Finally...the last leg. I've been putting off writing this last part, but I'm not sure why. Maybe because we didn't actually want to come back...? Well, one of us did. He needed companions his own age....
Coming back from Rota to Guam was smooth sailing. A few quick squalls kept us from getting too bored, and it was nice to see landmarks we recognized. We anchored for the night at the same spot we had stopped on the way out of Guam. Even though you're not on the clock, you're still actually on the clock...we didn't want to have to pay Customs overtime charges by getting into port after hours. Why did we have to clear customs? We never left the CNMI...that's another post...
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| We finally saw dolphins as we were approaching Apra Harbor! |
So, to summarize, here's a list of what we learned, and Leif's best quotes of the trip:
What did we learn?
Things break, usually at inconvenient times
Autopilot is GREAT...but breaks a lot (x2)
Customs and immigration is a pain in the ass
We can do more than we think we can
We can trust our boat
We’re not the only ones whose boat breaks
Do not try to cruise with 7 people on your boat for an extended period of time
Batteries - are important. Solar isn’t good enough - even here in the tropics
Ins and outs of jacklines/clipping in/tethering
Modesty - ask for help, and offer help when needed. The sailing community is great at helping each other out.
Have Backups for backups
No Nick napping (every time he tried to nap while underway something broke)
Camera batteries- keep them charged if possible.
How to "heave to" - this is something every sailor should know...this technique can save your life!
What did we break?
Clew
Autopilot
Stand for autopilot
Chartplotter
Chartplotter
Battery/fridge - need to work on our battery charging system
The windows I )have attempted to fix twice still leak (but the starboard ones that were fixed 3 times are not leaking...fingers crossed!!
Fuel Tank #2 - Nick struggled with fuel flow from this tank while trying to keep the generator running. Something to keep him busy :)
What we forgot
Fuel siphon
Battery charger
Things we should have finished fixing before leaving
Clew
Autopilot
Leif quotes:
Now I know why sailors swear so much...there’s lots of stuff that goes wrong on a boat.
This is a nightmare.
What made my throw up orange?
You are obligated to feed me 3 meals a day. You still owe me 9 meals since we left.
THAT was 12 days?
I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.
This is good for my patience.
In summary, it was a GREAT trip, and we can't wait to do it again!!
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