We leave the dock at 5:45 am; just before sunrise.
We make great time going down river-/ the current is pushing us today!!
We raise both the main and the jib, and are headed out to sea by 7:30!
Seas are about 2-3 feet, and a little “confused”. Wind about 15 knots behind us. We set the sails in a “ wing on wing” pattern. Our speed is between 6-7 knots.
As the morning goes on the seas build to about 4-5 feet, but much less confused. We continue to make good speed, averaging 7.5 knots.
We see dolphins jumping from one wave to another, twirling in the air, and providing quite a show.
Lunch is a simple salad for Robert and yogurt for me. Staying in the galley makes me kinda dizzy and nauseous, so offshore meals have to be quick.
After lunch, we take turns napping in the cockpit. I read for a bit, Robert works while we have cell signal.
Not much to see out here this afternoon; 5 helicopters flew over once, and a few seagulls fly by. Oh, wait!! Here comes a beautiful rainbow!!
After sunset, the seas become calm, and the wind decreases to less than 10 knots.
Dinner is roasted chicken, baked potatoes, and peas.
Despite clouds, a pretty half moon glistens off our port side. We settle in for a long night.
Robert takes the 10:00pm to 2:00 am watch, and I actually go down to sleep in our bed. I usually sleep in the cockpit, but our bed is calling to me.
I sleep fairly well until 11:30 pm when the wake from hell awakens me. I know it’s about time to be in Charleston, and a big ship must be crossing nearby. Robert confirms my assumption, and it’s back to la-la land for me. Since the conditions are stable, we decide to push on to Port Royal. The alarm sounds at 2:00, and I’m ready to take my watch.
Robert too goes to bed; yes, actually to bed!
My watch is uneventful until 5:30 am . I’d been watching lightning off in the distance, but it seems to be getting a little closer, and it’s starting to rain.
Reluctantly, I rouse Robert to get his opinion. The radar shows a cell of yellow and red just south of us, He reassured me all is ok, and per my request, remains in the cockpit to doze.
Finally, the sun comes up !
The storm moved well south of us, thank goodness.
Time to start the coffee!!!
We arrive at the Port Royal Inlet around 8:30 am. It takes 2 hours to make it back inside!
We are not looking forward to being “inside” on the ICW, but small craft warnings are predicted for offshore later today. Guess we’ll just slog on down with the masses!
Hopefully, we’ll get another offshore run soon. Georgia, here we come!!

I