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February 23, 2012

Michael Bean, Dale City, VA
Subject: Thanks
Just a quick THANKS for keeping your Captain's Log going. Your love of life comes out in every sentence you write. It really does not matter to me where you go, I love to read about your adventures. Being a 'dirt dweller' who's wife does not want to 'go to sea', I have to get my salt from you. Keep up the great stories,photos and history lessons...read more

August 16, 2011

Basil, Nova Scotia, CAN
Subject: Hi Scott & Mary
I've been a follower since you went across with the Rally way back. Glad
to see you're in Cape Breton. You will pass by me here as you cruise down
the eastern shore of Nova Scotia...read more

August 1, 2011

Waco Carter, Melbounre, FL
Subject: Security
Scott, What about security? Do you carry weapons on board. I
assume having a gun would not be a problem in U.S. coastal waters, but
what about entering foreign ports? Do you have an alarm system on your
boat to warn you in case of an uninvited intruder?--Waco...read more

July 7, 2011

Michael Klein, Melbounre, AUS
Subject: Where you ever scared?
Hi, I have recently watched your videos and you are both very
very incredible people to have seen and done what you have done. I
am very jealous! I just sold my 40ft Riveria flybridge and looking for
a 50 ft as my next adventurer...read more

April 4, 2011

Dave, Houston, TX
Subject: Health Insurance
My wife and I are just in the planning stages of living the dream and
are currently looking for the right boat to purchase. Since your most recent
post mentioned your annual physicals and taking care of yourselves healthwise,
we are curious as to how you have handled health insurance while you have been out of the US for an extended period of time....read more

March 2, 2011

Richard Maggs, Sarasota, FL
Subject: Hello Scott,
I see from the latest post (December 17, 2010) that you logged zero hours on your generator coming from Freemantle. Just curious, does your water maker run from the inverter?...read more

March 2, 2011

Scott, Corinth, TX
Subject: Awesome
Just read the latest VofE, AWESOME!!!!!. I've never blue water fished but after that description I can imagine it would be ........well, fill in the blank....read more

March 2, 2011

Gary Robinson, Fort Collins, CO
Subject: St Helena
We very pleased that you were able to stop at St Helena Island. My
wife, Sharon, and I visited St Helena and Ascension Islands on a month-long
voyage of the RMS St Helena in 1997 from Cape Town to Cardiff, Wales....read more

February 15, 2011

Art Baxter, Carmel, IN
Subject: Congratulations
What a moment! The completion of Egret's circumnavigation. We all appreciate looking over your shoulders (and not having to bounce around.) I loved every nm of it.....read more

February 5, 2011

Peter B. Voss, Krumbach, DEU
Subject: Next steps "Egret"?
Hi Mary and Scott, thanks for all your information and Photos along the last years with your boat around the world. If I read all the memos in your logbook, I will say you both are the professions! Thanks......read more

January 5, 2011

Art Baxter, Carmel, IN
Subject: AIS
I have been watching ship traffic in your patch of the ocean on AIS. Can
we watch your progress across the big ocean?....read more

December 14, 2010

Michael Bean, Dale City, VA
Subject: Pictures
You both take great photos and being a Nikon fan I was wondering what your current equipment list is?.... read more

November 23, 2010

Kay O'Meara, Portland, OR
Subject: Iridium phone
Hello, We have enjoyed your updates and you have inspired us dirt dwellers to take the step. Presently we are trying to plan ahead for our departure in August..... read more

November 23, 2010

Del Sloneker, Little Rock, AR
Subject: What does it take to make a dream, a reality?
For starters, thank you for your time and for sharing you knowledge/experience with those of us who are currently land-locked. I am a 27 year old medical student who dreams about long distance passage making in my own boat one day. I love your boat and the fact that you made your dream a reality..... read more

October 18, 2010

Richard Maybin, Northern Ireland, GBR
Subject: Indian Ocean Route
Scott, I am currently on board Spirit of Ulysses in New
Caledonia and intend to leave for Australia at the end of the month. My
intention is to spend a few months in the Sydney/Pittwater area then
travel up the east coast of Australia and leave to cross the Indian Ocean > from Darwin to Cocos Keeling and on to Mauritius in September/October
2011.... read more

September 27, 2010

John Donohoe, Woodbridge, VA
Subject: What I did Today
Scott, You as you close your log you frequently ask: "What did you do today." I
wanted to let you know like many of your silent followers, who can keep
silent no more, that today, after I read your log, I continued to plan for
my trip that you and your descriptive, inspirational, writings have helped
to encourage..... read more

September 22, 2010

Knut Hildebrand, Eastern Cape, ZAF
Subject: Hi Scott
About your thoughts "MS56", did you mean it is a great boat because of the
low profile, that you would choose this type of boat? Wouldn't you choose
the next time a flybridge?.... read more

