ME 2 NC

Maine to North Carolina, that's on the fall program. Four sailor dogs will leave Yarmouth, ME, aboard the fine cutter "Kona Kai", a Crealock 34 by Pacific Seacraft on Oct 17th. The plan is to head down to Cape Cod and through the Cape Cod Channel, maybe dropping a hook in Cuttyhunk for latest provisions, and then heading down south. After passing Delaware Bay and Chespeake Bay, we'll head towards the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras. Home port of "Konai Kai" is Raleigh, NC, and our port of call is Beaufort, NC. That makes a trip along nine US states on the coast line, the total mileage depends on our course though.

At this point it is unclear if we take course to the Bahamas and then hang a Ralphie to go back to shore, or if we hug the coastline of the Eastern Seaboard to avoid fighting the current. In Norfolk, VA, needs another decision to be made: Depending on the weather, we would either go around the Outer Banks, where the brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright performed the first motorized flight at Kitty Hawk - or go through the Intracoastal waterway, which promises nice land- and seascapes, but is less of a sailing experience. Though - it might be nice to sail the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. And it seems to be a safer way to go south in the fall than passing Diamond Shoals and the "Grave Yard of the North Atlantic". It is estimated that between 600 and 1000 ships sunk here. So it's worth considering the route carefully.

Kona Kai, a Crealock 34 by Pacific Seacraft

Sounds mouthwatering, right? We'll spend 10 to 12 days on this fine oceangoing passagemaker with two Atlantic crossings under her belt (specs here). Considered one of Americas best 100 products of its kind in the world by Fortune Magazine twice, we are happy to have the reviewer himself aboard - and he doubles as menu wizard. Plenty of articles and reviews about the sturdiness and cruising qualities of Pacific Seacrafts can be found on the pages of Cruising Yachts Inc - don't miss the links on the right column, especially the test of Yachting Magazine and why world record holder Sue Wilson has chosen the Crealock 34 for her Pacific crossing. More reasons why to chose this boat by Dave and Rhonda Mancini.

We look forward to excellent companionship, gorgeous fall cruising, great fishing, exceptional food (including Rheinischer Sauerbraten!) and a wonderful experience. Depending on my network connection, I might post some cell phone pictures and short texts from underway, otherwise I'll give you a wrapup some time after the trip. Don't expect miracles though, it might be easily Thanksgiving before that. I'll keep you posted. Cross your fingers for us, for fair winds and following seas!