Since I spent the solstice doing maintenance work (gale winds), I decided - since the rain was cancelled for the day - that I would head out for a little sail even though they were predicting pretty windy conditions. When I got to the marina the winds did seem fairly light - turned on the instruments and I was seeing 8 knots or so... however, I wasn't overly trusting since I am blocked from NE winds a bit in the marina. Barometer was 30.6 and falling - Temperature ranged from 65 - 70 degrees. Ends up winds were out of the NE between 5 and 20 knots. Took off out of the marina at 11:30 already prepped for a single reef in the main and jib sheet cars set up for only partially unfurling the genoa. Started thinking about taking out the main reef in Langford creek - as the winds were averaging about 8 knots... but decided to hold off until I got out into the Chester...I am glad I did.
When I got to the mouth of Langford Creek and into the Chester, things picked up considerably. Stayed on a broad reach for a while - and while comfortable, I knew I would need to head in a different direction if I were to get back to the marina, so I started moving to a close reach - and that's when the winds picked up... substantially. By the time I got to the south shore in the basin - outside Reedy Creek, the winds were averaging 14 knots true. Decided not to go too far because a close reach or a close haul had me beating against the winds and waves hard. I zig-zagged back and forth eventually getting myself well set up for a run up Langford creek - although it wasn't going to be easy because the winds were remaining strong. The RHYC summer camp were keeping close to the club - which was helpful for me. Began tacking up the creek figuring I would have to give up and start up the engines eventually, but managed to ride the wind and make adjustments so that I made it all the way up the creek and back to the entrance of the marina before I turned on the engine to drop the sails. Very fun, very rewarding sail - also a sail where I learned quite a bit! Reminded me of those late fall/winter/early spring sails where the wind is just whipping, its chilly, and there is a little mist. Really challenged me - and I think I met the challenge well!