Out on RC today for the SMSA Fall Invitational. Heavy conditions again, and as a result we set a course in the river to spare everyone the significant sea state on the Bay. Set up a course for a nice long-legged windward/leeward inspired by old America's Cup courses. Enjoyed seeing everyone try their best in the demanding conditions.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Looking good right until we didn't
Raced on Dangerous today for the Hooper/Point-No-Point race. Heavy conditions, with winds steadily in the 20s with gusts to 35 and chop to match. We started downwind and made the decision early to put up a spinnaker. With very active trim we were able to carry it and make incredible speed for about 10 minutes, right up until we spectacularly broached and just about put the spreaders in the water. We got the boat back up quickly and doused the spin, and were underway again in several minutes. On the run to Hooper's we had a hard gybe and sheared the vang bracket off the mast. Our run was followed by an incredibly wet but fast reach to Point-No-Point, covering half the race course in about 2 hours. We rounded the light, and proceeded to pound into sturdy chop all the way back up the Bay. About halfway up we decided we'd had enough and took the jib down and tucked into shore, hoping to find less wind and chop. Finding neither, we continued to sail under main alone and eventually did manage to complete the course. A challenging day on the water for sure, but good to get the boat out in big conditions and learn about how she behaves and what the crew can do to improve boat handling.
Monday, October 16, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Just a couple of us today
Today's route
Just a friend and I for today's Monday night paddle at St. Mary's College. Cloudy, blustery conditions as we set up gave way to calmer water and a spectacular sunset as we made our way out. Paddled around the new Maryland Dove, then headed up past Pagan Point. Enjoyed the view the whole way back. Nice to get out there despite it being a little chilly.
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Went out on Dangerous with one of Dewey's college friends. Puffy conditions, with winds from 15-25. Sailed out to the Bay and a bit up towards Cove Point, but quickly decided we weren't terribly interested in pounding into waves so we headed back into the river. Sailed up above Point Patience and back down to the island. A nice sail despite the heavy conditions, and a nice opportunity to share the boat with someone new.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Quick paddle this evening off Leonardtown Wharf down to Abell's Wharf and back. Nice weather and a pretty, cloudless sunset. Had to avoid paddling through some gas from a speedboat that was having fuel system problems. Had a very informal race with another paddler who left around the same time I did (the old cliche about two boats going in the same direction...) Nice to be out there and get moving for a while.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Saw Sultana docked in Solomons harbor
Out on Dangerous this evening for the first time in a couple weeks. Extremely light winds meant we got to play with the "forbidden" light #1 that we've sworn off to be a B boat. Had a nice ride around the river basin, and the large sail helped us power up nicely despite little wind. Showed a new crew member some basics and spent a great evening on the water.
Monday, October 9, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Tonight's crew
Really feeling the fall weather today on our cool, cloudy, damp Monday night paddle. Launched off Clarke's Landing and paddled in the creeks. Lots of talk of fall weather, halloween, and warm beverages this time around. Maybe we can still squeeze out a few more of these.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Decided to take advantage of the last warm day for a bit and get a paddle in. Launched off Clarke's landing, paddled out to 8A, and then over and into Kingston Creek. Enjoyed a spectacular sunset on the way back.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Took a quick evening paddle off Leonardtown Wharf down to the Mulberrys and back. Nice weather but I got started a little late and ended up coming back in the dark.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Trimming the spin
Sunset sail on the BR with several friends I hadn't seen in a while. Nicer conditions than forecasted and perfect weather made for a nice trip out to PR3 and a pleasant spinnaker reach back in. Keeping the streak going this week while the weather is so nice.