Down the Bay All the Way

165 nm  N37 03.251  W076 17.240

Our original plans were for our next stop to be Queen's Creek, just south of Deltaville.  This would have been a relatively short day, but we like the Queen's Creek anchorage. 

However, there was a problem.  The weather forecasts showed a front coming through in the next day.  If we went to Queen's creek, we would probably wait there an extra day for the front (and all its rain) to pass so we wouldn't have to travel during squalls. The problem was that after the front passed, there was predicted be strong winds, almost gale force, that would keep us pinned down for another day.

This would be one more day than our small holding tank could accommodate! :(

After looking at the charts last night, I found that if we skipped Queen's Creek, and went directly to our next planned stop, a marina at Salt Ponds (outside of Hampton, VA), it would be about 45 nm.  We had done this kind of distance for the last two days, but this time the wind would be against us, having come around to SSW the night before.  Still, I figured if we motorsailed, and could maintain at least 5.5 kts, we would get there before dark.  The two marinas at Salt Ponds are very well protected on all sides, and would make a good place to wait out the weather.

So, off we went.  The dawn at Sandy Point was pretty, with little wisps of fog drifting over the water.  The boat was heavy with dew, and the temperature was 41 (Back home, they had frost!).

Dawn at Sandy Point

Once we got back out on the bay, it was apparent that we would be able to motorsail close hauled with both Main and Jib.  To my delight, this resulted in a boat speed of 6 kts, which would get us there in plenty of time.

Motorsailing with Main and Jib

As the afternoon wore on, we had to adjust our course closer and closer to the wind, until the jib would no longer pull, so we took it down.  Surprisingly, this didn't seem to hurt our speed, which continued to creep upwards by a few tenths of a knot.

The reason, of course, was the tide.  Starting around 1:00, it had turned in our favor, and was giving our speed-over-ground a boost.  Eventually, even the main stopped pulling, but our speed kept up at 6.2 kts.  It was total luck the tide was in our favor, as it gave us almost a knot extra for free.

We got in to Salt Ponds with plenty of daylight to spare, and the temp had climbed to 66, so we were in good spirits.

Entering Salt Ponds

Salt Ponds is a long, narrow salt marsh that lies just behind and parallel to a narrow barrier island.  The entrance is a rock-lined cut through the island, with a hard 90 degree turn.  Once inside, there are two large marinas, on on either side.  The Salt Ponds Marina and Resort had room for us, so we tied up to their floating docks, secure for the next few days bad weather.

Safe and Sound

Joan made another spectacular dinner of Pork in a tomato-based sauce, butternut squash, and applesauce.  We really do eat well while cruising!

Life is good.