November 27, 2008

6 Months In

We said we would assess our adventure at each critical juncture, which also happens to be every 6 months. Our 6 month anniversary was two days before going to the Bahamas, without question a critical juncture as the degree of difficulty jumps fairly significantly. Tellingly we did not even have the conversation. We are thoroughly enjoying the adventure and the lifestyle and think of nothing but continuing.

Looking back I think the largest surprise has been the equipment breakdowns, something we did not expect with a new boat. However overcoming these has sometimes leant to the enjoyment but also helped us to understand all of the systems on our boat better. I have also been surprised by the way the kids have adapted to the boat as "home". They have adapted to the much smaller space and differing rules (life jackets for example)quite easily. I commented to Rae Ann that the kids seem quite happy to spend a couple of days just playing in their cabin, and she pointed out that this was no different than any "real home" for them in that a couple of days playing and staying inside is quite plausible. I still view the boat as something to get off as soon as possible once in port.

Rae and I agree that Maine has been our favorite stop in the first 6 months, closely followed by the Chesapeake, though for quite different reasons. Maine had the type of somewhat isolated destinations, with hiking and beach combing that we like. While the Chesapeake gave us the opportunity to visit some great places (D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Williamsburg).

We did not enjoy the intra coastal waterway (ICW)due to the constantly shallow waters, though we had some interesting stops, just difficult moving about. Total groundings was 4 in the ICW for us, though in all instances we were going slow and could back off, ultimately finding deeper water.

I have a much deeper respect for those who voyage at sea in small boats. We had a very rough passage from Beaufort N.C. to Georgetown S.C., particularly once we had rounded Cape Fear. We were in 20-25 knots of wind (forecast) and 6-8 foot seas (forecast to be smaller) fortunately all from astern. However, it was enough to make the whole crew in varying degrees seasick as well as instill a sense of profound loneliness on my part during the night hours. We did set our speed record at 10.4 knots though surfing one of the larger waves. I might note that the wind and sea state above is not considered very problematic. Lets say we are now a little more careful about forecasts looking for that magic 10-15 knots and 3-5 foot seas that seem to agree to all. We wonder though what it will be like when we have no choice as we will on longer passages (greater than 3 days) if we are forced to face even rougher conditions.

Last note, we have sailed 2,500 nautical miles, about average for a cruising boat.

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