I write from the Atlantic after a hectic few days, both socially and operationally. We are of course nearing to ‘closing the circle’ and arriving back in Port Everglades. Bantry Bay anchorage, unlike Portree a few days earlier, was kind to us. A long ‘run’ up the Bay on the 7th and a turn into the anchorage near Whiddy Island, the seabed being thick mud and wonderful holding ground for our anchor.
It was a 13-minute run for our tenders to the pier and months before, while in Alaska, I had been in ‘conversation’ with the Harbour Master about supplemental shore-tenders, fortunately 2 were available and we put them to good use.
Taken from the pier, us, lying at anchor.
We were surrounded by large rafts of Mussel beds
While a workboat ‘harvested’
I felt sufficiently comfortable with the weather, so late in the morning we took a tender ashore. The town of Bantry lies some distance away from the pier and a small shuttle-bus provided transport to the town.
Taken from the high-point of the town, the church.
The town itself
An old mill wheel, no longer functioning
A stream runs through the town
I thought this sign would be good for our bow, however in this case it refers to this….
A long journey lay ahead of us, 3,711 miles or 5,938 kms, across the Atlantic. I could see that the weather was not going to be kind to us, a massive weather depression, barrelling towards us from the U.S. eastern seaboard, so massive that avoidance was going to be a necessity.
I am sure that most of my readers are aware that on the night of the 7th/8th we lost a guest overboard. Obviously, the incident is privileged information and therefore I will not be providing any further information, other than it involved us turning around and retracing our route, to no avail, unfortunately.
Having resumed passage, I then had to concentrate on that pesky weather. We make use of a professional weather service and it was to them that I turned to, requesting routing advice to try and avoid the worst of it. In fact, the depression was so large that there was no getting away from it, other than taking a route further south and trying to avoid a prolonged period in it. Nevertheless, late on the 10th and through late on the 11th, we experienced 7m, 22ft seas and 60 kts, (66mph) winds. To say it was ‘uncomfortable’ is an understatement and I was constantly changing courses to reduce our motion; we zig-zagged across the Atlantic for a while. Today (12th), matters are much better and although windy, the seas have subsided considerably, the further west we go, the further we are from the worst of it.
So, with my days ahead full of social functions, writing reports and last, but not least, trying to pack. this will be last post of this Grand World Voyage. I am taking what might be termed a ‘sabbatical’ and not going to Alaska this season, however I will be back for the 2020 Grand World after which I will ‘hang up my cap’ and become a crabby ex-Captain 😆
We have enjoyed following you on your adventures for the 2019 cruise. But more importantly we look forward to meeting you on the 2020 GWV. It will be our first and longest cruise to date with HAL. We are so fortunate to have you as our captain. Enjoy your time off with family and friends.
Captain, we wish you a serene end to a wonderful voyage and a well-earned respite! Thanks very much for sharing your journey with us! We look forward to next year’s adventure!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and pictures. We feel like we had experience the voyage with you.
We wish you a nice ‘sabbatical’ and looking forward to your blog once again when you sail the2020 World Cruise.
Safe sailing en route to Ft. Lauderdale.
I started reading your blog only recently and I absolutely love it.
I know there is way to read the older posts and I will as soon as I’m back in Holland.
As far as becoming a “crabby” captain, I don’t think there is much chance of that as I had the pleasure to sail with you, it was always my ultimate enjoyment to have such a humanitarian in charge.
And being retired myself for exactly 1 year today, I can tell you it is wonderful.
Thank you for those excellent reports, we enjoyed them so much. Enjoy your time at home with your family!
It has been a pleasure and an honor to enjoy your posts along this amazing journey. Always great fun to read and always something to learn in your writings.
Much thanks
It has been enjoyable as always since being connected to your posting for the world cruises and Alaska and etc.
I was ready to ask you. A Question that just answered about Alaska So sorry that area is over for you as I think I would book the cruise so I could meet you face to face. It would be more you and another HAL cruise not so much Alaska but after 6 times it is beautiful. Enjoy your very long vacation till 2020 👍😢😢
Thank you Captain for your instructive and informative posts. I have really enjoyed sailing round the world with you.
Enjoy your sabbatical and I look forward to following you next year!
Much appreciated all your excellent photos and interesting descriptions of the ports
Unfortunately,the WC/20 was fully booked, but will now be sailing on the Volendam 77 day voyage in Jan/20
However,also looking forward to your next blog– especially as we will be sharing some of the same ports !
Many thanks for your interesting posts throughout this voyage, which brought back memories of times when we were onboard and visited some of the places. This last post, about high seas reminded me of the 2018 World Cruise approach to Australia where the seas were the highest we have experienced. We hope that you and Karen enjoy your sabbatical, and we shall see if we can join you on part of the 2020 World Cruise.
With grateful appreciation for your postings about far off places, but, more importantly, for your professionalism at the helm . Your concern for the safety of the passengers at so many ports and for so many years has been a factor for me in choosing to sail with HAL. All best wishes
Wow!! Had no idea of the lost passenger but how terribly sad for all of you onboard. What a way to end this fantastic trip although maybe I shouldn’t comment but perhaps someone by choice felt this was their way to a final conclusion also. You so deserve the sabbatical my friend and I hope it is rejuvenating and restful. I’ll look forward to your last and most awesome 2020 Voyage and dream of being there
OMG…..what a hectic time you have had the past few days….. you were in our thoughts and prayers….
Welcome home…..so sorry you will not be on the Alaska run as we are booked on the Amsterdam in August. Hugs anyway…..
J & G in BC
It’s been a real pleasure reading your posts on another world voyage. Enjoy your summer off and I look forward your 2020 voyage.
Thank you, Captain for taking us along with you. Your postings and photos were always something to look forward to receiving.
We look forward to joining you in person on your final WC voyage!
Bill and Larry