We Actually Did It !

[eyore]

well we just moved onto the boat today, cant belive we actually did it. has been a year in the planning and here we are, leaving for the bahamas in about 2 weeks from annapolis. any advice on places we should stop.we are doing the ditch till about beaufourt s.c.

[VirtualVagabond]

Well done, and welcome aboard.

You'll find this forum a great 'home'. You'll certainly get plenty advice, and if you haven't already done so, there are heaps of old threads to browse with info on good places to stop from other cruisers who know the area well.

You've already achieved what most here are dreaming of.
I look forward to reading about your experiences.
Vic

[Sam Plan B]

You migh consider joining the Caribbean 1500 sailing rally. The fleet leaves Hampton on November 7 and ends at Tortola. It would be a good way for you to get some off shore experience and still be within SSB range of other boats if you need assistance or encouragement. Steve Black is the organizer. He has years of trans Atlantic experience. Their website is: carib1500.com/

[NotQuiteLost]

I know nothing about east coast travel, but glad to hear of your recent plunge. You won't regret it...well, you'll regret it about 2% of the time, and be patting yourself on the back the other 98%

Welcome to the club.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

You migh consider joining the Caribbean 1500 sailing rally. The fleet leaves Hampton on November 7 and ends at Tortola...
Their website is: carib1500.com/

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

The 11th NARC (North American Rally to the Caribbean) will set sail from Newport, RI on October 31st and head to Bermuda and then St. Maarten. Owners and skippers wishing to participate can arrive at the Newport Yachting Center as early as October 24th and enjoy discounted docking fees of $1/ft per day. All skippers should arrive by the evening of October 29th.

[dennisjay]

We hope to be right behind you. We're leaving Annapolis first week of November. Hopefully the weather will still be OK. I love doing the ditch (after the Virginia bridges).

Some of the places we've enjoyed stopping at include Chesapeake, VA; Coinjock, Oriental, N.C.; New Bern, Southport and Charleston. The salt marshes in S.C. are spectacular this time of year.


It'll be our second trip. We're going to take our time and ultimately end up in the Exumas.



Have a great trip.

[barnakiel]

Good job! Good luck!

Check the meteo before departure ;-)

b.

[READY2GO]

Congratulations, It is an eciting time. Our move aboard date is in just two and a half weeks. Good luck and post often.

Mike

[Mambo]

Great! What is your itinerary after the Bahamas? Open ended? What type of boat? Homeport? How many of you?
-M

[alaskamountainman]

Welcome aboard!

[maxingout]

Congratulations on moving aboard and your imminent departure for points south. I love it when a plan works out!

[Rhythmsmith]

We are so close to moving aboard as well, maybe another week of work in the boatyard, then we'll be heading that same direction! My only advise from doing the ditch and Bahamas previously is to get the heck out of the ditch as soon as convenient. It really is much more pleasant for a sailing vessel to be sailing! Good luck and have fun.

[eyore]

thanks for all the encouraegment and advice. we are sailing on a 31 foot cheoy lee. spending the season in the bahamas and points south as far as we can get till we have to dodge hurricanes.

[SaucySailoress]

Congratulations!! I am so pleased for you! And jealous too!

[MarkJ]

Congratulations

Some sugest a rally. But doing it by yourself will be a wonderful, memorable experience giving you confidence for you next long passage

I think you need to pick the weather in that area correctly at that time of the year? Certainly some folks here will be able to double check your 'window' if you put it to them.
I asked here for peoples opinions a few weeks ago about the weather in Gibralter Straits...

Mark