We were going to write daily about getting ready to go – but then the “to do” list got in the way. One hectic day at the Atlantic Basin Marina in Chesapeake, Virginia saw us getting the boat cleaned up, halyards back in place, working jib bent on, and the engine room checked out. Then came the fun part: removing and replacing our 1800 pounds of batteries and the washer/drier. Both went smoothly, and in less than half a day, with a yard bill of $300 for three hours of crane time plus three helpers (deal of the year) we were ready to head for Hampton for the Carribean 1500 get-together.

Incidently, if you are in this part of the world, and want a place to stay or get some work done, James Taylor and his crew at the Atlantic Basin Marina are first rate.

Getting through six bridges and one lock single handed (Linda was driving the rental car around) was interesting. We’re one of the last of the 1500 group to arrive – the earlier boats are moored med-style in a tight-knit group. If you like a heavy social life, including lots of seminars and organized evening activities, this is a real scene. Judging by the lack of frantic activity around us, folks are pretty well prepared to go. Another day on our list and we’ll be set as well.

And the weather. Check out that big front in the midwest. Good chance it will be here around the weekend. That would have us leaving on the frontal passage, with the wind swinging to the northwest. Broad reaching in 20 to 30 knots would be a lovely way to start the passage – and test our new sails.