Not what you'd call a storm for the ages. But with the wind blowing at a steady 20 knots across the Chesapeake Bay, I knew from past trips, that the expected quick, steep chop could make the 98-mile run to Portsmouth, Virginia, our first stop, seem a bit longer.

I was just glad to be aboard Daystar, a Krogen Express 52. A distinct chill was in the air and the sky was clear with just a few wispy cirrus clouds when photographer John Bildahl and I arrived at the dock. I had been trying to make arrangements to get myself-and Bildahl, of course-to be part of the delivery crew to take Daystar south from the Chesapeake to Hilton Head. But my travel calendar and that of the boat had not jibed well enough to secure a berth for me. Until now.

Turned out Bob Louden, director of sales and yacht services for Krogen Express along with his wife Machelle, and their 12-year-old daughter Amanda, would be taking Daystar south, leaving from Solomons Island, Maryland. I would be along for the ride until New Bern, North Carolina. The Loudens would push on to Hilton Head.