With stable weather off the southeast coast of the US, the wind has a strong diurnal component – days are mostly calm, while the south east wind builds during the evening and overnight.
Madrone takes full advantage of the wind when it’s blowing, and we have an opportunity to exercise the diesel when it’s not. During the calm afternoon, the sea surface is mirror glass, only disturbed by the tiny ripples as flying fish break through the surface, curve over the water for a couple hundred feet, and then drop back to the sea.
We’re pushed along by the Gulf Stream until we change course for Charleston, SC in the morning. Noon finds us only 10nm from the entrance channel, sailing steadily for landfall at the end of our Epic Journey.
Day Nine
200nm
32 35.3N 79 43.7W
