First ocean trip, Hunter 34

[dennis461]

We moved the sailboat Saturday and stayed alive

Left Forked River NJ and ran aground in Barnegat Bay.



Tossed a small anchor out about 20 times till it caught.
Winched a 12000lb boat off the sandbar by hand.
Fog was still heavy so we tied up at a commercial dock and pissed off the locals.


Made it out of the inlet and the chart plotter died.







Used a car GPS to sail south keeping away from the beach most of the time.
Almost hit Brant Beach on a SW tack.
Fog got heavier, we could not see anything for 10 hours



Used a hand held GPS and paper chart to find the AC inlet.
Depth sounder died just as we started past the rock jetty’s.
Eight PM, night, dark fog, we couldn’t see the casinos!
A fishing boat guided us in with a big spotlight.

BOAT FOR SALE.

 

[tpenfield]

Sounds like a memorable trip. Isn't sailing fun ?

 

[southkogs]

No dime taped under the mast, eh?

Sorry about the beast of a trip. Sailing always sound so romantic ... until you're tryin' to get somewhere.

 

[sailor55330]

I don't want to sound critical, but it sounds like some additional planning/ local knowledge could have prevented some of this? It's hard to know without knowing your level of sailing experience. It definitely wasn't ideal conditions for the first time off shore. Just remember, it's not the boat's fault---give the girl some love and fenders!!

On the bright side, you're safe