Enjoying friends and fun in Brunswick, GA
The libation of choice
Strategizing for overnight anchor close to Cumberland Island.
Getting an early start out of St. Augustine
May 7 Friday, got started early, and we departed St Augustine around 6:44am. The wind is in our face, but the autopilot gives everyone a little more freedom to work through boat chores without having to steer. Our plan is to hug the coast and not get into the heavy wind that is predicted further out. Rough sailing today, high winds and high seas. We anchored around 30.8840 North, -81.3998, West at about 6:30pm in Stafford, Georgia. We stopped about 1 mile off the coast of Cumberland Island. There is another 25 miles to Brunswick, but we don’t want to do this in the dark. PS, there is nothing here, other than jelly fish - nothing on the coast, nothing to see, no structures, no people. We had salmon with peas & pears, veggie mix, and plantains. Tomorrow, I anticipate that our host, John Galego - an old family friend, will want to entertain us and spend the day with him. I am reminded that we have to clean the boat and make plans for the next leg.
David’s impossible sausage breakfast
Another early start to get to Brunswick (and a bit of engine trouble)
May 8 Saturday. Started early to get to Sunrise Marina in Brunswick. Much cooler, after a very rock & roll night. We had anchored near the shore, but it was not protected. Got Carlos to do a video that I will post today on IG, when I get some signal. (Also posted here) Starboard engine had some trouble starting, possibly a weak overheat alarm sensor due to corrosion that Carlos worked on yesterday. It's a Panasonic CA1 (A?) - DC 12 V - N and seems to be a readily available relay. David is doing breakfast. The winds are calm today, but we'll be at the marina. The next days ahead: the winds are Okay on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Capsized Auto Carrier
Brinswick Harbor has a rare site
Entering the harbor for Brunswick, there was an unusal site. An auto carrier had run aground and sank about 2 years ago. In order to clear the harbor, the vessel had to be demolished in place. Quite a site for us landlubbers.
Saying goodbye at the Morning Star Marina
Great catching up with old freinds
Had a wonderful day with John and his family. Visiting old friends who had relocated from the cold RI weather was a superb addition to the day. We visited his mother, sister and met his fiancé. We toured the town of Brunswick and understood what drew him here. The city is small and personable, but is definitely Southern. We have visited Jekyl Island (just outside of Brunswick), but never saw a need to re-visit. Now that John is settled here, we can make more regular trips!
Walkway at Morning Star Marina after sunset - breathtaking!
May 9 Mother's Day, Sunday, left Brunswick, about 8:30am. Smooth transition out of a tight space on the fuel dock at Sunshine Marina. Talked to folks back home and caught up on emails. Looking to get just outside of Hilton Head today. Due to high winds, we will anchor Around 6:30pm, anchored just south of Hilton Head, really tough night 30 plus knots wind predicted, at least 17 all night in a fairly open anchorage. It's very difficult on open shores, where we can't get sheltered Anchorage. Its that way in this part of the coast.
May 10 Monday, not so good news on the engine starboard still has electrical contact issue, and it's slow to kick over. We did not pick up any spares at our overnight in Brunswick. Seems like the battery may be drained, also. We have reservations for Charleston Harbor Marina next two nights, allowing weather window to open. Not sure if this is the best idea since weather will be good today. Unfortunately there are not a lot of fueling places after Charleston.
We each are trying to learn and understand each other's tipping points. I have fear. Carlos has frustration. It is important to me to stop in Annapolis, since we have missed John’s birthday. We have come this far, we should muscle on through the battery issue and get to safe harbor. The the starboard engine starting and battery condition meter, are the next items to be adressed and should be fairly easy to troubleshoot. But, what about parts, we just don't know.
Coming into Charleston and planning for a couple days stay.
The past 4 days have been some of the best of the trip. With the autopilot working, we have time to attend to other tasks, both in support of the trip and personally. We got plenty of sleep during the two overnight anchors and are getting comfortable with that manuver. All in all, we are looking forward to the stop at Charleston, a marina we visited last March.
