Take a tour aboard the Maggie B

Here's a short slideshow tour of the Maggie B's accommodations. Or, view the photos, with descriptions, here:

Welcome aboard!

Location: 6° 35.0 S, 34° 42.7 W
Monday 12:00, 07.03.2006

The Schooner Maggie B's noon position on July 3rd was 06° 35S, 34° 42.7W. We are beating our way, closehauled along the coast of Brazil, headed south to Salvador, with stops along the way. At noon, our course was 228 degrees at 6 knots. Recife is 90 miles away and Salvador is 435. The wind is 170 at 15-20.

We left Natal at 1500 on July 2nd. We had finally gotten our spare propeller fitted and attached. The key for the prop and the two bolts holding it on were hand machined, and looked like fresh gold when they arrived with the skilled diver who helped us. Our delight at getting the prop on was totally dashed by the diver telling us that it didn't fit the opening, which had been made for the vanished feathering J-Prop. Max, in a tour-de-force, realized that our jack shaft (an extra piece of shaft between the engine and the shaft to the prop) could be extended by the few inches we needed. He took it off and carried it to nearby primitive local machine shops, where he was able to get it adjusted so that all fits and works now.

Our departure was delayed by the two hours it took to get on 180 gallons of water at the Yacht Club. Hopefully the water is good -- it came on slow enough.

Last Friday, we took the day off from Boat Work to take a tour of the area north of Natal by dune buggy with driver. Great fun was had by all and pictures will follow as soon as we get connected. Crew for Salvador is Frank Blair, Bori Kiss, and Max Hofman. We find it good to be back at sea after Natal, though the first night was a bit of a thrash to get back in the routine. Many, many boats along the coast and out to 100 miles, where we are more comfortable than inshore. "Meeting situations" with very large container ships, while surrounded by local fishing boats, can get a bit too exciting.

We are thinking about stopping at what is described as a lovely island and beach about 20 KM south of Recife — Ilha de Tatuoca (08deg22S/034deg58W), but all depends on weather and progress towards Salvador. Maceio sounds interesting. The bay around Salvador sounds like it will be great fun to explore.

Address in Salvador will be
Schooner Maggie B
c/o Bahia Marina, Avenida do Contorno N. 1010
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Telephone 71 322 7244.

All is well.