FreedomYachts.org

One of the things that I enjoy doing when I cruise is documenting the trip via logs, photos and video. I place these on my web site, http://www.GeoffSchultz.org, while I cruise. When I have Internet, the logs tend to be fairly rich with multi-media. When I'm some place without Internet, I can still upload text only logs via SSB.

We're getting ready to head out on a 5+ year journey, and if people don't mind, I'll post links to my logs in here when I have a chance. If you'd like to subscribe via e-mail, please visit the following link: http://eight.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/bluejacketsailing

-- Geoff

This log describes our proposed cruise from RI to NY, up the Hudson, down the Erie canal to the Great Lakes, through the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, shipping BlueJacket via truck to the west coast, sailing down the Baja to the Sea of Cortez, then down the coasts of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to Panama, then to Ecuador and Peru, back to Panama, through the canal and then to the NW Caribbean.

http://www.geoffschultz.org/Log_Page.php?id=1352

-- Geoff

We've been out for a week now and are working our way down the Long Island sound. You can find trip logs at http://www.geoffschultz.org/Log_Page_Index.php?region=2010: and photos from the area at http://www.geoffschultz.org/2010_Sailing/Photos/.

-- Geoff

Been checking out your web/log site. Guess all I can say is thanks for sharing! Some very impressive things to view, awesome pics of older ships as well as the things and places you've seen.

BlueJacket is officially a motor vessel! We pulled the mast today in Catskill, NY in preparation for transiting the Erie Canal. While I didn't video having the mast pulled this year, I did video it 2 years ago. It's quite a process using a 100+ year old stationary crane and then floating the mast to the travel lift. Here's a link to the last time that we had it done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUNueWJ8nPY

You can also find photos from the NY City area, West Point and Hudson Valley area at http://www.geoffschultz.org/2010_Sailing/Photos/. Logs are located at http://www.geoffschultz.org/Log_Page_Index.php?region=2010: and you can sign up for e-mail delivery of logs at http://eight.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/bluejacketsailing.

-- Geoff

We're in Waterford, NY and will start through the Erie canal today. The first set of 5 locks takes you up 169' in 1.8 miles!

We stopped in Albany on the way here and were blown away by the architecture.

You can also find photos from the Albany and the Hudson River valley at at http://www.geoffschultz.org/2010_Sailing/Photos/. There's also a new log from Waterford at http://www.geoffschultz.org/Log_Page_Index.php?region=2010:

Geoff -

Great narrative of your trip. Having grown up on Long Island and hiked around West Point I really appreciate the pictures.

I don't know your itinerary but I bet it would cost less to have Bluejacket trucked to Seattle. A sail around the PNW and maybe around Vancouver Island wouldn't add much to a 5-year trip.

PNW Freedom Rendezvous July 23, 24, 25th in Port Ludlow.

We're now in Rome (NY I hate to add) and are at the peak of the eastern Erie canal, having risen 420'. I've posted a log at http://www.geoffschultz.org/Log_Page.php?id=1363 and a photo album of the Erie canal so far at http://www.geoffschultz.org/2010_Sailing/Photos/NY_Erie_Canal_1/

-- Geoff

rvivan: Thanks for the suggestion, but I looked at it and really didn't want to cruise S from PNW. I have family out there, and they wanted me to come that way too, but Sue isn't a fan of cold water.

Geoff,
I have followed your logs and love them.
I have just traded my 36/38 for a 40/40 (1995, deep keel, tall rig, replaced mast-gmt composites) and will be getting her next weekend (once the checks clear). The boat has an autohelm 7000 autopilot. I was wondering if you had considered a wind vane, and if so, why have you not installed one, and which seemed right for the boat if you are still considering it.
I would love to follow you in about 4.5 years (3.5 if I can convince the Admiral).
I suspect I will be asking you lots of questions between now and then.
Happy cruising
Craig W

I had thought about it, but can't imagine how you would rig one and still have good access to the sugar scoop. Plus, I have my dinghy hanging on davits.

-- Geoff