What's plan B if something goes bad*? Are you doing this solo or with a friend? I don't know what cell coverage there would be out there so you'd maybe even consider a VHF radio? I think there's a 98% chance nothing would happen but that 2%... it's pretty lonely out there.

I'd be inclined to go bigger, ie 6.5. It sucks being underpowered going downwind and you lose some pressure sailing deeper. I tried doing a downwinder many years ago from Rodanthe to Avon and had to bail early because I was on a 5.5 and everyone else on a 6.5-7.0. Even they struggled as the wind came off a notch.

* Bizarre things can happen on the water. One guy from Atlanta about 25+ years ago had a fish with a sharp nose (gar?) literally impale itself into his ankle down at Canadian Hole. The x-ray looked like he had a railroad spike in it. He could barely sail the quarter mile back to the beach. Not saying anyone should fear that happening - it's a one in a million kind of thing - but stuff does happen. It could be something more benign like hitting something in the water and breaking the fin. And there's this other guy from Atlanta who a couple of years ago had a health emergency while windsurfing. He made it to shore okay but he ponders what if it had been a couple of months earlier when he did a downwinder to the dam.

Have fun <-> be safe

Ashevillejanes wrote:

Good thoughts and most of what I'm thinking about, except getting gored by a Gar...... Looks like the wind has shifted a little more SW than when I first started looking, so I might pass this time!

Hope it works out for you. Just had a thought worth passing on. It's better if it isn't all on one tack. Sailing 45 minutes without changing sides will make your back leg scream. Better off to have a course where you get to jibe/ change sides a few times.

I think I may have defamed gars. I think it was a needlefish which do occassionally impale folks like this lad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlefish

edit: I just made the mistake of reading the wikipedia article

Gregg Cattanach's x-ray showing the snout that skewered his foot while sailing at Hatteras. He was in the hospital for a few days so they could run industrial strength IV antibiotics, then another 30 days of the oral version. Ocean cooties–> not good.

Not sure Portsmouth was even visible much of time when I've been on the ferry.

Thought about how you gettin' back? Or just worry about that when you get there?

Ashevillejanes wrote:

That is so random. While I take it into consideration I can’t really let that incident sway my decision. I’m more concerned about the 6ft bill shark I encountered a couple years ago!

I wouldn't worry about that happening - I've not given it a second thought in the past 25+ years. But all the same, having a plan B is the prudent thing if there are people in our world that would be stressed or anxious if we were late for dinner.

Thanks, Chris, for the pics. It's one of those stories that sounds too crazy.

Quote:

While I take it into consideration I can’t really let that incident sway my decision.

Ashevillejanes wrote:

Sitting at the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal. Not enough wind for me to launch and make good time. Should pick up in the next couple of hours but the ferry boards in 20 minutes. So, I’m gonna wait for another day. Gear wise, I’m wishing I had brought my Kona , then I’d rig the 7.5 and enjoy the 3 hr cruise.

Yeah, I've heard about 3 hr. cruises. Not a fan.

An afternoon loaded on a 6.5 isn't a bad consolation prize. Most of us would happily accept it. Hope the week goes just as well for you.