September 14, 2010

MICHAEL BEAN, DALE CITY, VA
Subject: LATEST CAPTIANS LOG
INTERESTING LAST CAPTIANS LOG, JUST YESTERDAY (BEFORE I READ
THE LOG) I WAS LOOKING AT A PIC OF THE 56MS AND THOUGHT OF THE SAME BASIC IDEA. MAYBE THEY WILL HAVE TO LISTEN THIS TIME. KEEP UP THE GREAT LOGS. MAYBE WE'LL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET TO THE US EAST COAST..... read more

September 10, 2010

Mike Lindskog, Houston, TX
Subject: Hi Scott
I come from a background where when it comes to ocean passages the smaller
the cockpit the better. You and Mary have enough ocean miles under your
keel now to have probably a pretty good opinion.... read more

September 10, 2010

Jerry Damme, Papillion, NE
Subject: Windows
In a number of your logs you mention thicker or double pane
windows. From a Nordhavn view, are the N's windows not safe or is it for
sound or temp. insulation?... read more

September 2, 2010

Scott Jacobson, New York, NY
Subject: Lines ashore
Scott, While cruising in British Columbia we often "stern tie" with a single line ashore while anchoring. You often mention two or three lines ashore while in Chile or NZ. What are the conditions and reasons for going from one, to two, to three lines ashore?... read more

August 25, 2010

Sam, Mercer Island, WA
Subject: Cape Town
Hi Scott and Mary, Do you have a rough idea of when you'll get to Cape Town? I'm in Cape Town until mid November and would love to meet both of you and see Egret up close... read more

August 16, 2010

Don Cochrane, Burnsville, MN
Subject: Grocery Shopping
Now how in the world do you manage to talk your bride into doing all the shopping while you sit in the car reading the paper? If I tried that...ouch!!!!...read more

August 8, 2010

Tim Morris, Torquay, GBR
Subject: Oil & Fuel
Re blog 6 Aug. Still licking my wounds Scott, but I'm hanging in there. :) You have mentioned carrying 50galls of oil. Is that for just 1 oil change en-route. .....read more

July 23, 2010

Richard Maggs, Sarasota, USA
Subject: Furniture
In your last blog entry you feature a picture of Mary, looking so comfortable, sitting in 'your' chair with her feet resting on 'your' ottoman...how do you get along with loose furniture in your saloon and what system do you employ to secure it in rough weather.....read more

July 23, 2010

Dennis Robins, Victoria, AUS
Hi you guys. We are now back down South in SA. at Robe. We have sold our beach house, so are just doing a clean out.....read more

July 21, 2010

Phil Sager, Winnipeg, CAN
Subject: Loose Screw
Scott, I hate to say this but I think you have a screw loose....read more

July 7, 2010

James Cochrane, Burnsville, MN
Subject: Need a crewman for the trip from the land of OZ? Have
experience on a N-55....read more

May 24, 2010

Bill Henderson, Queensland, AUS
Subject: Alternator for Wing Engine
We have a Nordhavn 43 and are considering adding an
alternator to the wing engine for battery charging in preparation for
our return to Australia....read more

May 19, 2010

Jack G. Gambs, Lakewood, USA
Subject: Livingston tender
I notice from your pictures you don't use your Livingston much. Your opinion on it? Trying to decide between 14' Livingston and 14' rib....read more

May 19, 2010

Rick, Queensland, AUS
Subject: Kimberley
Hi guys, just wondering if you are held up in Fremantle for so long why not take a trip up to the Kimberley in north West Australia....read more

May 19, 2010

Art Baxter, Carmel, IN
Subject: Suspense
Please don't keep us in suspense. Is Egret on the hook, on the hard, or ???.....read more

May 19, 2010

Fernando Rodrigues, Salvador, BRA
Subject: Get-home
Dear Amigos:
I saw your boat in Bahia Marina but for one reason or another I never
had the chance to conatact you. I am now building a wood-epoxy trawler
about the same saize and volume as Egret... read more

April 12, 2010

Tim Morris, Torquay, GBR
Subject: until August
Wow...... won't move again until August ???? Now that's a dirt-dweller talking .....read more

April 12, 2010

Murray Willson, British Columbia, CAN
Subject: This maybe your first Error
Hello to you both. I have read with interest over the
last couple of years all your many adventures. I have just returned to Canada after spending the last 6 months in Australia on the Gold Coast.......read more

March 24, 2010

Art Baxter, Carmel, IN
Subject: Movies?
I was intrigued by the comment that Mary was taking movies. Are these video clips and can we see some action? Or do we have to wait for our next "talk"?......read more

March 16, 2010

Pedro Del Favero, Santiago, CHL
Subject: Solar energy
Congratulations for your fascinating achievements, I have
follow your voyage and your way though our country too.....read more

