33:15N 77:19W

 

Although we planned to leave at noon, it was already 5 pm Local time, by the time we hoisted our sails in Charleston harbour. This gave us only a short weather window ahead of a developing thunderstorm system forecasted for the area.

After our delightful dinner, at sunset, we could see the approaching storm clouds with dramatic fork and sheet lightening.

Fortunately, as we pulled away from the coast, we were relieved to see that they stayed over the land and coastal waters and by 1 am had completely disappeared, leaving us with a beautiful clear star studded sky.

Since then, we have been sailing downwind in a light breeze and are enjoying the comfortable motion.

We covered 133 miles in the first 24 hours and it is a true pleasure to read our messages on the iridium. Thanks for your good wishes.