SV Ghost

11/08/2024

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07/08/2024

It was rather a crazy day here yesterday. The Taxi drivers continued sporadic strikes choking many of the main areas; including the marina area. It was especially challenging as there were 3 cruise ships here (a rarity for August) and downtown Oranjestad was hopping.

That said, dinner came out good, (Keto Shepards Pie), and the sunset was beautiful as always...it's hard to get too upset over anything here. 😊

10/06/2024

Another wonderful evening at the Longtable event. The fireworks show takes place on the helipad located ~50m (downwind thankfully!) from Ghost.

08/06/2024

08/06/2024

All whites for dinner tomorrow

We scored last minute tickets to the Long Table event tomorrow night (WTG Trish!) This event seats 1000 people at a single table in the middle of the main road here in Aruba. The proceeds go to help the charities on island (especially the stray dogs.) The pics are from the last event we attended in 2022.

05/06/2024

Our solar addition is online 😊

We added 18 X 200W flexible solar panels covering most of Ghost’s foredeck. These are used only when in a marina or on anchor or mooring. When getting underway, the panels are folded into 2 stacks for stowing. In total, this gives us 5475W nominal feeding into our 24V/1000AH LFP house bank

Build Details (for those that have inquired)

I used 6mm Dyneema to create a frame starting from the cross beam, back to pad eyes on the deck to which I attached the panels using Velcro straps. 2 pairs of MC4 cables with waterproof quick-disconnect fittings are run from the 2X / 3S6P arrays of Allpowers SF300 flexible panels to a waterproof breaker box in the anchor locker with 2x 32a 500v DC Circuit Breakers.

From there, the lines are led back to the Nav station, then continue to 2X Victron SmartSolar MPPT Tr VE. Can 150V 70 amp located in the Tech closet int the master stateroom (Port/Aft.) The output from the MPPTS goes to a bus bar with 2X 70mm cables led aft to the Port engine room where they tie into the main system bus bar via 2x 150A/32V MEGA-fuses. The system connects to the Victron network via a CAN bus cable running from the MPPTs to the Cerbo located at the Nav station.

It’s been a bit cloudy since we brought the panels online, but thus far were generating ~20kWh per day with mid-day peaks of ~4200W

Further tweaking…

• We’re getting significant shading from the Jib. The current wiring layout has the series panels running port to starboard (across the hull). This results in the series-wired panels being shaded at peak production hours. I may rewire the panels placing the in-series panels on the extreme port and Starboard sides (running parallel to the hulls.) This should allow the more powerful mid-day sun (and resulting shade) to fall on the panels in Parallel, generating a greater output.

• I need to work out a better way to level the panels. Currently, I have our unused bean bag chairs in the lowest areas.

• I’m waiting on delivery of a couple Blue Sea Systems 285 Series 80amp DC breakers to fit between the MPPTs and Busbar.

The only cons thus far,

• We lose the use of the foredeck for lounging – When on anchor, we have comfortable seating and a wonderful sunshade that covers the entire foredeck. This is not possible when the solar arrays are in use. This is acceptable as we still have the sun lounge.

• It’s adds a bit of work when accessing the forward lazarette and anchor locker. 6 Velcro straps must be unfastened to access either locker. This is a small price to pay for the power benefits.

• It does take a bit of time to disable and stow the system when getting underway (currently about 45 minutes, which I believe will improve with practice.)

Time will tell as to how the panels hold up, but thus far I'm pleased with the results.

04/06/2024

We're often asked about the weather here in Aruba. It's simple, 82f overnight, 88 during the day (-+ 2 degree) The breeze averages ~15 Kts making it feel much cooler. It very rarely rains, (the interior of the island is a desert) and when it does - the sun usually returns within a couple hours. The view from the Port Quarter of Ghost is always swaying palm trees, and most every sunset is memorable.

All in all, we Love Aruba (especially Tori)!

25/05/2024

And so it begins...

Fished about 100 meters of MC4 cable yesterday and test fit the 18 X 200W solar panels on the foredeck. It looks like 2 arrays, 3S6P each will just about max out the pair of Victron 150 / 70 MPPTs. Hope to have this completed in the next few days and see the impact of 5475W ☀️🔌⛵️🙂

18/04/2024

3600W of additional solar panels aboard. This should be fun. 🙂

31/03/2024

Happy Easter! 🐰🇦🇼

Leg of Lamb in the Sous Vide for dinner tonight and trying to decide which boat projects get tackled today. My apologies for the lack of updates, we've largely settled into life here in Aruba. A few milestones,

After 8 months of paperwork, Tori and I received our Aruban Residency (just in time to start the renewals!)

