From your description Jon, I think I'd opt for rounding Hatteras, as Oregon Inlet sound a bit daunting for Lucia, given her draft. If I have to wait for weather, I rather like Beaufort. I have waited for weather in lots of worse places.

It would be great to meet again this summer. It is now been three years since that very nice dinner we shared in Beaufort. I'll keep you posted as to my whereabouts, and I'd like you to meet my bride. BTW, she is so enthusiastic about sailing that she suggested that we go sailing for our honeymoon, so we chartered in St. Marteen and rarely got off the boat.

Best always,
Ron