Enroute to Cape Fear

At Sea

(03/12/05) We left the marina at high tide about 13:00. I was scared to try to maneuver out of the docks in such close quarters against a strong breeze. It wasn’t pretty. Lots of rhumm rhumm with my engine but no collisions.

Got stopped by the Coast Guard near Fort Sumner for a safety inspection. Didn’t have a NO OIL DUMPING placard, but otherwise everything was OK.

We sailed and motored poorly trying to get out through Charleston’s 2.5 mile stone jetties. But once past the jetties, we could set course, raise all the sails and Tarwathie took off.

Now it’s 2100. I’m standing the 2000-2400 watch. Light winds, and light winds forecast for the next 6 days. Just hit some floating debris in the dark. It’s going to take a lot of work to keep Tarwathie’s upper hull shiny like a mirror.

Should be great stars tonight.

ETA at Cape Fear is 1300 tomorrow. We’ll decide then whether to head for Beaufort or Cape Hatteras next. We could sail 6 days on starboard tack, making as much as 700 miles.