As I had hoped, I hit the edges of the Gulf Stream 48 hours after I left Blue Hill. Now, two hours later, Im in the Stream with 79F water temperature. Winds are still quite gusty, ranging from 8kts to 18 kts. Im rigged for 20kts+ with the storm jib still in use and one reef in the mainsail. I could easily change tp my full cruising jib, but am not eager to go to the foredeck any more than I have to (see next paragraph). Overall, my routing software says I could get to Antigua 12/6 at 3pm, but Im still thinking late on 12/7 or early on 12/8.
The winds over the last two days were pretty much as forecast. I saw 35 kts for a few hours, but I was ready for it and Resolute had no problems. One thing I hadnt thought about was that the winds changed direction quickly and had been strong each way. So the waves going south to north (Saturdays conditions) were running into Sundays and Mondays westerlies. Talk about angry seas. Since I hadnt acquired my sea legs yet, I was pretty green for almost 30 hours. Fortunately, I had set up the boat conservatively, so I had very few mandatory chores to dosafety checks for other vessels and fishing gear, charge batteries, adjust sail trim every few hours, etc. other than that, I laid around, slept and hydrated.
But Im coming back now. The waves are still pretty big, but theyre getting more organized (going in the same direction), which is much easier on the body. The winds were expected to continue to abate for the next few hoursmy next job will be to download the latest forecast to confirm that no nasty weather is expected to pop up along my route.
See ya!
Scott (Due east of Newport News, VA)
Great reports Scott- keep them coming!
I took the easy slow route, Seriana is now in Charleston SC
Hi, Scott. It was 20 degrees this morning on Swan’s Island and I saw 3 fishermen leaving the harbor to retrieve traps, lobsters, or both. Enjoy the warm weather. Blessings and safe travels.
Nice work, Scott. The tracker is working great…thanks for the post and update!
Nice job getting to the stream, much better temperatures where you are at than here.
Sail safe
Enjoying your updates! Sounds like things are going ok. What headway speeds are you able to do with rough seas?
Cross seas such as you went through do not provide the best response by the cerebellum! It looks like you will have following seas from now on calming a bit. A storm developing to your east in the Atlantic will bear watching by Thursday or Friday, but right now it looks as if you will remain on its outer fringe with any building seas remaining astern. Glad you are feeling better!
Go Scott! Glad that it’s war- 11 degrees F in Skowhegan last night!
You are such a great skipper. 30 hours is more seas than I have ever encountered. I love hearing how you prepare and execute mandatory chores. I hope you are writing your next book in your spare time. Sending you wishes for easier seas and fair winds.