Anchor Position 10°37.81N
124° 23.68E
Poro Island, Camotes Sea
Philippines
Finally we managed to depart Pinoy Boat Service. We got underway this morning with a rising tide about 1045 hours. Following the inbound track we made in May of 2013 we were once again free of land and making our way toward the Camotes group of islands twenty miles away.
After sitting for so long in one spot we were a bit nervous about how all the various systems would work. I knew that the auto pilot would have some difficulty as it would need to be re-initialized. I had not read the manual so it was hand steering to here in the anchorage. Manana. The big surprise was the failure of the engine drive refrigeration system. This is one we have used almost daily for the entire time we were in the boat yard. The compressor was making a noise and not cooling the plates so in the next few days it will be time to remove that one and install the spare. It's not difficult but time consuming as I'll also change out the dryer and have to vacuum down the system before adding new gas. As the 12 volt system is working it can wait a few days.
We had very calm weather with less than 8 knots of wind so it was a day of motoring. Looking at the upcoming forecasts the next few days are the same. Tomorrow we will be on the move again heading due south toward Bahol Island. Our planned anchorage is about 27 miles away. We plan to stay in that area for several days.
We were not sure about where to anchor here and passed by an anchorage off the village of Santiago that looked quite nice. Here a bit further east is nice too. We anchored in 30 feet over a coral bottom. the water is clear with visibility of about 50 feet. We had a nice float off the stern once anchored. My best guess is the water is 80°.
We enjoyed our first evening "sundowner's" in our enclosed cockpit sitting on the cushions that Kathy recovered so many months ago and have just been kept in storage to keep from getting dirty while in the yard.
As we move along I'll try to keep the blog more up to date. Having new adventures will help in that rather than what were the boat yard projects of the day.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Pinoy Boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
Yes, we are still here in the boat yard BUT we have a projected departure of Tuesday morning 20 January. We have been extremely busy getting things ready to leave since the 5 th of January when we finally received the refrigeration part that we had been awaiting. I installed the new electronic module the next morning. We once again have cold in the freezer compartment.
The past two weeks have been "eggs to lay and chickens to hatch" as we became fully involved in getting the boat ready to once again sail and cruise the waters as she was intended. We have been stagnant here for twenty months at least when I went in to clean the bottom we were not attached. A long list was made and then as things were done check marks were applied. A slight problem was that as one item was crossed off often two new ones were added.
Lots of things had been removed and placed in a storage area. All needed to be back on the boat. There are a couple of things still to do tomorrow but Kathy did the last major shopping today. My job was to get the outboard for the dinghy running. Fresh fuel and about ten pulls of the cord and off it went, quite surprising after sitting for an extended time.
Our plan has us leaving about 11 am Tuesday and heading out to the Camotes islands a short fifteen miles away. We'll then take another week to ten days to head south and a bit east to the island of Mindanao where we'll stay in a marina as we do our final preparations to head back east across the pacific to California.
I'm looking forward to sending out the next post from somewhere out at anchor.
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
Yes, we are still here in the boat yard BUT we have a projected departure of Tuesday morning 20 January. We have been extremely busy getting things ready to leave since the 5 th of January when we finally received the refrigeration part that we had been awaiting. I installed the new electronic module the next morning. We once again have cold in the freezer compartment.
The past two weeks have been "eggs to lay and chickens to hatch" as we became fully involved in getting the boat ready to once again sail and cruise the waters as she was intended. We have been stagnant here for twenty months at least when I went in to clean the bottom we were not attached. A long list was made and then as things were done check marks were applied. A slight problem was that as one item was crossed off often two new ones were added.
Lots of things had been removed and placed in a storage area. All needed to be back on the boat. There are a couple of things still to do tomorrow but Kathy did the last major shopping today. My job was to get the outboard for the dinghy running. Fresh fuel and about ten pulls of the cord and off it went, quite surprising after sitting for an extended time.
