Yes, the adventure continues!

We have made quite a bit of progress in how to deal with & correct our bowsprit leak. We have developed a  Bandaid Method, for now, to keep the compression post support dry. When rain is forecast, we use towels & buckets in the anchor locker, this keeps most and maybe all the water from settling  into the bilge. Wendy removed the anchor locker doors to give maximum ventilation which helps keep the area dry.

Next, we re-tuned the rigging. Although we tuned the rig before leaving Cherry Point when we checked it  in St. Augustine all the tension measurements were off. So, we loosened all of the stays & shrouds, ensured the mast was centered, and tightened the rig. We were pleasantly surprised to find the head door operates freer, not perfect but better. 

Then, we found a blog post, http://www.captainmontgomery.com/2009/08/mast-compression-post-westsail-32.html, from Don & Lana on there Westsail 32, Mary Rose V. They had found and fixed the exact same problem several years ago. We knew them from their involvement in the Westsail Owners Association when they hosted a Rendezvous we attended in St. Petersburg, Fl. Jeff called Don who walked him through the repair and gave some helpful pointers. Thank you!!

Confident we are on the right course we left Rivers Edge Marina Tuesday, January 12th, at 1018. After we have been in one place for a little while we like to make the first day a short run, so we anchored behind Pine Island, ICW Mile 765.

The next morning we were up early to meet the incoming tide which carried us north. Our goal was to pass under the San Pablo Bridge, near Jacksonville Beach, with the slack tide. The current can rip at 4 knots or more under the bridge. We didn't want to have the engine maxed out if it was against us or hanging on for the "Sleigh Ride" if it was with us. We timed it right and slid under with only a ripple of current against us.

We pulled into the free dock at Sisters Creek Park, ICW Mile 739. This docking was more pleasant then our first time two months ago. That time, as we entered a side channel which leads to the 200' + concrete pier, the outgoing current swirls and before we knew it we were pushed into the dock. Good thing for big fenders! Jeff took extra precautions as we entered this time, especially since we needed to avoid a brand new 42' Krogen trawler that was tied up in the first section of dock, all went smoothly!

After staying for the first of two strong low pressure systems to pass we continued north. We stopped at the Fernandina Beach Marina to fill our Jerry Jugs with diesel, $2.29/gallon. Once back underway, around 1400,  we crossed the Fl/Ga State Line. We passed Kings Bay Submarine Base and got a good view of a Trident Submarine now converted for Special Operations. 

After passing through the shoaling lower entrance to the Brickhill River we anchored at 1629. Our travels were rewarded by a magnificent sunset. Now, we are waiting, protected between the marsh & Cumberland Island, for the second low pressure system to pass. The wind is blowing 20-30 knots now, but as long as it settles down we will be on the move tomorrow.

Fair Winds and Quiet Anchorages,
Jeff & Wendy