Spring SITREP
Terminal Leave is back in Annapolis!
While winter has come and gone quickly, we are long over due for an update here! Recently I sailed Terminal Leave from Stuart, FL to Annapolis, MD and completed this 800 nautical mile solo delivery in 5 1/2 days.
After 15,000 nautical miles of sailing in Europe, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, sailing through the Caribbean, and up the US east coast, Terminal Leave is finally back home in Annapolis for the first time since spring 2021!
Thank you to Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) for letting me stay at their dock in Back Creek! I look forward to sharing my experience racing in the Mini Transat with the CRAB sailors and volunteers.
Terminal Leave’s route up the coast
After leaving Stuart, FL and sailing out of the St Lucie inlet, Terminal Leave was back out in the ocean. We stayed offshore riding the Gulf Stream current north. The first few days, indicated by yellow markers representing roughly 24 hour sections along the route, were a range of reaching, light upwind, and comfortable downwind sailing.
Riding the Gulf Stream with the A5 spinnaker
As we approached Cape Hatteras, the wind started increasing and the temperature dropped. At about 0200 in the morning we passed the cape with steady 28-30 kt winds, gusting to 34 kts. Luckily the wind was behind us and became more of a reach as we made the left turn towards the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. Terminal Leave handled the gusts and choppy seas very well throughout the delivery.
Approaching the Chesapeake Bay
For the next day and a half, it was cold. There is no inboard motor to turn on to help warm the boat or a heater. However, with enough layers and some hand warmers I managed to find, I survived…I was missing the warm Caribbean weather!
Solo sailing a Mini up the Chesapeake Bay was not easy with shifting winds, shallow water, avoiding ships, and loads of channel markers. Between short jibing, no wind for a few hours, then short tacking up the bay, this was the most challenging part of the delivery with managing sleep.
Approaching Annapolis, MD
As the glow from the Annapolis lights appeared, I could begin to see the classic landmarks of the state capital building and the Naval Academy’s chapel dome. This was a memorable experience early that morning as we sailed in the light winds and flat water of the Severn River. At about 0400 that morning I dropped anchor close to the entrance of the Annapolis Harbor, and with no other boats in around, I lowered the sails and took a much needed nap.
A few hours later I pulled up the anchor and motored into Back Creek to dock at the CRAB facility. It was great seeing some friends and family that morning.
After almost 15,000 nautical miles of sailing in Europe, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, sailing through the Caribbean, and up the US east coast, Terminal Leave is finally back home in Annapolis!
Still more to update you all on soon, keep an eye out for the next email!
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U.S. Patriot Sailing
Supports the veteran community navigate the hardships of transition to civilian life, rehabilitation after injury, and the complex life challenges associated with combat deployments. The organization accomplishes its mission by welcoming veterans back onto a winning team, provides camaraderie, a sense of mission accomplishment, and new dynamic experiences
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