Saturday, December 20, 2008

Out To Sea

 

Finally we got our weather!  Leaving Fernandina Beach just after sunrise, we had clear enough weather with small enough waves to head out to sea.  We went out St. Mary's inlet and traveled along the coast in the ocean down to St. Augustine FL.  The day was a little hazy but warm, sunny and calm.  There was a very gentle breeze, we were able to put the sails up but there was not enough wind to actually sail so the motor stayed on all day.  After all the days of careful planning and constant attention traveling down the inter-coastal, a calm day on the ocean was a treat.  We still had to keep a lookout for other ships and Right Wales (we didn't see any Right Wales, but since they are on the endangered species list if we were to spot one we would need to be cautious to stay 500 yard away).  However the autopilot could do all the work, no standing behind the wheel with a firm grip, no watching the depth gage, no being concerned about the next bridge.  It was easy and relaxing, with our only concern being the St. Augustine inlet.  When we arrived at the inlet the tide was going out (not the best thing for us), our calm seas were suddenly rough, sloshing us around a bit, and there were breakers to each side of us.  We found our marks kept in deep water, and made it in with no troubles.

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