Sailors of the Caribbean

Ok, that part about the biggest waves so far in my previous post--cancel that. Huge winds (30 knots) are blowing now from North creating 15 to 20 feet waves. The good thing is that we are now traveling down wind, together with those monster waves.

I knew we are going sailing, but I didn't know we will be surfing on this trip as well. As those huge waves come from behind us, they gently lift the boat up, and then the boat leans forward and rushes down the wave--so we are riding the waves with our sailboat.

I'm not going to lie to you--it was s bit scary at the beginning. I had my satellite phone and hand-held GPS packed in four zip-lock baggies and kept it all in my packet the whole night. Just in case.

But we've been doing this surfing thing for a day and a half now and we sort of got used to it. A hill of the wave comes from the behind, we surf for a little bit, the end of the boat slides sideways a bit, but Otto the auto-pilot rights it up immediately. All we have to do is feed Otto's batteries from time to time by running the engine, and enjoy the ride.

The forecast says that wind and waves will go down somewhat by tomorrow, and we will also come behind some islands so it will be ok.

Last night a large cruise ship crossed our way. We could see colorful lights on its deck as they were probably having a Christmas party. I wished we could just tie up next to it and join the party. I could also imagine captain of that ship thinking: "Look at them fools, in that little sailboat in such weather!"

To raise his crew's spirit, our captain is promising us lots of gold, rum, and dollar-hookers once we make it to Belize. (Note to my wife: Baby, you know John's sense of humor, he's just kidding... there is no gold in Belize)

Some people asked me how is the cat doing. As far as I can tell, he is taking it exceptionally well for what I would expected from a cat. He's an old salt by now and he loves to come out on the deck and watch the sea. The only problem with him is when we come to a port; he tries his best to run away. But when we are under way, he accepts his bleak situation rather well, and tries to enjoy the ride. My guess is that he keeps the hope alive that he will manage to escape at the next stop.

Ok, now a note to my wife, seriously:
In the long hours of solitude when the other two are resting down below and I am piloting by myself, I think a lot about you and kids. The lonely sea, and some terrifying moments we had, make me think how good we have it, and how lucky I am to have you. Now, this being said, please don't eat all of the holiday cookies and cakes--I'm coming on the third. Love you, Igor