...and around Swells Point Spit. A steady 10 knot NW breeze made for a relaxing sail. At ~50 degrees it was a little cool when sails blocked the sun, but very comfortable the rest of the time. I would have stayed out longer but wanted to get in and remove my genoa to bring in for inspection and a little stitching. I may not go fast or far, but I will sail with just the main until it is returned.
Century Club: George Hernandez
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
My main goal was to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to get a coat of varnish my wood. I try to keep ahead of the UV, but the sunlight is always a step or two ahead of me. As always, things take longer than expected. What seems really warm to me, actually wasn't when it comes to drying varnish. But it was too nice a day to let that stop me. I just was real careful not to contact the tacky teak...
Sailed across the channel to Fort Monroe and back. Feeling warm in the sunshine, the plan was to anchor in Willoughby Bay to cook burgers on the grill. However, as the sun went down and my hands started to get cold, shore power and heat seemed like a better idea!
Monday, January 16, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
#4. About 15 degrees warmer than Sunday reaching the mid 50's. With the sunshine it was really nice, especially when you realize it's the middle of January! I sailed for about an hour and 20 minutes. Just out to the main channel around 1ER and back. Wed and Thur the highs might reach upper 60's. On one day a mid-winter coat of varnish and the other hopefully a sail...
Monday, January 9, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A 20 knot NW breeze and a strong outbound tidal current made exiting the N channel out of Willoughby Bay a little difficult with only my main up. Finally unfurling the genoa partially gave the needed speed to offset drift through the narrow channel. Upwind was slow for a bit after turning west until the tidal current eased. I returned to Willoughby through the western channel after rounding Swells Spit.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
#2
With a 10 knot west wind blowing a short sail from Willoughby Bay to near Buckroe Beach was perfect. A little cool on a beam reach became quite comfortable during a brief downwind with the sunshine. Returning, I saw in the distance what appeared to be a dinghy floating east on the outgoing tidal current. Hoping to capture and return it to the owner I changed course to intercept. As a got closer I could see it was a large tank of some sort. Several attempts to contact the USCG to advise them, failed, on both my radios. This hazard was eventually spotted and the following day CG radio broadcasts were still warning boaters.
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
New years day started quite foggy. While preparing my boat to depart, the fog in Willoughby bay began clearing and it seemed I was good to go. However, passing Swells Point the channel was still socked in. There was still time before the race start, so I waited and motored slowly back and forth countering the outgoing tidal current. Within a short time there was enough visibility for me to continue on to my anchor point near the western mark at R18.
At first only the tops of sails were visible in the distance above the fog as boat approached. Eventually shadows appeared in the fog gaining detail as they neared. The breeze grew and the fog dispersed. After the last boat passed, I hauled in the anchor and followed, turning south and leaving them for my slip as they neared the finish in front of OPCYC