Dark Journey
29 November 2010 | Norfolk, VA
Left Ocean City, MD about 2:30 PM on Sunday and began our overnight trip to Norfolk, VA. Put up the main, mizzen and jib, only to be going 3 kts so, we motor sailed. Timing was everything, we wanted to make the the Cheasapeake Bay entrance at dawn, and we needed to be traveling at least 5 kts an hour to meet our goal. We had 114 nm to cover and the forcast for Tuesday on was not good. Our weather window was present and we needed to make time. Had a beautiful sunset, light and variable winds, and after the sun went down it was dark, pitch black dark. Couldn't even see the ocean midship, could hear it but, not see anything. It was erry to hear loons on our passage. Waves were one foot or less. It was cold, the low 30's and we did 30 minute shifts at the helm so we could stay warm. The time passed quickly. The stars were out and we were glad when the moon appeared about 12:30 AM. The radar worked fine and all the lighted sea buoys appeared as a blimp. No traffic until we reached the entrance to the bay at dawn. Several Navy warships and container ships passes us as we made our way across the southern part of the Cheasapeake Bay. We arrived at Willoughby Bay Marina in Norfolk, VA about 12:30 PM on Monday. Exhausted and delighted we made such good time. Sleep was not a problem, we slept well.