We entered the southern-most point of the Bahamas and day-sailed and gunk-holed our way north to exit through the northerly limit in the Abacos. We crossed the deep purple flow of the Gulf Stream to re-enter the United States at Charleston, South Carolina, during a record-breaking heat wave. Despite the heat, we enjoyed our stay in this unique city, marvelling at the architecture, the gardens and the abundance in stateside supermarkets. We moved with the summer northward, inside and outside the Intracoastal Waterway, transiting the Great Dismal Swamp Canal and the length of the Chesapeake Bay. We saw much of the beautiful coast of the southern US and northward. The flowers and the birds were magnificent and the history came alive. Nearly home, and within a day’s sail to the point of departure of Boothbay, Maine, we were about to be overtaken by hurricane Irene. Seeking shelter, and with the companionship and help of other cruising OCC friends, we pushed Flying Fish up the Piscataqua River past Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine, as far as our draft would allow. After weathering the storm we sailed back along the Maine coast to Linekin Bay, where we had begun our cruise 14 months earlier.
Flying Fish in Brooklin, Maine, photo Dave Tew (US magazine WoodenBoat featured a six page article about Flying Fish and the Vertue design in their January/ February 2013 issue.) 25