Made the run out to Hooper's Island light today on Dangerous with a couple friends. Light conditions on the river gave way to heavy air out in the Bay, and we sailed under a main and a #3. A nice reach out and a sporty, wet beat back made for a fun and exciting day out on the water.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Hooper's Island as we beat back in the waves
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Out on my boat again today for Thursday racing. Conditions started out pretty heavy but calmed some through the evening. Got off two fantastic starts and was able to hang with the fleet better than last week. I'm having a ton of fun with the boat and learning a lot every time I'm out.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A huge fleet of spin boats descending on the finish
Hard to believe there's only a month left in the Wednesday night season. Light and fluky conditions today, and RC set a short course to accomodate. Very tidy racing but we found ourselves on the wrong side of the course on the upwind leg. A perfect spin set and gybe by our foredeck Wulfe. Now we're getting into the territory where the boat handling is going well and its the big-picture strategy that will require more of our attention.
Monday, August 21, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
The Monday night fleet
A smaller group today for the Monday night paddle, but pleasant conditions nonetheless. Joe, Jess, and Ben joined. A nice ride up towards McIntosh Run and back.
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Took a quick morning sail to show my brother the new boat. Light but puffy conditions made for a lot of work for me to keep the boat going. Sailed out to Mattapany and flew a spin back to Solomons. Michael really enjoyed the boat and I'm sure we'll get to spend lots of time on it together.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
The meatball on course
Out racing today on my boat, which through a line of joking around has picked up the name "Spicy Meatball". Heavy conditions to start made for a sporty first race, and I kept it conservative with the start and focused on keeping the boat on her feet. Conditions let off as time went on and we were able to fly a spin in the second race. Not remotely competitive yet but I had a blast and I'm looking forward to learning as time goes on.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
The fleet reaching back under spinnakers
Light-ish conditions set us up for a triangle course today. Stayed in the mix on the upwind leg, but lost ground to the asymmetric boats on the two reaching legs. 5/6 so not a fantastic finish but nonetheless a beautiful day to be out there getting it done!
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
No pictures, but a big day in my sailing life. On Sunday I purchased my first boat, a 1977 Chrysler Buccaneer. I bought the boat from local Bucc expert Jimmy Yurko, and while the hull is old it has lots of great custom upgrades and usability improvements.
Took her out for a quick shakedown in almost no wind. Spent some time learning how to rig the boat and making a punch list of immediate needs before racing her Thursday.
I'm so excited to get her out racing and to be able to go sailing on my own terms in addition to my frequent keelboat sailing!
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Sunbeams at sunset
Out with some friends this evening on Knot Enuf. Happened upon the Barba Roja and swung by to say hi to Steve & Ana. Took a long close reach out into the Bay and back. I got seasick which is unusual for me, but exhaustion and 3-5ft rollers on the beam weren't doing me any favors. Felt better when we got back into the river and caught a beautiful sunset. Nice way to extend my leisure time after getting home from vacation.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Paddling into the sunset
Took a quick paddle at sunset while in OC on vacation this week.