We had some fuel issues that changed our plans today. We decided to pull into Coos Bay to fuel up. Motoring there now and should arrive around 11pm.

Fuel issue–no winds 55 miles off so we’ve been motoring all day. Around mid-day the engine started sputtering and a quick inspection showed the port side tank nearly empty and a clogged Racor diesel filter.  I changed a valve position that corrected the problem and now both tanks are even again. We decided to pull in as a precaution, so nothing critical. We will fuel up in the morning and get back on track.

Other–had some dolphins swimming in our wake  http://youtu.be/Qkz_Fhi4Lcc.  Chef Risto is cooking up another fabulous dinner using the remaining tuna (they wouldn’t let me fish today!).

A self-steering windvane is a mechanical device that steers the boat on a course with respect to the wind.  Our windvane is an older Fleming model so we named him Ian (James Bond)!  We haven’t engaged Ian lately, maybe we will try later today if the wind picks up.

When the tuna hit, I pulled in the handline, Risto netted it, and Mike clubbed it on the head a few times, then Risto finished it off and Scott retrieved the fishing gear.  Was difficult bringing it aboard with a short-handled net.  With all the clubbing just outside the cockpit in the gunwale, blood splattered on cockpit cushion, dodger, me, and Risto. We got the washdown pump going and cleaned it all up.  The cleaning tray came in handy for filleting the fish on a rocking boat.

Sailing update–After motoring all day yesterday, we raised the mizzen and genoa at around dark and used them most of the night sailing at 5 knots.  Just as my watch started at 4am the wind dipped to 5 knts so we are now motoring.  Yesterday the engine started revving down so I looked at the Racor filters and one was very clogged.  So I changed it and cleaned out the bowl. There was also about 3 oz of water in it.  I may have taken on bad fuel at Neah Bay, or the tank still had some junk in it even after they were cleaned before leaving Seattle.   Anyhow, I’m keeping an eye on the filter.

Current position is about 50 miles off of Newport, OR.  At least 2 other boats that are part of the Coho Ho Ho rally are pulling into Newport today.  We see lots of fishing boats out here and an occasional freighter.  We contacted one on VHF around 1am and they responded right away saying they saw us.  The closest we generally come to another boat is 5nm.

Cap’n Jim

We’re currently off the Oregon (northern) coast. Fun night last night for our first over-nighter–plenty of wind and swell. Sailed throughout the night with single reefed main, partially furled genoa, and single reefed mizzen. Morning brought lighter winds so we’ve been motoring most of the day. Our shift schedule is working well. All in all we’re making good progress each day. I just put a hand line out so will see if we catch our dinner!

Right after writing the above and before sending, Mike at the helm yells FISH ON! We pulled in a nice 12 lb Tuna. Risto and I cleaned the meat off and Scott and Risto are cooking away right now. So…. fresh Tuna for dinner!!

-Cap’n

The men seem in good spirits. They started out early to catch an early tide.  Here is a message from Scott, “Early departure for Neah Bay. Spent the night in PA after arriving late.”
Scott

Here is a track of their progress.