With a cautiously optimistic forecast from NOAA late last night, we prepared to leave at first light today, only to be disappointed to find several small drifting heavy rain cells approaching on radar. However, given that the forecast promised moderating conditions improving to the south, and the winds were then only 10-15kts, we waited till 9am when a few bouts of rain came and moved on. We dropped the mooring and tied up at Zahniser’s pier to fill up our water tanks, now about 40% depleted after 6 days. After one final spat of rain and blow passed, we left the dock and entered the Patuxent.

It was not the Poseidon Adventure, but we both felt somewhat grim as the moderating conditions did not develop as predicted. The winds, 18kts right on our nose when we left the anchorage, rose to 20kts, then 24kts, and the waves, predicted at 1 to 2 feet, were a steady 2 to 3 feet with intermittent 4 foot deck-scouring bastards. It was too rough to make or enjoy a real lunch, so we snacked on nuts and dried fruit when we felt peckish. After 3 hours, we were just about ready to head into our bail-out option, the Potomac, when clearing skies to the south beckoned like the Holy Grail (insert choir singing heavenly chord).

Heartened, and knowing that half our day’s leg was behind us, we decided to press on. We were also helped by our track taking us on a wind angle that allowed for good motor sailing. We put up a reefed main and staysail, which steadied us and increased our speed to 6-7 knots in the steady 20kt winds gusting to 25kts.

Gradually, the conditions predicted for 11 am materialized at 3PM, better late than never, and we had a smooth pretty ride into the Great Wicomico. We anchored in a sweet little cove called Sandy Point along with several other sailboats, some handsome trawlers, and the 64′ Red Head, a Florida Bay Coaster.

As we chowed down on reheated beef stroganoff and Brussells sprouts, gently rocking at anchor, with the faint scent of marijuana wafting over us from the boats upwind, we reflected that despite the hairy beginning, we had a very good day.