Pitufa.at

We uploaded some pictures of our stay in Suriname. Even though we saw many animals like a giant anteater, otters and monkeys, we can’t prove these encounters with photos, because the wildlife always turned up so unexpectedly that we never had a camera near. At least the pics show the forest and rivers where all these animals live. See for yourself:

2012
03
Feb

Wildlife

According to our initial plan we wanted to sail up the Perica and other rivers watching out for wildlife encounters. We pictured ourselves waiting motionless in the dinghy for hours to get a glimpse of some jungle creatures. Things turned out quite different: after a week we’re still anchored in the first spot we picked in the Perica, because the animals come round to our… Continue reading »

2012
20
Jan

Snapshots from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

We’ve just uploaded a new mini gallery.

2012
15
Jan

Atlantic crossing facts

Crossing the Atlantic ocean is typically the first really big passage for cruisers starting in Europe. It definitely was for us. The last days (or weeks) before the crossing and even the first days of the crossing we had butterflies in our stomachs. Thoughts of the vast, big ocean, the long distance, the long time being entirely on our own, totally without any help from… Continue reading »

2012
12
Jan

Arrived!

After 14 days and 1900 nautical miles we’ve dropped anchor in the Suriname river next to Domburg, had some champagne, and are looking forward to finally get some sleep

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2012
10
Jan

Only 250 nm to go!

Soon we’ll have made it: only 250 of the 1900 nautic miles remain! After sailing a bit more slowly for 2 days (the northequatorial current had viciously abandoned us…) we now get a 2-knots turboboost from the northwest setting Guyana current. Thus we have an average speed of 7 knots (12,6 km/h) today – still more slowly than a bicycle, but sensational for our Pitufa… Continue reading »

2012
07
Jan

Two thirds covered

Pitufa’s flying along like never before (our fastest daily run this week was 160 NM) and so we’ve already covered two thirds of the way to Suriname! Yesterday a squall with torrential rain cleaned away the thick layers of Sahara sand we had gathered during our 3 months in the Cape Verdes. Today we’ve had clear skies all day long for the first time and… Continue reading »

2012
05
Jan

Half the distance done

Hurray! We have sailed already more than half the distance to Suriname. Last night our GPS displayed the magic number of 950nm left to go. Let’s hope we manage the second half just as fast. The winds are fine, the seas are low, and the north-equatorial current boosts us steadily. Though, we get a lot of rain now (which washes away the brown sand from… Continue reading »

2012
03
Jan

Here comes the sun…

Today the weather has improved. Though, it started with thick clouds, drizzle and rain, the sun came out finally. So we’ve got blue sky with isolated clouds typical for the trade winds. This also means that the moon provides us with light at night. Standing at the helm is definitely more fun then. We are fine (given the circumstances) and make quick progress.

2012
02
Jan

Wayne Vaney seriously injured (broken windsteering)

The new year did not start particularly great. Our usually so reliable wind vane Wayne Vaney no longer works, the rudder shaft is broken–we can’t repair it on board. The electric auto pilot is unreliable when running permamently and it also drains the batteries (the solar panels don’t work well in this grey weather), so we have to manually steer almost 24 hours a day… Continue reading »

2011
31
Dec

A twice as happy new year to all of you!

The passage has started okay, even though it’s a bit cool and rainy. Pitufa’s wings (2 headsails boomed out on the left and right) pull us steadily over the grey wave mountains. To make up for the weather we can celebrate the coming of the new year twice: we simply turn back the clock one hour (an adjustment to the time zones was due anyway).… Continue reading »

2011
29
Dec

Crossing the Atlantic

The weather forecast looks good, the trade wind is stable, all lockers are de-rattled, everything on the boat checked twice and we’re mentally prepared for our first really big jump: Atlantic we’re coming!

2011
12
Dec

Cape Verdes: Another photo gallery uploaded

We have uploaded yet another photo gallery of the Cape Verdes. This one shows the islands of Santa Luzia, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. Photos of Brava will come soon.

2011
06
Dec

Brava, a hiker’s delight

Brava is a tiny island on a map. When hiking up the mountains, it suddenly seems higher than wide Yesterday we walked up the valley from Faja d’Agua to the mountainous interior. There are no dedicated hiking trails, rather partially cobbled foot/donkey paths connecting villages. So it’s quite usual when walking in the middle of nowhere to meet children on their way to school, housewives… Continue reading »

2011
04
Dec

Lazy Sunday

We had a lazy day at home, enjoyed the clear water (particularly after being in Mindelo’s Porto Grande…) for snorkeling and the hot temperature. Last week we already complained about the chilly evenings (chilly meaning that we had to wear jackets in the evening