The week we intended to get underway, the weather conspired to keep us a little longer. Hurricane models, torrential rains and windy cold fronts made for a rough week for many, especially the Bahamas that took a direct hit.
We did get out a few days before the Annapolis boat show and found ourselves in a fleet of sailboats, finally able to resume the trek south in a balmy 49 degrees F... after an emergency dive to clear the barnacles off of the props.
Light winds were fine for motor sailing, considering the alternative… one month left in hurricane season after all… and eventually they picked up for some pleasant wing-on-wing sailing.
The Chesapeake Bay is a pleasant ride as long as you’re not bashing into the chop ~ and you can never tire of the endless sunsets and sunrises, tucking into the estuaries each evening to anchor behind sandy points and duck blinds.
A pattern of mini-cold fronts were forecast to come through every couple of days. So, for one of these we took a lay-day up the Chisman Creek to chill out instead of bash into strong SW winds. (Bonus ~ we got to meet up with Cindy & Dave again!!). This stop also got us out of sync with the migrating boats and put us in a good position for stops on the Intra-coastal waterway (ICW) lying ahead.
Leaving the Bay we entered Norfolk and passed the impressive Naval fleet of aircraft carriers, supply ships and hospital ships. Then we were on track to traverse the Virginia Cut’s many bridges and lock (up 1 ft) to make it to the free public dock at Great Bridge just in time for a gin & tonic.
The days are getting shorter, yet we are able to get underway by 7 AM and are well in by dark (7 PM). Most days we are able to make 45-60 nautical miles. It took 3 days/2 nights travel-time to transit the southern Bay and will take another ~5 days/4 nights to make it to Beaufort, NC.
