Voyage 2007-2008: Chapter 2

04 Nov 2007, A Rolly Ride Home, 34 02.518 N/ 077 53.522 W

Moony and Jule III met at the basin near Beaufort Docks and headed for the western shore of Radio Island. We found a nice anchorage between R24 and R22 in 20 feet of water. Bob relaxed in the cockpit while Ann and Sammy took a nap. Denise was a little concerned about the overnight sail and Wolfgang just smiled.

At 2000, very clean anchors were hauled on deck and we headed out the inlet in a very confused maze of lights. The 'toy' came in very handy. There was too much clutter to rely on the radar. The current was near slack but would soon turn foul. We turned to Masonboro Inlet (62 nm away) at G "9" with acceptable wind and seas. The jib was unfurled and the engine stopped. That was nice! However, it was not too long before Denise' concerns were confirmed. Seas were piling up as the wind shifted from NE to E and the coastline was providing less protection. By 0100, Jule III was rolling 15-25 degrees and was making over 6 kts SOG. This was too fast as we did not want to get to Masonboro Inlet until 0930 due to current and tides. So we reefed the genoa until 0400. Arrived as Masonboro with seas 5-7 feet but the inlet was quiet. Drove down the ICW, did not get caught by the shallows at Carolina Beach (because it was high tide), and tied up at Mona Black Marina at 1200. Not bad.

Ann had her wish! We were at our winter home port for Halloween. She enjoys the little kids and the candy thing. The crews dressed up as pirates. Maybe we scared the little kids a bit. The pirates had much grog so it was a good thing that the festivities were over by 1930. Success.

Ann's second wish was to attend the 'pig pickin' at Mike and Karen's next door. Wolfgang and Denise never attended a 'pig pickin' before so they were very interested in all aspects of the operation. Len, the master pigmeister, gave them a look-see at the pig before it was fully cooked. Everybody enjoyed the food, especially the pork and Karen's magic baked beans. Ann is happy so everybody is happy.

20 Nov 2007, A Rolly Ride Home, 34 02.518 N/ 077 53.522 W

The crews of Moony and Jule III worked and played for nearly three weeks. Of course, the normal boat projects continued at the Mona Black marina, provisions were bought at the Food Lion, and Harris Teeters, and boat stuff was found or ordered from West Marine and Boaters World. Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) had an Open House last Saturday and the gang attended. Miss Denise accepted an offer to have a daisy painted on her face. Silly Germans. BBY did a great job on the affair!

Today is the day that we must say goodbye. A weather window is here that will afford Moony a good Gulf Stream crossing on their way to Tortola. The Jule III crew arrived at 0615 with McDonald's coffee for all. At 0700, line were released and Moony was on her way. We rushed to Snow's Cut so that we could take a picture of them (again). It was a bit foggy but Moony had no problem leaving Carolina Beach and heading up the cut in a foul current.

We rushed to the Fort Fisher Ferry station, hopped onto the ferry, and headed for Southport for our final (well, sorta) farewell to SV Moony and her crew. The ferry was fast but so was Moony as they had a favorable 2 knot current down the Cape Fear River. We hurried to the fishing pier at Southport and waited their passing. We had our handheld VHF so we could talk to Moony. Ann and Denise cried while Bob and Wolfgang were very stoic, of course. Still it was sad. We have email and SSB so we will keep in touch and we will most probably head to New Zealand (via plane) next November to visit Moony again. Auf wedersehen Denise and Wolfgang.