We spent the last two days prior to Larry's arrival preparing for our crossing back to the states. It was our hope that we would have a weather window to make it all the way to Beaufort NC, a distance of 570 miles. Unfortunately, the long range weather window didn't look very promising but we had to be ready for whatever opportunity was presented to us. While Bev spent the last day preparing and freezing meals for what we hoped would be a long trip I checked over the boat and ran the water maker to top off the tanks. The mandatory safety equipment check now includes charging all electronic devices as well as headlamps and emergency lights. Marine Weather Services supplied us with a trip forecast, their tentative route plan suggested that due to the deteriorating weather we stop in Charleston and strongly suggested we be out of the Gulf Stream by Saturday late afternoon. After weighing all our options the decision was made to leave Thursday afternoon and push to get to Charleston by late Saturday night.

This is the second time Larry has flown in to join us for the trip north and we were hoping this time he would have at least a day or two to acclimatize and enjoy the Bahamas. But just like the previous trip we had to leave right away, actually he did get to have a beer at the corner bar this time while he was waiting for me. However, once his gear was safely stored and the dinghy hauled out of the water we were off. Although we were disappointed that we wouldn't be able to get as far as we had hoped the beautiful sailing conditions made up for it. We set sail in a warm 15 knot following breeze that would stay with us for the 95 mile trip across the Little Bahamas Bank pushing Dagny along at 7 knots under genny alone. Prior to exiting the bank the following morning we hoisted the mainsail to give us a little more punch through the waves. As we crossed off the bank at Mantanilla Shoal we set a course of 330 degrees to get us out to the Gulf Stream where we could hook onto the 3 knot northerly current. The first 40 hours of the trip were spent under sail alone but gradually as the winds started to ease off it was time to start the motor. We wanted to maintain at least 6 knots through the water in order to be in port late Saturday night plus the batteries needed a bit if charging. By mid morning Saturday we were all starting to get a little tired of the unpredictable rolling in the Gulf Stream despite the fact we were making good progress. However, there were subtle changes in the weather indicating conditions would deteriorate sooner than forecasted. With an ETA for Charleston of 4 a.m. we decided to divert to Beaufort SC. In the long run this wasn't much shorter; however, it did get us out of the gulf stream into smoother water 6 hours earlier, much to the delight of the crew. As we closed the coast approaching Royal Sound we were treated to a dolphin show that went on for nearly 20 minutes. The only downside in going to Beaufort is the 14 mile long channel leading to Royal Sound and, as if on cue, the winds came back up to 20 knots as we made our way through the narrow
channel.

Finally, after 428 miles in 54 hours it was time to drop the hook and get a good night's sleep. However, remember I mentioned the wind had increased to 20 knots. So after checking the guides we decided to anchor off a park that offered some protection from the wind and waves. Rocky would have none of it, the bottom was scoured hard pack and the anchor just bounced along never trying to bite. We rarely have trouble setting the anchor but this certainly wasn’t grabbing. Remember by now it was midnight, dark and windy with a 1 knot tidal flow. Our second attempt was made near the mooring field off the Beaufort Yacht Club in slightly shallower and better protected waters. Success, Rocky bit fast and hard and with a little extra chain out and the anchor alarm set it was time to call it a day. All in all it had been a good crossing, oh sure we had hoped to get further but had we not left when we did the next suitable window was at least ten days away.

After a quick snack and a toast to the crew it was time for bed.

Today's picture is of a boat that crossed from Eleuthera with us 2 weeks ago.