Gulf Stream Crossing-Part 1

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You never think you will be able to sail when you prepare a gulf stream crossing. You think-- "if we can avoid squalls and bad seas and an uncomfortable ride you are doing well. Some folks stayed behind in Miami as they want to sail the crossing and it looked like we would not have enough wind. Well we did. We put the sails up in the anchorage to have some leverage getting out the channel and the CG said it was OK to use Government Cut. you can use the main channel if only one or two cruise ships are in port... which makes me smile a bit. What? we can spare one or two ships getting attacked but not three? We just smiled and took the better channel and maneuvered around the cruise ship that was doing a U turn in the turning channel at the top of the cut. We kept the engine on to make sure we had spare power and maneuverability until we were well clear of the inlet and to be sure the batteries were fully charged. Then we turned off the engine and we have been sailing ever since, 6 hours so far. Christian tried the "through-the-water" generator and it worked perfectly and made more power than we expected. We have pulled it in now as you only use it in really deep water as it is towed 100' behind. The water maker which hasn't been used in nearly a year started right up and has been producing water all day. It's out put is down from original production but it makes about a gallon an hour and it is nice to not have to haul it from shore, especially when shore water is sometimes brackish. And finally the kitties have been calm all day. Carter took his pill and has had a drug induced slumber but Bisous came below as soon as the engine went off and has been snoozing too. No anxiety, no sea sickness-- but we aren't in yet (plan to sail across the Banks tonight) and do not plan to "re dose" Carter. I think SOME of the sea sickness is initial anxiety and sleeping the first hours take the edge off.

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Comments

[Charlie Gray]

Jealous
I think you two are the luckiest people I know. To be able to sail anywhere in the world is awsome. We are in St. Leonard MD, near Solomons< Staying at Chip's girl friends. We leave tomorrow for South Carolina, to my cousins, then on to Orlando on Tuesday. We are attending the Power Squadron National Meeting and then visiting frienmds near Bradenton before heading home. I am District Admin officer this year and Exec next year and the following year I will be District Commander. Scarry./ Anyhow that is why we are attending meetings. God Speed and Good Health, Charlie & Judy