Sunday brought a new opening event for Regatta Week – the Sail Pass. All the boats in the harbor, well over 300 at this point, were asked to “dress ship” with all the flags available. The anchorages brightened considerably as thousands of flags were unfurled in the 15 kt breeze. Boats were invited to submit a short script about their boat and crew and then pass the committee boat in front of Volleyball Beach. We watched for several hours as boats paraded past while “Union Jack” provided commentary on the VHF radio. Quite a colorful way to start the week.

A radio announcement for an impromptu Island Packet owner’s gathering on Sand Dollar beach led to meeting crews from seven other IP’s anchored here. Sea Otter, Island Star, Intuition, Seldom Seen, and Its About Time were the names I can remember. We did get a group picture on the beach.

Speaking of boats, there are five boats anchored here in a row from NW Creek in New Bern. What are the chances of that? Jocks Lodge is followed by Scandia, Born to Cruise, Intuition and Miah. Running across the harbor we found Round About, also from NW Creek, making six boats.
Chris Parker, our sailing weather Guru, flew down from Florida to give a seminar on Monday and I, along with 250 of my closest friends, attended at the community center in Georgetown. Quite a turnout! Some good info on basic marine weather and a little bit of insight into GRIB files and how to use them.

While I was being educated, Beth and Noah finished school and then attended a model boat building seminar to prepare for the kids day boat sailing contest. We met up again on Intuition and then headed for the Atlantic side beach where twenty or so kids were playing in the surf. The waves were perfect for trying to body surf and everyone ended up covered with sand.

Home for dinner before sunset and then an evening of playing Quiddler with Jill and Wayne from Born to Cruise rounded out a very nice day. Noah watched the last of the “Back to the Future” movies and continues to draw time machines.

Beth is still trying to kick a little winter cold, but it isn’t slowing her down too much. We are trying to figure out”when” and “where to” from here. We do plan to try the new Marina at Emerald Bay on our way out, as it is time to do laundry and fill up our tanks. Friends from Milano Myst described it as a “vacation from your cruise” as it is part of the Four Seasons Resort, but a true bargain at 75 cents a foot.