Kempton Sailing

Bislama

2007-03-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

A sign in Bislama, the local language in Vanuatu.

Landfall, Vanuatu

2007-03-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Port Resolution Yacht Club and Cabins

2007-03-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

These little thatched roof huts were available to tourists to rent.

Locals from Vanuatu

2007-03-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

Several locals from Port Resolution in Tanna came out to Kinetic in the hopes of trading their fresh caught lobsters.

Fish On!

2007-03-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

We also caught our one and only fish of the whole trip on our way to Vanuatu. David reeled in the Mahi Mahi and then cleaned it and Naomi cooked it up along with some rice for our dinner. It was so big we had enough left over to freeze for another meal.

Enroute to Vanuatu

2007-03-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

On the way to Vanuatu we had sunshine and rain, sometimes we sailed and for a little while we motored, some people read, some slept, some ate and some didn't and eventually we arrived in Tanna, Vanuatu. The only problem was we arrived in the middle of the night and with less than reliable charts we had to stand-off until first light so we could use eyeball navigation to pick our way in through the reefs.

Underway

2007-03-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

Enough of that landlubbing it's time to go sailing again! Next stop, Vanuatu.

From Up The Mast

2007-03-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

While in Musket Cove I went up the rig to inspect the masthead tri-colour light that was malfunctioning on our last leg. While up the mast I snapped a few photos of the anchorage and Island.

Advertisement At the Sailor's Bar

2007-03-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

Paradise

2007-03-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Once the guys discovered the Sailor's bar and the seemingly endless supply of cold beer they all agreed that Musket Cove was a little slice of paradise. Fiji Bitter was the beer of choice and from the line up of bottles forming at the bar it seemed to meet with approval.

Relaxing in Musket Cove

2007-03-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ah now this is the vacation we were dreaming of. Naomi and I share a drink at the sailor's bar, Roberta and Anna take a rest on the transom of Kinetic after their swim and Naomi and Anna kick back in the hammock for an afternoon of RnR.

Land Ho!

2007-03-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Arrival in Musket Cove, Fiji. A beautiful sunny day and a crew full of sailors anxious to go for a swim. Steve and I are now official members of the Musket Cove Yacht Club.

Dark And Stormy Night

2007-03-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

A rough start to our vacation with a lumpy exit from Suva and some seasickness for a few of the crew. After a dark and stormy night the morning broke clear and sunny and finally an opportunity to shed our foulies.

Safety First

2007-03-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

All crew doned their PFD's and harnesses for the overnight leg to Latoka where we would hopefully get a cruising permit for the Yasawa Islands in Fiji.

Bye Bye Suva

2007-03-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

After a quick crew briefing we weighed anchor and left Suva for the hopefully sunnier Yasawa Islands.

Suva Market

2007-03-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Naomi and I headed out on an open air bus full of locals to the Suva market. The local cab drivers were very insistent that we ride with them rather than wait for the bus but we wanted a truly local experience. The market was hopping with people and stall after stall of vegetables and fruits, spices, kava, fish and sweet breads. The selection was fairly limited and anything not locally produced was extremely expense ($18 for a small bag of avacados!).

Royal Suva Yacht Club

2007-03-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Jim and David pulling up in the dinghy to the Royal Suva Yacht Club. No jackets and ties required at this place!

Rainy Suva

2007-03-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Well it rained and then it rained and then it rained some more in Suva but at least Steve still managed a smile. Not quite how we expected to be greeted by the South Pacific but hopefully we would have some sunny, downwind passages ahead (little did we know).

Planes, Buses & Rubber Duckies

2007-02-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

After a plane ride from Vancouver to Hawaii, Hawaii to Fiji and then a 4 hour bus ride from Nadi to Suva, Steve and Anna bask in a few moments of sunshine before boarding the "rubber duck" (aka dinghy, tender) that will take all of us and our luggage out to the good ship Kinetic.

Island In The Sun

2007-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a long while since we've posted anything and that is partly because we were off on a long sailing adventure through the South Pacific. Obviously we returned, unscathed by the cannibals (perhaps we weren't meaty enough to bother with) although we did meet some friendly locals that invited us to a kava bar...

