daren packham voyages

Hi

2011-03-04T16:46:00.000-05:00

Dazza, hi mate, how’s things on the good ship Meduse? How’s married life and being a dad treating you?

Mate we are in the process of being sold so if you hear of anything through the grapevine myself and my boys could be interested.

Will be in the UK soon enough so if you’re around I’ll pop down and drink your fridge dry!!

See ya

Shane Carlisle

First Officer

M/Y Princess Mariana

firstofficer@princessmariana.com

m 1 904 343 0111

t 1 954 499 5060

f 1 954 499 5063

P please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

Its a bit wet

2008-11-07T08:18:00.001-05:00

It is time to leave as it is a little bit rainy around here. Heading
towards the sunny climes of West Eastbourne today. If it goes quiet
again its because I drowned in a rain storm, or because we will once
again be in the middle of the Atlantic for two or three weeks.

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Sussex Mens Fitness League

2008-11-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

Hello to all in the SMFL DIV1

I am in a secret training camp for fat bastards.

I'm actually feeling a bit fitter, I even have the belt hole of
champions in my sights and am considering applying for a trail run in
the Sussex men's fitness league division 1.

Since arriving back here in Southern Eastbourne I have been getting up
at 630 every other day to do a run. I passed a snail the other day and
I think I could possibly now consider a dash past the girl guide with a
runny nose!

There has been a terrible down turn in the standard of weather being
issued in these parts in recent weeks and it is clearly time to make
haste towards West Eastbourne, via Mornington crescent, only time will
tell how or when we will actually achieve this adventure.

There is a lot of news to catch up on which I will slowly update you
both with soon. You know who you are.

Trusty stead

2008-08-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

Home sweet home

2008-08-22T10:52:00.003-04:00

Being home is always better than being at work and the first thing on the menu of a stretch at home is rest, followed by personal admin and then loosing some of the added weight that has appeared around my waist, while being stuck in my lardy desk job and of course selling fish & chips on the Brighton sea front.

There has been morning runs up on the hills where solo running outings are still necessary. Every time I have tried to keep up with the blokes in the Sussex men's fitness league (div 1) I have struggled like mad and not enjoyed it so much, preferring, for now to enjoy lonely (div 2) outings where stopping to see the view is a much more acceptable practice.

My trusty bicycle has been out in action too and I have enjoyed a few really good rides over the downs, I have been sailing with John and I have managed a few outings in my kayak one of those might have to be described separately. I have to admit that my athletic prowess has suffered a down turn this year! Unfortunately for my body my brain has been given tremendouse inspiration from the Bejing Olympics.

Watch out for me in London 2012. I am tipped to do well in the mens pie eating and beer drinking.

Walk from Easbourne

2008-08-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

A Journey from Eastbourne

2008-08-09T13:10:00.003-04:00

This was a day where we really did go to Eastbourne! Seen here looking confused or even slightly lost is my good friend Dai.

Mr. "I thought you were bringing the map?" Thomas, was good company but was in no way taking any responsibility for our lack of navigational material.

I thought it would be fine not to bring my map (*We all know what thought did. Don't we?)because we were, after all travelling in very familiar teritorry. However we were soon lost and Dai was quick to pass the blame over to me.

*Thought, he was going to fart but shit him self

Guy Grieve

2008-08-05T05:13:00.003-04:00

While crossing the Atlantic earlier this year I had a chat over the VHF radio with a man on a sailing boat. The sun was just rising and his family was sleeping below. We shared a short conversation, the beauty of the sun rise and I told him that they were heading towards stronger winds with the forecast I had. Looking at this article in The Telegraph newspaper it looks like they found them.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hubs/allatsea/

The journey home

2008-08-04T15:20:00.003-04:00

I left the boat at lunch time and the taxi driver sped through the sand dunes just outside of Eastbourne, to the airport. The airport was just a flat part of the desert with a fence around it and a kind of warehouse as a terminal. The weight was lifting from my shoulders and the hour long delay just meant that I got to sit quietly with a cold beer and look out across the desert for a little longer.

Early this morning after many many hours, we landed, with a moderate bump, at Heathrow airport. As my friends at home will know, Heathrow is a pain in the neck for us Brighton dwellers and the best way to cover the 70 odd miles, is by bus. The bus takes about an hour and a half.
Fate was on my side because a bus was sitting ready to leave, the driver took my case, threw it in the compartment and told me that because he was late, just to jump on (without buying a ticket) Wow cool. The bus then trundled as it does, between all of the terminals before hitting the motorway, then it does the same at Gatwick airport which is about half way home.

