Going North

[Dan Hawryschuk]

I'm planning on moving Floridays (P42) from Charleston SC to Kent Island (across from Annapolis, MD) on the Chesapeake in the latter part of April. I have limited time to accomplish this. Less than 2 weeks. I am thinking of going outside from Charleston to Morehead City via Beaufort Inlet to get into the In traCoastal. My son thinks that's foolish at that time of year and suggests that I stick to the ditch all the way up. I figure I could make the jump up in 1.5 days and get a boost from the Stream. I would expect the weather to hold for a day or two. After that I would have more lattitude in clearing Albermarle and the rest of N.Carolina. Anybody out there gone that route at that time of year? Any suggestions? We'll be sailing short handed, my wife and I. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Ron]

North Bound

Dan,I have made that trip in reverse: Annapolis to Beaufort, and then off-shore to Charleston (Nov) have also done the ICW trip from Charleston to Beaufort and Oriental(Oct.) first if you have 2-wks. that is very do-able, even with 2/3 days for weather or mechanical delays. As for the off-shore leg from Charleston to Beaufort, I beleive that leg in reverse took us about 26 hrs. best as i can remember. One thing, to get a boost from the Gulf Stream you will have to go out about 40 to 50 miles and theres no need, as it will only add more distance to your trip. The farthest you should have to go is about 25 miles and thats to clear the Cape Fear Shoals off Southport/ Bald Head Island, NC. Also be sure to stay out far enough to clear the restricted area around Camp Lejune (bombing range) Jacksonville, NC The ICW trip from Beaufort to Annapolis should be an easy 5 day trip. Hope this is helpful.Ron