Voyage 2002-2003: Chapter 3

Its about 0030 and it is very,very dark! Ann took a little nap then Bob did likewise. We always have to have someone alert for radar watch and radio watch. We should pass the Charleston channel sea buoy about 0400; then Port Royal sound by 1200, then Beaufort by 1500. So far, so good! BTW, we celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary yesterday. BTW2. It is very cold!

5 Nov 2002, Gale approaching, 32 25.780 N/ 080 40.459 W

We entered Port Royal Sound at 1300 on Sunday. Our offshore excursion was uneventful. It was not too cold, had sufficient wind for a good motorsail, seas were 3' - 4' down to 2' - 3'. We did 3 hour watches while Helmer (our outopilot) steered the course. We arrived in Beaufort SC at 1600. We planned to stay here only two days but decided to stay 4 as a major gale was building off the coast of Georgia.

S/V Celena arrived on Monday and M/V Mistletoe arrived today. Celena and Jule III will go on the 'outside' Thursday (assuming the gale dissipates) to Fernandina Beach FL., It should be a short day/night and sure beats 4 days through the winding channels of the Georgia ICW.

OK, we admit it. We are staying at the Beaufort Downtown marina. We are weak and marinas are easy. However, we will not stop at any more (maybe one more) marinas until Vero Beach. Yesterday we met the folks on MY Jubilee. Bill was CEO and president of the other ARC (Atlantic Research Corporation). Ann and Bill had much in common (except money) as she is the CEO of our ARC (Advanced Research Corporation).

7 Nov 2002, Offshore Again, 31 22.410 N/ 080 57.910 W

We were dreading the winding trip through Georgia, we decided to go on the 'outside' to Fernandina Beach, FL. We left Beaufort SC at 1030 with a favorable tide. The folks at Downtown Marina made our exit from the dock a 'piece of cake'. At 1615, we picked up a hitchhiker. Sammy and the hitchhiker did not get along. As I write this, the Betty Bird is still on the boat ... somewhere. Oh well, another 8 hours till daylight.