Monday 10:00am Update

Monday Morning 10:00am EDT

Lat: 30 41.72 North by 76 41.2 West

Wind 18 kts SE

SOG 8.0kts, COG 015 M

We had a great night of sailing .. some squalls and wind speeds up to 29 kts so we took a reef in the main at about midnight and then furled up the jib at 0200 hours. Just after the watch we took a couple of waves that dumped a fair amount of water throught the main salon hatch and the companionway
hatch. A rude surprise for Tom, who got it in the face while trying to get to sleep. I was able to protect the computer, which took some water, but seems to have survived. Needless to say we left the hatches closed for the rest of the night, which made it very hot and steamy down below. We are surrounded by 90 - 94 degree gulf stream water so it is like having the boat sit in a hot bathtup. On deck the breeze makes it bearable, but down below its pretty uncomfortable. So add the wild pitching and rolling and you'll know what its like to try and sleep. The good news it that it is very comfortable up on deck during the night watches.

We continue to make good time, having covered about 335 miles since leaving Port Evergaldes. We really haven't had to use the engine much, except to charge the batteries. Our goal is to get past Cape Hatteras by Tomorrow (tuesday night) because tropical storm Beryl is supposed to turn back toward the ocean, and then re-form over Cape Fear and Cape Hatteras (we'd prefer to be already past when she does her re-emerging act.) We are still on track to ride these favorble winds and currents to arrive Cape May late (midnight) on Wednesday.