Realized I ought to start a thread about our trip, progress, so forth. So far so good. We're in Clearwater FL today after a slow 4 day passage from Pensacola. Tied up at the Clearwater municipal courtesy dock and enjoying the air conditioned library up the hill. Nice place. Headed to Naples offshore tomorrow. Will post more once we arrive and get settled. For now, here's a newsletter update by RayLay, in PDF form:
Port Lavaca to Pensacola
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psETVJoSU5tTDQ5WjFidk1xWHZpT3hvY1ZuNkNr/edit?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psETVJoSU5tTDQ5WjFidk1xWHZpT3hvY1ZuNkNr/edit?usp=sharing)
I've enjoyed reading about your adventure this evening, thank you for posting it!
Very good to read about your adventures and progress.
Yes, thank you for news and update. :)
Glad you guys are still having fun. We made it to Matagorda and had to turn around to many problem to continue. Lost reverse and very weak engine. Prop is clean tho.
Keep us up to date on your adventure when you can.
We've been hanging in Naples, visiting family and doing some sail repairs. There cheap mooring balls here, but they don't want you staying for more than 4 days, even if all the other balls are empty. Of course, they're happy to let you stay(take your money) if you want to pay for a slip....but otherwise, the rules mandate you leave. Pretty sure anchoring here gets you hassled, but I'm not about to find out. We'll be headed out of here in another day or two, as long as it takes for us to seize new hanks on our staysail and a few other chores. Headed toward St. Augustine next, with possible a possible stop or two in between, riding the Gulf Stream northward as much as possible.
RayLay wrote another newsletter about our trip thus far:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEeFYwTzU2VmxVQ25OSDdwRF95ZUYwb200ZE5R/edit?usp=sharing
Enjoyed the read. Thanks for the update.
Quote from: w00dy on July 17, 2014, 09:42:40 PM
...the rules mandate you leave. Pretty sure anchoring here gets you hassled, but I'm not about to find out.
Am saddened to read another example of crusiers' traditional right to anchor being undermined. :(
Appreciate your update. Have a good sail to St Augustine. Hope that you find a welcoming place to anchor there.
Quote from: w00dy on July 17, 2014, 09:42:40 PM
RayLay wrote another newsletter about our trip thus far:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEeFYwTzU2VmxVQ25OSDdwRF95ZUYwb200ZE5R/edit?usp=sharing
I haven't had any luck connecting to this link & I really want to continue reading about your trip :)
Try this
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEeFYwTzU2VmxVQ25OSDdwRF95ZUYwb200ZE5R/edit?usp=sharing
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEeFYwTzU2VmxVQ25OSDdwRF95ZUYwb200ZE5R/edit?usp=sharing)
Worked for me.
Yep- worked for me too
Thanks!
Although we initially planned to head to St. Augustine, we arrived just after dark and didn't want to chance the inlet at night. Rather than wait around for the sun, we kept going north. At Jacksonville, we realized that we were just hitting the start of the ebb current and a 20 mile run upriver against the current didn't appeal to us. So we said to heck with it and kept sailing to Fernandina Beach. Dropped anchor in front of the stinky pulp plant and passed out for 15 hours. Today we picked up a mooring and will visit family and rest for a few days. Raylay's already writing the next newsletter about our trip down to the keys, sailing the Gulf Stream, etc, so tune in soon for a more detailed update!
Good choice- running into St Mary's is a WHOLE lot shorter than into the St John's
Ya'll been hooking it since Naples- musta been a great ride up the stream
Well we missed our wind window while we were having fun and goofing off at cumberlandnisland. Next major stop is wrifhtscille beach where we have some mail waiting but won't have decent wind until late in the week.so were heading to the day dock at st Marys today for an oil change and a few other chores. Not sure if we will stay here and wait for the wind or do some small day hops up the coast. Our goal now is to make it up to cape fear bymonday. Anyone in the area feel free to give us a shout f you'd like to meet up or go for a sail.
Naples to St. Mary's
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEVTgzekJCaVJqXzVvQ2ZBM3JqR2hObnlMc1dv/edit?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEVTgzekJCaVJqXzVvQ2ZBM3JqR2hObnlMc1dv/edit?usp=sharing)
We're heading out with the afternoon tide. Will probably shoot for St. Simons, then anchor up and rest before making straight for Wrightsville beach.
