Early in November, I sailed the boat with two crew from Annapolis to Norfolk. Then two weeks later, I and 5 crew sailed out of the Chesapeake and into a chilly north Atlantic Ocean. Contrary winds put us off the rhumb line often, so trip to Virgin Gorda was was more than 1600 nm over the water, which we did in 9 days. Logged a 200 mile day under sail! We tied up at a slip just after dark in the Yacht Harbor in Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda the day after Thanksgiving, Next morning after clearing customs we sailed to the Dream Yacht Charter base in Maya Cove. DYC is keeping the Carpe Diem busy this winter in the BVI. Three of the crew who have sailed all over the world (one of whom has circumnavigated) said it was the best passage they ever had. The boat sails fast, is comfortable, and I can’t wait until it is back in the Chesapeake.
The crew just couldn’t believe how all six of us could all have dinner in the enormous cockpit while under sail – reaching at 8+ kts with minimal heeling thanks to the chines in the hull.
I had scheduled extra time off from work to sail the Carpe Diem back to Annapolis in the spring, but with our daughter due to deliver our first grandchild just when the boat needs to leave Tortola, I must hire a professional captain for the delivery.
Ellen and I are transitioning from Fort Wayne to Beachwood, an eastern suburb of Cleveland to be near our daughter, and that cuts the drive to Annapolis by 3 to 4 hours. Then it will be a lot easier for us to run out to Annapolis and sail for a few days if the Carpe Diem is not out on charter. Looking forward to more exploration of the Chesapeake.
Ed