Our plan has us leaving about 11 am Tuesday and heading out to the Camotes islands a short fifteen miles away. We'll then take another week to ten days to head south and a bit east to the island of Mindanao where we'll stay in a marina as we do our final preparations to head back east across the pacific to California.
I'm looking forward to sending out the next post from somewhere out at anchor.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Pinoy Boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
Tis the day before Christmas and all thru the boat seems to be the feeling of Bah Humbug!! It must be that we have been here in the boat yard far to long. We are in the process of readying the boat to get underway. The necessary projects have been completed and now it is mainly waiting for a package to arrive that was sent from the States Nov. 13. The company failed to follow our instructions and send it USPS Priority and instead sent it First Class. Who knows when it may arrive. Perhaps we will decide to do without. So Bah Humbug has been the theme this year.
No matter that as we sit here today we wish you ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
Tis the day before Christmas and all thru the boat seems to be the feeling of Bah Humbug!! It must be that we have been here in the boat yard far to long. We are in the process of readying the boat to get underway. The necessary projects have been completed and now it is mainly waiting for a package to arrive that was sent from the States Nov. 13. The company failed to follow our instructions and send it USPS Priority and instead sent it First Class. Who knows when it may arrive. Perhaps we will decide to do without. So Bah Humbug has been the theme this year.
No matter that as we sit here today we wish you ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2014
GUSTY WINDS AND RAIN
Pinoy Boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
For us here secure in Pinoy Boat Service just north of Cebu city typhoon Ruby was kind. Ruby brought us gusty winds to perhaps 40 knots late last night through this morning. We continue to have a light but steady rain that started last night. So far the only drawback for us has been the loss of electricity. We have been receiving the internet on Kathy's phone to follow what has been happening as Ruby tracks through the Philippines to our north.
Tomorrow will hopefully bring back the sun and we can put the boat back together. Perhaps I will also fill in the missing weeks of no blog.
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
For us here secure in Pinoy Boat Service just north of Cebu city typhoon Ruby was kind. Ruby brought us gusty winds to perhaps 40 knots late last night through this morning. We continue to have a light but steady rain that started last night. So far the only drawback for us has been the loss of electricity. We have been receiving the internet on Kathy's phone to follow what has been happening as Ruby tracks through the Philippines to our north.
Tomorrow will hopefully bring back the sun and we can put the boat back together. Perhaps I will also fill in the missing weeks of no blog.
Friday, December 5, 2014
READY AND WAITING
Pinoy boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
All of our preparation for Ruby's arrival has been done and we now sit and wait. Yesterday was very busy in the yard as all the workers helped in the preparation. More lines were added to both bows and sterns of all the yachts. Anchors were deployed from bows up and across a wall to augment bow lines. Shades and furled sails were removed. Mainsails were wrapped on their booms. Dinghies were relocated and tied down securely. The roof of the upstairs restaurant/bar was tied down. Busy, busy, busy!! All the while this was going on we were busy looking at various internet weather sites for updates on the forecast and projected track.
This morning, Saturday 6 December, we have gray sky's with some gusty winds but less than 25 knots. so far we have had no rain. Most important Ruby continues to track a bit north of west and when she makes landfall will be about 120 miles to our north and east on the island of Samar.
We will experience wind and rain but as long as this forecast holds things will not be to severe for us.
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As long as we have power and internet I'll try to send updates. Based on what we see now we hopefully will have no problems in this area of the Philippines.
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
All of our preparation for Ruby's arrival has been done and we now sit and wait. Yesterday was very busy in the yard as all the workers helped in the preparation. More lines were added to both bows and sterns of all the yachts. Anchors were deployed from bows up and across a wall to augment bow lines. Shades and furled sails were removed. Mainsails were wrapped on their booms. Dinghies were relocated and tied down securely. The roof of the upstairs restaurant/bar was tied down. Busy, busy, busy!! All the while this was going on we were busy looking at various internet weather sites for updates on the forecast and projected track.
This morning, Saturday 6 December, we have gray sky's with some gusty winds but less than 25 knots. so far we have had no rain. Most important Ruby continues to track a bit north of west and when she makes landfall will be about 120 miles to our north and east on the island of Samar.