February 26, 2010

Knut M. Hansen, Tjoeme, MOR
Subject: Wintering in Scandinavia
We are soooo happy to see that you are planning to visit and even
spend wintertime in our our local cruising ground. Since 1985 the
coast between Gøtborg and Lindesnes (most southern point in Norway)
has been our local homewaters....read more

February 23, 2010

Art Baxter, Carmel, IN
Subject: Tracking
I so enjoyed your article in Yachting. You certainly know how to
encourage timid cruisers....read more

February 18, 2010

Judson Browne, Atlanta, GA
Subject: New Paige
We have been following ya'all since the start. Thank you for your time. We are a few years out and are interested in the N60....read more

February 16, 2010

Neville Morrin, Murwillumbah, AUS
Subject: Missing the east coast!
Hello Scott and Mary. I know you can't go everywhere but to miss the east coast of Aus is like sailing past the U.S.A. and saying, "I wonder who lives there?" The Barrier reef and all along this coast is so beautiful & in my opinion is worth a look...and you're so close!....read more

February 11, 2010

Tim Morris, Torquay, GBR
Subject: So many places, so little time
While on your travels, you will have undoubtedly seen some of the most
beautiful places/sights in the world. You must have surely bypassed a
thousand others. I guess there are many that you are yet to see...read more

January 25, 2010

Michael Bean, Dale City, VA
Subject: Crew
Thanks for all the work to but out VofE. My sugestion to
all is read both your blog and forum from the begining before asking
questions, you may already have the answer...read more

January 11, 2010

Arthur Baxter, Naples, FL
Subject: Dockage location
Looking on the satellite photo, I see a Seaport restaurant with a wall dock with finger piers. Close?...read more

January 4, 2010

Breck Waterman, Adelaide, AUS
Subject: Visiting
Hello Mary and Scott,
I read your blog with great interest as my wife and I are planning our escape to sea. I believe you intend to cross the bottom of Australia on your next leg and was wondering if you intend to stop off in Adelaide along the way?...read more

January 4, 2010

Mike Lindskog, Houston, TX
Subject: Storm Windows
Hello Scott and Mary! Scott, I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into VofE, and the support of Mary to give you the time to do it! What a great source of information!....read more

December 22, 2009

Sue Tomback, Marina del Rey, CA
Subject: Paravanes
We have N4654 and are currently cruising the Pacific Northwest.
Just curious as to why you did not run with the paravances in?....read more

December 16, 2009

Mark Heeley, Sydney, AUS
Subject: Australian plans
What are you plans when you reach Eden/Hobart? Will you be travelling
North to Sydney?....read more

December 4, 2009

Andy Becker, Lindenhurst, NY
Subject: Fish contest
Scott, First off let me say that I have been a follower of your blog since> its inception & have enjoyed reading every word. I like the way you & Mary approach boating, life & traveling together.....read more

December 2, 2009

Rob, Sydney, AUS
Subject: Addicted
Thanks for your inspirational words, although I do have a bone to pick
with both of you...!!....read more

November 20, 2009

Art Baxter,Carmel, IN
Subject: Thanks
It's wonderful to read (participate) in your adventure. My
wife and I toodled around in a OI 41 on the Great Lakes, East Coast
and Bahamas before trying the trawler life in a vintage Mainship 34
(#22) but my ancient knees couldn't do the bilge thing so now we watch videos.....read more

October 12, 2009

Martin K. Valestrand, Eastport, NY
Subject: USA
How do you man the bridge with two people, on a long ocean crossing?....read more

October 2, 2009

Tim Morris, Torquay, GBR
Subject: Tsunami
Questions: Thinking as you were in both Samoas last year, I wondered about the information you would have received and action you would have taken in the circumstances of a forecasted tsunami. Seeing boats inside houses, and talk of Tsunami's running at 500mph (if that's true) certainly makes you think....read more

September 24, 2009

Anthony Byrne, Sydney, AUS
Subject: Fuel
When it comes to purchasing fuel at so many different places/countries on your travels, how do you pay for it, the best and easiest way?...read more

September 24, 2009

Jim, Huntington Beach, CA
Subject: Cameras (sort of)
OK, I'll bite. What's a "boat unit"? As in MS's camera starter package costs about two boat units. I absolutely love your stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to share....read more

August 27, 2009

Kim Spencer, Auckland, NZ
Subject: Fuel Supplies
G'day Scott & Mary, Really enjoying reading your 'trip reports'. I'm guessing that you have enough fuel to circumavigate NZ a couple of times but when it
does come time to purchase diesel, do you (a) have an agent that arranges a volume discount. (b) ring around to find the best price yourselves or (c) rock into the closest marina and fill her up (d) none of the above.....read more

