Voyage 2012: Chapter 2

25 Nov 2012, Sint Maarten Here We Come, 34 02.556 N/ 077 53.514 W

The bags packed, 180 cans of cat food stowed, 50 kg (100 lbs) of kitty litter secured, and more food that we could possibly eat in 7 months. We also carried an extra 4 diesel jerry jugs in the cabin just in case we had to motor a lot. We had to jump through many hoops to prepare Sammy for the trip including an international health certificate, 210 thyroid pills, special blood tests, and several vaccinations. But she is ready and we are ready!

26 Nov 2012, Leaving the USA, 33 43.506 N/ 076 36.696 W

We left Mona Black Marina Monday at 0715 with Gene waving goodbye on the dock. At 0915 we transited the Masonboro Inlet and were heading for our easterly waypoint which is over three days away. It was 59 F with no wind and light seas. By mid afternoon, clouds on the western horizon formed and they did not look too friendly. The winds stayed below 10 kts out of the WNW but we were getting rather short wind waves out of the north. What is that all about?

Later that day the wind veered to the NW at 15 kts and the short seas continued to slap our beam. (We would later learn that a un-forecasted LOW was passing to our NW and was causing the clouds and the seas). Wind would be nice as the lack of wind is enabling the ship's roll. Sammy is not enjoying this very much. It certainly is unusual.