Getting to Beaufort NC - Down the Chesapeake

Sailed past Annapolis hoping to put ourselves a little further south. Many, many sailing races underway. Seems like hundreds of boats. Tom had to weave his way between racing boats, channel marks, freighters and other sailors just enjoying the day. Good thing he likes a challenge! Wind variable but picked up in the afternoon. Colder and colder as day continued. We put into the Rhode River and threw out the anchor in a beautiful cove behind high island. High island is not high at all. The foliage is fading but there are still many yellows and reds along with some bare trees. We had turned the clocks back and boy did it get dark early! Set out for Solomons the next am . It was quite literally freezing and the kayak was frost covered. Cold but mostly sunny. Wind picked up as the day went on . Close to 20Knots on the bay when we got in but the harbor is protected and the wind didn't seem too wild once inside. Solomons is fun -again off season and not crowded. The predicted front came screaming through about 5 am poured and howled until about 10: 00 am . We shoved off after front with a cold breeze on the nose. Still wearing full regalia these days, long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, fleece and fleece vest, with a jacket for topper. Hats and gloves required. God help us if we fall over. Sailed past a couple of those great screwpile lights typical of the Chesapeake. Tacked our way across the wide Potomac River and we were into VA. We felt a little sad to leave so much of the Bay unvisited but the wind was cold and strong and south is calling us!

Getting to Beaufort NC -Chesapeake City to Baltimore

We have made it to Beaufort NC!!! Apparently I was a little optimistic about the availability of WiFi . I thought that I would have updated things earlier but never mind. We have been in and out of bays, rivers, sounds, narrow land cuts and creeks. When we left Chesapeake City we sailed to Baltimore. Spent almost a week with Brendan and the southern clan members Herb and Lois Willis. The boat was at Hanover street marina, snug and secure while Noel blew through outside. Many projects and many fun times. We tried to repair our broken oven , but despite the best minds in the area -Tom, Herb and Brendan- working on this project, we were not completely successful. We were able to get flames all over the stove (literally)just not in the oven. As I reached for the fire extinguisher, we decided on a new stove. It was an excellent project- from finding one the appropriate size to finish work and gimbaling . Surprisingly little swearing. Stove heats cabin well whenever we bake and good thing because it has been really cold. Sailed out of Baltimore in nice winds and sun . Busy port we felt very insignificant next all the tankers , tugs and tows.

Delaware Bay

Delaware Bay, famed for foul chop and strong tides is always cause for careful planning. Our run up Delaware bay was during a really narrow weather window. We wanted to access Delaware Bay through the Cape May Canal. Cape May Canal are two bridges with 55 foot clearance. Brilliant's mast is 55 feet high. It was also a full moon so all the more reason not to try this at moon high tide! The tide in Delaware Bay runs about 2.6 knots -stronger during a full moon so we wanted to get that right too. The tide was in our favor starting at 200 AM. Sunrise was at 7:04AM. We decided half tide would do it and set out at O - dark hundred. It was really dark and raining but we had fishermen for company. Dawn came as we exited the Cape May canal into Delaware Bay. The wind was blowing 17 knots with frequent gusts but it was at our backs and rain wasn't cold. The wind and tide with us we were making about 7 and a half knots! Several times the GPS said 9 or a little more. Once a huge freighter disappeared into the fog and rain. It was only about 2 miles away. Happier when we can keep an eye on those guys. Kept a fair tide through steep chop, blinding rain and really strong winds all the way to C and D Canal. Happily threw out a hook 13 miles later in Chesapeake City. Dark and Stormys to celebrate a wild, exciting, surprisingly fast run up the Bay! I think that was more almost 70 miles in about 8 hours!!!!!!!!!!

New York and New Jersey

We've been making progress. Port Jeff to Oyster Bay and the next day on through New York City(always exciting and inspiring) and on to Sandy Hook NJ. Spent a rolly night in Sandy Hook off the Coast Guard Base. It is a pretty spot but weather and /or many ferry wakes make for a lively night. New Jersey took several days. We had a great time seeing my mother and sister Joanne at Island Heights Tom's River. wild weather and gales holding us in Cape May for several days. In spite of the impatience I was feeling, I was again surprised at how lovely New Jersey is.

Andiamo!

We're off! Had some lousy weather early which followed us around most of the day, but we caught a window and took it! Blew down to Cuttyhunk for the night - not too far away but on our way nevertheless. We powered most of the day, had the tide with us, and made great time - about 2 hrs or so. Homemade bread baked in the oven warmed up the whole cabin upon arrival. Its great to be on the water! And on our way to kinder climates. There are lots of Canadian cruisers about, we figure the cold air must be right on their heels so we'll keep moving. Thanks for checking in!

Departure getting closer

Today the weather was really cool and we are feeling a sense of urgency. We plan to shove off later this week . Solar panel is nicely charging the house battery and refrigeration is great. Such luxury! We are stowing all kinds of stuff! Thankfully Brilliant is still floating on her lines and at least at this point is not too low in the water. We are saying many goodbyes , we are so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family! Next post should have us under way even if it is only to Cuttyhunk!!

First Posting

Testing out the blog. ETD Mid Sept! All are excited to shove off. Both sons want to come along, but we're leaving them ashore. Working on adding refrigeration, should keep our beer cold in the Bahamas. Check back soon!