Chesapeake – Cape Hatteras – Beaufort NC
On February 23rd we were ready to set sail direction South. Just a few days after an intense snow-storm, we decided, it was time to head towards warmer temperatures and the Bahamas. We didn’t get our air conditioning to work (which can serve as a heating as well), so we left without any option to heat the boat. The strategy: Get south soon enough that we won’t need heating. When leaving Dennis Point, we were first only thinking to anchor somewhere close in the Chesapeake, but while on our way we realized that in front of us was also a perfect weather window to pass the infamous Cape Hatteras. So we took the opportunity and continued directly until Beaufort North Carolina. One of the challenges with Cape Hatteras is the Gulf Stream, which is heading North and can create gnarly conditions if it the wind blows against it. With the low-wind-window we had, we didn’t have any problems passing the Cape, but also had to pass it under motor. The very moment we reached the tip of Hatteras, where the Gulf Stream kisses the coast, we stepped outside and realized how much warmer the air was. It felt as though someone had turned on a hairdryer. Two and a half days later we arrived safely in the welcoming little town of Beaufort North Carolina, with our first 280 nautical miles under the keel on our new boat. Successful first small passage!