I don't know what came across me but I decided by chance to leave the bus at Gatwick airport to take a train instead. I had not paid for a ticket for the bus after all and the trains are quicker and more frequent from Gatwick to Brighton. The driver was happily helping everyone with their cases but mine was not there! This could only mean one thing. Some complete numpty had taken my case instead of his own, when he had got off the bus at one of the previous terminals.
Great!! I was left with a black roller bag that was not mine. I did actually laugh and thought of some stranger checking in, to go on holiday with my stuff. What a complete idiot! The bags were not even that similar.

After some hours my bag and I were eventually re-united. The National Express bus dude was surprised when I asked him to take a picture of me and my bag together. Included is a picture of the happy couple.

Amazing

2008-07-29T17:52:00.002-04:00

I can sail all the way to Eastbourne, endure endless days at sea and recount all kinds of adventures with no comment. I sprout a little bit of total nonsence and I get more comments than ever before.

By the way Eastbourne is very cold this time of year. Surprising because you wouldn't think that the desert would be like that.

In not even a week I will travel home to Brighton, which oddly is quite near to Eastbourne. Then the adventure will really begin!

Sand Dunes just outside Eastbourne

2008-07-27T15:19:00.001-04:00

South Atlantic Rules

2008-07-26T16:15:00.001-04:00

Cliff, I think you have made a school boy error on this one mate and
left me wide open to win. You see, because Eastbourne is in the
Southern hemesphere you have to go anti clockwise around the high
pressure. Therefore starting at Notting Hill will do you no good!
I would, if I was to entertain playing this foolish game, start in
Kensigton High Street, giving me a direct route to Mornington Crescent
via Hyde Park Corner and the Old Kent Road.

Better luck next time my friend.
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Readership Increases During July

2008-07-26T06:00:00.008-04:00

The Internet police have encouraged me to change the content of the blog and so I have deleted 3 months of wonderful memories from my miss spelt and probably poorly written journal.

There must be a lot of internet police because readership has increased by 500% in July! There are now a massive 10 readers and one of them is probably me.

Meanwhile, Eastbourne remains sunny, sandy and a little bit African.

We arrived at Mornington Crescent

2008-07-26T04:47:00.005-04:00

The Mornington Crescent that is in Eastbourne not London. Just so that it is clear.

After 22 days at sea we were nearing our destination. I woke up early, excited for our arrival. The last week was really uncomfortable! The weather was not bad but we were faced with big head seas and winds that prevail in this area. As the days to the end of the journey closed the margin of fuel was feeling more comfortable too.
Today was calm and glorious, the bright sun shining, on a clear, cold winters morning, we had some seals swimming around the boat and crew spirits were raised as we were looking out for the low land on the horizon. Then. As had also been predicted we disappeared into a very think bank of fog. Great! Luckily it was only about ten miles think and when we came out the other side we could see the coast. Wow! Eastbourne had changed since I last saw it! Those sand dunes really are amazing. Just miles and miles of uninterrupted sand dunes as far as the eye can see and onwards beyond imagination.
We had made it safely and by the afternoon we had tied up in the harbour on the small craft jetty! It seems that the African community has really done well in Mornington Crescent and we were greeted warmly by them.

Amnesia

2008-07-20T20:39:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning with a horrible head ache and I have forgotten
where I am and where I am going.

I noticed the date on the screen says 21st July 2008. How can that be!?
I must have been sleeping for this whole last 3 months and everything
was just a dream. The whole thing! Nothing really happened.

Tomorrrow I will resume my normal life selling fish and chips on the
sea front in Brighton.

The end

I'm not so fast at the moment but I like running

2008-05-02T12:16:00.002-04:00

It was a glorious sunny day and everyone was working and busy. I decided that I would enjoy a run at my own (admittedly slow) pace. I took a familiar route that covers a beautiful circle of about 9 miles of Sussex downland and I fully enjoyed the beauty of the English countryside in spring. I even allowed myself to stop at the gate to enjoy the view for minute or two.

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Sussex mens fitness league

2008-05-02T12:05:00.002-04:00

Daren makes it to the top! After todays wonderful solo run up on to the south downs I find myself at the top of the Sussex mens fitness league table........(division 2)

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(no subject)

2008-04-20T19:25:00.001-04:00

And joined in a crew photo. He swam in the boats pool, sat on a jet ski and spent the night sleeping under a chair on deck 3. Today he stayed on board for a short whale watching excursion and has been on a little fishing expedition himself but has returned, found later sat by the kayaks on deck 3

(no subject)

2008-04-20T19:22:00.001-04:00

Had a chat with the first officer

(no subject)

2008-04-20T19:20:00.001-04:00

He enjoyed the tender

Visitor

2008-04-20T19:18:00.001-04:00

This little fella came on board, he was found up on deck 3 by the owners entrance. We tried to help him back to the water but the little guy kept coming back

Mexican Boot Sale

2008-04-19T16:42:00.001-04:00

The boys loaded the tender with all the furniture and went off to the Mexican Car Boot Sale. This is a great way of making some extra cash...

