Publish Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Location: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35° 13.737′ N 75° 21.938′ W
One day when Ayla was a little girl we were out for a hike on a beautiful Fall day, when we spotted a flock of Canada Geese flying south. Ayla pointed to them and said, “Look! They’re microwaving!” And so it is aboard Three@Sea this week: We’re microwaving!
We spent the second half of the summer in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, and we really enjoyed it. But recently the days have been staying cooler, and the nights are downright cold — so much so that we’ve had the heat on quite a lot — so it’s time to head south. Our immediate destination is New Bern, North Carolina, where we’ll spend a month or so before moving further south. We spent a few days in New Bern last Spring on our way north, and really enjoyed the area.
A non-stop offshore cruise from Rhode Island to North Carolina would take us about four days. This was our preference because (a.) it would take significantly less elapsed time than the intracoastal route, and (b.) it would be much more relaxed cruising. Unfortunately, the emerging winter weather pattern in New England doesn’t present very many multi-day cruising opportunities, so we couldn’t be too picky. We needed at least two good days of weather to get to Cape May, New Jersey, after which we could take the intracoastal route if we had to.
As it turns out, we got lucky.
We left Greenwich Bay, Rhode Island before light last Sunday morning, and we cruised to the eastern end of Long Island in sloppy seas and thirty knot wind. Our weather analysis indicated that we might have a reasonable 3-4 day weather window Mon-Thu, and we wanted to take advantage of it. However, it looked like it might be a little dicey after Tue, so we were prepared to stop in Cape May, or turn into the Chesapeake and go through Norfolk if we had to. But as I write this we are about one hour from rounding Cape Hatteras, on our way to the Beaufort Inlet — we should arrive in New Bern tomorrow evening after four days at sea. Wahoo!
The weather has been up and down, but fortunately nothing terrible. Our worst day was Monday, when we were plowing into 3-4 foot seas on the nose all day — yuck! Once we crossed the entrance to New York Harbor and turned south, we’ve had either beam or following seas the whole way. We’re getting some head seas now, which we expected, but it’s more of a medium swell than the short-period waves we had on Monday. We may get some rain tonight, but all in all we’ve had very good weather the whole way.
One of the hydraulic hoses on our stabilizers developed a small leak on Monday. I couldn’t repair it underway, so I fashioned a way to capture the leaking fluid so it didn’t make a mess. I also had to top-up the fluid reservoir as the level got lower and lower — we definitely would not want to be without stabilization out here. We’ll be able to repair the hose once we’re in port. Other than that, the boat has performed flawlessly on this run.
We began this voyage in long pants, turtlenecks, and foul weather gear. This morning after crossing the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay we saw a pelican for the first time since we left the south last spring. The outside temperature is now 70 degrees, and the windows in the pilothouse are open. I’m in shorts and a t-shirt. It feels good to be migrating.
Hi David,
Glad to hear your move went well. We’ve been waiting for an update regarding your plans and it sounds like you made a good decision. The weather has been unsettled when it comes to a few days in a row. The nights are definitely getting longer and cooler here. Wishing we could move father south with you! As of June I’ve been able to retire and we’re pondering our possibilities. Spending some time cruising would be an interesting adventure but we would need to take in account just how much preparation is involved. We don’t take what you and your family are doing lightly. We know much is involved but we will see. Hoping the three of you (four of you, lol) are well. Please update when you are able as we like to read how each see’s each journey. Have you been able to secure additional sponsorship?
Keith & Sandy
Cobourg, Ontario
Hello Dave and family: Glad that you enjoyed your stay in New England. I am sorry to hear that you have left our area. It was sure Great to see Ayla and Kathryn again in September. Looking forward to seeing where you end up for the winter months again. Blessings and Smooth Seas.
Dave,
I went to the Annapolis boat show on Oct. 10th and attendend a weather seminar by a Lee Chesneau and found out I know nothing about forcasting weather. Do you have a weather connection that analyses and forecasts the weather or do you know enough about weather fronts, troughs, systems to be able to do it yourself?
Thanks, John
Great to see a post from your family!
Jackie
Hello David, I was reading your blog on my smart phone while wainting for an appointment. Wow, technology is lots of fun. Glad to hear that you are on the move. Fall storms can become more frequent as the days roll on. I hope you were able to enjoy some fall colors before leaving Rhode Island. We are in the middle of another beautiful season. Enjoy your stay in New Burn.
Hi Three@Sea !!! Great to hear you are microwaving ! We love the New Bern area. Keep your eyes peeled for boats Midori (41′ ketch) Obsession (46′ blue steel boat) and Dream Weaver (42′ Yellow slope) friends from the lakes headed down your way !
Can’t wait to catch up again!
I’m in Auckland now awaiting your arrival. I just helped a friend bring his boat from Fiji. No problems mate.
I should be back in the Chesapeake by mid Nov. When are you heading south? Are you looking for a buddy boat? I’ve got to take RD to Stewart FL. Any interest in following me around Cape Hatteras? We finally listed her on Yachtworld.
Hi David,It’s great to have your updates.they are informative and helpful.As we are planning to get on a floating home next year with our two children 11&12,your experiances,give us the push along to sell the business and just get out there.First the Sth Pacific then where ever.
Best Regards Kevin,Michele,Elise&Drew Saunders.
Hi again,we are following you from, Auckland New Zealand forgot to put that with the above reply.Regards Kevin,Michele,Elise&Drew Saunders.
Good to hear from you again. How lucky you are to have these experiences with your family. My grandson was wondering why the “The Boat Girl” (Ayla) is not making the boat movies. Have a safe transit.