This Trans-Atlantic trip started on June 12th, 2001 from Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and ended in Lagos (Portugal) on July 18th, 2001.
There were three major legs to this trip. For complete accounts follow the links.
First Leg: Tortola to Bermuda June 12th The Trip started at Stormy's second home port Tortola (British Virgin Islands) in the Caribbean. The crew consisted of Captain Wayne Spangler, son Jon Spangler, and friend Kevin McClone. The plans were to sail directly to the Azores. The Azores are a group of nine islands belonging to Portugal that lie 900 miles West of Portugal. Due to unexpected high pressure (ie: no wind) Stormy was forced to Bermuda to fuel up for the long trip to the Azores.
Second Leg: Bermuda to Azores June 20th Loaded with two 55 gallon drums of diesel fuel Stormy hit some good wind at took off. That lasted only a day and they were back in the high which put the spirits in a low. On June 22nd they did spot their first whale only 15 yards form Stormy. The crew has also seen giant sea turtles and dolphins at this point. During this time Wayne started to show off his culinary expertise and baked fresh bread. June 26th they hit another mile stone but sporting Big Blue the spinnaker. This lasted until 12:30am June 27th when the spinnaker halyard broke sending Big Blue in the ocean. The sail was retrieved and Stormy hit her first storm. Soon it got cold Jon said to Kevin the coldest winter I've been in was a summer in the mid Atlantic. June 29th Captain Wayne Spangler Headed North to get out of the (Azores High). It worked and they hit good wind. This attracted several other vessels that were in communication during the trip. Now the armada was split. Stormy motored into Horta Faial on July 6th on a sea of glass.
Rest: Now the crew can shower! But first off to Pete's Bar (a well known establishment in Horta) On the way they met Dan and Dave Charron who flew into the Azores to join the crew for the last leg of the Journey. The crew took to relaxing a bit before heading to Lagos. First order of business was to do laundry and explore the town. The crew made friends quickly meeting people from all over the world speaking the same language (Beer). Things were quite normal until Jonny brought his guitar to the outdoor pub (Pete's) in the marina. The rendition of "Knocking on Heavens Door" converted form the "Bob Dylan style to the Axel Rose style by Kevin McClone started flurry of blurring activities. The locals started singing along and gratuitous rounds of Super Bock and Sagres started. The events that unfolded over the next several days are simply delightful. Stormy's crew was the center of attention in Horta for several days, conducting concerts, wooing women, painting our logo on the pier, making friends, and in some cases enemies, all while drinking Horta out of Super Bock. The sea was calling and on July 10th Dan and Dave got their first taste of salt water.
Third Leg: Azores to Lagos Portugal July 10th Still in the Azores high Stormy motored toward Portugal. Dave and Dan shared shifts the second night and were blown away by the beautiful glow of the "Angels Hair" "photo plankton" swirling off the rudder turbulence. The next day whales were launching themselves into the air 15 feet or more. Day three of the final leg the head had to undergo a major overhaul. The whole crew helped as captain Wayne did most of the work. Our hero! The wind picked up the diesel got some rest if the crew didn't. The windward berths are like an 8 second ride in heavy wind. The V-berth gives you room to pick up speed as you roll back and forth. Check out Dan-O's comments in the log July 15th . Jon and Dan-O shout out to their classmates as they miss their 15 year reunion of Rice Lakes class of 1986. Stormy completed her Trans-Atlantic journey on July 18th by reaching Lagos in style. Clear skies and brisk steady winds drove Stormy into Lagos harbor with all sails full and an excited crew. It was awesome!
Complete trip from Tortola to Lagos.
