It was just before 11PM Wednesday night when Lasata finally cleared the southern tunnel entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. We had been sailing since Tuesday, for a total of three days and two nights on the Ocean. What a ride it was!
Monday's events were rather mundane, and uneventful. Basically motoring and Motor-Sailing just beyond Ocean City, Maryland. It was Tuesday morning the sails went up, and it would not be until Wednesday evening until the sails came down. Tuesday and Wednesday would be our "Fun" days.
It started with the fleet pulling away because they continued to motor instead of beating to windward toward our destination. Lasata was built for sailing, so we did just that... SAIL! Engine off; Sails UP; Electronics kept at a minimum; and off we went.
As the day wore on, it became apparent that none of us in the fleet were making much progress, and a few even had to duck into shore because they were burning through more fuel than they anticipated. We were comfortably sitting with enough fuel, provided we didn't lose the Jerry-Can of Diesel be put aboard when we topped off in Georgetown.
Before long it was apparent that we were going to be in for another night on the ocean, as the seas were and wind were building from the south. I didn't mention the impending storms to the crew at first because there was little we could do about them anyway. Although I know of at least three boats who ducked into shore to try and find safe harbor. Anyone sailing along this stretch knows just how un-safe approaching land here at night is.
As a matter of fact, one boat initiated a US Coast Guard rescue, but eventually received local help when their brand new well equipped boat got Beached HARD aground with no possibility of un-grounding. Another boat narrowly escaped the same fate as we found out the next morning.
On Wednesday after John and I tacked through the night working our way down the coast; back and forth some 20 to 30 miles outward then two thirds back toward shore. Again and again, eventually making approximately 35 to 40 miles toward our destination. Now this was sailing!!! Reefed, then a 2am "Double-Reef". We were blasting along! ...then the lightning...
I think I might have heard John saying some prayers. But, above us was clear starlit black sky! All around us, was just ominous black sky with occasional flashes followed by some booming or rumbling. After tacking all night in heavy seas and maybe even heavier wind, I decided that it was calm enough to have our sleeping & not feeling so well, take the tiller while we got a few minutes rest. What a night!
So before long, we were noticing one of our boats in a precarious location behind some waves that appeared to be some shoreline breakers. Not sure how they got there, but we found that they were in need of fuel, and were having engine difficulty, so they pulled in to a very dangerous place to anchor and fix their engine. ...Remember I said we didn't start our engine until Wednesday; well this was the occasion. We ultimately passed them two gallons of our generator fuel, and off we went to wait for them in safer water. ...That two gallons actually allowed them to get back to the Chesapeake Tunnel entrance, and back into safe water with repair facilities.
"No good deed goes un-punished" ... those were his EXACT words, and that was when I was ready to throw Mark overboard. Why tempt the Gods??? Why tempt fate??? Just keep your mouth shut. But it was too late... we did in fact have some trouble, starting with the arrival time of Lasata to the Chesapeake Bay. First there was a very strong current pushing us away from the bay back into open ocean, Secondly, there was a large fire nearby, big enough that the smoke obscured visibility for a mile or two around the Chesapeake Tunnel bridge entrance. But, that was not the least of it!
Just as we cleared the tunnel, and began to recognize our pathway to the Marina, our Engine gave out! Right in the Channel! A frantic ship captain in an outbound Tug pushing a very large load actually interrupted the Coast Guard as I was talking to them. He basically pleaded for me to back away from the channel as he was about to make life very rough for us. Not to mention he said an even larger ship was right behind him!
Well, we had just set anchor and I was 100% sure I was out of hid direct path. He and my crew both were just as sure that I was going to have us run over! ...We sat on that anchor for nearly two hours and didn't budge an inch! Watching Ship after ship pass by, a few hundred yards in front of our bow. A Front row seat to the US Shipping industry.
Finally our tow showed up, and I pulled anchor, then hooked the tow and when we got underway; I went to SLEEP, after two solid days of being awake. This was a great sail! More to come tomorrow... Oh, and the problem? I knew it was dirty fuel, and I needed to change out the fuel filter. I did have a spare, but I was dangerously tired and didn't want to pull into the marina that late and that tired.
So Thursday morning, with a new filter and more food... we're off again!
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