Friday, September 11, 2020

Hilton Head Island: ocean to ocean




 GANNET has made it.  She Torqeedoed into her slip at Skull Creek Marina a little after 11 AM this morning, having spent last night a mile away parked near the ball field.  Three friendly and competent young men from Marine Tech Travellifted her off Sandy’s truck, propped her up in the boat yard, and we raised the mast.  I include the ‘we’ because I was more than just an assistant this time.

Once the little boat was in the water—and Sandy affirmed that she is one of the smallest boats they have ever transported—I fit the Torqeedo.  One of the young men rode around to the slip with me while another walked to take our dock lines.  Being less than nimble these days, I am appreciative of the help.

GANNET is a total mess, inside worse than outside, but I can sort that out.  She’s here; and she’s again mine.

I thank Chris and Sandy of US Boathaulers and the guys at Marine Tech.  

Of course GANNET will be hauled from the water from time to time for antifouling and perhaps other maintenance, but she has had her last truck ride.  From now on she sails.

8 comments:

Tom said...

The circle is complete. So relieved that Gannet is returned to her East Coast home port and safe, ready to go off again ...whenever.

Solosailor said...

All hail mighty Gannett of the east!

Clark said...

Huzzah! So many choices now on where to sip Laphroaig...condo...central...

Anonymous said...

You seem very happy, and I am happy for you. Joyful Atlantic journeys.

David said...

She would undoubtedly be the mightiest yacht in that Marina, by a long way. But which casual passerby would realise it, or seeing you there with her would realise you are one of the greatest sailors, ever?You two are the most modest of conquerors. Congratulations on returning home and thank you for taking us with you.

Flick said...

I gotta say, all those recent pictures of GANNET high and dry certainly emphasized what a sleek and no-nonsense sailing machine she is. A handsome and impressive boat!

Anonymous said...

Sooo happy to see Gannet back in her natural element after spending a very long Labor Day weekend "moored" in a dusty truck parking lot in the middle of nowhere in Texas. Webb - Hope you and Carol are enjoying your "new" condo and preparing for the next offshore voyage.

Unknown said...

I don't know if you have been tracking Lia Ditton's solo row from San Francisco to Honolulu, which she finished this morning. It was 88 days alone at sea, without any support.

There were many things about her effort that reminded me of you and Gannet. A light boat, long solo, unaccompanied voyage. Use of freeze dried meals (and a bucket).

Course there were differences (beyond your lead in age and beauty). She ate her spag bog cold, without the benefit of Plymouth gin or, as near as I can tell, music. She had more regular contact with social media and a satellite phone. And I suspect she burned more calories pulling oars than you did pulling sheets, but the same amount being banged around. But still, the months alone at sea that are beyond the ken of the rest of us.