But let’s not do it again!

We were supposed to be well west of a small low pressure system, but instead, rapidly shifting forecasts left us in the middle of Tropical Storm Chantel.

Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but certainly wasn’t what we’d choose to do. Maximum winds we saw were 40, gusting to 45, and waves to about 12 feet. We plotted a course that had us sailing on a deep broad reach with only a highly reefed jib out. Sailing was fast, but well controlled. Occasionally smacked around by an errant wave.

The boat and her systems did fine. While it wasn’t comfortable, at no point did we feel we were in “survival conditions” either. We were hailed on the radio by a large cargo ship passing nearby checking if we were ok, or needed assistance. I can imagine we were the subject of a bridge discussion about crazy people on little boats.

Now (Afternoon, Sunday, July 6) we are back near the axis of the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras sailing in a comfortable 20 knots of SSE wind. With a current push of 3.5 knots, we have been occasionally breaking 12 knots over ground. The wind is forecast to lighten over then next two days, and we expect to arrive at the entrance to New York Harbor late Tuesday afternoon.