Houston, We Have a Problem!

From: Butler Island Anchorage on the Wacamaw River, SC MM 396.0

To: Leland Oil Company Marina, McClellanville, SC MM 430.0

L/L: 33 04.98N 79 27.75

Distance Traveled: 34.4

Hours Motoring: 5.9

Average Speed: 5.8mph

Weather: Mix of rain, fog, overcast; temp hovered in the low 60’s all day; north wind @ 10 knots

Comment: Houston, We Have a Problem!

Our day started much as any cruising day as we prepared for departure from our anchorage. WE cast Canvasback Too off at about 0715 and set about pulling up the anchor. Not so fast! The anchor is apparently wrapped around one of the keels.

This has happened to SUNSHINE three other times since we’ve owned her. It has never been fun, but we always managed to get the rode free after a lot of effort. On this occasion, we had great difficulty. After a couple of hours, there was a shudder and we were floating freely. We pulled in the anchor only to find that it and the chain was missing! Not good!

There was no way we could find the anchor. The only thing left to do was motor down the waterway. Fortunately, we have three other anchors on board.

While motoring down Winyah Bay in the cold and rain, Anna Marie set about finding a new destination. She decided on Leland Oil Company Marina and Captain Dave concurred.

As the day progressed, the rain stopped and sky brightened a bit.

After tying up, we did several boat chores and sorted out our anchoring options. Captain Dave joined us for dinner and conversation. Before hitting the sack, we listened to a bit of the Eagles.