Got the kids off at around 9AM and I replaced 5 broken sail slides, thawing my fingers after each one. Went over the boat checking all shackles and pins, oil check, all secure. At just before 11, left the dock and set the main as soon as I had room. Out the inlet into the wild blue again. The water had a distinct line with tan on one side and dark blue on the other as I turned to my course at noon. Its predicted to be 10 to 15 from the WNW, going NW. Rolled out the jib and stopped the engine. Ahhhhh. Shook out the reef and sailed all afternoon at 7 knots, slowing to 6 when the breeze dropped to 10 knots. What a beautiful thing with the blue-black ocean the only thing in sight. Winds when progressively lighter and more north. By 3 AM, boat speed was down to 4.5 and I roll up the jib, sheet the main in hard and motor away towards Charleston. There is a huge ship anchored off the channel entrance that looks like a city block with all the lights on. It’s so bright, I can see it for hours before I get close and it obscures the MoA bouy just beyond. As the dawn breaks I make the turn into the ship channel and point toward the lighthouse. It’s 8 miles to the jetties and I’m a little early for the tide change, oh well. Then another 8 or so to the City Marina Dock. I’m tied up and checked in by 9:30. Nice passage, nice place; welcome to Charleston. Had breakfast, met the local sailmaker and had the jib in his loft by 11, repaired by 3. I really like this town already! Cleaned, washed and worked on the boat for the remainder of the day until I crashed, hard, at 9.MM464
1.15.11 - 1.16.11
Weekend was spent working on the boat, oil change, repairing broken woodwork, sorting and stowing. Changed thermostat on engine (been running too cool) and found that the off shore air time and subsequent landing pulled the starboard engine mounts apart. Not good but all still works until I get replacement units, install and realign the engine. I guess that accounts for the increase in vibration! Nice to have most of the salt off. Taped up the dodger as best I could and ran out off sticky back dacron tape. It will do, really need new one but not today. Loads and loads of laundry and finally out on the town Sunday night for a pub crawl. Great place, everyone calm and courteous, nice bars and restaurants. Met a Rodney Dangerfeild ringer in one place, uncanny. Cab back to the boat, off tomorrow for more points south.
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