Century Club: Tom Dean

Well, had been waiting for a nice day after getting back from Thanksgiving for a day to go out - and finally got one on the last day of the month.  Had a couple "gale" days earlier in the week, but while chilly (42-51) it was a nice mostly sunny day with good winds out of the south - so I headed down to the marina and out on Bubbles. Shorter sail - 11:15 - 2:30 with a barometer at 30.14 and falling. Winds initially started out at 5-10, but they began picking up in the early afternoon (about 1) which is when I turned and started heading back. Was on a close haul from 11:30 until 1 at which time I started going on a broad reach to head back.  Winds had picked up to 15 knots or better soon after 1. It was nice to finally get back sailing - and with the wave action, I noticed how light the boat was with all the water being out. Cold, but a lovely sail and some really nice speed!!

Well, finally after waiting for three days - finally headed to the boat.  The NWS and NOAA said no or little wind, but I found a good 10 knots when I got to the marina (goes to show... don't always take the NWS and NOAA's forecast as being true!!). Left the dock about 11:30 under a very low tide.  Temperatures ranged from 52 to the upper 50's.  Barometer was 30.39.  Found the winds to be out of the South 5-10 knots with some gusting well above 10 and with the boat being empty of water, she sails pretty well under these conditions.  Got the sails up quickly and began tacking down the creek.  A friend started texting me about a problem they were having with their AIS and as I was tacking, I was trying to see their screen shots and help.... big mistake.  Got involved in one response and didn't see the depth drop off until Bubbles gently rested on the bottom, Tried to motor off - that wasn't happening.... tried to pull myself off with an anchor - did manage to move the front around but still no go... Tide at the very precipice of low - so I knew before too long, I would have enough water, still kept working on the problem.  Put the Genoa back up and that started to pull her around.  Managed to tighten up the sail enough to heel over pretty good - that along with an anchor on the boom - hanging out, I managed to get her to heel enough that we got free and back into deeper water!  Continued sailing for a bit having finally gotten myself free - and I put the cell phone down and didn't pick it up again until I was back in the slip.  Had a nice 4 hour sail total (that includes stuck time!! Still an enjoyable day - and I learned some new tricks for the next time I get grounded

Got to the marina early - There was a SCA out for the day and when I arrived, found winds at 10+ knots.... but it wasn't too bad.  Temps ranged from 61 - 68 degrees and the Barometer was again at 29.82, so it regained what had fallen. Winds were out of the Southwest - so that meant tacking down Langford Creek out into the Chester.  Saw one workboat - not sure what they were fishing - sort of a strange configuration - and once again, a couple of other sailboats out. Winds did peter out a little later in the day (left the slip at 10:30... didn't get back in until after 3), but I had enough to keep the sails up and full almost the entire trip. Another lovely fall sailing day!!

Stayed at the marina for the weekend - first mate joined me on Friday evening. It was a lovely weekend, but there was NO WIND - I mean NOTHING!!  Even the sailing school didn't even bother going out.... However, it was a lovely couple of days weather wise - so we used the time to kayak - exploring Davis Creek, Langford Creek, the East Fork of Langford Creek and of course Cacaway Island..... spent about 2 hours both Saturday and Sunday just exploring and enjoying the weather!  Forgot my phone... so no pictures!!