We will experience wind and rain but as long as this forecast holds things will not be to severe for us.
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| LATEST FORECAST TRACK |
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| THIS MORNINGS SAT PHOTO |
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| WE HOPE THE WALL HOLDS |
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| PO IN THE MIDDLE WITH LINES LIKE SPAGHETTI |
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| WE'RE ALL CROWDED IN |
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| STERN LINES GOING EVERYWHERE |
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| HOW MANY LINES CAN ONE CLEAT HOLD |
Thursday, December 4, 2014
TYPHOON RUBY
Pinoy Boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
To any faithful readers I apologize, it's been several weeks and there has been a lot happening here in the boat yard. Sorry but all of that will have to wait as we are on typhoon watch. Local name Ruby, international name of Hagupit is on it's way and depending on which model used we could be in for severe weather. We are hoping that the US Navy site JTWC is the correct one and ruby will make a last minute turn to the north leaving us on the fringes and with winds on the 40 knot range. Time will tell.
We have been watching this system develop over the past five days starting as a mass of clouds near the equator and now developed into a category 5 or super typhoon with sustained winds of 155 knots and gusts to 190 knots.
We are about 90% prepared as I write this on Thursday evening here. We will finish up tomorrow adding additional stern lines, tying up the wind generator and some other small jobs. Depending on the forecast model that comes true our area will start feeling the effects around noon Saturday. by then we should also know where Ruby is going.
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I'll try to give some updates during the next few days and once Ruby has left catch up on the last month activities.
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
To any faithful readers I apologize, it's been several weeks and there has been a lot happening here in the boat yard. Sorry but all of that will have to wait as we are on typhoon watch. Local name Ruby, international name of Hagupit is on it's way and depending on which model used we could be in for severe weather. We are hoping that the US Navy site JTWC is the correct one and ruby will make a last minute turn to the north leaving us on the fringes and with winds on the 40 knot range. Time will tell.
We have been watching this system develop over the past five days starting as a mass of clouds near the equator and now developed into a category 5 or super typhoon with sustained winds of 155 knots and gusts to 190 knots.
We are about 90% prepared as I write this on Thursday evening here. We will finish up tomorrow adding additional stern lines, tying up the wind generator and some other small jobs. Depending on the forecast model that comes true our area will start feeling the effects around noon Saturday. by then we should also know where Ruby is going.
I'll try to give some updates during the next few days and once Ruby has left catch up on the last month activities.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
A BANNER WEEK
Pinoy Boat Service
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
We had a very productive week from start to finish. We were very busy with several different things and all were steps forward.
Monday began with me setting the plugs in the screw holes of the cap rail section that had been installed on Sunday. It was then off to Cebu. I left the bus before Kathy to head to Broadwater Marine where I purchased the new water pressure pump it cost about $80.00 US more than had we been in the states but it was the only game in town. Next I was off to the store to get more screws for finishing the cap rail, then to the big Ayala mall to meet Kathy. Kathy disembarked the bus at the terminal and then taxied to the S&R membership store. It was 700 FP or about $16.00 US to join. Kathy says just about a duplicate of Costco, including lots of Kirkland products. Next for her was Ayala mall and her favorite western products store Rustons. We then met at the Moon cafe which serves fairly good Mexican food. After our late lunch as there were lots of heavy bags we splurged on a taxi back to the boat yard.
Tuesday's first job was to install the new pressure water pump very nice to once again use the faucet rather than the foot pump or water from a bucket for showers. Next the wood plugs in the cap rail were trimmed and some cleanup work to the actual genoa track so it would be ready to install as now the last section of cap rail was in place
Wednesday some more work on the genoa track and then the re-mounting of some other hardware on the cap rail.