Pete

2008-04-17T16:47:00.001-04:00

Today floating around in paradise and yesterday the same, only yesterday my family were all at a funeral. My cousins husband Pete, died of cancer at the age of 52! This is very sad news for our small family and I am thinking, as usual of home and family and however fantastic it is to be enjoying my work. Sometimes it all becomes very unimportant.

Remote

2008-04-14T22:26:00.001-04:00

Remote
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Just add people a chef, a bunch of flowers a cooler of drinks and then leave them to bake for as many hours as they like, then go get them after.

Arse beach

2008-04-14T22:06:00.002-04:00

Arse beach
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Secret location, known now as arse beach.

Beach BBQ

2008-04-14T21:58:00.002-04:00

It seems like routine. The guests would like a beach BBQ. Well of course they would! We have got very good at setting them up but upstaging the last is always the goal and this beach was near perfect. I call it Arse beach

The perfect setting for these very spectacular beach BBQ's takes some searching out. "Yes boys, this will be perfect!" he said sipping his diet coke.

day at the office

2008-04-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Model

2008-04-14T21:48:00.001-04:00

model
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

This one is for the boys.

Bald bloke driving limo tender

2008-04-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

Models

2008-04-14T21:46:00.002-04:00

From the front

2008-04-14T21:46:00.001-04:00

Birds Eye View

2008-04-14T21:44:00.000-04:00

Fruit Salad

2008-04-12T22:05:00.001-04:00

the chef knocked up a quick fruit salad for the guests..

Jumping ship

2008-04-12T03:18:00.001-04:00

After a fully amazing day in an exceptional environment full of models, helicopters and humpoback whales I had a final confirmation that I have a new job. On to bigger and better things.....? Well, different things. How can anything be more amazing than this? A few more dollars and more time at home is definitely a good thing but just look at this. I lived and worked here for 2 years and it still amazes me that I am the 1st officer on board this incredible machine. Today for the first time as I reflect properly in preparation to leave, I am proud of it! We have worked hard to make this an exceptional yacht and some pretty interesting people are starting to notice what we have to offer now.

Moral Booster

2008-04-12T03:03:00.001-04:00

With a very grand scale photo shoot it is not only necessary to have a model on board but it is great for moral. Even the captain was happy today,

Seal of approval

2008-04-10T17:50:00.000-04:00

Owners seal of approval

2008-04-10T17:05:00.001-04:00

We have been cleaning the place up all week and the owner sent his seal of approval.

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Things are never as they seem

2008-04-07T19:46:00.001-04:00

Pictures of me and some of the crew enjoying a few beers, as the sun sets in Puerto Vallarta, as usual look like thats what we do all of the time. This was rare run ashore this week as we have been out at anchor. It is also worth a mention that this was the end of a busy Saturday working and Sunday was spent in preparation for an overnight passage to a secret destination where we are getting the boat ready for more guests.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend, even if it was snowing!

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Brrrrrrrr

2008-04-06T18:24:00.002-04:00

Snow in Brighton

2008-04-06T18:19:00.001-04:00

An after work beer at Niki Beach

Ok, You lot stand there!

2008-03-31T21:50:00.003-04:00

Having to stand under a helicopter as it comes in to land might be different to loading up the school bus in the rain but it scares the living crap out of me every time. There is an in built desire to run away from it or at least duck but I have to stand there calmly and wave my arms around. I often question whether it is totally necessary but the pilot says it helps.

Heli Landing

2008-03-31T21:28:00.002-04:00

Day trip to Florida

2008-03-28T01:06:00.002-04:00

Life is as normal. But not at all normal. It is fast paced, fantastical and privileged. It is as always hard work but the surroundings are endlessly spectacular and there is nothing normal about any of it!

We cruised the west coast of Mexico, Huatulco, Acapulco, Zihuatenejo and now to Puerto Vallarta. Loaded another 300 tons of fuel, washed our balls had some beers ashore. Same old routine really.

This week I was flown to Ft Lauderdale in Florida for a day, no Disney land for me. I was very excited to have a man with a name board for me. Of course it was spelt wrong but thats a first for me. I went to meet with some dudes who represent another of the worlds super billionaires. They kindly offered me a job on a different boat doing something very similar for lots more money.

