Where in the world is Ruby Slippers?

About 1200 miles from home, with 750 miles worth of fuel in her tanks!  They are in very light air right now, although they have reported a few days of great sailing, with the spinnaker flying proudly out in front.  I guess they are in a pretty wide band of high pressure, but they need to find at least a couple more days of wind in order to make it home.

The crew seems to be getting better day by day, although one of Jim’s recent reports says, “I am not sure if Michael has a problem with the French boat, or just a comment on France in general, but he tossed his French toast in the ocean shortly after consuming it for breakfast yesterday. I took it personally last night when he threw up just before dinner was served.”

Zach and Jerry have been helping in the galley, and Michael has been doing night watches, so it sounds like things are looking up.  They are wagering among themselves as to when they will arrive at Neah Bay.  Jim thinks they will get to Anacortes on August 8th; we’ll see.

Molly, Jessie and I are moving to our home in Arlington this coming weekend.  It has been so much fun being in Enumclaw with my family, but we really must start thinking about school and getting back to our “real” life.  The sun is shining here, and the mountain is out.  Jim said he woke up to rain and cold temperatures this morning, and had to dig out a jacket and long pants.  I hope he gets home in time to enjoy some of the summer!

You can send Jim and the crew a note of encouragement at jim@rubyslippers49.com.  Thanks!  ~  Jeanna 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…

Jim and 3 crew members are on their way home!  They left Honolulu on Tuesday of this week.  There are two young men on board; Michael, who is 16, and Zach who is maybe 20.  They are inexperienced but enthusiastic.  Jerry Reilly is also on board; he is a Jeanneau owner and is very experienced.  It will be great  for Jim to have so much help!

As of today, Thursday, Jim has reported that Michael and Zach have been pretty seasick.  The passage has been a rough one so far.  They are heading straight north, to get to the Pacific High, then they will turn east.  Michael has been out in the cockpit since they started, strapped in for safety.  He kept a cracker down today, which is a big step forward.  Zach was able to keep some oatmeal down.  I know how they feel, and I’m sure in just a couple of days they are going to feel like the ravenous young men they used to be before they left Honolulu.

Dave, who was on board from Vanuatu to Honolulu, took some great pictures during his trip.  There are some posted in the Media Gallery.  I hope I have labeled them correctly – I was kind of faking it!  Hope you enjoy them, and I will keep you posted on the boys’ progress.  We should be planning a big welcome home party, I think!  ~  Jeanna

RUBY SLIPPERS HITS HONOLULU…

figuratively speaking!  Jim and Dave arrived at Ala Wai Yacht Harbour at 2:30 Monday morning.  They are very glad to be tied to a dock.  Jim hadn’t cleared customs yet when I talked to him, but I’m sure as soon as he does, they will be off that boat and exploring Honolulu. 

 Jim will stay in Hawaii about a week, pick up new crew and head home.  The next leg should take 16-18 days.  Dave will stay with the boat until July 17th, so he can give Jim a hand in getting Ruby Slippers cleaned up and re-stocked, then fly back home to San Francisco.  He’s turned out to be a great crew member.  Thanks, Dave!

Molly, Jessie and I are getting lots of Grandma and sister time here in Enumclaw, and are looking forward to moving back into our house in Arlington by the end of the month.  I think about that blue ocean and those gorgeous sunsets often, but have not really missed being on board.  The girls just wish we were all together again, no matter where it is. 

 Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts – keep it up!  ~  Jeanna 

450 miles from Honolulu…

sounds like such a short way to go!  Jim and Dave have been motoring the last 24 hours – no wind at all.  Jim said they only had 350 miles worth of fuel left, so they are fervently hoping for wind. 

They have had wind from every direction, and every strength.  A few nights ago, in 30 knots of wind, the halyard on the staysail broke.  They both managed to get up to the front of the boat, pull the sail down and stuff it into the sail locker.  Then they unfurled the big jib and reefed it down to a manageable size.  I guess the wind went from nothing to 30 in a matter of seconds.  The next morning, Jim had to go up the mast and install a new halyard, with the boat pitching and rocking.  This was Dave’s first time at winching someone up the mast – I’m sure he was more nervous than Jim.  There’s something about being solely responsible for someone else’s life that gets the ol’ heart beating pretty fast. 

Dave is the only crew member on board.  He has never been offshore, although he has owned a small sailboat.  It’s been fun to read his e-mails.  He has been having a great time, has not been sick, and is getting into the swing of things.  He is learning to cook, and has been amazed at the sunsets and the stars.  He and Jim are a little bored with the daily routine, but are getting along famously.

As soon as Jim gets to Hawaii, he will stock the boat, do a few repairs, pick up more crew and head home to Anacortes.  He’s very anxious to get home, and we are anxious for him to be here.  Now I know what my family went through when we were in the ocean, and they were constantly checking their e-mails and this website for word of our safety.

 It is taking me and the girls a little while to get acclimated to the busy world.  There is so much noise here!  Cell phones are ringing, people are taking, the TV is blaring, and there seem to be a lot of clicks and buzzes and beeps happening all the time.  Out in the ocean, I remember hearing the waves slapping against the hull, the wind blowing against the sails, and the birds talking to each other.  Soon all the noise will seem normal for me, but I hope I can hang on to the precious quiet that I got to enjoy for a time.

 I’ll let you know when Jim hits land!  ~  Jeanna