You planning to head straight to Wrightsville (Masonboro Inlet)? Going around Cape Fear on outside?
Interesting.
Most folks heading to Wrightsville from south would go in Cape Fear Inlet and head up waterway.
Not saying you are "wrong" at all. Just a bit.....atypical.
Very astute, cap. Youre right. We will come inside at the river and take snows cut to the icw, though wrightsville is our destination. I meant "straight" as in "without detouring" but that may change depending on how lon it takes for the wind to veer south. Right now we are 5 miles off Cumberland island with the wind due east. Our boat is not weatherly enough to sail rhumb line to cape fear so we are pointing at Charleston ATM. If the wind hasn't clocked around by the time we arrive we may pull in and sleep until it has. Anyway, with a perfectly good inlet south of the cape, it would be "atypical" indeed to sail all the way around frying pan shoals, though if we didn't have an engine, I might be doing just that. Where are you keeping yourself these days? Still in New Bern?
Quote from: w00dy on July 30, 2014, 05:13:34 PM
Where are you keeping yourself these days? Still in New Bern?
Yep. Still up the river.
How far are you from where the icw crosses the Neuse? We will most likely cut in at Beaufort and stay inside up to hampton roads. If you're free it would be good to meet you and have you over for dinner or a drink, provides there's a practical way to make it happen.
Anyway, were anchored at st Simons today, waiting while making offerings to the south wind. :/ see my new topic post.
About 22 nm from Oriental 'harbor' on the water. 45 or so minutes from Oriental by car.
Sailing, it is a touch less from mouth of Adam's Creek.
Do think you plan to overnight in Oriental?
Also, keep in mind we've been known to make the sacrifice of driving all the way to Beaufort to meet sailfarers...:)
Certainly let me know if you need any shoreside support from Cape Fear to VA line if any issues arise.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on July 31, 2014, 12:27:52 PM
Also, keep in mind we've been known to make the sacrifice of driving all the way to Beaufort to meet sailfarers...:)
;D ;D
Awesome. Thanks for the kind offer. I'm sure we will stop in Beaufort, but maybe we can rendezvous at oriental or somewhere else. Let me know if there a spot that would work f or you that's not too far off the beaten path.
Heading out with the tide tomorrow. Will update as can.
Quote from: w00dy on July 30, 2014, 01:11:20 PM
Naples to St. Mary's
What a great report!
Quote[from the report]"...before being forced off by a regulation regarding maximum length of stay...likely one of the many designed to keep trampy, dirt cheap boaters such as ourselves from getting too comfy in an otherwise upscale area.
I'm sure that you raised the level of practical cruising credibility to the area while you were there. :)
Quote[from the report]"...At first light, we awoke to a herd of wild horses grazing on the thin beach grass. We hurriedly dinghied ashore before the ferry arrived with visitors from the mainland. The entire island is owned by the park service. Most of it was thickly wooded in monstrous, gnarled live oaks
dripping with Spanish moss.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I've driven past this area several times on I-95. Never had any idea that there could be wild horses out there.
Beautifully written. Next I'll catch up and read the previous report from Pensacola, FL to Naples, FL. Grog--and fair winds--to you both! :)
Came in Charleston ship channel last night to anchor behind Sullivan island. Were both pretty bummed at having waited all week for fair winds only to have them change on us. Has fine sailing in se 10-15 on Friday. Sat morning we ran into thunderstorms so we motored in the rain all day. When the wind did come back, it was from the ne and the forecast has changed from south winds to ne and e. In light of the poor weather forecasted headwinds, and approaching tropical storm, were going to stay inside and run the ditch for a while. Instead of fair winds, wish us fair tides and water under the keel. ::)
Fair tides. :D
Quote from: w00dy on August 03, 2014, 09:38:11 AM
going to stay inside and run the ditch for a while.
That stretch is some of the most beautiful of the entire ICW. I really like the Bull Island / Cape Romaine NWR area; really want to head that way during the migration.
Made it to Wrightsville Beach, NC yesterday afternoon. Have a fellow sailor friend we met here on our last trip who we were eager to see again. He's an experienced sailor, world traveler, and even used to work for Walter Cronkite as his boat captain. He offered to hold some mail for us, so we are taking the opportunity to stop, visit, rest, and get ready for the next leg.