Debbie & Brodie

2006-09-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Debbie and Brodie at the Vancouver Aquarium (mama Kim is taking the picture). We saw the Whales, Dolphins, Seahorses and many other fish and marine animals.

Mustang Ada!

2006-07-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Steve's mom readies herself for a ride in Jim's '66 Mustang convertible. Malcom and his sister Nancy pose for a picture before Ada is wisked away.

Newport Mansions

2006-07-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

Summer homes in Newport.

Cliff Walk, Newport

2006-07-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

There is a 2 mile walking path along the waters edge aptly named "Cliff Walk". After my walk I came back reinvigorated and salty.

Coggleshall Avenue, Newport

2006-07-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from the street where the house that I was staying in is located. It was only a few blocks to the beach.

Newport, Rhode Island

2006-07-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from my recent trip to Newport, Rhode Island for a Farr 40 regatta. I didn't take any sailing pictures (because I was too busy racing of course!), but I did manage to take a few walks after the racing was done and I actually remembered to bring my camera.

This is a picture of "Americas Cup" Avenue and the rest of the street signs in this area are all named after Cup boats - cool!

Cheeks to the Teak

2006-07-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

The crew of Kinetic are hiking hard as the boat heels over and begins the beat out of Juan De Fuca Strait. www.kineticsailing.com

Next Stop Maui!

2006-07-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

With flags flying and the crew in good spirits Kinetic casts off - next stop Maui!

Vic-Maui Race 2006

2006-07-04T23:37:00.000-07:00

Steve and I went over to Victoria on the Canada Day long weekend to wish our friends on Kinetic bon voyage as they left for a race across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. Once again Steve was a spectator and he said twice was enough...next time he will be doing the race. These are a couple of pictures of us saying goodbye to our good buddy Mark Sykes. I think Steve was trying to jump on board and stow away!

For more info on the Vic-Maui race see: http://www.vicmaui.org/2006

Victory Sweet Victory

2006-06-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

The crew (minus Rich and Mark who were off to the airport) along with Jim holding the 1st Place trophy for the weekend (a J Winery glass carafe).

Rounding in First Place

2006-06-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Rich, with a huge grin on his face, as we round the windward mark in 1st Place. The Seattle fleet, particularly Stuart on Tantivy, provided some of the most exciting racing we've had in awhile. It was truly a game of cat and mouse between us and the crew on Tantivy. Very cool!

We owe a huge thank you to Stuart and his wife Pam who put up (and put up with) half of the Diva crew, in their well appointed home in Seattle. Although we were complete strangers at the beginning of the weekend we felt like old racing chums by Sunday night. Thanks again Stu and Pam for your geniune hospitality.

Honorary Chief Diva

2006-06-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Out of the way there's a woman on the helm! I had to stand on my tippy toes just to see over the wheel.

The Bow

2006-06-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Mark and Malcolm (M&M) ready for anything on the bow.

Trim God

2006-06-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

aka Trevor

Diva Crew

2006-06-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Great picture but where are our matching crew shirts? This picture was taken by the best shore support woman ever, Val Marie. Chuck and Val were supposed to race on a J/24 but the boat wasn't able to make it to Seattle so they made a weekend of it anyway, watched some of the racing and greeted us at the dock with a cooler full of cold beer and wine along with some apres racing snacks. We're not worthy, we're not worthy!

Tuning Up for the Start

2006-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

This was Diva's inaugural race. She was one of five J/109s in the fleet.

J Fest 2006 - Seattle

2006-06-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

A Stingray crew reunion (almost) for Seattle's J Fest on Jim's new J/109 Diva. The crew, consisting of Jim, Brian, Rich, Malcolm, Steve, Trevor, Mark and Deb are waiting patiently for the start.

