25 October 2009 Beaufort, North Carolina

The EJ's Voyage
Mike Everton-Jones
Mon 26 Oct 2009 22:22
Very quick note today that we arrived safely in Beaufort at 3PM this afternoon (Monday) having left Hampton at 7AM yesterday. So it's done, we have gone round Hatteras! All South from now!
 
We have been a bit bashed by the wind and waves! Lots of wind but luckily from the North, big seas (waves 3 to 4 metres high), big Atlantic swells and lots of rain during the night. Winds consistently between 25 and 34kts. We flew on the water and boat speed even passed the 10kts at some point. Average speed has been 7.5kts which is pretty good. All that achieved with 2 reefs in the main and staysail. The jib was unfurled a few times but was often too powerful. During the night we still sailed at over 7 knots just with the main and 2 reefs. We  had to tack at about 1 o'clock in the morning which was (for me!) impressive amongst the big waves.
 
Anyway we are ok if not a bit tired and the boat has been doing well.
 
For today and probably tomorrow we are moored on a slip at Beaufort docks. Looks like the weather will not allow us to depart for Charleston before Thursday. We will do another overnight passage from here to Charleston, South Carolina, which is 240nm. We would like to be in Charleston for Mike's Big Birthday on Sunday. Friends have told us that it was a fun place.
 
Can't tell you much about this place yet but we will explore tomorrow and I will then report to you!
 
Bisous a tous
Catherine (and Mike)