Our First Day Out

So, we finally left San Diego on Thursday at 3 pm. It has been an unbelievable amount of work and running around to get things done. West Marine and the San Diego Marine Exchange are the boat owners Home Depot. If I had not been into one or the other at least once a day it must have been an unproductive day. But, now we are on our way to our first stop, Cabo San Lucas.

It was a little weird not having anyone at the dock to wave goodbye to us but as we headed out of San Diego bay we were greeted by an aircraft carrier coming into SD bay flanked by a couple of helicopters. It I think they planned that just for us. Anyhow, I think our delayed departure was a blessing in disguise as the last few days has seen a ton of wind with big seas and today we have had a very comfortable and calm sail. I am writing this during my 1 am to 3 am watch as I am now on duty for part of the graveyard shift. It is pretty cool -- full moon, clear sky and gentle seas. I can see Orion and its brightest star, Rigel, perfectly.

Earlier, before sunset, we saw two cruise ships pass us a few miles away and were approached by a Mexican coast guard boat who came by, circled to check us out, and then headed off. Wasn't sure if they were going to want to board us or not, were looking for fishing gear or were just kind of board.

Our crew, Karen (who sailed on a 53 foot catamaran with her husband and two kids for five years) and Mark (who crewed with Karen off and on for two years and single handed a trimaran to New Zealand) are working out to be great crew. They are really knowledgeable and easy to have around.

More later.