The Next Big Adventure

2006-06-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Our next BIG adventure will start September 24th when we fly into Fiji and Board Kinetic, Beneteau 47.7 (pictured above) and sail her to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and finally Sydney, Australia. The crew will be Steve and Debbie Kempton, Jim Prentice and his wife Roberta Pauls and their daughter Anna, Naomi Roddick and the owner of Kinetic, David Sutcliffe. Naomi and David will be doing the Vic-Maui race which leaves Victoria on July 3rd and once the race is over they will be sailing from Hawaii to Fiji with David's wife Gaylean and their three kids Graham, Lisa and Jeff. See www.kineticsailing.com for more info.

Views for Miles

2006-06-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

So much to see, so little time. It took a lot of miles to get there and as with most vacations I wished I had more time.

Moab City Centre

2006-06-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

A quaint town that thrives on everything outdoors from mountain biking to climbing (as pictured here), river rafting and off road 4x4 adventures.

Moab Scenery

2006-06-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

Good weather, nice roads and beautiful scenery.

Boise, Idaho

2006-06-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

A stop in Boise to visit Deb's Aunt Linda and Uncle John. A hottub, steak dinner and warm bed were welcome treats for road weary bones.

Road Trip

2006-06-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the trip to Moab. Through Seattle, the Cascades to Bend Oregon and then Boise.

On the Road

2006-06-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

All loaded up with gear Steve heads out on his big bike adventure to Moab, Utah. Between sailing and biking when does he find time to work?...This picture was taken at a little cafe just outside of Boise, Idaho.

Camping at Alice Lake

2006-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Steve packed up his gear on his bike for a trial run camping trip up to Alice Lake to meet Brianna before his bike road trip at the end of the month to Moab, Utah.

Whales

2006-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

At the end of the long weekend we weighed anchor and headed home with nary a breath of wind but plenty of rain! The long and wet motor back home was worth it when we sighted two whales off the port side of the boat. Beautiful creatures.

Dinghy Rides for Everyone!

2006-06-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Lack of wind meant dinghy rides instead of day sailing. At least the sun came out and we were able to go to shore and explore shell beach.

Makena and Diva

2006-06-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

May long weekend 2006 Makena and Diva are rafted together in Montague Harbour, Galiano Island. We had a great sail across the Strait to Active Pass with the wind building to 17+ knots as we entered Active Pass which made for an exciting sail through and a well deserved cold beer at the other side.

Passage Island

2006-06-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

A view through the arbutus tree to Passage Island off the entrance to Howe Sound.

Dorman Point on Bowen Island

2006-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

A weekend sailing getaway in April finds us hiking to the top of Dorman Point to lookout across the Bay.

New Toy for Spring

2006-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

After a long, rainy and uneventful winter the spring brought Steve a new toy! A BMW 650 to keep him busy on his days off. This was a day trip up the Sea to Sky Highway with pal Al.

Visiting Mom

2006-06-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Steve and Fiona in Kelowna visiting Mom (Ada) while she was at the Kelowna Cancer Clinic.

Hard at Work & Play

2006-06-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is work? Nice view from the office.

December 2005 Seahawks Game

2006-06-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Steve and Jon at a Seahawks game in Seattle.

Steve & Nicole on the Bow

2005-09-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Talking about sailing, life, boats..I wonder if Steve actually let Nicole say anything?!

Little Nicole at the Helm

2005-09-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Rich and Jill Hatchman came down to the boat with little Nicole on one of our lovely summer evenings. We all think that she is a born sailor because she was right at ease on the boat as you can see from her big smile while manning the helm.

Homeward Bound

2005-08-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

The holidays are finally at an end. We went through Gabriola pass on Monday afternoon and ducked into Silva Bay with the intention of heading across the Strait Tuesday morning. Another sleepless night at anchor with gusts of over 20 blowing through and a small craft warning in the Strait. At about 5pm Tuesday we hauled the anchor, admitted the holidays must end sometime, doned our long sleeves for the first time in two weeks and headed across the Strait. This was one of the best sails of the trip with the wind and tide going with us all the way into the Bay we were reaching until the Point Grey bellbuoy where we hoisted the cruising chute and headed down into English Bay. A lovely breeze carried us all the way to the Kits barge buoy where we doused the chute and made for home.