I flew back to Mexico did an afternoon of work and this evening went out with the captain and chief stewardess and drank mojitos in a Cuban bar on the waterfront where there was live music, waves breaking on the beach and a nice breeze blowing through the open bar. We came home to the boat a little peckish so we snacked on left over lobster tails and fio gras pate with fresh baked bread. So there is nothing much to report only that the circus continues and I am in the centre ring.

I can't wait to come home, make a sandwich have a nice cup of tea and watch the tele.

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T23:13:00.002-04:00

Going Loco

2008-03-18T19:11:00.003-04:00

We are down in Acapulco which is just as crazy as the other places that we go to and the silly things that we have to do for our guests still continue as before.

"Ok Daren, I think, when you guys are ready we can go to Acapulco tonight"
"sure thing, no problem!" It's only 16 hours up the coast after all... More shocking, is that that is just 16 tons of fuel!

Mexico has never been on my wish list of places to visit but it has been a real pleasure. I have never seen such an abundance of wildlife, whales, dolphins, turtles and the sea is just teeming with fish. We have anchored in several untouched bays with white sandy beaches and nothing but wooded hills as a backdrop.

This is our second visit to Acapulco since my trip home and it seems lively and vibrant, very similar to Rio in it's feel. There has been little opportunity to run so far though so I will still be failing to keep up with un well girl guides when I get back.

Feb 2008 Sussex mens fitness tables

2008-03-17T15:17:00.002-04:00

Another very brief trip home to sussex in England sets off a new Daren Packham fitness program. The sussex mens fitness table ranges from super human through to girl guide with a nose cold.
1 Cliff
2 Pete Very close second
3 Nick always a strong contender
4 Graham I can do two laps after you have struggled with one
5 Claire not a man but is worth a mention
6 Dave
7 Dai
8 girl guide with a nose cold
9 Daren Packham

It is clear that I have some work to do here.

Panamax

2008-02-19T23:47:00.004-05:00

I was pleased because I wanted to see a Panamax, a ship designed to the maximum dimensions of the Panama Canal. I was surprised because it was Massive!

Ship spotters lunch

2008-02-19T23:41:00.001-05:00

Day off in Panama

2008-02-19T23:35:00.003-05:00

Most of us wanted to go back up to the locks to watch a few ships pass through the canal and to have a few glasses of wine on our day off and we made a breif stop on the way at the shopping mall. You will see that the manaquins in Panama are designed by men. A 'friend' ran right into a woman shopper while being distracted by the said plastic models..

More views of the canal

2008-02-19T23:21:00.003-05:00

The log entry from 16th Feb. 1100 Pass under the Bridge of the Americas. Welcome to the Pacific Ocean! Another journeys end and nearly time to sleep.

Panama Canal

2008-02-18T17:05:00.002-05:00

There is something unique about transiting the Canal, on so many levels. The crew were all excited, the officers excited and a little nervous.

There are so many ways to explain the feelings on board. Nearly everyone had friends and family at home watching on the live cameras which was probably like watching paint dry but for us it was wonderful. A couple of the girls were in tears because they were able to wave at a distant camera where Dad or mum or a boyfriend was able to see exactly where they are and have a moments contact. It was so brief and we are all able to use messenger and Skype but somehow this was better. beeped and buzzed text messages " I can see you" seemed to be enough for everyone to be up lifted." My mate is watching" "Mum just text me to say she can see me"
The Canal it's self is brilliant too, with thousands of people giving their lives to build it, the area rich in history and the pure fact that you cross a continent instead of an ocean feels plain wierd. For us Europeans we now feel further from home. On the wrong side of the Americas, The philipines, Thai, New Zealand and Australians,all feel closer to home like they were next door.
It was an epic exercise in staying awake, we left the Atlantic at 1700 and tied up in Flamenco Marina after taking fuel at 1130 the next morning. I really enjoyed the transit because I was really involved and the pilot was interesting too.

Panama transit

2008-02-15T12:21:00.003-05:00

We have sat bobbing about here for quite long enough now and have depleted the worlds paper supplies by nearly as much as we have fuel in that time. All the paperwork is finally in order and all the international diplomatic tactics that we have available to us have been employed, a few thousand of them anyways..

Our transit time starts at 1545 this afternoon 15th Feb. That is when our pilot joins us and thats all we know at this stage.