August 13, 2009

Colin, Newcastle, GBR
Subject: Anchor Bridle/Snubber
Hi Scott, I have been meaning to ask for some time, but your latest fabulous
VofE has focused my mind. What bridle/snubber arrangements to you make
with normal conditions?....read more

August 11, 2009

Linda, Beaufort, NC
Subject: Catamaran
Hi Scott and Mary,
Not a question but a celebration! We corresponded back in April....The SeaVeyor is now ours!! She is a beautiful vessel.. 50' by 23', Crother Design. Can't wait for "bluewater"....read more

August 6, 2009

Paige Reeves, West Sussex, GBR
Subject: Fishing
Hi Scot and Mary,
First an enormous thank you for the inspiration you have given me and
many others. I check every day to see if you have posted an update on
your adventures. Without your example I doubt that I'd be preparing
for my own little venture into the unknown.....read more

July 13, 2009

Tom Waring, Bahrain, BHR
Subject: How to start?
Hi Scott and Mary,
I have read all your Captain's log posts which are truly inspirational! 'My Time' beckons! I am a 48 years old Brit and (what I initially thought was a mild mid-life crisis but it just won't go away) I am keen to start 'The Big Adventure'. ....read more

June 30, 2009

Peter B. Voss, Bavarian, DEU
Subject: Fuel Bladders
Hi Scott and Mary, I read in the last Forum about "fuel bladders" and I don't understand this word. Is this a part of bacteria in the fuel? ....read more

June 2, 2009

Bill and Rosemary Henderson, Golden Bay, NZL
Subject: Crossing the South Pacific
We have taken your advice and are at present living on
Levity our N4305 which we bought in Florida last July. We are
currently in Puerto Rico shortly heading for ABCs and then on to
Panama....read more

May 26, 2009

Jeff Stuart, Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: Boats
I read that you and Mary owned another trawler prior to commissioning Egret. Could you expand on that particular vessel. Additionally, could you provide us with some past history about your cruising passages leading up to the 2004 NAR.....read more

May 19, 2009

Dan, Lincoln, CA
Subject: Cost
Hi guys, My wife & I dream of your lifestyle. We are looking at retirement in a few years and wanted to know now that you have been doing this for a while. Have you come up with an average monthly cost to cruise like you do? ....read more

April 28, 2009

Linda Sandbo, Beaufort, NC
Subject: Tech stuff/photography
Hi again Mary, one more question. I want my photography to be a major part of our voyage. How difficult is it to send images, etc that hilights your adventures? What do you suggest for external storage, and just how difficult is it to get your images (which I love seeing) out?.....read more

April 24, 2009

Linda Sandbo, Beaufort, NC
Subject: Thanks/Navigation
Thanks Mary, your response was very "common sense" and take it a step at a time. What about navigation? Charts? etc, is it better to learn from a book or just hands on experience?.....read more

April 21, 2009

Linda Sandbo, Beaufort, NC
Subject: Help
This is for Mary: we are about to purchase a 50 Cat. My husband has instructed me that I need to reserach food, medical, insurance, and read Chapman's book all the way through. Uh, what do you suggest?....read more

April 8, 2009

Scott Barnaby, Decatur, GA
Subject: Comment only
Dear Fryer, my how you do go on - and thanks for that! I spent 3 delicious months in NZ in '86 - really enjoyed the Nelson wooden boats - and think you are in for a real treat going thru the Marlboro Sound(s)....read more

March 31, 2009

Gordon & Kate Nissen, Tortola, VGB
Subject: BVI Flagged vessel
We own N46 #4 ..Viking Star and are considering the idea of registering the boat in the BVI.....we noticed that you are BVI registered and were wondering about any issues when we get up to the USA...read more

February 27, 2009

John, Alamo, CA
Subject: Short handed cruising
I'm interested in short handed cruising and I'm curious as to how you handle sleeping when it's just the two of you on a long passage? Do you ever both sleep and put it on auto? Or do you do shifts? Thanks....read more

February 10, 2009

Chris Jenkins, Auckland, NZL
Subject: GPS-NAV Software
Hi Scott and Mary, We met recently at the 'Welcome' event in Auckland hosted by Nordhavn. We were the two guys with the Grand Banks. You will be pleased to know that we still follow your travels with keen interest and after meeting with you both we are even more inspired to adventure further around our own country and beyond in the very near future....read more

January 29 , 2009

Brenda, Shermans Dale, PA
Subject: Navigation and electronics
I have followed the Nords since the 2004 Atlantic crossing.
I read your columns all the time, in magazines and in this forum. I
am always checking to see where you are located at this time...read more

January 23 , 2009

Jeff Stuart, Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: Two Person Watch Standing
Scott and Mary, What a pleasure and privilege to follow such a fascinating adventure for two and one worth dreaming about and keeping the fire stoked for!....read more