svcharm: 2022-10-23 Brrrrrrrrr !!!! - Moving south

We left Carolina Beach, and moved just a few miles south, closer to the exit to the ocean in preparation for an overnight run. Nice little spot, not much on shore, except for one important sign.

They really should have had another one of these facing the water before I got out and waded in to bring the dinghy to the beach

The wind forecast called for winds out out the NNW to NW at 10 to 15 knots. Not ideal, as a NW wind would be a beam reach for us, but the best forecast we had seen. We left around 2:00, planning on going overnight, averaging around 6 to 7 knots, and would be in Charleston the next morning, after sun up. We were worried when we left, as wind was light, but within the hour it was up to 10 knots, and we shut off the engine. Only issue was the winds were West, not NW, so we were sailing at a 45 degree angle, which made the trip a bit rougher motion. Winds built, put in a reef, seas increased, waves got larger and steeper. Night fell, temperature dropped, winds increased and waves got larger and steeper. Put in second reef. Wind instrument failed.

So now we are sailing at a 50 degree angle to the wind, double reefed main, going 7.5 to 9 knots in 4 to 6 foot seas, with a 4 to 5 second period. A bit uncomfortable - but not unsafe. No wind instrument to tell us direction or speed, and a balmy 43 degrees out. Planned to arrive in Charleston too early - still dark. Time for Plan B.

Around midnight we elected to head into Winyah Bay, which would mean we would motor the last 58 miles to Charleston. Kris almost hit a buoy on the way in, (20' off at least) and our first anchor job did not set, but other than that no issues. At least we were able to turn the motors on, and provide some much needed heat to the cabin. Dropped anchor around 2:00 a.m. and went to sleep.

Next morning nice and sunny, and had a pleasant motor day on the ICW towards Charleston.

Passing a tug and barge on the narrow waterway

Not often you see a old ships lifeboat not on a ship

Anchored for the night at Inlet Creek, as we could not make the last bridge opening before dark to reach Charleston. This anchorage was recommended to us by What If. Was a very nice night, out in the grasslands - excellent anchorage.

Anchorage at Inlet Creek

Next morning - under the bridge and anchored off Charleston. What If is spending time with family so they were at the dock.

What If at the dock looks tiny next to boat behind them.

We anchored in the Ashley River on the SW side of Charleston. It has been known to have a bad bottom with debris that fouls anchors, but we have anchored here several times before on What If, and had no issues, so we hope that is the case this time.

We went ashore, for a nice walk. Charleston is a great town to walk, as almost every street has interesting homes, and something unique to see.