Out for a quick after-work sail on Barba Roja. Calm, glassy conditions, so we decided to just motor around a bit. On and off cloudy conditions all day gave way to one of the most spectacular sunsets I've seen all year. Totally worth the trip even just for the view!
Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield
Another fun year on the Barba Roja for the holiday lighted boat parade. We had a good crowd and great decorations courtesy of the SMSA high school sailing team. There were lots of great entries this year, including a few friends from the club. Steve decided to reprise our party trick from last year and hoist the old Mylar spinnaker to light up for a run along the river. The forecast suggested an easy 9-11kts down the boardwalk, but instead we got 14-18. We pushed through, but with no other sails up the boat loaded up immediately and we had quite the time getting the sail up and keeping her under control. Once we got it hoisted we took a very fast run down the boardwalk, and quickly doused before things got out of hand. Maybe not our smartest idea, but it certainly did make for a fun party trick and put on a great show for the folks on shore. A fun part of my holiday traditions.
A quick lap on the Barba Roja in cold conditions at the end of the week. Today also marks the completion of my second Century Club related goal of spending more than half of the total days in 2024 on the water. No small feat!
Much less nice than the forecasted 57 degrees and clear, but I decided to go anyway. When I got to the ramp I discovered a thick fog persisted over the creek, and against my better judgement I pressed on with a paddle. I took it slowly and carefully, and hung very close to the shoreline so I could see the way. Really not paddling weather at all, but at least it counts for a day.
Taking advantage of the relatively warm temps and getting a couple more paddles in, working towards a goal of over half of the days in 2024 on the water. A quick lap off Forest Landing to watch the sun set and decompress after a busy Monday at the office was just what I needed.
A ride out to Hooper's Light on Dangerous, probably our last trip for the season on the boat. With moderately breezy conditions and the cold weather and water we went with the #3 and no spinnaker, and sailed most of the trip on deep reaches. We tacked around the lighthouse, took some pictures, and proceeded into the beat home. The boat managed the conditions well, but the wind chill was significant and we were all pretty frozen by the time we made it back to Solomons. Still totally worth the trip and a pleasant day on the water to close out the Dangerous season.
A chilly ride up the Bay to Cove Point and back on the Barba Roja. A nice crew of 7 for the day. Conditions were pretty good but became puffy on the ride back, and we somehow ended up on a long beat into the river despite trying for a reach both ways. It was a beautiful day out and an enjoyable trip, but I was very cold at the end despite wearing plenty of cold-weather layers.
A pre-Thanksgiving sail on Barba Roja. Conditions were cold and cloudy, but we bundled up and sailed across the river basin and back. I think I'm going to have to start getting comfortable with cold weather for a while at least.
Headed out in cloudy conditions for a quick lap off Clarke's Landing before my sister's chorus concert. I got a real treat on my way back in, with one of the most gorgeous sunsets I've seen all year. I could see a view like this a thousand times and it would never get old.
A relaxing paddle in beautiful weather after a rather high-stakes day professionally. Pretty warm for the season and a lovely sunset for a ride around the basin near Myrtle Point.