Nearly perfect

… except for the cold …

Best advice we got for making the run from Georgetown to Charleston was to leave just after the start of the ebb tide, and stop at McClellanville (Leland’s Marina) – about a 30 mile trip. Ordinarily that would take about 6hrs. With the help of the outgoing tide, we made it in 4 ½ .

Leland’s turned out to be a very protected and recently updated facility.

Some have described it as rustic, but we found newly renovated floating docks and very friendly and helpful staff. Leland’s is a very short distance up a small creek from the ICW route, and the home port of a large fleet of shrimp boats. That meant parking in close proximity, and access to fresh shrimp at bargain prices.

The weather forecast called for very cold and high winds, so we settled here to wait for it to pass.  Another cruiser in a Catalina 36 came in, making for a new friend and some good company to share happy hour treats.

McClellanville, SC is a small, very picturesque southern town with beautiful homes and landscaped with numerous Live Oaks, some that have been estimated to be over 1,000 years old. I was also interested to see the historic Episcopal church – given both my parents were clergy, though never served here.

After waiting out the worst of the cold, we once again, bet on the right time for departure – despite the frost on the canvass – and headed out at 7 am with three other boats for the run to Charleston. No brag – but we rode a helpful tidal current all the way at 6-8mph, again making for a shortened trip, and arrived in Charleston mid-day. To add to a great day, we connected with sailing friends and have been making plans to ‘buddy boat’ from here to Savannah. The Charleston Maritime Center is a great facility with modern floating docks, easy access to shopping, and offers free laundry machines among all the standard marina benefits.

.. and we got to watch one of the Carnival Cruises head out …

While making a successful trip to Harry-Teeter’s to re-provision, Carl (crew) made his arrangements for a car to get home, and I worked on a float plan with my friends on Lasata for the next few days to Savannah. This will be the first solo run of the trip that I thought could be single-handing all the way. Having the extra hands, and the company, has been a plus, but looking forward to the next few ‘quiet’ days in the company of like-minded friends on their boat.

As much as sailing is enjoyed in company with other sailors, there is something very special about solo time. It encourages introspection, and challenges and hones your skills – at whatever level you may be. The freedom and independence it offers can be intoxicating, especially at anchor on a clear night far away from ground light when the sky turns black and stars, usually hidden fully populate the black space.