October 17, 2009

Port Departed: Clifton
Port Arrived: Pickwick
Miles traveled: 48 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 550

Cloudy cool with a low of 43 degrees and a high of 51deegrees. Hoisted the mainsail at 8:15 AM. At 9:00AM with a 5 to 15 knot wind on my beam the 110 Genoa was hanked to the forestay. We looked like a real sailboat cruising down the river. At some points the wind was so strong that the rail was in the water. On starboard tacks, I had to raise the motor to keep it dry.

Arrived at the Pickwick Lock at 6:30PM as planned. Called the lock operator. He informed me that it would be at least 2 and a half to three hours before he could lock me through because they were breaking a barge apart and locking it. This meant sailing after dark and the running lights were shorting out. After being told this information, I noticed 2 small coves just under the lock. They would let me get out from the 2 know current and anchor in a nice position to be the first through the lock in the morning. Talked with Phil and told him that I would be able to make the Bay Springs Marina by 4PM.

Used two anchors. Had to physically attach the anchors to the anchor rodes as the ground tackle had not been used since the cruise in the North Channel. It took about 30 minutes to make the necessary preparation to anchor. The auto helm worked perfectly as this work was performed on the foredeck.

I ran the anchor rode through the starboard cleat on he bow and then back to the cockpit so that I could control the 15# Danforth bow anchor from the cockpit. I then placed a second anchor Danforth on the beam to keep Water Mark pointed toward the Tennessee River and not get pushed into the river banks with the little current that flowed in the cove. I was only 5 feet from the shore line. She was secure and remained pointed toward the opposite shore all night. Lots of stars were out tonight.