Uncategorized · December 17, 2024 0

In Charleston and on to the other Beaufort (SC)

Our anchorage near Morgan Island

We spent a week in Charleston, SC, and loved it. On our first night, we anchored, then motored the next morning to the Charleston City Marina to luxuriate at a slip (showers, fueling and laundry). That night we had dinner with the couple that went aground at the same place as us on Nov. 30, Veronik & Peter from Austria. It was fun to finally meet them face to face and we were all delighted to find “Swordfish Schnitzel” on the menu at The Tempest in downtown Charleston.

On our second night, our aforementioned friend and fellow Caliber owner Gary sailed in and joined us on our boat for dinner after being up for 40 hours!

To save some money, we anchored out in the harbor for a couple of nights, but with a storm coming in, we moved the boat again on Tuesday morning to the Charleston Maritime Center, recommended by Hugh’s cousin Gunnar. Although the marina’s laundry was out of service, their hospitality was first rate and we could walk from there to restaurants, grocery stores and other attractions. A family friend of Hugh’s, Sarah Gill (lifelong sailor and world cruiser) who now lives in Charleston, shuttled us to West Marine for a few supplies and to a dim sum dinner  at Chef Loong’s, which we HIGHLY recommend.

Saturday, Dec. 14, we left Charleston with a high tide. We made great time although Hugh had to monitor our depth very carefully in some areas to avoid running aground (again).  We anchored for the night near Morgan Island (aka, Monkey Island). Alas, we were on the wrong side of the island to see any monkeys, but it was a peaceful spot.

Sunday we were able to sail a bit and motored the rest of the short three hours to Lady’s Island Marina in Beaufort, SC. We have finally caught up to warm weather, with temps in the low 70s during the day. The marina staff were welcoming, and so were the gnats. They have a courtesy car, which we borrowed to get groceries and new walking shoes, but we also have been able to walk around a bit. Based on local events calendars, there is quite a lot happening in this town of under 14,000 people, including live music, galleries, pet rescues/adoptions and lots of shopping in historic downtown Beaufort.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), we’ll move back to anchor (to save money) before setting off for Savannah, GA, on Saturday morning.

Fueling the boat at the Charleston City Marina

New friends Peter and Veronik (SV Alegria)

Sans Souci in a protected slip at the Charleston Maritime Center

The Charleston Maritime Center with Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the background

Moon over the Cooper River (Charleston Maritime Center)

Sushi at Shiki in Charleston

Not our boat! A sunken boat at Charleton Maritime Center.

Aquarium Aglow event at the Aquarium in Charleston

Aquarium Aglow in Charleston

Shadow wall at Aquarium Aglow

Sarah took this photo as we left Charleston. If you can zoom in, we are waving to her!

When there is a lot of current at anchor (Morgan Island), this is what the anchor monitor records.

Local park in Beaufort, SC

Spanish moss in the trees in Beaufort, SC

View through a cut out in the Lady’s Island Bridge in Beaufort, SC

On a walk in Beaufort, SC

Hugh’s homemade chicken and rice soup