Just before high tide on Sunday, March 21, S/V Event Horizon and a crew of three tossed the dock lines at Key West Harbour YCOA for a planned direct passage to Charleston.
Strong steady wind from an approaching cold front and a favorable Gulf Stream delivered us over 540nm in 64-hours, arriving safely at the Charleston City Marina on Wednesday morning, March 24.
The exact distance is unknown because information was lost the first night when we turned the electronics off during a lightening storm. (What's with that Ockam?) On the bright side (ha, ha), my captain and I were less fearful of dying or suffering severe damage than in previous storms since the boat had survived and protected us during a July '09 lightening strike. However, I'm guessing our additional crew member was less convinced of his safety.
While it was a fast trip, it was not an easy passage for this recently dethroned dock princess, hence no daily blog posts filled with passage details. (Sadly, there isn't much written in the ship's log either.) My lack of sea legs and a surprisingly large sea state made for an uncomfortable start. Although fine, I was extra careful to stay on deck, keep hydrated, and eat simple foods. Thankfully, I was feeling fine by the time I went off watch and down below for my first 4-hours of sleep.
The first two days felt more like participating in a rodeo than it did sailing. I just remember holding on and watching the high speed-over-ground numbers. Meanwhile my capable captain was glowing as we sailed close-hauled.
Our guest crew member, Brett, brought capable hands (he's the captain/owner of S/V Muircu, a beautiful Valiant 42) and fun company to the journey.
Despite endless reefing and unreefing, there was no damage done and too few bruises to mention.
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