Back in the USA

The 460 mile (3 day) trip began under blue skies and moderate seas on Saturday. Sunday was another good sailing day and Monday started out well. We hoped to make it into the Cape Fear entrance late in the afternoon, before the storms hit.

Along the way a fan belt that Al replaced before we left the Bahamas broke and Al replaced it with a spare. A couple of hours later the replacement belt broke. We tried getting another from Dave who was sailing next to us, but the seas were too rough and we lost the one he tossed to us. Al found the old fan belt that, thankfully, he had not thrown out and put it on. We were hopeful that it would hold out until we got into the harbour.

Look close on left, that's us

The winds died out and the storm hit when we were about 60 miles from shore. We lost some time trying to run around the outside of the storm but eventually decided to punch through. Amazingly the storm clouds separated in front of us and we made our way along with storm clouds and lightening striking on all sides. We experienced some high winds and rain, but missed the worst of the storm.

Radar view of storm splitting for us so we can safely proceed to Cape Fear, NC

As we got closer to shore, Al tried to raise TowBoat US on the radio to see if we could get them to bring us out a replacement fan belt. There was no answer to his hail so he called the Coast Guard and had them relay a message. Within a couple of hours we had a replacement part delivered to the boat (at no charge). It was a huge relief to get the part as it was getting dark. We were then able to speed up a little and as the seas calmed we finally reached the first markers. The Coast Guard stayed in touch with us all the way in to make sure we were safe.

When we arrived we called Customs and they sent an officer out to clear us an hour later. We had a quick celebratory drink with Dave and Corinne after we cleared customs then fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows, exhausted after 3 days with only short naps between watches.

We spent two days in Southport before beginning our up the Intercoastal Waterway. So far we have each grounded out once (briefly) and Dave experienced some engine problems. The weather has been wet and cold and winds and current always seem to be against us. All of these factors are affecting our progress.

Janice getting her hair done in Wrightsville Beach, it has been a while.

We pulled into Oriental, NC early Sunday afternoon rather than continuing on slamming into wind and waves on the Pamlico Sound. Dave and Al went into town and picked up a few bargains at the marine consignment store.