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 😆
Captain,
Thank you for taking care of us in every single day. You always make sure that all of us is safe. No matter how many rough sea we will encouter as a crew. 😊 We know as long you are the captain, “were safe”. Second time in world cruise, but iam sure for me you are my favorite captain! 😊 I hope i will be in 2020 world cruise again.
Thank you so much Captain,
HalCrew
Thank you so much Bianca, that’s very thoughtful of you and made my day 👏👨✈️
Thank you for a wonderful cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.
Hi Captain; enjoy your sabbatical to the utmost and look forward to following you along one more time in 2020, All the best!
Captain Jonathan,
Thanks again for all your brilliant blogs. I feel privileged to have shared numerous great memories while having sailed with you. Your maritime expertise and warm personality have made you a real asset to HAL. All the best to you, Karen and your family for the future. I hope our paths cross again.
Cheers!
We’ve really enjoyed the pictures, videos, and commentary during your World Cruise. Safe travels across the pond and enjoy your sabbatical. We look forward to seeing more of your adventures in 2020. Until then….
Best regards,
Scott & Cindy
Captain, thank you for keeping my parents safe in this voyage. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. Have a great vacation.
Well done Captain,
A good choice to take a break… your’ve Earned it!
Have a great time with the family
Wonderful work on the blog.
Keep in touch
Encore merci for the write ups and photos (Karen’s too) and videos! Much enjoyed! It is appreciated that you took the time to do so. Randy & I would love to be on board for your final WC in 2020 but we have a new business venture that requires our time. This includes a relocation to Delray Beach, FL which we are excited about. All the best for safe travels and calm seas as you cross the Atlantic. Enjoy your time off!
Thank you for all your 2019 posts. Wonderful! Looking forward to 2020 World Cruise posts. Please keep up the posts!
Dennis
Capt. Jonathan:
Thanks so much for your efforts on-board and sharing the adventure with us temporary land-lubbers. You truly are an accomplished correspondent/author; ship master; and, simply a nice person – best wishes to you and yours for future happiness, good health and success!!!
Al & Ruth
12/15/17, etc., etc…. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking us along on this wonderful journey. We look forward to joining you next year on the 2020
Thank you Captain for all your posts we will certainly miss them. Enjoy your time off and looking forward to following you around the globe in 2020.
Thanks again ,
Bob & Helen Fiddes
Jonathan
Thank you for another wonderful ride along with your blog on the WC and yours & Karens photos.
I do hope Heidi Z has already booked for your last cruise and will not miss out again.
There’s a retired HAL Captain (EY) living not far from me and he’s only crabby when he has to plow the snow from his driveway which was often this winter 😛
You will have such a wonderful time spending more time with
the grandchildren watching them grow up.
Diane
Thank you so much , Captain, for all your wonderful pictures and writing..we often felt we were with you.
Every good wish for an excellent vacation and enjoy your family.
Look forward to your writings on yr last World cruise.
Many, many thanks.
Wendy & Al