Bahamas were cool enough, I guess. We got to the Berry’s and the Abacos… the northern Bahamas. We saw 14 waterspouts in the stream…anchored on the bank overnight…got bit by a fish…went snorkeling…ran aground…ate ice cream…worked on projects…and generally enjoyed a slower pace, the sunshine, clear waters and really friendly people.

We met up with our old pals on Anastasia, and enjoyed a few days together in the Abacos, while prepping for our offshore run back the States. Both Teresa and I took on crew for the trip home to help make the 5 day passage a little easier. Our crew arrived Sunday evening, and we jumped on the tail end of a weather window, leaving at dawn Monday. Winds were great the first two days, out of the SE at 15-20kts. We set our course for the Gulf Stream and enjoyed the sleigh ride, making 9.5 knots in the center of the stream. Soon the wind died with the approach of a weak front, and the Yanmar roared to life for about 28 hours.

It was surprising that throughout the 500 mile passage all 3 boats were able to stay withing VHF range the entire time. We enjoyed many a night watch just chatting on the radio amongst the boats, keeping tabs on location, course, speed, weather, boat traffic, etc. It was the most fun passage I’ve ever made. The 4th day out was calm and we really enjoyed the camaraderie of our 3 boat convoy. We all set our light air sails and ghosted Northeast past Frying Pan Shoals towards Beaufort. I baked cookies and tossed a bag to each boat. Anastasia loaned Daphne a jug of fuel, and they passed the jug between the boats on a tightline. We saw sea turtles and dolphins and doused ourselves with buckets of sea water for relief from the relentless sun.

There was a strong cold front approaching the coast, and we wanted to beat it. Winds were forecasted to be 25-30 with gusts to 40 kts, starting in the late morning. It was also important to time our arrival into Beaufort with a favorable current during daylight. We checked the tides and found high tide was mid morning, giving us plenty of time and light. With only 42 miles to go, we slowed the boats down to 3 knots and sat back to enjoy our last 14 hours or so of this fantastic passage. But at bout 2200, Anastasia radioed, and announced he had spoken with a friend that had local knowledge, who explained that high tide and slack water are at different times! Slack water was actually at 0630! We immediately set full sail and made best possible speed for Beaufort Inlet. The wind was building and the seas began piling up as we arrived at the channel, but we all made it in before the ebb began and dropped our hooks about half an hour before the wind started getting really nasty. It couldn’t have better timed.