After a long search (we know it could have been much longer), we purchased Avocet, a well-loved Great Harbour N37. We were blessed that she came with great owners, who spent 3+ weeks on the delivery cruise from the FL gulf to New Bern, NC. They had the boat ready for us to enjoy her immediately upon arrival; all we needed to bring aboard were clothes, towels, sheets & pillows.
During the same week we took possession of SCOUT, we got to attend the annual Great Harbour Trawler Association meeting, where we met so many welcoming owners and learned alot about Great Harbours, maintenance, and cruising.
Following the GHTA meeting, SCOUT moved to her long-term slip at New Bern Grand Marina. Ray spent 30 minutes in the harbor getting the feel for twin engines. After a couple of successful "dockings" on the empty face dock, he calmly maneuvered us into the slip. It went much better than I expected.
For Memorial Day, we planned to meet our sailing friends (Odyssey) in Oriental and cruise to Ocracoke. We met them and their friends (Tangled Again) for dinner, where a final check confirmed weather was not favorable for a trawler crossing of Pamlico Sound. SCOUT could have made the trip, but we chose not to spend 2 days cruising in heavy chop for 1 day of windy/rainy Silver Lake. (When we are retired, we will have the option to wait out the weather, then continue with the destination.)
We all decided to anchor in South River instead, where we saw some interesting wildlife -- a bald eagle, dolphins, and at least 1 albino deer. Ray practiced his drone skills during the few opportunities of light wind. (Unfortunately, we didn't get a shot of all 3 boats anchored.)
