An unusually warm mid-October day with a gentle SW wind. My marina neighbor joined me for the big day.
We made it as far as the main channel before the wind took a break and I decided to turn back. Floating along at 0.7 knots back into Willoughby Bay I was treated to some live music and one of the songs my friend had written.
A good day and happy to have finally acheived the goal I've been chasing for more than a few years.
And the season isn't over yet!
With light winds early in the day, this almost became a local sail and anchoring out on Willoughby Bay.
The winds were forecast to pick up mid afternoon, however if they arrived late I could be arriving after dark. Heading out on an ebb tide Sebatical easily made it past Fort Monroe on a 5 knot east wind. Moving slowly north I was past Salt Ponds before 4 with the SE breeze arrivng not long after that.
Anchored just west of daybeacon #4 at the Harris River inlet I enjoyed a quiet night with comfortable temperatures. Headed home in the morning with a SW breeze required some tacking to remain close to shore so it wouldn't be too much work fighting the outgoing tide turning west after passing Ft Monroe.
But, it was a really nice day and probably the last 90° for a while. In spite of a cold and cough I motored out to enjoy the sunshine and just drifted for about 45 in the gentle breeze without uncovering the sail.
I wanted to go somewhere for an overnight but calm winds were forecasted overnight and into the morning so I sayed close and anchored on Willoughby Bay. Nice night on the water with flat water and comfortable temperatures. Motored back to the marina in the morning and got on a coat of varnish before heading home.
I wanted to go somewhere for an overnight but calm winds were forecasted overnight and into the morning so I sayed close and anchored on Willoughby Bay. Nice night on the water with flat water and comfortable temperatures. Motored back to the marina in the morning and got on a coat of varnish before heading home.
With a low pressure sititng just off the east coast, low clouds seemed a little threatening. With no precipitation on the radar or in the forecast my marina neighbor Eris and I took advantage of the 15 knot NE breeze to round Middle Ground Light. Easy cruising in the mostly steady breeze. It did take a couple tacks to re-enter Willoughby Bay in the narrow channel past Swells Point. Great day!
A beautiful late afternoon sail with a 10 knot NE breeze. After photographing a neighbor on his sailboat I anchored on the east end of Willoughby Bay near the 'Bird Nest' windward mark. About the time of the race start the winds died to almost nothing. No action photos tonight, though with glassy water and the low sun pictures were almost painterly. The finish line was moved to the windward mark because sunset was fast approaching. As the sun set the forecasted south winds arrived allowing the remaining boats to finish.
Comfortable night anchored out...
Just a short sail out to the main channel and back. With temps only near 80 sailing was very comfortable. After this short sail it was back into the marina for some varnish work...
Original goal was Mobjack Bay however first a headwind then little wind for a couple hours slowed my progress enough that i decided to stop at the Goodwin Islands for the night rather than arrive late in the day. Swatting biting flies all day had worn me down! Fortunately these were only a problem on the first day.
The following morning I sailed north for a bit before turning back south and spending the night on Back River.
Before leaving I knew light winds were going to be an issue, but this was simply my window of opportunity for a 3 day sailing adventure.
and like I always say, "why work in the marina, when you can be out on the water"
Simple task. done in no time. In spite of the 105° real feel forecast it was quit nice out there. Should have sailed!!!!!