Brian arrived to help Jim get Tilia from Fernandina Beach to Charleston. The journey can be taken on the ocean or on the ICW. The ICW is a sure thing because you are well protected from weather, however it twists and turns, so you will be traveling more miles and we only travel during daylight hours when on the ICW. The time difference is stark: The ocean journey is about 24 hours non-stop and the ICW journey is about 5 days. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, so Jim and Brian made a quick non-stop run to Charleston, allowing Brian to go home days earlier than expected. Jim used the time in Charleston to get the mainsail repaired, work on a few smaller boat projects, and enjoy the food and drink in Charleston.
Soon enough, Doug arrived to help get Tilia the rest of the way to North Carolina. Again, the weather cooperated and they were able to make the jump from Charleston to Cape Lookout on the ocean, covering that distance in just 33 hours. After a pleasant night on anchor at Cape Lookout, they headed up the ICW towards Tilia’s home marina. They made very fast progress and arrived at the marina by 3 pm, but the wind was howling. It’s very hard to dock the boat in those conditions, so Doug and Jim spent a night at anchor next to the marina. The next morning the winds were calm, so they brought Tilia into her slip and got her all tied up. Because they were able to go across the ocean instead of on the ICW, Doug will get to go home earlier than expected, too.
It was a great journey with friends and we are so grateful for the help!