Dove Tale Bahamas-Bound (Atlantic Highlands to Oriental NC)

[distand]

With favorable weather Dove Tale pressed on from Atlantic Highlands on Oct 20, Day 4. The initial objective was to arrive at Cape May, NJ the next day. However, with a forecast of continued good weather we pressed on, arriving at Oregon Inlet at 3 AM on Oct 23, Day 7. Near Cape May, the engine alarm went off and we immediately shut it down. Turns out it was a high temperature alarm because the coolant pulley came completely loose. The pulley suffered some damage but with clamps, hammers and a very mechanically inclined friend we were able to repair it and get the engine running again. More on this to be posted in the “Cape Dory Sailboats” discussion group.

We crossed the busy Chesapeake Bay entry area with no issues except that the Navy was performing a live fire test that we got a bit too close to. The captain strongly advised that we head due west at top speed (which I explained was about 6 knots). He was very understanding.

Entering Oregon Inlet at night was definitely something that I had not wanted to do but… well you know how it goes. I had some advice from a local contact, so I knew what conditions to avoid (primarily a strong easterly wind with an outgoing tide). We had mild NE winds with an incoming tide. About 40 miles out I also radioed the Coast Guard with a non-urgent request for guidance. They were very helpful and put me in touch with someone who was very familiar with the Inlet. She gave me a great verbal understanding of what to expect. The conditions as we neared the inlet were a sloppy following sea; we were motor sailing with a reefed main and the staysail. The Raymarine linear drive/EV100 autopilot worked great to keep us on course. I wouldn’t say the entry was easy as there was temporary confusion about the position of the lighted buoys. Once we sorted that out and passed under the Highway 12 (Senator Basnight) bridge, it was pretty straight forward. We needed a spotlight to locate several buoys, but we easily reached the first anchorage where we had a very quiet and calm night’s sleep. Distance travelled from Atlantic Highlands was about 300 NM.
In the morning of Oct 23 (still Day 7) we raised a muddy anchor and motored down the Pamlico Sound towards Oriental. This took 2 days, with very warm and sunny weather. Lots of birds, fish, and dolphins. We anchored in Juniper Bay in the Pamlico River and then on Oct 24, Day 8 we arrived at Oriental after a great broad reach. We took a slip at the Oriental Inn and Marina. This is largely a commercial area with many well-maintained shrimp boats. The smell wasn’t too bad, and the marina has a great restaurant. There is a good provisioning shop next to the marina. Here my first crew member, Ray left and another friend, Jon, joined me.

[Jim Walsh]

Very exciting Don. Entering an unfamiliar port at night takes guts, even with the excellent chartplotters we have today. The issue with the engine is something we could all live without. Seems all your improvements and modifications have withstood a real test. Hope to see more updates of your journey.

[jbenagh]

Sounds like a wonderful adventure! I look forward to updates on your trip.
Jeff