Nov 5, Saturday: Provisions and gear all loaded during previous week, crew aboard early, John, Randy and Richard. Said goodbye to loved ones at the dock North Point Marina and left at 0800 (0700 EST). We started out motoring towards the Bay Bridge in light NW winds and clear conditions, then motor-sailed in the early afternoon then full sail by 1500 on a reach. At sunset the main was shortened to double reef for overnight as is our standard practice.

Nov 6, Sunday: We reached the opening in the Bay Bridge Tunnel at 0330 with some expected shipping traffic. Rounded Cape Henry and off Rudee Inlet VA at 0530 while on a broad reach/run in 15 kts NW wind having to gybe to keep the sails full through the morning. Dolphins greeted us off the bow at 0800. By afternoon the wind had increased to 16-19 kts, gusting mid 20's NNW. Shortened sail to genoa jib alone by noon and moving at > 7kts on course with waves 4-6 ft. Shortened to solent jib for overnight at 1800 with winds increasing from NNW 22-25 kts. We stood double watches overnight to handle the blustery conditions. Flying along with the wind by 2000 at 7.6 kts, solent jib alone with waves increasing to 5-8 ft. Just off Cape Hatteras and Diamond Shoals by 2200.

Nov 7, Monday: Wind steadily in the low to mid 20's on course to the SW to stay inside the Gulf Stream until Tuesday as advised by our weather router Chris Parker. Sailing downwind with only solent reefed to first reef point and maintaining 6-7 kts speed over the ground. Only half the crew was eating at this point due to the rough conditions. Dolphins sighted again at 1430 and saw the cruise ship "Norwegian Breakaway" overtake us heading south. By evening wind abated somewhat but waves were still in the 8-10 ft range. Full solent overnight with engine assist by midnight due to rolly conditions and lessening wind strength.

Nov 8, Tuesday: Engine alone by 0400 due to lowered speed and direction dead astern. Heading south towards Gulf Stream entry point at 32 00N, 78 00W. By noon we reached Gulf Stream which was quite benign as predicted. Headed on a course of 150M until 31 30N, 77 30W under engine alone. Sighted another sailboat, the catamaran "Katlo" heading for the Abacos, and the huge cruise ship "Anthem of the Seas" heading north to port in New Jersey. Exited the Gulf Stream at 1800 and made course for the Bahamas at 176M, motoring throughout the night.

Nov 9, Wednesday: By 0600 wind filled in from the west allowing us to turn off the engine and have a nice sail on a beam reach towards our long distant waypoint east of Eleuthera Is. Big rolling seas with long period on our port quarter from distant storm near Bermuda. Double reefed main at sunset and light sprinkles started at 2000. Sighted fishing vessels at 28 50N, 76 47W one with AIS transmitter, name simply "Dayboat 1" at stationary positions.

Nov 10, Thursday: Early AM got crazy with a cold front overtaking us from the north. Squalls overtook us from astern with gusts in the high 20's to mid 30's. Running off in the gusts and still rolly seas was a challenge and we experienced one accidental gybe, but recovered well with no harm done. Many times it appeared we'd be clear of the squalls only to be overtaken by another which continued nearly to daybreak. Double watches were maintained after midnight to deal with the weather. After daybreak we doused the main due to wind angle astern and sailed with solent then genoa, then genoa plus engine by afternoon. Early evening found us motoring along with sails furled and wind dead astern 10-12 kts. Sighted one sailboat far to our west, likely heading for the Abacos.

Nov 11, Friday: Motoring along to the east of Abaco and Eleuthera. Made our long distance waypoint at 1425 and headed south through the gap between Eleuthera and Cat Islands. Sighted large cruise ship anchored off cove on Little San Salvador Is that got underway at sunset then headed north and passed west of us. Cleared Little San Salvador at 2000 and on into Exuma Sound under engine.

Nov 12, Saturday: Beautiful clear moonlit night on nearly flat water. Rolled out genoa jib at 0300 and ghosted along quietly so as to arrive at destination after 0800. Speed only 3-4 kts. Hailed Emerald Bay Marina on VHF and entered harbor after 0800. All tied up at our slip by 0845. Trip was 7 d 1h 45m, on a track of 1031 nm. In all, it was an enjoyable passage with winds abaft the beam for the entirety. We spent the morning dealing with clearing into the Bahamas which went well as the marina staff arranged for visits by customs and immigration directly to our boat in the marina. Calls to home were made and got ourselves settled into a more land based routine, after refueling and re-watering Mystic Star. We had a nice dinner at the Grand Isle Resort, a short walk from the marina.