We had an exciting sailing trip from Oriental NC to Palm Coast Florida. A strong cold front was coming thru the area while we were sailing south.

The trip started in Oriental with a motor sail to Beaufort NC and out the inlet. Once in the ocean, its a 420 nm sail to St Augustine Florida followed by a 3 hour motor sail to Palm Coast down the ICW.

This is a great trip to get some offshore sailing experience. We stayed reasonably close to shore (within 20 miles) to avoid the gulf stream currents. On our return trip in May, we will travel in the Gulf Stream to gain advantage of the currents.

Our first 24 hours took us from Oriental NC to Winham Inlet, SC near the Santee River. We anchored there for the evening as a strong cold front passed with plenty of rain and strong winds. The next day, after a leasure morning and great breakfast, we started the sail directly to St Augustine Inlet. The winds started out perfect so we maintained 7 to 9 knots for many hours before the wind subsided. It took us about 40 hours to make that leg of the trip, around 240 nm, but we arrived at St Augustine inlet during high tide, winds/waves to our back and during daylight hours – perfect.

To took a brief rest at St Augustine public dock, along w fuel, and then started our short 3 hour motor trip down the ICW to Palm Coast. Its a lovely trip down the ICW in that area as so much of the trip is in remote areas with wildlife. We saw a bald headed eagle purched atop of a boat dock roof and just 100 feet away – awesome.

The trip from Palm Coast back to Oriental will involve sailing involve sailing in the gulf stream and during late May. May brings warmer southerly winds so the trip is usually fast, warm and comfortable.

The gulf stream also provides a great opportunity for fishing and if lucky, fresh seafood for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Check the upcoming trip schedule if you are interested in joining us on one of these sailing adventures.