

After a few days in Palm Beach area, we headed back to Peck Lake for one more night, then on the Vero and a mooring. Linda’s last day was spent enjoying the stores of the outlet mall. She’s much more fun to shop with than Murray! On Saturday, we returned her to Orlando airport and sent her northward to snow and work.

Now, we are still in Vero and awaiting the return of our watermaker. I forgot to mention that we had found a good deal on a used PUR 80 watermaker. It needed some repairs and was shipped back to PUR over the holiday season. They expect it to arrive here within the next few days. Then, we will finish installation and head south once more.

As soon as we get a weather window, we will cross to the Bahamas. Most of our friends are there already. Silent Running and Dromenon, also from Port Stanley, have traveled through the Bahamas already, visited Cuba, and headed on to Jamaica. Their plans are to spend the summer in Guatemala. The visit to Cuba did not go as planned and was a great disappointment to them. Perhaps it is just as well that our plans to visit there this winter did not work out.

We will stay in touch. I will not check this address too frequently, so send any mail to the pocketmail address. That one we check almost daily while in the US.

All the best to everyone,

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV
Ham Radio VE3 ZUA

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

It doesn’t seem possible that a whole year has passed by already. But here it is again – the time to write the ” year in review” letter. Or perhaps we should be reviewing the century passed? Thank goodness I have no intentions of doing that – you can relax now.

Well, the Rands are currently in Titusville Florida awaiting a shuttle launch. The launch is scheduled for Dec 11th and we intended to have front-row seats. The latest news has the shuttle postponed indefinitely, so we may have to move on south.

The past winter was spent exploring the Bahamas, with most of our time sailing in the Exumas. Many new friends were made and old acquaintances re-newed in some of the most beautiful anchorages that I have ever seen. We caught a lot of fish and definitely had too many wonderful meals from the appearance of our waistlines. No changes there, at least good ones.

Unfortunately, neither Jeremy or Steve were able to visit us last winter. But several of our friends made the long trek down to George Town in the Exumas for a week or more of ” fun in the sun”. It was great to have them aboard, but, as you can imagine, things become quite crowded. All of the extra gear that is stowed in the quarter berth must be fitted in someplace else on the boat. And most of the “someplace elses ” are already full to the brim. Imagine all of your possessions on a 40 foot boat. Mind- boggling, isn’t it!

One of the highlights of the past year was our 3 day passage from the northern Abacos to Charleston, SC. It was late May and the weather couldn’t have been better. We sailed at 6 to 7 knots all day long and, as the sun set, the wind would die. Then, we would motor-sail all night, running all the lights and electronics that my little heart would desire. And, as the sun rose, the wind picked up , the boat heeled over and on we sailed. Within 12 hours of departure, we had lost visual contact with our ‘buddy’ boat but maintained radio contact. At times we were 250 miles off-shore, so it was good to know someone else was nearby. The two boats motored into Charleston together after sailing 380 miles.

Jeremy and his girlfriend Cynthia have moved into a rented house, still in Ottawa. Jeremy is still working at Newbridge, but as the papers are reporting, things may change there. He is driving a bright red late-model Volvo – much spiffier than anything his old dad ever had. I have also heard rumours of perhaps a sailboat in his future.

Steve graduated in November from Information Systems and Murray and I were very proud to be there to share the moment with him. He is working in Woodstock for Purina Foods. Actually writing a program to compare milk output with nutrient intake in dairy cattle. His grandfather Rand would have been quite interested in that. Steve is still living in St Thomas and making the drive down the 401. He cannot believe that his father made that drive for 5 years!

My mother is still living in Washago but not feeling as well as she would like. She had a small stroke last winter and has been experiencing a lot of dizziness ever since. This has curtailed her usual round of activities. We all hope and pray that she improves steadily.

Murray’s mom is well and still living on the farm at Woodstock. She seems to be always on the go. This summer, we spent a couple of weeks with each of our mothers. It was wonderful to be able to spend that much time visiting them.

A unexpected reunion happened this summer. While visiting friends in Guelph, I was able to arrange to have lunch with Susanne Foster who I had not seen since leaving the Vet College. That is 28 years ago! We write a letter each Christmas, so have stayed in touch that way. Murray could not believe the way we chattered on at lunch. She still has a photo on her lab wall of Jeremy at 6 weeks old! This time we made a pact to not wait another 28 years to meet again.

As the year and millennium draw to a close, we pray that everyone has good health, happiness and someone to share it with. Our love goes out to you all.

Heather & Murray Rand
aboard Windswept IV
Ham Radio VE3 ZUA