We Made It!!!

Taravana Log Charleston to Abaco

Monday Jan 12th Leave Charleston
8:00 am Carrie & Stuart took us out of the Charleston Harbor, We raised the sails, the Coast Guard passed us by and into the ocean we went. Carrie and Stu turned south and we had a perfect beam reach sail for 24 hours with the wind from the northwest. The crew is getting quite good, I can now sleep when they are on watch. Carrie & I had three to four dolphins playing on Taravana’s bow for an hour during our shift that afternoon. We saw aerial acrobatics time and again. We had one porpoise jump from bow to bow; I wish I could have had that picture (Stu was asleep). In the morning we woke to rain and more rain. Everyone was soaked for at least a day straight. Wet clothes littered the cabin as we tried in vain to dry them. Carrie even had to wear my ski pants to keep warm and dry, I never felt so skinny. Carrie and Stu also had a F-16 jet turn towards Taravana and buzz them.

Tuesday and Wednesday Jan 13th and Jan 14th Florida thru Gulf Stream
The rain did bring a perfect southwest to west wind at 15 knots. This was our best shot to cross the Gulf Stream in the whole week so we took it. Florida coast called for freezing temperatures and high northeast winds, and we were ready for warm weather. The rain continued through the evening and the wind slowly shifted to the northwest at 15 to 20 knots. We were flying, but the seas were also building to 10 to 12 feet in the mid Gulfstream. This lasted only about 30 minutes and with a reefed main and a 20% Jib, we cruised to the East side of the Gulf Stream under a perfect moon and settling seas. The morning brought 65 deg weather and light northerly winds. We are now finally shedding clothes (I shed long underwear, wool socks, thermal shirt, fleece shirt, sweatshirt and raincoat). 65 to 70 deg temperature sure are nice. Carrie & Joe are soaking up the warm sun on the bow in shorts. Stuart came out with his fashion statement of aquamarine shirt, lime tee and turquoise shorts. Will caught a huge fish that broke the line as he pulled it aboard (it may of weighed ½ pound). Today turned out to be a restful day with only 100 NM to go. We will be in Abaco Sound Thursday morning. High noon- no wind! Motors are cranked up and off we go. Note: to all who know the fuel problems I have had with the port engine, it has started every time on this trip without the alternate fuel pump (knock on wood!!). We had a perfect sunset and it should have produced a green flash but alas that is nature, the sky was still a brilliant red & purples. It was a quiet night motoring and sleeping. We timed the entrance to Abaco for 8 am and slowed down to get to Matinilla Shoal on time.


Thusday Jan 15th

Warm Water and Weather 70 miles to go. Motored thru the night- NO WIND! Sails went up and we are now motor sailing in light winds. Good news…Will caught another fish, this time a Yellow Jack, it weighed about 2 lbs and it was filleted in minutes. Will prepared it for lunch on the grill with butter, Soul Seasoning and garlic; it was very good and gone in minutes (Carrie & Stuart had a small, small, small, small, miniscule piece) - Delicious. Stuart also managed to hook a heap of seaweed, which although was not very appetizing, gave him a “stellar” ab workout. Motor sailing continued throughout the day as we made great time toward our destination. At noon we passed Walker’s Cay and hope to be able to call home soon. Many small islands were spotted in the distance, the first one by our very own eagle eye, Carrie. Today we are headed for Fox Town for a nice anchorage, a fiesta, and a night of relaxation. The crew has now done something very few people can say accomplished. GO US!!!! WE MADE IT!!!! Success!!!! We are now anchored outside of Fox Town aside the “retirement community on water”. Ham steaks, taters, and veggies for dinner, along with a few celebratory brews and cocktails.