Panama Canal or PC

2008-02-14T10:03:00.004-05:00

We arrived in Colon at first light this morning and have put our clocks forward, which means that a valuble hour of sleep has been lost and that we are now 5 hours ahead of UK for anyone who is interested in watching our transit.
We are sitting in a sess pool waiting for some dudes to come on board who like acronims. They want to have a look at our PCSOPEP, ISPS, our IOPP, IAPP, SOLAS, CSSE and our PIN amongst others I am sure.
Then we may or may not recieve a transit time. I will keep you posted

2008-02-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Jesus was found flirting with the hula girl, his Christian values were no where to be found once he was presented with a girl in a grass skirt and no knickers. Naughty Jesus!

Jesus appeared on the bridge

2008-02-12T17:46:00.001-05:00

We are at sea again and a nodding Jesus has appeared on the bridge

The link

2008-02-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html

Bye Bye Mexico

2008-02-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

Mexico to Mexico via Panama

2008-02-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

The circus is on the road again, heading towards the Panama canal in rough seas. We are expecting to get into Colon early in the morning on the 14th Feb. ( very romantic! ) Colon, as the name suggests is a shit hole, good only because, most people pass it by on their way through the Canal. Unfortunately, we need to take on another 300 tons of fuel, so we are going to be forced to stop.
I am going straight to hell! Even though I recycle and ride a bicycle, my carbon foot print is ruined for ever, unless maybe I become the next Al Gore.

Here is a link to the live cameras on the canal. If you are a yacht anorak, you can watch us transit the canal in one minute intervals. I will be sure to wave at any cameras that we see.

Updates on our transit time and date are unclear. I think we will go through either the night of the 14th or the day of the 15th Feb.

2008-02-10T17:27:00.001-05:00

2008-02-10T17:24:00.002-05:00

2008-02-10T17:24:00.001-05:00

In Mexico

2008-02-08T15:56:00.001-05:00

After a breif stop at Lighthouse reef, an overnight stay in Belize and another overnight passage to Cozumel in Mexico we have relocated again, this time to an anchorage off the beach in Playa Del Carman. The magical mystery tour continues. The owners are on home turf now and movements are down to a strict need to know basis even more than usual.

The boss came back from a dinner ashore with his friends, last night at around 11pm and asked me if we could please move at 6 am accross to Playa, so that we could recieve guests on board, via helicopter for breakfast. 'Yes sir, of course we can'

I was thinking Oh no!! Another 5 am start!!So we were off again. The sunnies were on standby but the sun was only just coming up as I edged the boat off the dock. I am still quite inexperienced at docking and undocking the boat and the sunnies were not really necessary for the sun but only to hide the fear in my eyes and make me appear cool and calm and even slightly stylish as I took the controls of the boat. An offer for the boat, of 95 million euros was recently turned down by our boss who is enjoying the boat more and more these days. The weather and sea was calm and the dock not too tight but the resposibility of it is still massive.

Blue Hole

2008-02-05T21:19:00.001-05:00

Blue Hole
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

A 3 am departure from the anchorage which felt far more rocky and exposed in the moonless night than in the light of day..A rough crossing From Honduras up to the Turneffe Islands which lay off of the coast of Belize.

The guests wanted to see the Blue hole that sits in the middle of Lighthouse Reef.

I know that I keep on about wanting to come home but these were the kinds of adventures that we signed up to. Far better than Nice, Cannes and Monaco. More challenging, remote and flying by the seat of your pants as far as navigation and planning.

You could ask me where we are off to next but I will go to bed again not knowing. Tomorrow, another surprise awaits.

Honduras Feb 08

2008-02-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

A remote tropical anchorage

2008-02-04T21:13:00.001-05:00

Prada sunnies come in handy

2008-02-04T21:06:00.001-05:00

DSC05408
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Today we find ourselves at a remote tropical anchorage on the main land of Honduras, we were just around the corner from a headland called, 'Punta Sal'

After the Beach BBQ and the guests exploration of the area by jet ski the boss suggested that he would like to move on to Belize, after dinner.

This is not such a big deal! Its only 100 miles to the place he wanted to go but we have 30 crew ,10 guests and two boats that need to be cleared out of through customs in Honduras before we can leave and we are 70 miles from the customs house on the Island of Roatan. Good job we have a chopper!

It is not often that we get to use the helicopter like this but when we do it really is awsome! Armed with ships papers, passports and a wad of cash just in case, Hans and I took off from the boat, heading up the coast . 40 minutes later we swooped in to the airport.
Hans did a very slick job of making a dramatic entrance, we slipped on our shades walked smartly accross the tarmac with briefcase in hand, shook hands with the agent who took care of our formalities. It felt like we were in some kind of movie. Glad that I remembered to bring my shades.

