posted 02-19-2002 10:27 PM ET (US)            

ANYHOW, we made the trip in its inaugural year in a Montauk. The waves were HUGE that year. I was in a cluster with lhg (Whale Lure), a 27' CC (Kathy's Surprise) and (Backlash). The waves had to be 15' because when I was in a trough I could see no other boats. When we finally got to Green Turtle, my shirt stood in a corner by itself because it had so much salt in it. Most fun I have ever had! True, I did stay about six feet off the transom of the 27 footer, but still was a super experience. And got to meet people like Larry (lhg), a really super person to talk with!

I received the coveted "Most Courageous Sailor Award" (actually a BW jacket that I wear with pride on the rare cold Charleston mornings) and more memories to last a lifetime.

The next year we bought the 22 Outrage (in anticipation of rough water again) but the Gulf Stream was like glass for this crossing.

Anyhow, to close this long-winded narrative, GO ON THE RENDEZVOUS. You will never forget the water, the people, or the fun you'll have.

posted 02-21-2002 07:47 PM ET (US)         

And Ace is the person to talk to regarding crossing in a Montauk? Right Ace? We were all impressed he even made it. It was a BEATING in the 25 Outrage, even though we ended up as the lead boat, arriving in West End before all the other 24 Whalers. A testament to how well the 25 performs. A 20 Outrage was second in, and a 21 Walkaround was third in. People in four 18 Outrages who made it, arriving the next morning after anchoring out for the night, said they REALLY took a pounding. Several were re-installing hardware that had come off! We left the Palm Beach inlet at 7:30 am and arrived in Green Turtle at 2am the next morning (navigating 5 hours of darkness in waters we'd never been in), and we were the FIRST ones to arrive! The next moring I discovered I had only 5 gallons remaining in my tank. I used 135 gallons running 110 miles across the Bahama bank, with 5 people and gear in the boat. That's how bad it was.

But that first trip was earlier in the season, and now they do it in mid June when the wind and sea generally lay down. Regarding crossing in a Montauk, it's fuel capacity that becomes critical, both for lugging along
(if conditions require) on the 60 mile Stream crossing, and then after fill up in West End, an additional 110 miles across the shallow banks, which can also be quite choppy. The Montauk is generally limited to the 28 gallon tank, but I would carry an additional 12. And then you have your gear for a week.

On the second trip, two women in a Montauk, with 28 gallons, and a Merc 75, had to be towed in on the crossing, having run out of gas, even though the weather was calm.

So if you're going to do it in a Montauk, if it's rough (over 3'), don't go, and wait out the weather. And buddy-up with a larger boat who can look out for you, and even take you in tow if necessary. And don't do it unless you are an excellent seaman. Well equipped, with good weather, and good judgement, and you'll be able to do it. Clark Roberts has said he also made one of these trips (1994?), in a 17 Newport. Only Clark could do that!

posted 04-15-2002 06:53 PM ET (US)            

I live in Minnesota and mounting an expedition such as this will take considerable planning, and the saving of both money and vacation time.

What does the 'brochure' contain? Is there any way I could get one, just to keep me going for the next 12 months?

Someone, please post some pictures when you return!

Regards all.

posted 05-09-2002 04:59 PM ET (US)         

How do I contact you to purchase whaer decals?

For some reason, e-mail not work.

posted 06-07-2002 02:34 PM ET (US)            

Which boat are you taking over?