We left Portland and we’re trying to reach the Cape Cod Canal around 7:30AM. That’s when slack water was occurs and the currents change in our favor. We had until noon before the currents reverse on us. Before we left, I thought we might motor sail a bit to make the time window. Once we …
Author Archives: kurthermann
More Portland
Sue and I have been enjoying our time in Portland. The marina we’re staying at is first class. It’s the only marina I’ve been to that’s properly staffed. There are dockhands everywhere and very helpful. We’re on the start of South Portland’s main bike trail. A 10 minute ride to great supermarkets, stores, and restaurants. …
Portland Maine
We left Halifax with the intention of sailing straight to Portland Maine. The winds were going to be changing in our favor and we were going to have a nice weather window for the next 3 days. The latest hurricane was well off shore, so we didn’t have to worry about getting hit by it, …
More on Halifax
In downtown Halifax they have their own art piece / tourist mecca sculpture called the Wave. Similar to the Chicago Bean or Picasso. Except this one is interactive, you can try to climb up it. There are plenty of signs not to climb on it, but everyone does. Well, it’s difficult to climb up it. …
S/V Oz
I’ve mentioned the sailing vessel Oz in several of my posts and wanted to pass along more information on them. We met Paul, the owner of Oz, and his crew, Clay, in Summerside PEI. They arrived a few days before us and left the day after we arrived. Due to the approaching hurricane and the …
Halifax
We left Canso for an overnight sail to Halifax. I could have gone east around Andrew Island, but decided we’d take the shorter and more scenic Andrew pass to the Ocean. I’m glad I did. It was a narrow but well marked channel. Sue spent most of her time trying to get pictures of the …
Change of plans
When we got up this morning the winds were howling out of the north. The marina is tight and it was a falling tide. I wasn’t comfortable leaving in those conditions. We waited for a break in the winds, which came about the time our friends on Oz pulled up in there dingy. Sue and …
Canso NS
We left the anchorage this morning and headed towards the ocean. There was no way we were going out. The winds were coming out of the south west at 20 to 25. Since that’s the direction we needed to go, sailing was out of the question. We didn’t want to burn all our diesel beating …
Back to sea again
Monday morning we did one last load of laundry, grocery run, and stowed all our lines and fenders from the hurricane. We topped off our diesel, paid our bills and said our goodbyes. And, we were interviewed by the local newspaper reporter. So far, Summerside has been the hardest to leave. It’s a great town …
The hurricane is over
The hurricane has past, we’re safe, and their was no damage to the boat. The winds picked up significantly around 10PM. I was reading steady winds in the 40+ knot (46mph) range gusting well into the 50+knot (58mph) range. The winds were strong enough that it was difficult to walk outside. Walking the docks to …
And so it begins
Today is when the hurricane hits us. The first rain band has reached us and the winds are picking up. The latest forecast has the eye passing just east of us. It’s still a category 1 storm, but where we’re at they’re only predicting tropical storm winds. I’ve prepared the boat the best I can. …
Hurricane update
I’m sure you’re all aware of Hurricane Dorian. At this time, it’s projected path is to follow the coast north and hit Nova Scotia on Saturday. It’s projected to be less than a category 1, but 60 mph winds none the less. After talking to numerous locals and other cruisers, we decided the Summerside Yacht …
Prince Edward Island
Sue and I finished our 400 mile trip from Rimouski QC to Summerside Prince Edward Island. The trip was perfect until the final day. I knew there was going to be a good blow coming the last day. It was predicted to be 25-30 knots of wind on the beam. It was going to be …
It’s all south from here
Earlier today, we reached our maximum northing on our trip. 49 degrees, 16.350 minutes. We’re finally working our way south along the Gaspesie peninsula. I was temped to head a little further north, maybe visit Sept-Iles on the North side, so I can say I sailed the 50s. But, I decided if I’m going to …
Compass variance
I’m sure most are aware there are two North Poles: The True North Pole, the one based on the spin of the earth, 90 degrees North. This is the top of the globe. The other is the Magnetic North Pole. This one is based on the Earths magnetic field and is the North Pole all …
Kurt & Sue Sail 