After an eventful almost six months on the east coast of the US, morning frost reminds us that it’s time to head for warmer climes. Oso departs from the bight at Cape Lookout, North Carolina, just before noon and points her bow just south of east.
A major navigational challenge for any eastbound voyage in this part of the world is crossing the Gulf Stream. The current that runs roughly northward at 3 kts or so is not a challenge in and of itself, but any wind with a northerly component that blows across the current creates large, steep waves that can become dangerous to small vessels in the wrong conditions.
So our strategy is to wait for moderate wind from the south, and while the waiting definitely tests our patience, it’s rewarded with a brisk sail across the stream with 15-20kts from the southwest, the best possible direction. It’s a good start to what will hopefully be a good passage back to Bermuda.
Day One
187nm
34 47.7N 73 27.7W
