November 1st- Beaufort, NC

Beaufort is a great town but the anchorage is difficult. We had some squalls roll through last night. Our main anchor is two sizes larger than what the manufacturer calls for. Typically this is called a storm anchor. We also carry a bunch of chain and rope to go along with it. We have another anchor, chain, and rope, stored somewhere in the nether regions of Catalpa. Last winter I installed a windlass on the bow to crank all this gear in. We anchor a lot and are confident in our system. The problem is the current in Taylor Creek.

Different boats have different profiles above and below the water. When there is no current everyone points into the wind and all the boats are neatly pointed into the same direction. With current involved everything goes askew. Some boats point into the current, some into the wind, some just move around. Other boats also let out differing amounts of anchor rode (scope). If there is a lot of scope out, they swing in bigger circles. Add some wind, rain, and lightning into the mix. Not much sleep for the captain and crew of Catalpa. We didn’t drag our anchor but with all the boats blowing in different directions, I felt the need to keep an eye on the situation.

Back to the Turner Street Market and Deli for breakfast. I’d go next door for a porter but coffee seems a better idea.