remembered sailties 2 NM late, but right when we switched from steam to sail. average speed of 5 knots, fails to mention top speed was 8.2 knots. hull speed is 7!

woke up at 5am to get ready to go. lots of nerves and doubting feelings overnight. this is a big trip and today's weather is strong.

pushed off the dock at 6am. spotlighted through the channel and got sails up at the end of the straight away. 

winds started light and we went downwind all through Albemarle sound. 3-5 knots. reefed headsail slightly for shape after bridge. gradually picked up outside Harvey point/ new hope and we reefed main 1.

started really getting gusty, 25, 30 knot gusts as we began to channel down mouths of Albemarle and Alligators. reefed main 2, tighter head sail.

hit this point around 2pm. decided to keep going and not moor next to highway or in marina. worth it decision by 6pm, unsure around 3, it got rough.

waiting for Alligator river Bridge we reefed head completely. tried engine and it was air gapped. Patrick used it anyway to add steerage and sail through bridge opening.

other side of the bridge was instantly so windy. 5-6 knots with only main on reef2. water coming over the side. I was at helm while P fixed engine. thank goodness we knew exactly how to do it quickly.

down the ICW path of Alligator river we stayed tight to the channel, though it seems there is plenty of water. very strong winds. some gusts had to be 35-40. put out head sail slightly for stability and we hit top top speed. Samuel was seasick, but all was handled quickly and neatly.

anchored in deep point south. anchor system worked great. beautiful sunset and the winds laid down almost completely. good debrief, good dinner, all sat in the dark and watched the stars.

slept well, barge went by at 1am and wake slam woke us up with a start, but all ok.

we did so many things for the first time today! proud of us!

leg one of spring break adventure

Crew: 2

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