A bit of a challenging day on the water. We got off to a late start after waiting for some storms to clear, and set a short course to get several races in. A big fleet and reasonably big, puffy air made for packed starts, and I had to work hard to keep the boat on a decent course and upright. After a hairy maneuver to avoid a boat that fouled me at the line on the second race, many boats were over early (not me) and a general recall was issued. A better start the next time around, but I just didn't feel like I could put it together today, and our results reflected that. Hoping to put on a better showing at the weekend's events.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
A nice spinnaker reach
Headed out for the Wednesday night race under the possible threat of storms. Made it to Molly's Leg, before getting a good weather tip from J Ray. High-tailed it back to the harbor, and watched the line of downpour arrive at us just before we got the boat tied up. It lasted about 5 mintues and then cleared right out. We got the boat re-rigged and made it out just in time to start the race. A strange start line setup resulted in a funky start, but we got going and made good progress upwind. We suffered on the reach as a result of our choice of the #3 given variability to the forecast, but made do and set a spin on the downwind. The second upwind went similarly well, and we finished on a slow reach. 4/4 B fleet boats today so not a great finish but nice to be back out there after a bit of a hiatus and much better conditions than we expected to see.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
A quick sunset paddle from SMSA to Zanheiser's after an evening of trailer work. Got to check out a few competitor boats and enjoy the view.
Monday, June 3, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Tonight's paddle group
A nice leisurely paddle this evening with the usual Monday night crew. We checked out several of the creeks to the south of the ramp and enjoyed picture-perfect conditions all evening.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
No GPS watch, so the route is my best guess
Brought my paddleboard with me and decided to get in a quick ride around Spa Creek after the pride parade. Windy conditions, but neat to check out a new spot and eyeball all the big money yachts in the harbor and a great addition to my ongoing experiment to paddle in as many rivers on the Chesapeake as possible.
Friday, May 31, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Drifting into the sunset
Taught a sailing lesson today on my boat. Light conditions, but we were able to float around in the harbor a bit and my student got some good helm time in advance of taking delivery of her & her husband's new-to-them J/35 tomorrow.
Made it halfway to Century Club before the end of May
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
A light spinnaker reach
Another light day out on the river, but we were able to get one race in. Not a super fast start but decently efficient, and we sailed a great upwind leg and found ourselves second around at the mark. Tailed Jimmy down to the offset, but lost the breeze and couldn't qutie bring it home. 4th place, which I was happy with all things considered.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Took a nice paddle today off SMSA up to the end of St. John's Creek and back. Pleasant conditions and nice sightseeing. I saw a couple boats I'd love to buy and a couple worth saving. A nice way to ease the bummer of starting work again after an exceptional holiday weekend.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Did some messing around on the paddleboard today at the beach and got Lelia up on one for the first time.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Out in the river
Out with Michael and my friend Lelia from college today for the SMSA Beer & Soda Run. The event is a fun race that consists of a race around the river, with a visit to the "store" and points for sodas & other beverages drank. Light conditions in the narrows at the start remained flukey through the harbor portion of the race. We worked on making good progress up to the "store", and found better breeze on the way back out. After a small mishap at the mouth of the harbor we got going well and enjoyed some nice long tacks on the river. We briefly set and carried a spin on one of the reaching legs, and enjoyed a fast, tight reach on the way into the harbor. After getting just about swallowed by a powerboat wake we found light conditions to the finish. A properly fun day on the water, and we took a win for the day.
After a great cookout lunch at the club, we set off on the Barba Roja for an afternoon fun sail. We anchored in the river and had a great swim call for about an hour, and did many halyard swings and dives off the boat. Afterwards, we set a spinnaker and had a quick run up to the bridge, and a comfortable beat back to the harbor.
One of the truly great days on the water that only come a few times a season, and I was glad to be able to share it with great friends from different parts of my life.