Monday night, we were just about to leave Georgetown when Capt. K heard us on the radio and called back. Amazing timing! We swung by for a visit and had a great time with him that night. He feted us with a tour of some amazing outdoor scenery and even introduced us to some important players in Georgetown, including Buster, escaper of sinkholes local boat lord. Grog to you Kurt, for being an amazing host and site admin!
Tues, I nursed a slight hangover as we motored our way up the Waccamaw to Bucksport and anchored overnight in an oxbow of the river. You were dead on Capt. S, some of the most beautiful waterways we've been on.
Wed, we kept going through the rockpile, past Myrtle beach, and arrived at the Little River inlet in the afternoon. On Kurt's advice, we decided to head offshore there and make for Cape Fear. We had a perfect S wind that saw us hurtling at 6-7 kts the whole way there, our windvane Flippy steering like a champ. Best sail of the trip so far. We pulled into the Cape Fear river after midnight and anchored a few miles upriver.
Thurs, we woke late and spinnaker sailed upriver past a line of skiff shrimpers to Snows cut, then motored the rest of the way to WB.
We should have fair winds for a passage offshore to Beaufort Sat. night and Sun. Will probably leave Sat. night, if wind and tide remain favorable.
After looking at the charts more closely, I think we will forgo the ICW north of Oriental, and sail inside the outer banks. The distance is longer, but the water is not as shallow as I previously thought, so sailing is definitely preferable to more motoring. Hoping for solid summer southerly winds.
Capt. Smollett, do you have any idea how deep the harbor at Oriental is? We draw ~5 and are concerned about shoaling in the entrance channel, surroundings etc. Also, this might make a better stopping point for us than Beaufort, because of the crowded anchorage there. Will have to see how it plays out, but we should be in the area early next week.
Quote from: w00dy on August 08, 2014, 01:24:56 PM
Grog to you Kurt, for being an amazing host ...
Tues, I nursed a slight hangover
I caught that slipped in there. ;D
Quote
Capt. Smollett, do you have any idea how deep the harbor at Oriental is? We draw ~5 and are concerned about shoaling in the entrance channel, surroundings etc.
You should be fine. I've not noticed nor heard of problems there. I've seen biggish boats anchored there, too.
The channel is wide and well marked. It's a busy little "harbor."
As you come out of Adam's Creek, watch that little shoal to stbd charted off "Winthrop Pt." Though I will say I've sailed on the inshore side of Garbacon Shoal with a 4 ft draft and did not bump. Being a bit conservative (generally) with my navigation, were it me, I'd come out of Adam's Creek and head for "1AC" a bit before turning to cross to Oriental.
As you get into Oriental, anchoring is going to depend on how crowded it is. Can you clear the 45 ft bridge and anchor on the upstream side of the bridge? One thing to note is that Red "8" marks the end (or near the end) of rock jetty, so that's a hard turn to starboard if you want to 'enter.' Not bad, but sort of have an idea in your mind what it is before you get there.
I think there's a marina in the area across from the jetty and the dinghy dock is out there now too. There has been some building there that is not charted (at least on my chart).
If the anchorage is not to your liking and you don't need to be near shore amenities at that point, do consider anchoring in South River (across and downstream...it's on the Adam's Creek side). Getting in THERE is a bit tight, and Aids have been missing. But once inside, there are MILES of anchorage, and a lot of it is undeveloped shoreline. I've been in there a few times, and Keith rode out Irene in there. If you want to go in there, I can send my own trick for getting lined up and picking out the Aids right (it's not a profound trick...but I have run in there in the dark).
Incidentally, too, I'm pretty sure Garbacon is pronounced "Gar-ba-shawn" not "Gar-bacon" as a lot of people would say it. You do hear the latter, though, so ... :D
Quote
Also, this might make a better stopping point for us than Beaufort, because of the crowded anchorage there. Will have to see how it plays out, but we should be in the area early next week.
I have not been down to Beaufort in a couple of months, actually, so I don't know how crowded it is right now. Likely at least a TON of day traffic.