To the island of Utila

2008-02-02T21:58:00.001-05:00

house-utila-honduras
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

I know its cold at home, sorry to say we have anchored in a paradise of small islands and cays off of the SW corner of a small Island called Utila.

The owner of the boat is once again on board so life is at an increased pace.
This picture was stolen from google earth which is a part of my navigation plan these days. There are few charts of this area and the ones we have are not at all acurate. On the way here today from Roatan we had to launch the tender to go ahead of us relaying depth information. This was after a couple of scares where the chart was telling us that we should have, 60 meters beneath us and on several ocasions it came up to 8 meters or less. This is still plenty of depth for us but the information was all together a bit random. It is however beautiful and we arrived in a good place to anchor without hitting any reefs, so well done us.
We are off soon to Guatamala, Belize and Mexico.

Ball Washing Honduras Style

2008-01-29T14:29:00.001-05:00

Ball Washing Honduras Style
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Ball washing Honduras style

2008-01-29T14:24:00.000-05:00

The ever necessary ball washing. We are getting smart. A slow realization came to me today. I can pay someone else to do that! .A huge sigh of relief from the deck boys when I told them that a local guy said that he would do it for us. The man named Giovani earned massive admiration from all the deck crew plus a boat T shirt, a hat, a pen and a handsome rate for the job and everyone was happy.

Setting up Giovani

2008-01-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

Setting up Giovani
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

French Harbour

2008-01-29T09:59:00.003-05:00

French Harbour
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Rain Squall

2008-01-29T09:59:00.001-05:00

Rain Squall
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

We arrived, anchored and then launched the tender so that we could explore the dock and the depths of the channel on the way in. Those wrecks were making us feel a little bit nervous! Based on the old favorite, ‘Measure twice, cut once’ theory, it was prudent to check first. As expected, it was tight and shallow.
The picture was taken looking back from the harbour. As we left the mother ship ‘Be prepared’ the famous, Boy Scout motto was forgotten or ignored and we got soaked.

Dawn Arrived

2008-01-29T09:58:00.001-05:00

Dawn Arrived
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Another beautiful start to a Caribbean day. It always makes sense to arrive in a new place in day light. My routine at sea means that I am on Bridge watch from Mid day till 4pm and then at Mid night till 4 am. You get used to it, especially when you are at sea for 4 solid days and nights but when we arrive as we nearly always do, early in the morning it makes my day, very long indeed. Here is Dawn. Radiant as ever.

Navigation for beginners

2008-01-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

In most countries around the world there is a system of bouyage used by mariners which helps safe navigation into harbours. This is primarily, but not limited to, Red and Green Bouys. In this part of the world we are using the IALA B system, which confusingly is opposite to that used in Britain and Europe. Red, Port hand marks are actually Starboard. Don’t get upset. Everyone knows its crap having two systems but we are dealing here with the Americans who always need to be a little different. Red right returning in North and Central America and red to red, go ahead in Europe.

The Island of Roatan in Honduras has its very own, unique trial and error system! A terrible advert for this run down harbour is the absolute abundance of shipwrecks that litter the entrance. In actual fact, there seems to be more boats wrecked on the beaches and reefs at the entrance, than safely tied up within! Rather than worrying about which colour bouys to look out for here, you must just aim as centrally as you can between the wrecks at the entrance. The wrecks are a very clear indication of where not to go and so the system works perfectly. They don’t teach you this stuff in school you know….

Is the world going to end...?

2008-01-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know what is happening on the 1st of February 2008? All roads on board and especially the information line runs out.
The boss is arriving on the boat on the 31st January in Honduras. After that we are lost for information. How many people, how long for, where to and what happens after, is all a massive mystery. We are on a world wide magical mystery tour! This might sound like fun but it is actually a little un nerving and ever so slightly annoying when there are 25 people asking me,what is happening next. Five of them actually need to know because of planning, chefs, chief stewardess and engineers. Its helpful for navigation and fueling logistics and stores and just for peoples sanity. We will arrive in Honduras tomorrow.
What happens for instance, if we are going somewhere that we have no flag for!?

Packham in PRADA!

2008-01-24T09:50:00.001-05:00

Chav
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

It must be time to come home, the boy has lost it!

There are some ups and downs associated with working in the Super Yacht industry. Some of the plus points are, reasonable tax free salary and a lack of daily expenses, team that up with being able to buy most stuff at duty free outlets, it means that even for me, it is difficult to resist buying the odd luxury item. (first the excuses)

Sporting a classic time piece from Omega, is obviously totally necessary for any self respecting navigator ( how else are we supposed to gain Longitude?)
The trusty £2 Casio digital just doesn't seem to cut the mustard anymore but we remain good friends and we are still fairly irregular running companions.