Bluewater Rendevous

2005-08-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

The crowd of Bluewater members at the August long weekend farewell to the fleet rendevous in Montague Harbour. We sailed all the way into the anchorage with the cruising chute up and a good little breeze. It blew up that night in the crowded harbour so it was a bit of a sleepless evening.

On The Hook

2005-08-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are anchored in Bedwell. The anchorage was packed since it was the August long weekend. We ran into Richard on his C&C, Mystic. After a bbq dinner on the boat we took the dinghy into the pub and met up with Richard and his friend to have a few drinks and take in the local band.

Enroute to Bedwell

2005-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

From Sidney we sailed to Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island. We wanted to check out the new Poets Cove Resort. You can just see the mist rising in this picture and Mount Baker in the background. Another beautiful sunny day in the Gulf Islands!

Walking in the Woods

2005-08-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

There are about 5k of walking trails at Sidney Spit as well as a picnic and camping area.

Exploring The Beaches

2005-08-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Steve found an old rowboat awash at Sidney Spit. The sand felt wonderful on our feet. It was almost like being in Hawaii.

Sidney Spit

2005-08-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

From Genoa Bay we headed down into Tod Inlet and from there we sailed around to Sidney Spit. It was our first time at Sidney Spit and we would love to go back. It's a large marine park with miles of sandy beaches and walking trails too. We managed to pick up a mooring buoy and then we decided to make the 2 mile trip in our little dinghy to the town of Sidney. Not the best idea but we made it there and back, a tank of gas each way!

2005-08-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

The three of us (Steve, Deb and George) sailing under spinnaker all the way into Genoa Bay.

Maple Bay to Genoa Bay

2005-08-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

We managed to convince George to come out for a sail from Maple Bay to Genoa Bay.

From Saltspring to Maple Bay

2005-08-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

From Saltspring we had a long motor out of Ganges Harbour directly into an 18knot breeze. Once we rounded the corner at Beaver Point the wind died off (go figure). We continued to motor while Steve was below fiddling with the Nav stuff. I saw 4 knots of wind register and decided that was enough for me so I hoisted the main, unfurled the jenny, struck the engine and away we went. We were making our way towards Maple Bay to visit Steve's good friend George. Soon enough the wind was at our backs so we hoisted the cruising chute and as we approached Cow Bay the wind picked up for an exciting sail and a couple of hairy gybes. The picture above is Makena tied to the dock in Maple Bay.

Makena's Masterpiece

2005-08-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sadly Mark and Camille had to go back to work so we parted ways at Saltspring. Steve and I decided to stay on another day and while wandering through one of the many galleries on Saltspring we came across this print. The perfect addition to our home don't you think?

Mom, There's A New Bow Princess In Town

2005-08-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Camille taking in the scenery as we sail into Ganges Harbour under spinnaker. Okay that's enough resting it's time to gybe! Where's the old guy?...

2005-08-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Mark and Steve arrive safely back to the boat nicely refreshed after an afternoon swim.

Bye Bye Boys

2005-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hey fellas you'd better hope the wind doesn't pick up too much or you won't make it back to the boat with that little 2.5 horse on the dinghy!

Girl's Cruise

2005-08-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Since Mark and Steve "jumped ship" someone had to sail the boat. Camille and I get into trim goddess mode and show those boys how it's done.

Man Overboard

2005-08-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Was it something we said? Mark decides to jump ship (he was showing off for the ladies).

Crab Bait

2005-08-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Mark and Camille prepping the "gourmet" crab bait (a little canned chicken wrapped in cheese cloth and tied with dental floss). Hey, don't laugh - it worked!

Summer Vacation 2005

2005-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation July 24th - August 2nd, 2005. Our friends Mark and Camille joined us for the first part of our vacation. We left Vancouver intending to head across the Strait to New Castle Island near Nanaimo, however in a brisk breeze and lumpy sea we thought it would be better to crack off a bit and head through Porlier Pass. First anchorage was made on the backside of Pirates Cove.

2005-07-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Still working away. We took Makena to Bowen Island for the weekend. A change of scenery and the perfect locale to celebrate our first anniversary. We enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Blue Eyed Mary's restaurant in Snug Cove. Candlelight, linen table cloths, flowing wine and our new boat, our someday world voyaging vessel waiting for us at the dock.