Again, if you don't need to be near the shoreside stuff or you don't mind a bit of 'travel' by dinghy (outboard powered?) to get to the "in area," you can anchor at Town Creek rather than the much more crowded Taylor Creek. There's a ramp there (could sneak ashore and use the bathroom) and I believe there's a restaurant within walking distance, perhaps associated with Town Creek Marina. It's called "Fish Tales." Haven't eaten there, so can't remark, but the folks at the marina there were cool to Mario and Sherry a few years back. (Fishy Tales is not on this list, though: http://carteretcatch.org/category/participating-restaurants/)
On your idea of sailing "outside" (The Sound) to Roanoke vs taking the ICW up...it's a great idea provided the weather is good. Just watch the forecast on the Sound, and I like to look at the Offshore / Marine forecasts, too, as they give info for the Sounds that might be useful. Seriously, anything over something around 15-20 knots for a day or two sustained is getting 'iffy.' Maybe not a "no," but "merits serious thought." ;D
And just so you know..our wx here lately has been WILD. Hard, hard rain and crazy t-storms. Watch the Sound and bigger river(s), even if they say "chance of rain 20%." ;)
Hope that window stays open for you. For your jump from Masonboro to Beaufort (posted for others here to see the forecast!):
Quote from: NWS
AMZ100-090715- 311 PM EDT FRI AUG 8 2014
.SYNOPSIS FOR EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL WATERS... A STATIONARY FRONT WILL REMAIN OVER THE SOUTHEAST INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. AREAS OF LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE ALONG THE FRONT SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. THE FRONT WILL DISSIPATE BY MIDWEEK AS ANOTHER FRONT APPROACHES FROM THE NORTHWEST.
$$ AMZ158-090715- S OF CAPE LOOKOUT TO N OF SURF CITY NC OUT 20 NM- 311 PM EDT FRI AUG 8 2014
TONIGHT NE WINDS 15 TO 20 KT...BECOMING E 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. DOMINANT PERIOD 5 SECONDS. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS A MODERATE CHOP. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND TSTMS EARLY THIS EVENING. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AFTER MIDNIGHT...THEN A CHANCE OF SHOWERS LATE.
SAT E WINDS AROUND 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT. DOMINANT PERIOD 9 SECONDS. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS LIGHT CHOP. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF TSTMS IN THE AFTERNOON.
SAT NIGHT SE WINDS AROUND 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT. DOMINANT PERIOD 9 SECONDS. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS LIGHT CHOP. SHOWERS LIKELY WITH A CHANCE OF TSTMS.
SUN SE WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. DOMINANT PERIOD 4 SECONDS. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS A MODERATE CHOP. SHOWERS WITH A CHANCE OF TSTMS.
SUN NIGHT SE WINDS 10 TO 15 KT...DIMINISHING TO 5 TO 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS A MODERATE CHOP...DIMINISHING TO LIGHT CHOP AFTER MIDNIGHT. SHOWERS WITH A CHANCE OF TSTMS IN THE EVENING...THEN SHOWERS LIKELY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF TSTMS AFTER MIDNIGHT.
MON SE WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS LIGHT CHOP. SHOWERS LIKELY.
MON NIGHT E WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS LIGHT CHOP. A CHANCE OF TSTMS. SHOWERS LIKELY...MAINLY IN THE EVENING.
TUE NW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT...BECOMING SW 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS LIGHT CHOP... INCREASING TO A MODERATE CHOP. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND TSTMS.
WED W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT. ADJACENT SOUNDS AND RIVERS A MODERATE CHOP. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND TSTMS. WINDS AND SEAS HIGHER IN AND NEAR TSTMS.
Also recall that Oriental has a free (space available) town dock, for cruisers, for a day or so.
Here's a link to the Town Dock cam. Couple of boats there now. I've stayed there several times, including once way back in the 80s on board my trimaran
http://www.towndock.net/harborcam/
Quote from: CharlieJ on August 08, 2014, 06:25:25 PM
Also recall that Oriental has a free (space available) town dock, for cruisers, for a day or so.
We docked the A-30 there once, but it was in January and not many folks around. The Bean held no one (the best way to catch The Bean, in my opinion... :) ).
This time of year you may get a spot. Luck of the draw.
Another possible "out" anchorage would be Back Creek off of Adam's Creek. I never anchored there, but have eyeballed it a few times. Might be a touch thin for a 5 ft draft...
Our favorable south winds keep getting pushed back and so we are probably going to motor up to Beaufort/Oriental, starting tomorrow. I'll be sure to throw a few coins to the south wind though, and with luck we'll be sailing soon!
Met with the crew of Mona for dinner in Oriental and got the quick tour of their boat.
Nice company on a beautiful evening.