Now the balance has tipped! A nice watch is something that can be excused but PRADA sunnies, is plain rediculous and is clear evidence that it's time to come home to save myself from becoming a complete Chav.

New Crew

2008-01-24T09:10:00.001-05:00

New Crew
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

In the excitement that we were off to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal, a new crew member appeared on board. Also useful for showing us exactly how rough it is. She wiggles her hips when the motion of the ocean becomes a little bumby. Together with her colourful clothing and lack of underwear she is a great asset to any team.

The good ship left the lovely Island of Antigua just after sun set the other day. It is difficult to tell which day because of a serious lack of sleep, which makes it feel like it was actually last week. We have taken fuel in St Maartin over night. St Maartin had run out of fuel last week and the 200 tons that we took on board last night , will probably mean that they will run out again soon.

For now I have cancelled our transit of the Panama Canal and we are heading to the little known Bay Islands, which lay just north of Honduras over. The passage is 1500 miles and is expected to take us 4 days and for anyone who is interested we do have the Honduras flag on board...

Dec to Jan Flag Incident report

2008-01-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

The international flag police have reported 2 flag incidents on the motor yacht in question during the period and are taking the cases seriously, sources said yesterday.

Whilst on passage to St Maartin from the USA, It was revealed that officers on board appeared flustered and looked concerned. Our sources tell us that there was flags all over the bridge and a rumour spread amongst the crew that the Netherlands Antilles flag might not be on board! "This is a very worrying incident" Jack Union, the chief officer of the flag police, said this morning.
Mr carlisle, second officer was reported to offer, "We might get away with plain Dutch flag?" Mr Union, turned bright red when hearing this report, our sources at the police station told us. 'He spluttered on his coffee and raged loudly, "NO NO NO! Not the plain Dutch flag!!! Are they imbeciles over there? Who is in Charge of this bunch of Numpties?" Our source revealed.
As usual the Captain was not available to answer charges against the vessel which is currently along side, in the Island of Antigua. Mr Packham, First officer narrowly averted serious charges and probable imprisonment when he managed somehow to find the very unique flag at the last minute. "The whole crew were tired and I have to admit to flagging a bit my self. I knew it was on board somewhere" the triumphant officer said to reporters today.

"We will be watching this lot closely!" Jack Union, chief of flag police said this afternoon. It was also reported that the vessel arrived in Antigua with no Courtesy flag for that Island. When asked, Mr Packham had NO Comment and looked up to the mast where the flag was flying proudly and correctly on the starboard, out board halliard.
Our mole on the Island reported a panicked telephone call to Janes Yacht Services on the morning of the yachts arrival. "Dock officials were probably smoking Cannabis and tending to their Rasta hats so it is difficult to get an accurate report" another source told us. "Mr Packham has worked with Jane before and her presence at the gangway upon the vessels arrival can be accounted for in many ways." A captain from a neighboring yacht vouched.
"I did see something thrown towards Mr Packham who was standing on the stern of the vessel as it arrived in Antigua but women often throw undergarments at this popular officer when he arrives in port, so the evidence is slim" another source revealed.

On arriving at the small wooden offices of Janes Yacht services the lady they call Jane was reported as wearing a light blouse and no Bra! We have to assume that Mr Packham is being hounded by the local press on this matter as there is no local law against women throwing undergarments at boats or crew, in the harbours of the Caribbean. So all charges against Mr Packham and the vessel in question have been dropped.
"I still don't trust this lot" said Jack Union, when asked for his comment later today.

The up side...

2008-01-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Pigeon Beach

2008-01-17T20:24:00.001-05:00

sunset bar
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Finally the guests departed so we had a day or two to relax, enjoy the beach and a few rum punches over at pigeon beach.

In full swing

2008-01-17T19:29:00.001-05:00

Then the party
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Another day at the office 8 to 5.. Thats eight in the morning till 5 in the morning. Sitting the wrong side of the party on new year, miles from home is less than glamorous. Watching the pretty people in dresses sipping champagne gets tiring by 5 in the morning.

Disco deck

2008-01-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

setting for a party
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Of course this would be the deck of choice for myself. Not wishing to encourage a re emergence of any old nick names, this really is a cool part of the boat.

St Barts for New Year

2008-01-17T19:11:00.001-05:00

When the guests get on board all time is work time ..All of us are fully occupied all day until we are eventually able to crawl into bed for a few hours. Then we get up early to start the circus over.