Tori is living her best-life here. She's in the pool and or fitness center daly and her evenings are full with dance and modeling classes and simply hanging with friends. When asked, she will say Aruba is by-far her favorite of all islands we've visited.

We've completed much of our project list. Our biggest (and most exciting) remaining project is the installation of additional solar.

I was able to negotiate the purchased 18X 200W flexible panels at an incredible cost of $.50/Watt! (https://iallpowers.com/products/allpowers-sf200-flexible-solar-panel-200w - 3600W nominal) I'll use them to build a stowable array on the foredeck. They will be attached to a dyneema-run frame around the perimeter of the foredeck. The panels themselves will be connected with dyneema loops allowing them to be quickly accordion-folded and stowed when getting underway.

This will give us a total 5475W nominal when on anchor/mooring or marina, rendering Ghost completing self sufficient.

We're still planning on Bonaire for a month or so once we wrap up our projects. We'll wait til next season for the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Now if I can figure out how to keep a basil plant alive, we'll be good 🙂

03/01/2024

This Saturday kicks-off Carnival 2024 with the Torch parade. The parade passes within about 100 meters of Ghost's slip. The bass sound is loud, the entire vessel shakes. Aruban's have truly mastered the art of sound amplification. 🎤🎼🥁🎺🔊🇦🇼

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!

24/12/2023

03/12/2023

More Ghost toys for Christmas...

https://highcampflasks.com/products/custom-engraved-firelight-flask-750-onyx-edition

26/03/2023

Sailing lowers blood pressure (and extends life). Science says so after an in-depth study of three elderly boaters

25/02/2023

Click here to subscribe to World Circuit - https://WorldCircuit.lnk.to/WCYouTubeID Buy on CD/LP, download or stream now: https://worldcircuit.lnk.to/BuenaVis...

01/01/2021

Lunch aboard Ghost (Microgreens grown onboard.)

Fresh Burratta // Ovation Greens // Asiago Pesto // Pomegranate // Cucumber // Tomato // Watermelon Radish // Pine nuts

29/12/2020

Chef Caitie Amazes...

27/12/2020

What an amazing week with the Wolf family! Thanks for all the laughs, positive vibes and wonderful memories!! Can’t wait to have you guys back on board again, until then 🤙🏽

18/12/2020

S T U N N I N G ✨ interiors. Ice cold ❄️ air conditioning throughout, heavenly memory gel bedding with sheets smooth as butter, each stateroom with their own en-suite bathroom/shower. 49” QLED TVs in the salon, master and guest stateroom each equipped with Apple TV and a pep-wave wifi system providing connectivity up to 18 miles offshore. SV Ghost seamlessly pairs adventure and luxury.

06/11/2020

Ghost is the first to take a Helix Code Zero designed for racing and have it modified for a Cruising Catamaran. Got to test her new "engine" today!

22/09/2020

Finally!! What we’ve been waiting for 🍾 Get ready for a fun filled charter season offering the BVIs again (still offering amazing USVI trips) !!! Contact us for info how to book S/V GHOST 🇻🇬 we’re booking up fast!

www.caribbeantermcharters.com

Reopening.

We are thrilled to announce that the British Virgin Islands is reopening to visitors on December 1st, 2020. BVILOVE awaits you , we can’t wait to welcome you back .

We can't wait to see you ALL!!

25/07/2020

I'm excited to introduce Ghost's new crew - Welcome aboard Steve and Caitie! In additional to providing a phenomenal crewed-yacht experience, Steve and Caitie are professional free-divers delivering an amazing sea-to-table experience. At least one meal a charter is hand-caught in Virgin Island waters, prepared and delivered to your table (wait till you see the gigantic lobster they frequently catch!)

We've also made a huge investment in creating a best-in-class fishing platform for Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi. As Steve likes to say, we're chasing "serious tail".

Ghost is in Ft. Lauderdale completing an extensive list of upgrades and the addition of new toys. We'll be back in St. Thomas in November ready to provide you and your guests a much needed respite from COVID.

https://www.caribbeantermcharters.com/

Adventure in Luxury. You couldn't have dreamed a vacation any better. Neither could we. Experience the true Virgin Islands