Fair winds as you head North, guys!
Likewise Capt. S and crew! We're sitting at the Bean this morning, paying bills and catching up with correspondence. Such a great spot here, but of course, when the wind blows, we must go! Will be posting more soon, once we reach Portsmouth.
Ah the Bean. Yes, they are a really "different " group ;D Been there 4 or five times now over the years.
That's not Mona at the town dock though- you must be anchored off. I'm looking at the harbor cam.
Quote from: CharlieJ on August 12, 2014, 09:23:01 AM
That's not Mona at the town dock though- you must be anchored off. I'm looking at the harbor cam.
They were at the dock. Harbor cam fine print says it was knocked out by lightning on 7 Aug, and the date stamp for the current picture is indeed the 7th.
Cool boat, by the way! First time I was aboard one of them there Westsails.
Ah thanks- I didn't notice that.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on August 11, 2014, 10:43:22 PM
Met with the crew of Mona for dinner in Oriental and got the quick tour of their boat. Nice company on a beautiful evening.
Good to see SailFarers getting together. Must have been a great time. I found myself returning to Google Maps to virtually experience these places from a distance...Pamlico Sound, Beaufort, The Neuse River, Oriental, New Bern, Belhaven, The Outer Banks...am again looking forward to getting down to that area.
Very happy to have met some sailfarers and looking forward to more meet ups in the future.Of course, I have a special place in my heart for my fellow gulf coast boaties, grime and CJ. Miss you guys!
We spent a few relaxing days in Portsmouth and are heading out into the Chesapeake this afternoon. Hope to make it up to our old stomping grounds on the Choptank in a few days. If only Raylay would hurry up and get the engine bled...
A woman's work is never done. ;D
Miss you too. No one to really visit with anymore. CJ doesn't come to the marina anymore. Guess he's working again.
Yep- been in Rockport nearly all the time since last Sat, working on this one, East Texas the week before that.
Heading in in a few to see if the boat is still afloat!!
We too will need to haul out some time this winter. Hope you're doing well, CJ.
We finally made it up to our old stomping grounds on the Chesapeake. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends, family, and spending some time lesiurely cruising around the bay. Not sure where we will head next/this winter, but for now, we're happy to be at anchor and are going to enjoy being relatively stationary for a while.
Here's Raylays newsletter of the last leg of our trip:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEQjd0SjlHMjhFSEdmZnI2YUtWNFFiSzlaYUpn/edit?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2X2Ngiy7psEQjd0SjlHMjhFSEdmZnI2YUtWNFFiSzlaYUpn/edit?usp=sharing)
I'd be better if I was out cruising too JW. Other than that, doing fine.
Nice write up.
If you plan on sticking around the Chesapeake for awhile I'm sure we can meet up somewhere. I'm not against taking Seeker out to meet somewhere in the middle (although at this point I'm mostly restricted to weekends...I just blew pretty much all of my vacation time for the year). The SSCA has a gam in September in the Rhode River which I have enjoyed the past couple years. Costs a little; but the speakers tend to be pretty good and there is a heavy percentage of long distance cruisers (although the majority are in the retired age group).
As to descaling your engine, last year (I think) I built a little setup with an electric water pump, a Home Depot bucket, and some hose to flush my engine out when I was trying to figure out my cooling problem. I would be more than happy to lend you the setup. I used Rydlyme as a descaler. Seemed to work.
If you are planning on wintering in the Chesapeake, it shouldn't be hard to find a wet slip. I suspect my marina (Maryland Marina) would be pleased to have your business; but I can't speak to rates, and they are a bit of a walk to town (Middle River). I'm told that Annapolis City Docks has decent winter rates, November to April. Tidewater Marina's winter rates for a boat your length would be $1085-$1159 (is that affordable? It's a point of view thing, I guess). I do think that Annapolis would be a very decent place to winter, though. There might even be the opportunity somewhere of a job or two to replenish the kitty.
Thanks for posting this. Once again it was very enjoyable reading about your adventure.
If you ever get up this way & stop in Portsmouth/Kittery/or Newburyport area for a rest, love to buy you guys a beer.
Bob
Met W00dy and RayLay in Baltimore yesterday. Good folks. Good luck in your voyage South!
REALLY great folks. They are REALLY missed here in Port Lavaca.
