Voyage 2010: Chapter 2

22 Nov 2010, Off to St Maarten, we hope, 32 54.438 N/ 076 47.4 W

We left Mona Black Marina at 0930 ET with a falling tide and a little wind. The day was nice and we motorsailed down the Cape Fear and towards the Gulf Stream. Weather deteriorated last night into today where the wind veered from the N to the NE (bad for the Gulf Stream) to now from the east (on the nose). We cannot keep using the motor as we will run out of fuel. Tomorrow, we should be able to 'just sail'. We will let you know of our progress.

24 Nov 2010, Leaving the Gulf Stream in our wake, 31 22.752 N/ 074 31.93 W

Hard to believe that the Atlantic waters have been so calm the last several days. We had to use the motor the majority of the time since we left Wilmington. Tomorrow should be a good sailing day, and most of the days past Thanksgiving also appear to be good. Crew is getting into the swing of things and 4 people for watch duty is great! Bob's watch will be over at 0200 ET. Not bad.

Gulf Stream was not much of a problem other than fighting the current until we were on the other side. The seas were a bit bumpy as the wind was just retreating from the NE. We had to use quite a bit of fuel. A pod of dolphins came by to visit last night and Ann and Vicki were quite excited. Bob and Butch couldn't see anything 'cause V&A were blocking the view. Bob saw a flying fish (one) and a green flash (nobody believes him). Other than that, he has been studying the GRIBs. It might be too rough on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving but we will see. We got the turkey but they are calling for 7-9 ft seas.