To stay (in Charleston, SC) or not to stay? We both had this strong urge to sail outside and overnight , so that was it. That's what we went for. Packed up the dinghy, stowed everything and would sail down coast until it made sense to turn inland . We scoped out options and that was enough to know for some time. Re-check on weather and all was good. SW breeze, we loved it. Then we were off.
Ernie called the sail epic. It was that and more. Perfect wind speed and direction, Temps were mild. Porpoises galore that day.
Once out of the jetty, we opted to take a long tack offshore 20 miles, then tacked to port. From 6 pm we stayed on port until the next day.
Full sails or reefed all day and into the night.
Love sailing at night! Only 3 or 4 boats to search for on radar and a few others with lights but very quiet overall. The loons called out to add a mysterious feeing to the night. Once the moon came up we had plenty of light. Maybe 1 am and a partial moon but bright none-the-less.
Winds lightened by 9 a.m. so we motor sailed down to Wasauw Sound, Georgia.
By then we were both ear to ear grinning so we didn't begrudge the need to use the engine. The loons now showed their faces and didn't seem to mind our presence. Even a travelling prairie warbler stopped on board for a ride.
What a sail that was!
Enjoy your trip south. You left Charleston just before the chaos of Race week and a boat show. If you go through there again and need help my brother Sean has a business (SC Yachting) out of the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Safe Travels!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful night sail!!! Get ready for the Full Moon on May 4! ;)
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