Aw shucks... :P Feeling's mutual Charlie :'(
(http://i.imgur.com/0PMCP1l.jpg)
Mona in Canton, Baltimore, MD. We spent Halloween weekend here, waiting out a pretty good blow. Tried to shove off on Sunday but there wasn't any water left under our keel! Worked out splendidly as we got to hang out with Adam instead. The trend of SailFar members being awesome people continues! Looking forward to seeing you again on our way back through, Adam.
Monday, we sailed down the Patapsco, turned south and pulled a "U" back west up into the Magothy river. We're anchored well up the river near Cockey Crk. and rowed ashore to meet an old friend from my AT hiking days. Looks like light winds and sunny skies for a few days. Perfect for varnishing!
Should get going again in a few days. Will keep ya'll posted. Headed for Norfolk.
Jealous ;D ;D
Have a ball. And is that a smiling Rachel I see in the companionway?
Making our way back down to St. Micharls today. Warm and calm so were running the engine and charging the batteries. Should be crossing Knapps narrows at Tilghman soon and then we can raise sail. Gorgeous day!
I've liked St Michaels every time I've been there. They were working on the Rosie Parks last I was there-new CB case, and stern post
Good to see the photo of Mona there at the dock. The Jack-O-Lantern is a nice touch. :)
Fair winds as you head South.
I'm resurrecting this thread for Charlie and any other interested folks. We left New Bern, NC last Friday, bound for Boston. We sailed out through the NC sounds via Manteo rather than up the ICW and are in Portsmouth, VA waiting on weather for an outside hop to Cape May, NJ and then NYC.
We've had a heck of a week weather-wise. Today will be our 4th cold front with Gale force winds. Seeing 40kts 4 times in one week is too many. The boat, of course, is sailling great in 25 and 30kts, but I can't say it's not nerve racking. We damaged our cruising spinnaker when we had to douse it during a sudden wind increase. We've mostly been reefed right down, though, so I don't think the temporary loss of a featherweight sail will hurt us.
We drank our coffee this morning with cruiser2B on the ferry landing and are trying to do our chores and research while hoping for a Sun-Tues window to make the run to Cape May. Wish us fast passage and fewer gales.
Been watching the weather over there.. Sure has been a bummer. Good luck ya'll.
My reply in post 43 still applies. You get to Boston let me know, love to meet you guys.
Bob
It's been some interesting weather for sure. There's a gale warning in effect right now, and even the possibility of a little snow.
I don't know about the weather on Sunday; but you might be OK Monday through Wednesday if you are OK with some 30 knot gusts. Personally, I'd want a little less in the forecast, especially this time of year. I don't really trust the forecasts too much. But I guess it depends how anxious you are to get North, and at least you have a solid boat. Maybe Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday would be better? Tuesday looks wet.
In any case, Fast Passage and Fewer Gales. It looks like I'll miss you on your trip north (I hope you aren't going outside to avoid me!!). Have fun.
(it just occurred to me that I essentially read you the weather forecast you doubtlessly already have read on your own...A silly thing to do.)
Yeah, we've both been sitting here reading the weather nonstop. It's not a great weather report. But that's what we've been getting for the last 5 rounds - very strong south winds then very strong north winds.
Wishing you a good weather window from one W32 to another.
We took the 30 kt gusts. We made it from Portsmouth to Cape May (~160nm) in 29h. It was COLD with only a tiny little bit of Moon before midnight. We had to beat a little til the wind clocked and then rolled wildly as the swells built out of the South. Today we were surfing them going 9-10 SOG and 7+ through the water. We're anchored in front of the Coast Guard Training Center firing up the diesel heater. Oh yeah. North winds forecast at least til Fri, so we have an excuse to eat pancakes and rest.
Well done!
Good show!
I was anchored at that very spot 11 months ago on a W42.
Enjoy your down time...
Great run...Ya deserve it!!
Stay warm ;)
Quote from: ralay on April 09, 2016, 10:43:56 AM
I'm resurrecting this thread for Charlie and any other interested folks.
Count me among them. Enjoying the updates. :)
Videos! Cause watch is pretty darn boring.
The first is 10-20nm off the coast of MD or DE. Looks pretty chill in the sunshine, but we actually had a small craft advisory and were barrelling along at 7-10kts.
https://vid.me/gOgJ
The second is the view from down in our berth. It also looks totally serene and not much like being there. It looks like a still boat with swinging fruit, instead of still fruit with a wildly swinging boat.
https://vid.me/D4zi
Nice!