Thursday Chen Chen was here to clean the inside of the boat. We finally received our package from the states so I can install the snaps on the enclosure and then Hyde Sails can continue with their sewing. My day was taken up drilling the holes for the genoa track mounting. Thankfully I have some 12" long drill bits as each of the 36 holes trough the cap rail and bulwark's/ toe rail needed to be 7 " deep for the new machine screws and nuts. Each hole was also countersunk in order to hold the bedding compound to keep things from leaking once the track was bolted down.
Friday was spent getting the genoa track bolted down. First we put the machine screws through the track and then down through the bulwark's/ toe rail and then we attached the washers and nuts. this left the track held up by some wedges above the wood of the cap rail. Next we spread the 3M 4000 adhesive/ bedding compound down, took out the wedges and were then able to bolt the track in place.
Friday evening I called the bank which held the loan on the boat. Finally the loan has been paid off and Po Oino Roa is now ours free and clear
Saturday and today I spent re-filling the lockers that had been emptied out to gain access to the areas where the genoa track bolts were. Next it was mounting the GPS which Kathy had purchased in the states and re-mounting other navigation station instrument's.
There are a couple of small things to finish up on the starboard cap rail tomorrow and then I 'll work on the snaps for the enclosure before stating on the same process on the port side. At least now I have experience.
Port Carmen, Cebu
Philippines
We had a very productive week from start to finish. We were very busy with several different things and all were steps forward.
Monday began with me setting the plugs in the screw holes of the cap rail section that had been installed on Sunday. It was then off to Cebu. I left the bus before Kathy to head to Broadwater Marine where I purchased the new water pressure pump it cost about $80.00 US more than had we been in the states but it was the only game in town. Next I was off to the store to get more screws for finishing the cap rail, then to the big Ayala mall to meet Kathy. Kathy disembarked the bus at the terminal and then taxied to the S&R membership store. It was 700 FP or about $16.00 US to join. Kathy says just about a duplicate of Costco, including lots of Kirkland products. Next for her was Ayala mall and her favorite western products store Rustons. We then met at the Moon cafe which serves fairly good Mexican food. After our late lunch as there were lots of heavy bags we splurged on a taxi back to the boat yard.
Tuesday's first job was to install the new pressure water pump very nice to once again use the faucet rather than the foot pump or water from a bucket for showers. Next the wood plugs in the cap rail were trimmed and some cleanup work to the actual genoa track so it would be ready to install as now the last section of cap rail was in place
Wednesday some more work on the genoa track and then the re-mounting of some other hardware on the cap rail.
Thursday Chen Chen was here to clean the inside of the boat. We finally received our package from the states so I can install the snaps on the enclosure and then Hyde Sails can continue with their sewing. My day was taken up drilling the holes for the genoa track mounting. Thankfully I have some 12" long drill bits as each of the 36 holes trough the cap rail and bulwark's/ toe rail needed to be 7 " deep for the new machine screws and nuts. Each hole was also countersunk in order to hold the bedding compound to keep things from leaking once the track was bolted down.
Friday was spent getting the genoa track bolted down. First we put the machine screws through the track and then down through the bulwark's/ toe rail and then we attached the washers and nuts. this left the track held up by some wedges above the wood of the cap rail. Next we spread the 3M 4000 adhesive/ bedding compound down, took out the wedges and were then able to bolt the track in place.
Friday evening I called the bank which held the loan on the boat. Finally the loan has been paid off and Po Oino Roa is now ours free and clear
Saturday and today I spent re-filling the lockers that had been emptied out to gain access to the areas where the genoa track bolts were. Next it was mounting the GPS which Kathy had purchased in the states and re-mounting other navigation station instrument's.
There are a couple of small things to finish up on the starboard cap rail tomorrow and then I 'll work on the snaps for the enclosure before stating on the same process on the port side. At least now I have experience.
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| READY FOR THE BOLTS |
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| CHICA HELPING AND A MESS TO BE PUT AWAY |
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| BEDDING COMPOUND WAS ADDED AND THE TRACK BOLTED DOWN |
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| NEXT REMOVE TAPE AND EXCESS COMPOUND |
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| THE NAV STATION IS BACK TOGETHER |
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