2005-07-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Steve applying cetol to the rubrail.

2005-07-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

2005-07-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

The teak rubrail unfinished.

2005-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Steve laying down on the job (avec Naomi & Dave). Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sunny morning after a long night (Rich, Bill "Bunkie" & Jim). Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Peaceful Winter Harbour. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Van Isle racers and the Tall Ships meet in Victoria. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of boats behind us. Hey Rich, Baby, it's all good. No it's awesome! Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Graham and Naomi leading the foredeck in a stretching class. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Steve and Debbie teach the Kinetic crew a new card game... Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone hiking hard. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Water rushing by with the poled out reacher. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Comox to Campbell River. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

The ol' Stingray gang together again. Van Isle Race 2005.

2005-07-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

The route around Vancouver Island.

Start of the Van Isle 360 Race 2005

2005-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

For two weeks in June Steve and Debbie participated in the Van Isle 360 race. The race starts in Nanaimo and goes all the way around Vancouver Island, finishing in Nanaimo. We raced on Kinetic (Beneteau 47.7) www.kineticsailing.com

Sea Strainer

2005-05-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

New oversized Groco sea strainer to replace the old original Vetus one that kept losing it's prime (as recommended by Norm of Landsea Power). Water is good, no water is bad.

Cruising Howe Sound Style

2005-05-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

A great day of sailing leaves us wishing we could head across the Strait to the Gulf Islands for an Impromptu holiday. Alas we have committments to keep so we head home for HCM and life at the dock.

Starboard!

2005-05-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

Heading home from Plumper Cove on Sunday afternoon with a brisk 15 knot inflow in Howe Sound. Around the back of Bowen there were gusts up to 18 knots and Makena was cruising along in the flat water happy as a clam.

Anchored in Plumper Cove May 28/05

2005-05-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hangin' out at Plumper Cove. A dinghy ride to cool off. Took at trip over to Gibson's and grabbed some lunch at Molly's Reach, checked out the local marine store (of course). We purchased a solar shower and shared an ice cream cone before heading back.

Plumper Cove

2005-05-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Escape to Plumper Cove for the last weekend of May. It's hot, hot, hot! We left HCM Friday night around 6:00p.m. and set the sails for a short sail to Point Atkinson at which time we decided to fire up the iron jenny in the interest of arriving before midnight.

An Old Friend

2005-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Our previous boat, Psyche, is anchored just a few boat lengths away at Montague with her new owners Rick & Tina Ross aboard.

Sunset at Montague May Long Weekend 2005

2005-05-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Montague Harbour, Galiano Island. May long weekend 2005. Steve, Deb & cabin boy Mark Sykes (aka Mike Skies).

Smiling Skipper Steve

2005-05-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Skipper Steve is all smiles now that the hook is set and we are pouring a round of Dark N Stormies. After a long day crossing the Strait from Heather Marina to Active pass with building wind and seas we finally dropped the hook in Montague and fired up dinner. We saw a pod of killer whales on the Strait side of Active pass, however with gusts of 25+, a full 140 jib and main, water in the bilges and none coming out of the engine we barely had time to appreciate the whale siting. Thankfully all issues were resolved..the water in the bilges leaked out of one of our water tanks when we were really heeled over sailing across the Strait. The watertight inspection port needed to be resealed with some lube. The lack of water from the engine was due to the seastrainer losing it's prime (typical of the type we had) so Steve replaced it and so far so good. No problem on a boat can't be fixed if you just throw some money at it!

Boat Specs

2005-04-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Contest 36S
Designer: Dick Zaal
Builder: Conyplex BV, Netherlands
LOA: 35'10"
LWL: 29'
Beam: 11'8"
Draught: 6'2"
Displacement: 16,315lbs
Ballast: 6,395lbs
Fin keel, full-depth skeg. Fully balsa-cored, heavily but conventionally laid-up hull.
36 horsepower Volvo diesel engine. 2004 fully battened North mainsail.