While on boat delivery from Boston, MA to Middle River on the Chesapeake Bay, on a 41 Cruisers, I received a call from my new client. Tommy had been looking for a captain to help him and a friend move his ‘new to him’ 41DS Hunter from Gulfport, MS to Kemah, TX in the Houston area.
After agreeing on a price and date, we were all set to meet in Gulfport to start the delivery.
Before meeting, I spend several hours deciding on the best route based on the weather and sea report as well as investigating the intricacies of the area we are going to be boating. Calling the local BoatUS can be very helpful in determining the best options based on their highly in-tune ‘local knowledge’.
After landing in Gulfport, Tommy and his friend picked me up at the airport and we exchanged pleasantries. Both gentleman were very nice and I was looking forward to a great trip.
Before leaving, we checked all the systems, navigational lights and engine levels. Additionally, I reviewed all of our safety equipment as well as our spare parts and oil.
After checking the weather and sea report that consisted of 1-2’ seas with a 6 second period and only pop-up scattered thunderstorms, we were all set to depart first thing in the morning.
The first leg our our trip had us departing Gulfport, MS enroute to Venice, LA via the Chandeleur Sound. As we made our way South, we endured a few thunderstorms and a couple of waterspouts…all pretty typical for these parts in the middle of summer.
Continuing South, we traversed the Baptiste Collette channel, crossed the Mississippi River and ended the day at Cypress Cove Marina [LINK]
After 80 miles, the Dream Lover was a capable ride and ready for our long jump across the Gulf of Mexico.
Leaving the next morning we set out on our longest leg of 334 miles which would take us past 100’s or maybe 1000’s of oil platforms in the Gulf. While this route is easy during the day, it presents new challenges during the evening as we used their a combination of their warning lights and sounds along with our radar to safely navigate our way through eh maze of platforms.
With a fresh breeze out of the Northeast, a following sea and the typical currents in this area, we were able to average just under 7.5 knots and make it to our destination of Waterford Marina in just around 45 hours.
All in all a great trip with nice folks. Thanks for having me Tommy and a special thanks to your friend Russell for all the great cooking he did for our journey.
All the best to you and your wife as you follow your dreams.
