Details
Day 1 - Left Palm Beach and ran the outside to Cape Canavaral where we got fuel. That was approx 150 miles. From there we went to Amelia Island. Due to bad storm (see Radar picture) we did not get in until 11:00 pm. were we tied up at Ferdinand's It was 100 miles from the Cape to Amelia Island. Cruise speed was approx 26 knots burning 35 gallons per hour.
Day 2 - Plan was to cover 250 miles. The first leg was Amelia to Charleston South Carolina which was approx 150 miles. Unfortunately, SW winds got the best of us and after 150 miles we stopped in Charleston, SC where we spent the night at Charleston Town Marina. (What an amazing marina. Average size vessel was about 100 foot.)
Day 3 - SW winds 25 knots gusting to 30. We were not sure whether to lay over or run the ditch. After calling Boat US, we were put in touch with a local tow boat captain who told us we could make it to Southport NC within one day, via the ditch. 9 hours later we arrived at Southport Marina.
Day 4 - 200 mile run - Southport to Morehead City. We then ran down Adams Creek to the Neuse River. Made a fuel stop in Oreintal NC before heading to the Pamlico Sound. About 8 hours later we were tied up in Pirates Cove Marina in Oregon Inlet.
Day 5 - Final 200 miles. Got up with the Oregon Inlet Charter fleet so we could follow them out Oregon Inlet. We were greeted with calm seas and were trucking along at 27 knots. A fuel stop was made in Virgina Beach at Rudee Inlet. Talk about a narrow inlet! Finally, at 3:00 pm we backed into the slip at Cape May Marina.
Yes, I had the time of my life and I would do the trip again in a heartbeat. The east coast is just beautiful and what is better than spending time on the water with a great friend followed up with great meals at night.
As soon as Keith and I add up the fuel receipts, I will post the total amount burned as well as the cost. By the way, Keith's two boys ages 11 and 13 had no idea that their dad sold the 23 Grady and purchased the 35 Viking. Talk about two exited kids.
