No luck on racing today. Out on the Wager for SMSA Frostbites #2. A cold but sunny afternoon with winds in the high teens gusting low 20s. We got out early to warm up and put the boat through her paces in the heavy breeze. Unfortunately for us, a 40 year old plastic sheave in the turning block for the jib sheets shredded on a tack and took us out of the race about 15 minutes before the start. We ducked back in the harbor, took down the sails, and got back out to watch the race instead. We had a front row seat to lots of action on the course. We found out when we got back to the dock that there was a spare pair of snatch blocks onboard and we could've raced. We'll know for next time... Disappointed to miss out on a chance to push the boat in a blow but nonetheless a great afternoon out on the water.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
The Wager frostbites crew
The 2023 racing season started today with SMSA Frostbites #1. I raced on Neptune's Wager as Dangerous is still receiving some bottom work. My brother joined us as well for his first yacht race. Cold, cloudy conditions, and light variable winds for the whole race. A decent but somewhat late start and a reach to K, followed by a very long beat out to "A" as we ghosted along in infrequent light puffs. Similar conditions continued to V, and we received notification of time limit expiration on the way back to the finish. Spent a lot of time learning to optimize trim on the boat and work with the limitations presented by a wide, heavy 35 foot cruising boat in light air. We still accomplished the goal I set out to do (beat the Navy yawl), but hoping to post an actual finish time next week.
Yours truly checking headsail trim
Came back after a weekend out of town just in time to make an afternoon cruise on Neptune's Wager. It was gorgeous today and we had the idea to sail to Hooper's Island. After getting out in the river in nice breeze it became apparent as we reached the Bay that Hooper's was a bit optimistic for the available wind. We changed plans and sailed up towards Cove Point. We expereinced strange shifts on the way up, and ended up on the same course on the opposite tack after a big wind shift. The wind fell off as we reached the Cove Point lighthouse, and we turned around for a lazy reach back. We sailed near Drum Point, and eventually gave up and motored in near sunset. I'm slowly getting more familiar with the Wager and 'm looking forward to frostbites starting next week.
Neptune's Wager (as seen from the Barba Roja)
The crews of the Barba Roja and Neptune's Wager got together this afternoon for a fun race to get ready for frostbites in a couple weeks. I sailed on the Wager to help get a few of their new crew up to speed and to learn more about the boat prior to frostbites as I will be joining them for the series. We set up a course similar to a frostbite race and did our best to push the boat hard. Shifty winds made for an interesting beat to the bridge, and the Barba Roja managed a handy lead over us. Steve circled back several times during the race to offer advice and a little good-spirited ribbing.
We got the course done much quicker than expected, and went for a second round. The second lap was much longer as the wind fell off throughout the afternoon. The races were a great learning opportunity for the crew and I, and everyone waslked away a bit more comfortable with the boat and our prospects for the upcoming racing season.
Tonight's sunset crew
A small crew for today's sail to enjoy the unseasonably warm temps. A bit chilly on the water compared to land, and somewhat light conditions, but pretty scenery and very relaxing.
Trimming on a reach
Quick trip this evening up to the bridge and back. Had a few guests who normally sail on faster boats so we decided to show them what the Barba Roja can do. Sailed up to the bridge, turned around, and hoisted a kite for a tight reach back down the river. Great speed despite the light conditions, and a nice time was had by all.
A rare shot of us from outside the boat, courtesy of Neptune's Wager
As I was getting home from work I was thinking "Wouldn't it be nice to go for a sail this evening!" and lo and behold, I got a text from Steve abou† 10 minutes later inviting me to the boat. I beat him there and got everything ready, and we set off shortly before sunset. Plenty of wind on the river, with apparent gusts into the low 20s. We ran with a partially-furled headsail, and took a nice run to the bridge and back. Found our friends on Neptune's Wager and did some jockeying to get pictures of them with the bridge in the background. A fantastic impromptu trip and a perfect way to enjoy a warm evening.
Great breeze and sunset views
A short-notice after work cruise to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. Nice steady 12 knots of breeze made for an easy run up to the bridge and a beat back. The clouds cleared out just enough to see some pink as the sun went down. A nice way to ease into the weekend mood.
Crew of the day + bonus dog
Out on the Barba Roja again this Sunday to enjoy the (relatively) warmer temps and get some fresh air. Gusty and breezy, with occasional puffs over 20kts. Took a long trip to the bridge and back twice, dropped off a crew member & picked up another, and sailed out to PR3. I did some driving & we all had a good time. Steve planned on going out for round 3, but it was getting dark & cold so I hopped off after the second trip. Slowly checking off the days, trying to front-load early in the season as much as possible.
Sunday morning sailors
Out for a short "coffee sail" this morning on the Barba Roja. With winds 8-24 we decided to sail up the river, and ended up having plenty of wind to run the traditional course of the SMSA Frost-Goode Race. A speedy reach up the river followed by a gusty, often-overpowered beat back down. Lots of feathering upwind to keep the boat on her feet. Another nice morning on the water.