Log Entry by Julia Lamb

On November 2 we were sailing along the Atlantic coast from Beaufort to Wrightsville beach trying to avoid fishing boats and Navy war ships when a small aircraft carrier contacted us on the VHF radio.

“Southbound catamaran at 34^o 27’ North, 77^o 13’ West, this is the Navy war ship Alpha. Over.”

“This is the sailing catamaran Tantara to the Navy war ship Alpha. Over.”

“Navy war ship Alpha. Good morning captain, we are turning north and I need you to alter your course to the southeast and keep a safe distance away from our ship. Over.”

“Roger, I will turn southeast and keep a safe distance. Tantara standing by. Over.”

“Navy war ship Alpha. Captain I want to advise you that we will be launching a couple of LCATs from the stern of our ship. Over.”

“Roger war ship Alpha, will they be traveling east? Over.”

“Navy war ship Alpha. No captain they will not be traveling east, I just didn’t want you to be alarmed when they launch. Over.”

“Roger war ship Alpha, Tantara standing by. Over.”

“Daddy, what is an LCAT?” asked Daniel.

“I’m not sure, but if we keep our eyes pealed we will soon find out.”

“Cool!” Daniel cried as he and his sisters abandoned their schoolbooks, grabbed the binoculars and camera, and scrambled up on deck for a better view. In a few minutes something like steam rose from the stern of the ship and as it settled on the water we saw a large hover craft shooting out the back of the ship. It spun around a couple of times, then advanced toward the other Navy ship in the distance. We slowly sailed past the aircraft carrier checking out the many large helicopters on the bow, and the harrier jets on the stern. Before we passed the LCAT returned and reentered the ship.

It was one of those perfect home school moments when books just can’t compete with the scenery right outside our door!

We spent a couple of chilly nights in Wrightsville Beach, NC, getting supplies at West Marine, waiting for the best sailing weather, and resting before our next passage. November 4^th we left Wrightsville Beach, followed the ICW a short distance with alternating favorable and opposing currents as we passed from inlet to inlet, then sailed with the current down the Cape Fear River and out to sea for a beautiful overnight sail along the coast to Charleston, SC. The a 15 to 20 knot following wind, waves large enough to be interesting, clear skies by day and a full moon providing plenty of illumination by night. Just as the sun was waning, a huge pod of dolphin spotted us in the distance. Their advance guard jumped into the air to identify the large object ahead, then led the pod to quickly overtake Tantara. The waves were 5-6 feet, and it was fun to watch the dolphin riding the waves just below the surface as they approached. Then they swam to the bow and frolicked in the bow waves. At one point 7 or 8 dolphin were abreast just in front of Tantara, rising together and surfing down the wave. It was awesome, and continued for 15 minutes or more. Later a huge sea turtle lifted his head and gave us a glance as he passed behind Tantara, joining the South Carolina welcoming party.

We arrived in Charleston before dawn. After a nap and a little clean up we met the Strople family for lunch. Brenda Strople is an old friend of mine from boarding school days in Manila. They gave us a tour of the city. I especially enjoyed the beautiful historical homes and restored buildings. The Stroples blessed us with generous southern hospitality, sharing their home for the next few days as we caught up on laundry and rest. Another blessing, the loan of a car, feels like a luxury after six months without an automobile.

November 8 found Steve, Daniel and Rachel sailing Tantara along the coast toward Brunswick, GA. The weather forecast called for favorable west winds 15-20 knots. Reality stopped them in their tracks. Thirty-knot winds on the bow found an open hatch and deposited buckets of water in the port head. Then the tall steep waves picked up the stern and the cooling water drained out of the engine, setting off an alarm. Conditions were not yet dangerous, but they were uncomfortable. Captain decided to turn to shore and find a protected anchorage for the night. After sailing about 50 nautical miles they anchored just at sunset in the North Edisto River, about 17 miles from their starting point that morning. Delayed but not defeated, the short-handed crew rose early in the morning and set off again for the planned overnight sail to Brunswick. Now the wind was calm, and the seas would soon mimic the wind. The overnight was uneventful, each crewmember taking their turn on watch, and Tantara pulled in to the marina just after 7 AM.

On November 10^th, after several peaceful, restful days staying with the Stroples in Charleston, Emily and I drove down to meet Tantara in Brunswick, feeling a bit like pampered princesses. We found the rest of Tantara’s crew at the marina, slightly bedraggled, but in good spirits, rightly proud of their recent accomplishment.

Continuing coverage by Steve Lamb:

In Brunswick I worked on a few boat projects, and then we drove to Colorado Springs, Colorado for Thanksgiving with family and friends. On our return trip we stopped in Mebane, NC, world headquarters of Madison River Communications or MADRIV (http://www.madisonriver.net/), my old employer. I worked on one project for a few days, and then accepted another project that I worked on the following week. The second project was not complete, but we returned “home” to Tantara in Brunswick and I continue working on the project. This brief paragraph carries us all the way to December 31, 2006. During our time here in Brunswick we have made many new friends, visited a few churches, and struggled to be content as some of our other friends are already in the Bahamas. The MADRIV project is nearing completion; meanwhile my boat projects remain unfinished. I hope to get all of the projects completed early in January and continue our trip south.