The final preparations for our voyage have been completed, our provisions have been obtained, and the crew has arrived. We are finally ready to embark on our adventure and set out for Bermuda. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating. Currently, a cyclone is sitting off of the northeast coast of the United States, creating 50-knot winds in the Gulf Stream. These conditions are not quite considered to be a hurricane or tropical storm, but are technically deemed “survival” conditions by the national weather service. Needless to say, 50-knot winds and 30-foot seas would make for an uncomfortable passage. So, we wait in Onset for our weather window.
On Saturday, the two members of our crew for the passage to Bermuda arrived in Boston. Our father, who is fastidiously tracking the weather, is helping to assure a safe passage. Also, our uncle, Larry Gerbetz, has joined us from Ohio. Uncle Larry is an avid sailor who has sailed with us in the past and still chose to accompany us on this trip. More important than his stellar sailing skills, Uncle Larry is a child psychologist, which should prove valuable during a week confined to a 40-foot boat.
Despite high hopes of a sunset departure on Saturday, discretion prevailed and we settled for the abundant good food and warmth of our grandparents’ home in Onset. Although we are anxious to get underway, this delay has given us a chance to watch the Red Sox in the World Series. After investing a large portion of the summer (and of the past 20-something summers) to following the Red Sox, it figures that they will probably break their 86-year World Series drought while we are in the middle of the ocean. For now, the forecast favors a Wednesday departure, which would put us in Bermuda around Sunday or Monday of next week.