Neither June nor I was thrilled with the idea of trading a free slip for one that would cost nearly $300/mo. and require a year-long contract. There were cheaper alternatives but each had its drawbacks - no hurricane plan, poorly maintained facilities, no shade or not conducive to meeting people.
It took more than 20 minutes to get the boat out of the slip on Smith Creek. The water level was the lowest I'd seen it. It took three attempts at backing out before I was able to get the bow far enough past the rear piling to put the boat in forward gear and swing the bow around to plow out of the marina in forward gear.
We radioed Sea Harbour when we were at the outer channel marker to Pierce Creek. Lisa responded and was standing at the end of A dock watching our progress as we made our way down the channel. She had given me a choice of available slips on the four docks and I had chosen to try out B30 at the beginning of B dock. It offered a view down the channel to the Neuse and enjoyed shade in the late afternoon.
After helping us tie up, Lisa took June, Buddy and me on a tour of the clubhouse, pool and bath facilities. Even though the temperature was in the 90's the clubhouse's breezeway and wrap around porch were shady with a cool breeze. The people we met were warm and welcoming. No one seemed to be in a hurry.
Many of the boaters had dogs, so Buddy was welcome as long as he was on a leash and not inside the buildings.
Lisa suggested that the best way for me to improve my sailing skills was to crew on a boat in the local sailboat races. Next thing I knew, I was asked to join Doug Carmichael's crew aboard Whisper the next day.
Saturday's PHRF race was a real experience. The winds were 20 kts gusting to 30. I've never sailed in that kind of wind before but I was in good hands and for the most part held up my end of the bargain. We came in third in our class.
That night we shared fresh (maybe not) boiled shrimp and roasted sweet corn with Bob & Robin Buntin and their slip neighbor, Henry (a Nonsuch 30). The night breezes were cool enough that we slept comfortably with a couple of fans.
On Sunday, June and I decided that Sea Harbour would be our boat's new home. We had already met many warm, friendly people and looked forward to meeting many more.
It took more than 20 minutes to get the boat out of the slip on Smith Creek. The water level was the lowest I'd seen it. It took three attempts at backing out before I was able to get the bow far enough past the rear piling to put the boat in forward gear and swing the bow around to plow out of the marina in forward gear.
We radioed Sea Harbour when we were at the outer channel marker to Pierce Creek. Lisa responded and was standing at the end of A dock watching our progress as we made our way down the channel. She had given me a choice of available slips on the four docks and I had chosen to try out B30 at the beginning of B dock. It offered a view down the channel to the Neuse and enjoyed shade in the late afternoon.
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| Sea Harbour Yacht Club - red arrow points to slip B30 |
Saturday's PHRF race was a real experience. The winds were 20 kts gusting to 30. I've never sailed in that kind of wind before but I was in good hands and for the most part held up my end of the bargain. We came in third in our class.
That night we shared fresh (maybe not) boiled shrimp and roasted sweet corn with Bob & Robin Buntin and their slip neighbor, Henry (a Nonsuch 30). The night breezes were cool enough that we slept comfortably with a couple of fans.
On Sunday, June and I decided that Sea Harbour would be our boat's new home. We had already met many warm, friendly people and looked forward to meeting many more.
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