December 13th, 2018
EASY LIFE
For all the wind, cold and waves on deck this is the view from below where thanks to the insulation and double glazing it is warm, dry and quiet. A great spot to sup a cuppa and stand watch. Sadly, Tracey suffered from seasickness but being the trouper she is she got on with it and actually recovered while we were still out there which is a real milestone. The funny thing is that she loves the waves and drama of high winds - reminds her of a pre-Raphaelite painting she likes.
December 13th, 2018
ROOSTER TAIL
This is what we want to see as we surf down another wave - miles being eaten up.
December 13th, 2018
ROUGH WEATHER
The following day we found ourselves in very different conditions with a rising wind and nasty seas. It leveled out at 30knts plus with sustained gusts of 36knts and was very cold. It was just amazing to see Pearl doing her stuff as she ploughed on and looked after us with a steady dry ride. I am ever amazed at how she performs with the centerboard up. All that gyrating that you would normally get around a keel in short seas disappears. Steering is easy and as we have fixed ballast its very comforting to know that we don't give any righting moment away with the board up. This is the roughest we have had on Pearl so it was lovely to have the opportunity to play around with combinations of sail and centerboard. Once again, we are grateful for choosing a Garcia 45 Exploration.
December 13th, 2018
SUNSET
Its 240NM from Georgetown to St Augustine so a night sail was called for and we dove into this beautiful sunset donning thermals for what would be a cold night. There was no moon so the stars were mesmerizing - I spent a lot of time on deck.
December 13th, 2018
DOLPHIN
After a couple of days in Georgetown we said goodbye to the ICW and put to sea with St Augustine in our sights. It felt so good to break out of the confines of the ICW and the Atlantic welcomed us with open arms. The sea was blue, dolphin came to play in large pods with speckled bodies and a mischievous spirit. We were motoring but that didn't detract as we sat on the foredeck and soaked up the sun. I even managed to break out the shorts for an hour.
December 13th, 2018
ICW
Before we move on I must share this IPhone picture whilst stuck between bridges on the ICW - so pleased with it for it captures the magic of our time with Tim and Cindy.
December 3rd, 2018
Georgtown
We love Georgetown for its full of character which is captured in this picture. Tomorrow we set sail for St Augustine which is 240NM away so we are looking forward to a proper passage which includes a night at sea. The forecast is for a beam reach with up to 25kts of wind so it we cant wait to get out there.
December 3rd, 2018
Misty
Once we squeezed under the bridge it was full throttle for Georgetown with a night at anchor up a river off the ICW. I woke up the following morning to this stunning start to the day.
