New York to Puerto Rico

mjsouleman

Mark "Souleman" Soule
Moderator
Report Date: 12/18/2025
0200 - reported sighting of Puerto Rico lights
0300 - phone changed time standard to non-day-light savings time
0800 - dropped anchor in Puerto Rico
Journey - Hudson River, NY to Puerto Rico complete

Reporting on this voyage is complete

Next: January Virtual Meeting will host Angel Adams for a discussion of his journey
 

mjsouleman

Mark "Souleman" Soule
Moderator
Just spoke with Angel, he was swamped with friends and family till 1 in the morning eating and telling stories.
Today he talks for missing being on the open water but happy he is home with his family.
 

Angel D.

Member III
Thank you my friends.

The passage was a great lesson and greatly improved my seamanship. Learning a lot and quick.lol.
I'm more confident on my boat and myself. The boat handles great on bad scenarios. She behaved like a lady. That deep keel that I complain on the shallows proves to be your best ally when the weather turns on you. To be able to point and remain balanced and to be toss and regain the ride again is priceless.
Over all I sail her in a conservative way , never stressed the rig and she kept going like a champ. Yes , there where hiccups and things got loose and others broke. Yet she took me about 1,200nm safely and could easily keep it going if need it be.
Now I will be dealing with the aftermath. She needs some love after Mother Nature did her thing . Right now I'm gathering with family and friends , resting and getting some calories on me.
Now I do have some good stories to share and new goals to reach.

IMG_20251218_110729264.jpgIMG_20251218_141242823_HDR.jpg Happy holidays!
 

frick

Sustaining Member
Thank you my friends.

The passage was a great lesson and greatly improved my seamanship. Learning a lot and quick.lol.
I'm more confident on my boat and myself. The boat handles great on bad scenarios. She behaved like a lady. That deep keel that I complain on the shallows proves to be your best ally when the weather turns on you. To be able to point and remain balanced and to be toss and regain the ride again is priceless.
Over all I sail her in a conservative way , never stressed the rig and she kept going like a champ. Yes , there where hiccups and things got loose and others broke. Yet she took me about 1,200nm safely and could easily keep it going if need it be.
Now I will be dealing with the aftermath. She needs some love after Mother Nature did her thing . Right now I'm gathering with family and friends , resting and getting some calories on me.
Now I do have some good stories to share and new goals to reach.

View attachment 54335View attachment 54336 Happy holidays!
What a great adventure. So glad the Ericson saw you through
 

frick

Sustaining Member
1



Newington-based HAM radio organization sending help to Puerto Rico ...
The main amateur radio club in Puerto Rico is the Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL), affiliated with the ARRL, focused on contests, digital modes, DXing, and public service, offering classes and a newsletter; other groups like the Amateur Radio Alliance also serve the island, especially for disaster relief, connecting hams for training and emergency comms.
Key Clubs & Organizations
  • Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL): The primary group, using callsign KP4ES, offers license classes, mentorship, and focuses on contests, digital modes, and emergency communications, with a strong presence in San Juan.
  • Amateur Radio Alliance Inc.: A non-profit supporting disaster relief efforts, particularly after earthquakes, providing essential communication and supplies to affected areas, welcoming volunteers.
How to Connect
  • Website: Visit the PRARL website at http://www.prarl.org for details on meetings (held in San Juan) and events.
  • Email: Contact them at KP4ES@arrl.net for inquiries.
  • ARRL: Check the ARRL's club directory for contact info and club statistics.
What They Do
  • Training: Offer entry-level and higher license classes for aspiring radio operators.
  • Emergency Comms: Provide crucial communication support during disasters, a vital role for Puerto Rican hams.
  • Activities: Participate in contests (like Field Day) and enjoy digital modes and long-distance (DX) contacts.
If you're interested in ham radio in Puerto Rico, joining or connecting with these groups is the best way to get involved, learn, and contribute to the community.
 

frick

Sustaining Member
Angel, here is a bit more information


Yes,
you can take your ham radio license test online through remote proctoring, which involves using video conferencing (like Zoom) and special software to verify your identity and monitor you taking the multiple-choice exam from home, offering immediate results and faster FCC processing. You'll need a quiet space, a webcam, photo ID, and must meet technical requirements like clearing your desk and sharing your screen to ensure integrity. HamStudy.org is a key resource for finding available online sessions.

How it works
  1. Find a Session: Use platforms like HamStudy.org or ARRL to find a scheduled remote exam with Volunteer Examiners (VEs).
  2. Register: Sign up and pay for the session, usually a small fee.
  3. Prepare Your Space: Ensure your room is clear of notes, electronics, and other people; you'll need a clean, private area.
  4. Setup: You'll use a computer with a webcam and share your screen, often needing a second device (like a phone) for a wider room view.
  5. Verification: Show your photo ID and scan your room with the camera for the VEs.
  6. Take the Test: A web-based test is launched, often with a built-in calculator; you answer questions.
  7. Get Results: The exam is graded immediately, and passing results are submitted digitally to the FCC for faster license processing.
 
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