They left as planned, and had the current down the river and with them as they exited the inlet. The winds continued out of the north east at 15-20 mph. There was no moon due to the clouds. Six foot rollers from the aft with 3 foot waves from port led to hours of unsteady cruising. The auto pilot was great for holding to the programmed course. Paul was OK with the unusual motion, but disappointed that he could not cook while at sea.
Sunrise was unremarkable with the skies still blanketed in clouds. Though the journey they only saw 1 other sailboat, but it wasn't SIMPLICITY, who was making the trip to Cumberland, GA. Had the alt/reg worked properly, PEKABU would have dropped anchor and joined Deb and Hugh that evening. Instead PEKABU was heading to Jekyll Island so that they could plug in and charge once they arrive.
As they came up the river approaching Jekyll Creek, they could not help but notice the car carrier, GOLDEN RAY, still on her side after flipping and partially sinking back in the beginning of September. Apparently, as the freighter enters shallower waters, they pump out some of the water that is used as ballast to make it higher in the shallower waters. Apparently, the pumps once on, were forgotten and the bilges were pumped dry: NO BALLAST! With the weight of 6,000 cars above a non-ballasted hull, as it made a turn in the river, the boat continued to roll onto her side. Thankfully, when it sank, all 24 crew were OK, though 4 were trapped on board for about 36 hours. There are daily meetings between the USCG, the EPA River Tenders, Marine police, the harbormaster, the insurance company and the salvage company. It might take up to a year or more to totally dismantle the ship.
By 5 PM, PEKABU was secured to the dock at Jekyll Island and plugged in. The charger kept the batteries around 90%. They should have been topped off at 100% if the system was working properly..
They guys were exhausted and hungry. They opted to have a great dinner at Zachry's Riverhouse. Even though Pete had promised himself a great hamburger, he really enjoyed a delicious shrimp dish. Both Pete and Paul were anxious to call it a night. It was no problem after such a wonderful dinner.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
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