Beaufort SC to Hilton Head

Hilton Head Hilton Head Marina is a gated community with a marina called Windmill. 

Included in the Marina was the South Carolina Yacht Club, and many, many nice houses. 

The bay is very well protected with its own lock that can accommodate 70-foot yachts.  I had made reservations as a reciprocal club member, giving me two free nights.  They only gave me one free night, but at $50 per night, I didn't want to make a fuss. 

I called on the VHF to enter the lock, and they were already expecting BELLUM.  The fuel dock knew where BELLUM was headed.  At the club dock, Ted was waiting to help me dock. 

We were supposed to spend two nights, but the third day was very windy, so we spent an extra night, replacing one night at Brunswick.  On Wednesday, we raced the Harbour 20.  Had beer and

Have supper at the club. 

On Thursday, I worked on the boat and then took a golf cart to tour the community. 

The staff at the marina had a steak BBQ supper at 3:30, which was early since it gets dark so early.  I tried updating the problematic Raymarine Axiom and eventually resetting the Axiom settings.  Tomorrow, we will test it while navigating. 

On Friday, Ted took us to do groceries, Ace Hardware, West Marine and other chores.  We had a prime rib supper at the club.

Steamboat Landing to Beaufort SC

I got up at 3 o'clock in the morning, realizing why the bilge pump had run 10 times.

I checked the sump under the engine, and it was extremely full. 

I got out the wrenches and adjusted the packing again at 11:36 hours in the engine at 3 AM on Monday morning. 

We hauled anchor at 9 and motor-sailed to the South Carolina Yacht Club, where we were warmly welcomed by the harbour master and the yacht club.  They were there to assist me in docking and obtaining fuel. 

Absolutely gorgeous venue, rich, and famous.

St. Johns Yacht Harbor to Steamboat Landing

After three days at anchor, I hauled anchor and set to depart. 

The anchor was wrapped around the keel, but with little wind, I was able to maneuver BELLUM to unwrap the rode single-handed. 

Winds were light, I departed at 9, arriving just after noon, and anchored similar to Whiteside Creek.  Easy sail to Steamboat Landing.  Missing YStop and Tranquillo, who chose a different anchorage.

Whiteside Creek to St Johns Yacht Harbour (Charleston)

We departed Whiteside Creek and headed to St. John Harbor, where we anchored out for three nights.  Elliott's current was strong.  

We rented a van on the first day of our West Marine trip and picked up some groceries.  Then, Herb, Kathy, and I walked through town, exploring the French Quarter. 

On the second day, Jim, Julie, Kathy, and I walked through town, visiting the house of a large family that had an enslaved worker.

Staff had Mexican food, walked around some more, and then went to the Blind Tiger, but it was too crowded, so we took an Uber back, where I lost my credit card. Someone found it and gave it to Wally.

Went back to the boat, made a pork tenderloin, and went to bed around 11 o'clock, relatively late