Thank you.
Woke up before dawn yesterday and started the engine. There was little wind but after waiting at cape may for a solid week, we were ready to make some forward progress and take advantage of a day when wind and waves weren't flat out against us.
The swells were between 6 and 9 feet, but the long period meant that instead of bashing against them, we simply rode up and down like we were on a huge carousel. Otherwise the seas were mostly glassy and smooth. We had left early enough that by the time the N wind did start to pick up, we were already coming in Absecon inlet at Atlantic city and done for the day.
It was a short run of 7 hours, but got us 40 NM further and shortened the length of our next offshore hop. It currently looking like we may get a favorable weather window starting Thursday. We will probably sail out of here and head straight to Block Island RI, 180 NM or so. It seems like a place worth spending some time at, nut I'm afraid we will be in too much of a hurry to spend more than a few days there.....story of my life
Woody was ready to go to Block Island this morning, but I wasn't. Rain and fog are forecast starting Fri afternoon. Strong currents, rocky cliffs, rain, night, and fog are okay by themselves, but get exponentially worse in combination. Right now, we're about 5nm offshore of NJ on our way to Great Kills or maybe straight through the East River if we can arrive at the Battery in time to run heck Gate with the proper current. No time to stop in NY and no mooring balls out at 79th St yet, but at least we'll get the views.
Today is SW wind ~15kt. 2-4' seas. Sunny. Full moon. heck, there's even cell service. The cockpit ID nice for reading and down below for napping. Too bad this only happens once a month.
We made it to Block Island, RI on Sunday, via Long Island Sound.
Sailed from Atlantic City to New York Harbor, going under the Verazzano Bridge around 0300. It's amazing how far offshore you can see New York. Our lovely SW wind died and we motored past the Statue of Liberty and the Battery in dead flat water with a big full moon. There was a lot of traffic mixed in with lots lights on shore but with 4 eyes and AIS, we made it through fine. We arrived just in time to transit heck Gate with the start of a favorable tide.
When the sun came up in Long Island Sound, it was wild to see how different everything looked. Everything from Texas to NJ is pancake flat and marshy or swampy. Now there were hills, bluffs, rocks, and very clear, blue water. The next few days were torture, because I wanted to stop at every interesting little nook we passed. But of course, we blew most of our down time in Cape May. It was sunny and the wind was great, so we sailed to Block Island without going ashore in NY or CT.
Supposedly Block Island is a more difficult place to visit in the summer. The water in the Great Salt Pond is mostly 20-50' deep and the bottom is sand, rock, and eel grass. When it's full up, there are lots of people dragging around on short scopes. We were the only boat, so we went to the shallowest legal spot and threw out our CQR and 150' of chain, which is holding just fine. We rode bikes from the North lighthouse to the South lighthouse and everywhere in between. It's so strange to be somewhere with big knobs and cliffs and rock beaches. We finally feel far from Texas. As a Yankee, I've been missing the mountains terribly. Today Woody is holed up in the boat while a NE wind dumps rain on us. I put on my foulies and rowed ashore for exercise.
Tomorrow we're heading to Newport and then onward towards the Cape Cod Canal.
A few Block Is pics here: http://imgur.com/a/rqgHx
Great update!
Must feel awsome passing through NYC and the Staue of Liberty!!
Have fun kids!!
Good work!
Good to see you guys are making good progress.
Thanks! Keep those ferry folks in line. You'll probably see us again come fall.
Tonight we're somehow the only boat in Newport Harbor. Hundreds of empty moorings. Is it crazy to be in New England in April?
Got the email. Take me off the list? I'll paddle your bottom!!! :) :)
Eh, I feel a little self conscious presuming that everyone wants to read 2-3 pages about us every other week. Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
Please continue with the reports. I may not often respond to the thread, but I do enjoy reading your updates.
Goal achieved. We're anchored off Thompson Island in Boston Harbor after a day of fog and pouring rain. We went, I dunno, 700-800 nm. One spinnaker andnone foot pump damaged. One alternator and one battery alarm fixed. Two cushions lost. One fender found and one pair of foulies claimed. No engine problems. No groundings. No shouting. Did more motoring than I'd like to admit, but what else is new? Home is where the anchor drops.
Perfect! :-)