Katie's News: Star Flyer Crossing

The Star Flyer is a "Tall Ship" - Google it for more details

Below is a photo of the map AFTER we had spent 14 days sailing. Orange arrows show our location at 12 noon each day. We traveled from Las Palmas Canary Islands (off the western coast of Africa) to Barbados, West Indies (North of Brazil)

First of all - a crossing is just that and no more. There are NO stops (there actually was supposed to be 1 but the pilot captain couldn't get on our ship due to high seas and really strong wind). Therefore, our crossing began at 4 pm.

It looks nice but we never got to stop......

A little backtracking.... We left Georgia Wednesday morning. We had good flights over- with extra seats for 2 of the 3 flights. JAX to Logan to Portugal to Las Palmas, Canary Islands. We met up with the rest of the Galland Clan (with us it ended up to be a total of 10), where we spent a night and a partial day exploring and eating our way thru Las Palmas.

Squid on black rice - tasted just like calamari

This was one of the 'tapas' for our first Galland clan meal - it lasted 2 hours which would end up being the normal duration for dinner on the ship. I am definitely not used to 2 hr meals.

Our group bought tickets for the local Las Palmas HoHo Bus (hop on hop off) where Margie and I stayed on for an extra tour and got off in old town so we could explore a little more. We saw a wedding on the square and did a little souvenir shopping (I had to get a new magnet for my new refrigerator).

We got on the boat about 4 pm and did the obligatory life boat drill. Our room is about 1/4 smaller when compared to a regular room on a cruise ship in the cheap section. It's a lower deck room - sort of in the center of the ship, which means there should be slightly less rocking and rolling than the upper levels. The first couple of rough nights the staff still put up our little safety bars so we wouldn't roll out of bed.

We left the port of Las Palmas around 10 pm - sails were raised with lots of pomp and circumstance about an hour later. We were extremely lucky to remain under sail the majority of the crossing. Captain said we only added the motor during the last few days. Most days we had 11-13 of the possible 16 sails flying.

We have one porthole that provides us with a little view when it is not looking like an operating washing machine.

The rocking has been so bad that Margie's bed keeps sliding into mine. Margie's bed is next to the bathroom - Mine is against the wall. In the middle of one of the rough nights, I had to use the facilities. When I came out of the bathroom the ship rolled so much that I fell into bed with Margie. I am sure we will end up with a few bruises and broken fingernails on this trip. We are currently doing 10.3 knots with 10 sails and 30-40 mph winds.

Activites on board besides eating....

We usually play trivia during the 1700 hr cocktail hour - I haven't been on a winning team yet which is probably good because the winning group is required to make the questions for the next night.

Massages - I have had 2 body massages and 1 reflexology. She is very good but I still miss my Neely at Balance Wellness on the island. Star Flyer's massage tent was on the top back deck with cool ocean breezes and a wonderful view. Sorry Neely, but your location, as nice as it is, can't compete.

We watched the crew hand sew one of the torn mainsails. Unfortunately the huge sewing machine that usually does the work was broken. The crew works on them in the outside canvas-covered bar. Empty space is hard to find on a ship like this. Most public rooms are rather small (effcient) when comparing to regular cruise ships. Even though the hand sewing was something new for the crew they got it finished and the sail was raised the next morning. Paula took a good video of them getting it all hooked back into the rigging.

While exploring the ship we would always use any semi-stable handhold to get around, but we still looked like we were a little drunk. Walking has gotten better as the waves have become little smaller, but we still have ropes or handrails nearby. The steps and doorways seem to be the most bump/accident prone. There is not enough space on this type of ship for elevators so you generally deal with a lot of stairs.

The food has been remarkably good when you consider the size of the kitchen and the amount of food that needs to be stored and prepared for this type of trip. It is buffet style for breakfast and lunch with full dinner service for evening. We didn't have to drag out the fancy jewels for dinner just no jeans or shorts. Portions are normal sized and not super-sized like some cruise ships. Except for ice cream the desserts can usually fit inside a shot glass (sort of like 'Applebees').

The ship has 2 small pools but it was too cold the first week to swim, so in the photo you can see one of the crew freshening up the paint job.

Since there is such a long stretch between ports they crew does a lot of sanding, chipping, painting and repairing. It has been interesting to watch. On this crossing we were only aware of a couple of problems. There was 1 broken water pipe and 2 torn sails. Both were dealt with quickly. The only time Margie and I had to call in maintenance was when we screwed up our safe.

Our Cabin Steward - while Margie is calling maintenance to unlock our safe.

So far we have been under total sails with no help needed from the engines. Since we have to arrive in Barbados at a certain time, the Captain will probably turn engines on if the winds can't maintain our needed speed. They do have generators running for the other services on the ship like electricity and salt water conversion. (They can convert 55,000 liters per day of sea water into clean drinkable water).

