Ships log from Hampton to Charleston

10/26 0800

Position: 35.05.62 N

                   75.24.22W

 Weather: ENE 20kts  6-8ft seas 60degrees  and overcast. Threatening to rain.

 

    0800 and we are due East of Cape Hatteras, just as was predicted. We are making a good 9-10 kts, headed for Charleston, SC.  It’s been an awesome evening’s sail. We are skirting the North Carolina Coast so as to stay inside the Gulf Stream- a current of warm water that rushes North at 3kts along the coast of the US and Canada.  

    Big sets of rollers keep coming in from the North Atlantic. Boom dippers we call them. We could be miles out to sea, but when I look off our starboard, I can see the beach.  It’s an interesting feeling.

    On Board, we have Seychelle at the wheel; Lyle Zell, our former 3^rd hand; Harry Ricciardy; and Myself.  A little short handed, but it’s a short trip at this speed.  We can also pull in to several other ports along the way should we run in to unfavorable weather or exhaustion, whichever comes first.

 

10/26 1800

Position: 34.22.48N

                   76.20.15W

Weather: E Winds 10-15 3-5ft seas 70degrees and mostly cloudy

 

     When And If has been sailing like a dream. We are currently 20NM off of Cape Lookout. I find myself awed once more by the genius of yacht design, When And If in particular.  I could never describe the way a boat rides on the ocean swells. It is something you have to experience for yourself, a magical, sensual dance. When you catch a wave just right, it’s more than just physics and formulas.  It’s awesome. Provided you are a romantic like myself, and are not prone to seasickness, of course. 

     We have been visited by two pods of dolphins today. One of them was at least 50 strong. There were 30 of them around the boat and many more jumping up to a mile away. (check our facebook for a short video of the second school) Also, a yellow-breasted bird no bigger than a humming bird sat and ate kiwi with us in the cockpit while his wings dried out. Probably the cutest ocean visitor ever. (camera battery was unfortunately dead)

     Now the sun is setting and the dolphins are gone. Are little birdie friend is hopefully on his way to the safety of shore and it’s time for me to get some rest before my next watch.  Hopefully we hold this good weather for the rest of the night.

 

10/27 1600

Position: 32.56.52 N

                  79.18.57 W

Weather: E Winds less than 10kts 75 degrees with scattered showers

 

 The wind has all but died out on us. A motor-sailing we go. It’s been a very uneventful day. It sure beats a hectic one, but it makes for a bored crew.  The sails are all strapped in. 30nm to go. ETA 2200.  Should be fun coming in to a busy commercial harbor at night, one that we’ve never been to before.

Then it’s a good night sleep for the four of us. 

 10/27  2300

 Location: Anchored inside Charleston Harbor. No problems on the way in. Safe and sound. Having a glass of Chimay, then sending the crew off to shower and sleeeeeep.