A very windy Friday evening limited my boating to a very brief outing in my kayak, maybe 150 yards total. My judgement and boating skills are both improving.
Century Club: AJ Batcheller
Friday, April 9, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A very windy Friday evening.
Didn't want to spend too much time taking pictures.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A nice, mellow morning paddle to Stepp’s Marina for day # 10.
Monday, March 29, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Quiet before the storm.
They were predicting another strong, gusty wind day but I decided to go out anyway. It was about 8:30 when I left and it didn't look that bad. A strong wind from the west pushed me out of Mattox Creek quickly and I realized it was getting windier and should head back. When the winds died down a bit, I should have taken that opportunity to furl my jib and lower and secure the main but I didn't. By the time I decided I should secure everything it was too late. I furled the jib okay but wasn't able to secure the mainsheet very well so it just flapped around as I motored in. It was very challenging getting onto the lift with the high winds and I came close to having the head of the mainsail getting cut or caught in my outboards propellor. I thank God for making it back safely and fortunately no damage to the boat. I will definitely think twice before I go out when they are predicting gusts over 20mph.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Kayaking on Mattox Creek
They were calling for rain and high winds on Sunday so I just went out for a quick paddle on Mattox Creek.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
An abandoned sailboat in Mattox Creek. Anyone want to claim it as a fixer uppper?
Just enjoying a perfect day.
The day started out with very little wind then picked up nicley. Spent just under 3 hours sailing out to the Potomac then around Mattox Creek.
Friday, March 26, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Arrr, a strong westerly breeze kept my sail close to shore and brief.
A strong breeze from the west kept me close to shore on Mattox Creek. I played it safe and didn't unfurl the jib.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A beautiful Sunday monring with a very slight breeze so I decided to take a quick sail around Mattox Creek before the wind picks up to the preidicted 20 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH.
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Loving my new tiller clutch. If you don’t have one I highly recommend getting one.
The Osprey’s have arrived at Maddox Creek which means spring is just around the corner.
Days like this one is the reason I fell in love with sailing. Gentle but steady breeze, the sound of the water lapping at my hull, just peace and solitude!
Sunday, March 7, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
The figure 8 reef.
I was very optimistic about spending day 3 on the water. It was still pretty chilly with temperatures in the 40’s but the winds were much gentler than the day before. I motored out to raise the sail and guess what? I inadvertently reefed my sail with a newly discovered figure 8 reef. I sheepishly motored back to my dock, put Bente back on the lift, and removed the twists from the sail. Went back to the house, enjoyed a Mt Gay and had a good chuckle.
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Too windy to raise the sails.
Bente, safely back on the lift.
I got my Precision 15K named Bente, (pronounced Ben-ta, a Danish girl’s name meaning blessed), ready for the season which entailed putting the boom back on, loading safety equipment, (anchor, handheld radio, etc.) back on board, and made sure my Tohatsu 3.5 HP outboard started. I got out okay under power but had second thoughts about raising the sails as winds gusts were up to 20 mph. I decided to play it safe and just motor around Mattox creek for a bit. Even without the sails it was a bit of a challenge getting Bente back into the slip.