Monday another sail torn, so the crew are back hand-sewing a new piece of the sail cloth in. They are much faster this time around. The crew have figured out how to use a tiny drill bit to make the holes so more of the crew can sew - The old fashion way uses this huge padded leather hand cover to help push the needle thru. (Thimbles definitely wouldn't work here). The Captain has offered a case of champagne to the women that could fix the sail sewing machine. 4-5 women (plus a couple of the men) have tried but so far no winners.

The women trying to win the case of champagne - fail

The smart, and probably 'crossing experienced' people brought a lot of books, knitting or things to do with their hands. Idle time can be hard for me and this crossing allows for a lot of idle time. While I was adjusting to this 'down time' - I joined a group of passengers that took apart big ropes into little strings to tie on another long string. In the future, this would be wrapped around rigging to protect the sails from fraying when coming into contact with the metal cable. I think maybe the Captain decided to make use of our 'adjustment period', because it only seemed to work the first week then the number of helpers died down. It ended up being rather easy to adjust to chillin'.

We also spent part of the day trying to change our iPhone and iWatches to a new time zone. No zip code or city to enter in the middle of the ocean and without Internet it added another session of head scratching to get the two devices to communicate with each other. We finally figured it out. Our old Mickey Mouse watches were so much easier with time changes.....

I don't think of the rocking and swaying much at all when I'm in bed, but I am getting rather bored with trying to walk. It should be easier.... right? Also my knees are getting a real workout with the balancing effort. I brought one of my Walgreen knee braces just in case. (never had to use it though)

We saw flying fish, they are a lot smaller than I had thought. My guesstimate was that they were about 6 inches in length, but they flew 20-30 times their length.

Tonight at dinner our waiter was seating Margie and telling her to "spread your legs - spread your legs". She playfully slapped him. I doubt the poor fella knew the American connotation of that statement. He was actually trying to warn her to brace herself because she was in one of the precarious low end positions at the table - in that many dinner items may be spilling her way or her chair may end up on the floor with a big wave. We did not lose any wine or food that meal but on other days, there were many spilt glasses and soggy pants. On really good sailing days you headed for tables in the middle to minimize the see-saw effect.

Tuesday there were less white caps and the waves looked a lot smaller. Margie and I, along with some of the Galland group joined the 9am Tia Chi class. The movements were centered on breathing and moving the arms and shoulders. The exercising of our legs and knees were already taking care of with trying to maintain balance with all the rocking. They also offered yoga with very few standing poses - can you guess why? Almost every day that we participated in Tia Chi, we have seen rainbows - I am assuming it is a good omen. (lots of superstitions on a sail boat- no whistling and bad luck to have a bird land on the vessel - we haven't seen any birds for a long time.)

Wednesday and Thursday - still sailing

The Captain let us know during today's 12 pm position update that we have picked up some speed (12 knots at one point) due to the fact that we are headed due west and not southwest, but the ship will eventually turn towards Barbados when we lose this good wind. In the cabin I usually leave on the position channel (no other channels anyway - after we got away from the coast) It is nice to see our current speed and direction.

I learned a new card game "31" you start out with 2 coins and 3 cards and hope to total 31 or close in a same suit. If you have the lowest hand at the end of the game you toss in a coin. If some gets 31 (2 face cards or a 10 and the ace) everybody tosses in a coin. You officially lose after you have lost both coins and had one extra turn (on the bus). Winner gets the pot. Most of the Galland group along with Margie and I - play this game after lunch. A lot of smack talking and laughing - good for digestion. Ed, one of the other passengers, joined us for additional laughs.

Friday- still sailing.....

Today we had vegetable carving as an added entertainment to supplement the daily 1700 hr snack/adult beverage/trivia quiz activities.

The staff seems to try hard to fill the sailing days but some of them are really corny. Our group seems to join in anyway, which is allowing for added laughs. Just ask Bud and Gale about the "Couple Contest" - WE HAVE VIDEOS !

dart throwing contest - Bud and Gale RULED

Saturday -The scenery.....

Water, waves, clouds, rainbows, blue sky and flying fish........That is about it. We have seen flying fish almost daily but NOTHING else - No ships, no birds, and of course no land. I thought it might bother me but it doesn't. BUT TODAY we actually had some scenery other than the pretty blue waves - a tug noat pulling an oil rig.

Fishing -In the beginning of the crossing we were going a little too fast for the crew to put out a couple of fishing lines in the back. Later, when we slowed down to 6-7 knots, they did. The Engineering Officer that rarely smiles was 'ear to ear' when he was able to catch a rather large fish. The crew ate well that night.

RED LETTER DAY for me - I actually climbed the mast. I am not scared of heights but I was terrified I wouldn't be able to MAKE IT to the top. This was such a public forum to fail in and it is physically hard. The sides of the ladder are a stable, thick wire cable but the steps are rope. It is like climbing a ladder with irregularly spaced and swinging steps. A lot of leg strength is needed with extra stress on the knees especially when the steps are further apart than usual. The Captain allows 4 people to do it at a time and stop at the first crows nest. We were allowed to stay there for a while and take photos. For me - the time allowed my jelly legs to calm down a little. Of course we are all rigged in and there was a crew member at top that helped you get into the crows nest and keep you hooked on even up there.

