The weather was perfect for carrying on around Hatteras yesterday so we abandoned the plan to stop overnight at Rudee Inlet, near Virginia Beach. A northerly wind at 20   knots meant we sailed at an average of 7 knots all the way. No engine noise and no diesel expense either. It was very bumpy though! This morning, as we turned around the Diamond Shoals light platform at the point of Cape Hatteras, a 10ft rogue wave hit the side of the boat and flooded the cockpit! A reminder that the two weather systems that meet here can produce difficult conditions and gave rise to its other name – The Graveyard of the North Atlantic. Apparently about 700 ships have been lost off the Cape over the years. We just had to retrieve various items that flew about when the wave hit – and dry out the stuff in the cockpit.

As compensation now we are properly back in the south, the temperature feels considerably warmer and the sea is this beautiful blue again.