Oh Happy Day
18 May 2015 | En Route Beaufort NC
A friend of mine recently gave me some feedback on my blog. She felt it was a little bit "Scottish"; meaning a wee bit dour (as befits my nationality) and maybe I should make it a bit more smiley.
Sadly I had to tell her that the blog WAS my smiley face.
Anyway, it's another stunning morning, blazing sunshine but...... nae wind. Not a zephyr. Not the merest whisper from a passing butterfly. That and it's getting too damned hot. Although last night for the first time in months I had to put on socks (because socks keep your feet warm") And I'm tired. But are we downhearted....
A couple of times during our time in Caribbean bars we've overheard Superyacht crew saying they've motored across the Atlantic "because diesel is cheaper than mainsails". Just after midnight last night the wind faded away. We had been making a steady 4 to 5 knots in just 6 or 7 or 8 of breeze. I was really pleased (read Smiley) at how we kept moving, fully laden in this calm. Unfortunately, it did fade, the swell had us rolling and the main flopping side to side. Left to batter "back and furrit" in the swell I hated to see our new main getting trashed so down it came at 1am. Engine on, we've been motoring since then and the forecast is we need to do so for another 24 hours. Just imagine the cost!
Anne is off watch is asleep having taken in the sunrise and some early morning light fog. After the tanker coming straight at us she's been very focused on keeping watch and has refreshed herself on radar operation. Everyone says that if and when we get to Maine fog will be an everyday occurrence so its good practice.
We've knocked off 822 miles and less than 300 to go. That should be just two more nights at sea before landfall in Beaufort. We've had the maps and guide books out and with so much to do in this area there's a chance we could get Velcro'd for a while. There's a restaurant in Beaufort that serves 32oz steaks! Welcome to America. Goodbye waist line.
S&A