We were in Beaufort NC a few days longer than expected due to a persistent weather system, but it was a nice place to be trapped! We departed Beaufort at 0400 Tuesday in the blackest of black nights with winds gusting to 25 knots. We plotted our route the day prior but it was still very confusing once we reached the confluence of Beaufort Channel and Moorehead City Channel. There were flashing green and red lights everywhere (channel markers), just mish mashes of flashing lights, some lights were on our charts and some were not (not going to elaborate). So needless to say we started to get confused in the black night, and then I noticed we were running out of water (under the boat). Right about the time I noticed the shallow water I also noticed we were doing 8.5 knots (that’s lightning fast). We knew the current would be running out but the engine was at idle and we were still doing 8.5 knots!! We whipped the boat around, got back into “deep” water, and collected ourselves. I was on the helm, Tanya got on the NOAA (government) charts below and talked me through the maze and into the main channel. It was like driving a car blindfolded while someone tells you when and where to turn. We are not going to use our electronic charts in confined areas any more. Our government charts have been dead-on so we are going to transfer those charts to our plotter at the helm. We’re also not going to arrive or depart in the night unless the moon is out, if we can help it.
Anyway, drama over, we made it out of the Moorehead City Channel and into the Atlantic Ocean, turned southwest and headed 63 miles to Wrightsville Beach. The first half of the trip was 25 knot winds (gusting over 30) with big seas. We took our first wave over the side and into the cockpit, that was nice! Later in the trip Tanya was resting in the cockpit when a smaller wave plowed into the side of the boat and sent spray all over her, glad we were in our foul weather gear! She literally and figuratively brushed it off, very impressive! As predicted the wind and wave subsided as we made our way south. Once the winds dropped to 20 kts we put out the headsail and shut off the engine! We were making between 6-8 knots under sail, even hit 9.2 knots surfing down a big swell, it was fun (really). Sailing is fun even in marginal weather, makes you smile! We didn’t take many pictures because of the conditions but here are a few of the arrival.
Out in the ocean closer to Masonboro Inlet, Wrightsville Beach:
Cold out in the Ocean:
Breakwater approaching the inlet:
Anchorage just south of Wrightsville Beach Bridge:
Sun popped out just after dropping anchor:
We are going to be here for a few days and the current is very strong through the anchorage so we set our 80 pound Luke anchor. The anchor set fast and hard so we were able to sleep well (about 13 hours)!
Update again in a few days. We are deciding whether or not to head straight to Florida…
Have a great Thanksgiving!!!