About Our Journey toward the Bahamas

Pura Vida will set sail on a long planned journey towards the Bahamas on about November 29, 2019.  There is no agenda or timeline other than to be back in the U.S. by hurricane season, June 1.  The purpose of this blog, as of November 29, 2019, is to keep friends and family informed of our journey and whereabouts and to document the journey for our personal record.  The Spot Tracker listed on the right column will show our current location.  This Blog will publish the Ship's Log with a few comments, and perhaps pictures along the way.  Feel free to comment.

Transiting the 1000 Foot Cut (as submitted for TMCA)

The Sabine lake, located between southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas, has two major entrances. From the south, the lake is accessible from the Sabine Pass channel and under the Route 82 bridge. From the north, the best access for boats with drafts greater than 3 feet is through the 1000 foot cut.  I assume the cut is so named for its length.  My best guess is it is approximately 75 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet deep. Over the years it has been marked by PVC pipes, anchored floats and even floating barrels but because of storms and barge traffic they don't last.

Techno Boats

I remember many offshore fishing trips during the late '80's, in which we would leave from Freeport or Galveston with a compass heading, usually about 110 degrees, fish several rigs throughout the day, then reverse our heading, to go home, by adding or subtracting 180 degrees.  On the return trip we would look for landmarks to guide us safely back to our launch.  Most trips where 30 to 45 miles offshore; thus; out of sight of land, but we were never concerned for returning safely.  I believe I could probably do that now, but I seem to have become reliant on today's technology.

Delivering Le Bateau A' Voile

View from La Bateau A' Voile

Kelvin and Ginny recently sold their 40-foot Irwin, Le Bateau A' Voile,  to a gentleman in Corpus Christi. Part of the deal was to deliver it from Port Arthur to Corpus Christi. Kelvin graciously asked Butch and I to crew.  I jumped at the opportunity.  I've made many trips in the Gulf but never overnight, much less a two-day, two-night trip.  I took this as an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from two old salts with a ton of experience.

In viewing weather projections, my concern was that we would be motoring the 240 mile trip, because of a lack of wind.  I was half-wrong.  The second half. 

Lighthouse Nostalgia

Sabine Bank Lighthouse

The PAYC 18 mile light race/cruise, scheduled for this past weekend, was canceled because of wind and current conditions.  I was really disappointed because it’s been a few years since the club actually completed this race and even more since I made the trip.  In fact, I last made that trip with my brother Art on his Catalina and don’t even remember if it was in this millennium. Regardless, it’s always nice to get offshore into the Gulf. 

Lighthouse Preserved

The 18 mile light, as we call it, officially named the Sabine Bank Lighthouse was built in 1903, to direct ships through the shallow Sabine Bank.  It is my understanding that very little of its structure still stands offshore; however, parts of it can still be found in the area.  For instance, the original third-order Fresnel lens, manufactured in Paris can be seen at the museum of the Gulf Coast (www.museumofthegulfcoast.org/) in Port Arthur.  Also, the top section of the lighthouse tower and the lantern room (pictured left) have been refurbished and can be seen at Lions Park in Sabine Pass, Texas. 

So what's the allure... Why sailing?

Sabine Lake Red

Many of us throughout life are drawn to various hobbies and toys. I'm no different. I've had my hobbies and toys that have enslaved me. I've always been fond of the water. I've had many power/fishing boats. I've also owned campers, motorcycles, cabin getaways and have had hunting leases. So what is it about sailing that has captured my interest? What is so appealing about moving through the water, without the excitement of speed?  

My friend Butch once told me that many of us have a dream. A dream of sailing off into the blue yonder, going to exotic places, adventuring and exploring.  The feeling of being free with no boundaries; except for those we put on ourselves.  

Where and What?

So where is Pura Vida and what do we do with her?....

Ruth and I spend most weekends, holidays and vacations aboard Pura Vida (PV).  In fact, approximately 47 or 48 weekends per year, the week of Thanksgiving, most of our two weeks we are off during Christmas and usually a couple weeks each summer are spent aboard.  When I say aboard, I mean we sleep on the boat, sometimes in our slip or anchored out or cruising to various anchorages or marinas.   When at home, we usually sail at least once per weekend.

Pura Vida

Making the journey down the ICW near Lafitte, LA, on the maiden voyage to Port Arthur, TX.

Pura Vida is a 36 foot, center cockpit, Beneteau sailing vessel.  I purchased her on August 29, 2012, in New Orleans, the day before Hurricane Isaac blew into the city.  I know.... not too smart to purchase a sailboat when a hurricane is blowing in.  However, I waited as long as possible before signing final papers.   I was in jeopardy of losing my down payment, if I didn't sign on that date. However, I had already secured insurance for $10,000 more than the purchase price.  So, I chanced losing my $7500 down payment, gaining $10K if lost to Isaac or gaining a very nice boat if no damage was done. What would you do?