St Barts is an absolute spectacle at New year. In the picture you are looking out to the bay ,not towards the shore! All the lights are super yachts at anchor. Our boss obviously has some serious connections here because we were tied to the quay for the night of the 31st, in order to host a big party on board. Along side is our day boat, the 115 foot Moon Goddess. The loom of our underwater lights bright and the aft door lowered to receive guests arriving to the party by boat.

Santa came

2008-01-14T16:45:00.001-05:00

Santa came
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Even though Christmas was a just another busy day at work there was a little Christmas spirit on board and Santa visited the cabin with, what I was hoping was a Tardice like stocking. It looked like you might only fit one Candy in the thing but there was 3 in there.

Claire

2008-01-08T19:32:00.001-05:00

Claire
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Saw claire too of course and then before I arrived,I was gone again, back to Ft Lauderdale, on to Miami a 3 and a half day passage to St Maartin met the boss who landed with family in 2! private jets on Christmas day. We relocated same day to St Barts where we stayed with all the other big boys until new year for a big party of 300 guests

Mum

2008-01-08T19:27:00.001-05:00

Mum
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

But I saw my mum

England

2008-01-08T19:25:00.001-05:00

England
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Then I went home to England. It is always lovely this time of the year!

voyage to states

2008-01-08T19:22:00.001-05:00

voyage to states
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Then we sailed back to the USA where we were welcomed again with the men with big boots and guns.

bahamas party

2008-01-08T19:21:00.001-05:00

bahamas party
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

After the owner and his family left the bahamas it was time for the obligatory letting down of the hair. For those who have hair it is easier.

Antigua

2008-01-08T18:40:00.001-05:00

DSC05282
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

As usual life is never dull and after a month of no news there is lots to share but for today and the rest of the month we are in Antigua preparing for our next adventure. The Panama Canal.

There has been a few rum panches shared with the crew on the Tenacious and the world is again at a more decent pace after a crazy month of long days and hard work.

Winter scenes from Bahamas

2007-11-29T17:44:00.000-05:00

We knocked of work at 3.30 this afternoon because we had managed to get lots done and the rigid inflatable boat needed testing too, so the lads and I all jumped in and took a short ride over to Paradise Island to have an after work beer at the Green Parot. The Green Parot sits on the quay right by Hurricane Hole Marina, its a good spot to watch the sun go down. It actually gets dark here at just after five so it just wouldn't have been the same to wait until after five for that beer.

After work beers

2007-11-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

Bahamas Flags

2007-11-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

Still having trouble with Flags!

2007-11-26T15:04:00.000-05:00

We arrived alongside in the port of Nassau. In our pre arrival checks, stabilisers get centred, depth sounders and bow thrusters checked, sea water inlets get switched to shallow, port clearances complete, advance notifications and customs formalities completed LOCAL COURTESY FLAG RAISED.

The pilot was on board and caused more trouble than he helped by a small misunderstanding with the other Pilot who happened to be on the 'Disney Wonder' a huge cruise ship that was coming out of the channel at the same time that our pilot had just cleared us to enter it!

So there I was, sat on the dock discussing everything with our friendly ships agent. We were sat on a wall near to the boat. He clearly felt a bit awkward so I thought I would take the Bull by the horns and ask if everything was in order. He looked like he was about to tell me I had bad breath or body odour or something. He said, "Daren, I hate to bring this up but you are flying the Bahamas maritime ensign not the Bahamas civil Flag." I looked up at our flag, laughed and said we would change it immediately.

This Flag thing really does upset people! I am starting to pay more attention to it. I am becoming a flag bore, BUT its obviously more important than I had previously thought.

Sunday off

2007-11-26T10:39:00.001-05:00

Sunday off
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Just a quick thanks to Dai for popping to my flat to turn on the central heating.
A day off with the blue bike, a snorkel, mask and some fins. It was a little cloudy here today but the sun tan is coming along nicely.

The name is Packham.. Daren Packham

2007-11-21T16:25:00.001-05:00

The name is Packham... Daren Packham

2007-11-21T16:16:00.001-05:00

Some people including myself have been known to say, that jet skis are noisey, silly and pointless.

However, when given the chance to ride a 1500cc supercharged one at full tits, while being chased by a helicopter, most blokes I know would not pass up the opportunity! Especially if it's a work day!

Launch the lot

2007-11-21T16:10:00.001-05:00

Launch the lot
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Seeing that we already had all of the toys out of the box, the boss thought it would be fun to have a photo shoot from the helicopter!

We thought it would be fun too.......

It was clearly all worth it

2007-11-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

the depth

2007-11-18T16:54:00.001-05:00

the depth
Originally uploaded by darenpackham

Holy shit thats getting slim down there..