Updated on November 24, 2016
We finally go OFFSHORE!!! – 135 nautical miles- Southport NC to Charleston SC
After cruising the ICW since leaving Norfolk on October 26th, we are finally able to free ourselves of the confines of a narrow waterway for the open waters for the Atlantic, an environment that Sophia was built for.
We were underway at 0922. In getting underway, left the bow line for last. With the current behind us, the stern quickly swung uncontrollably into the stream until we were perpendicular to the dock. We cast off that last line and backed hard until we had cleared the docks and other boats. We are learning about currents the hard way.
At 1020 we passed the headlands and entered the Atlantic Ocean, with Sophia bouncing in a nice swell and winds at about 10 knots. By 1230 we had sails out, but had little wind to fill the sails. We brought the front sail (the genoa) in and motor-sailed with the main only. We sighted “Adventure” with whom we had crossed paths earlier. By 1pm there were only water towers visible from shore. At 1600 we put the genoa back out and Elena relieved me of the watch. By 1730, we decided to bring the genoa back, turned on our night lights (running lights). I took the watch at 1800. Shortly thereafter, I heard two loud booms, like gunshots. Shortly after 7pm, “Double Jeopardy”, a boat within radio range of us, reported to the Coast Guard that they had spotted flares. After some investigation, the Coast Guard radioed that there was military exercise in the area. I concluded that the booms that I heard were probably “sonics booms” from the same exercises.
At 1950, I observed moonrise which was welcomed to lift some of the darkness from the night. At 2300, we passed Georgetown, SC. With no wind, we motor-sailed through the night, I stayed on watch until 0700 when Elena relieved me. After a couple of hours of sleep, Elena woke me for our approach to Charleston harbor. We entered the channel at 1100 with an outgoing current which slowed our speed considerably. By noon we were off historic Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots of the American Civil War.
At 1500, we anchored in the Ashley River, 18 feet of water with 100 foot of chain, across form Charleston City Marina which reported “no room”. The marina had some of the largest and most expensive yachts I have ever seen including a large three mast schooner. They probably didn’t want poor little Sophia mixing with those expensive boats. Temperature in Charleston that afternoon was in the 70’s and it felt good to be finally in the “South:”
We spent the 17th recovering from the overnighter, expecting to stay in Charleston for a few days of touring until the winds turned in our desired direction of travel —south.
Enjoying your voyage with you!
I am hoping Julia will travel to Charleston with me next summer if I can get her out of Arkansas. I am glad Elena was able to visit such a beautiful city.
Wishes you good southern winds to you!
Martha