Almost there ! I was so slow that Steve had caught up with me.

At my final destination.

Yes, there is a very embarrassing video - showing how slow and shaky I was.

"Crossing" photo link on the right - end of second page

such a long way down

Steve Galland

Bud Galland

Gail Galland getting rigged up

Gail on Top!

Sunday I had a morning massage which probably helped my still really sore jelly legs. (I used a lot of Margie's Ibuprofen for the next 4 days). Rest of the day we all rested and read a lot. It is starting to get warm enough to get in the pool and sun.

I think it was Sunday (hard to keep track of the days) that was the beginning of the "Crossing Olympic Games" which consisted of even harder trivia questions and more corny games.

Our RED Team - our group of 10 plus one photobomber from the blue team

We had the pool games today - 2 teams - red (us) and blue team. It involved war paint, cheers, stuffing ping pong balls into shorts, transferring water from pool to tray to bucket, raising a sail (harder than it appears), and dancing sexy in the pool (the most embarrassing). RED WON of course. The Galland family along with Margie and I are a pretty competitive group. Very "Competisious" as they playfully call themselves. Long story behind THAT word....

Lando, the hunky guy on the left, had trouble finding his balls - Bud WON

Raising the sail.

After lunch I decided to try and see if I had the guts to sit on the front net hanging over the water - did it! It was a little awkward getting out there and settled (but not as awkward as getting back on the ship - I did some embarrassing positions to acquire my footing). Lying on a rope net is not the most comfortable thing in the world but the view is spectacular. First time I was too nervous to take anything out with me but the second time I took my phone. Third time Margie joined me.

That night we had on the schedule a "Light Show". It consisted of lighting the sails and playing inspirational music. Nice way to end the evening.

Whales or dolphins - we spotted something that was biggish 8-10 ft? Of course every time my camera timed out while waiting for a shop, we would see another and I never got photo proof. Kate Galland got a photo but she is stubbornly the only one of our group that uses a Samsung phone. Maybe she will email it to me. (MOST of our group really loves the iPhone's "airdrop" thingy). I ended up seeing 4 "biggish swimming things" OR 1 really attentive one that kept playing by us.

Tuesday - King Neptune Baptisms

This is the rite of passage for 'first timers' (staff and passengers) and anyone else that wanted to fill in the 20 total 'prisoners' that were needed for the 'show'. We were basically the entertainment for the rest of the passengers and staff that morning. (We did get a free T-shirt for our performance.) We were also required to kiss a fish, get flour put all over our face and "walk the plank" into the pool. Margie and I each needed a long shower to get the glue-like flour concoction out of our hair. After lunch, I went back out onto the bow sprit net - doesn't get old.

Linda and ?

Bud and Gale

Bob and Paula

Paula is always the most animated of us -

must be her cheer leading background

Staff and the rest of us prisoners

Our Captain - a really good sport -
he actually jumped in the pool with us

Wednesday - Talent Show and Captain's Dinner - A lot of activities today. I think it was because there was a Tropical Storm North of Barbados and the Captain was a little worried that it might be a little rough (that's when they bring out the paper plates and cups - it wasn't and they didn't). It was also Gale and Bud's 42 anniversary ! Rest of the day was spent sunning, reading, eating, drinking and napping- normal stuff.

Thursday

When I got onboard they were offering a massage deal - 3 massages and a free 30 min reflexology. I took them up on the deal- This morning I got my free foot reflexology. Delightful. I talked Margie into going out on the bow sprit with me.

Tomorrow will be our last day so I started packing. We had our last team trivia session - out of 6 groups we ended up being 5th in the ranking (but only because one of the groups quit). We were pitiful. When the topics centered around sailing, I sadly contributed very little.

Friday

I forgot to mention that we also have been listening to different lectures - one on chart reading, classes on navigation (way over my head), how the hotel sections are run and today we had a lecture and a visit to the engine room. It was very tight and very loud.

Here is a nice normal sunset.

Do you see the shadow on the sun ?

It looked like a ship to me but when the sun dropped there was nothing. Ghost ship?

Other really normal Sunsets.

Photo of most of the staff

The Galland Clan

Paula and Bob

Early Saturday morning we docked in Barbados - It was sad to see all our sails down but it was nice calm morning.

This time the Pilot boat had an easy time loading on their pilot.

We felt rather puny when compared to this cruise ship.

Paula had booked us a 3 hour tour (I know you are humming the theme to Gilligan's Island) before being dropped off at the airport. A nice air-conditioned van took us around the 21 X 14 mile island. We saw beautiful Sea Island type houses and hotels, pastel painted little wooden homes, pretty beaches, sugar cane, banana plants, sheep that look EXACTLY like goats, and surfing spots that Zac would love.