Here is First Mate Erwin Bremermann of s/v Thea Renee at the helm. He and his beautiful wife Phyllis are friends of old from Mazatlan and the Sea of Cortez. Michael has nothing but accolades for Erwin whose grace in difficult conditions, whose sense of humor, whose expertise and care, and whose patient guidance of the new crew member (Bernie Maas, with back to us here) have all made this part of Sea Venture’s journey truly memorable. Thank you, Erwin, thank you.
The day seemed peaceful enough. Sea Venture was making good time, heading toward Grand Cayman, when this lady hailed them on the radio.
Sea Venture is a US Coast Guard documented vessel, and so the boys on board this protector of the seas decided to board and check on things, which meant that Sea Venture’s crew had to stand by and maneuver out of the way of the Nicaraguan Banks while they awaited the boarding party. Michael had only positive things to say about the courteous treatment they received. I must say that my opinion of our Coast Guard has soared in the last several months, first because of the kind and gracious assistance extended during Michael’s peril at sea, and now because of the gentility of the men who checked out Sea Venture’s safety and sewage treatment equipment. (I know, I know. You really didn’t want to know that last. But aren’t you glad she won’t pollute the coastal waters? That’s more than a lot of cities can claim, thank you.)
That encounter took three hours and got them slightly off course, so when the wind came up to give them a boost the next day, they were very excited to turn off the noisy Ford Lehman and set the Yankee, Staysail, Main, and Mizzen. And look at that speed, will you? Over nine knots! Good Sea Venture. Good wind! (Which, as you can see from the instrument to the far left, is coming just aft of the beam at close to 17 knots. )
To top off a perfect day:
