Helped out with smallboat RC this evening. Ideal conditions and a good number of boats on the line made for great racing to watch. We had to reset the course right before starting due to a big wind shift, but we got 3 races in and made sure everyone had a great time.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
The fleet at the start of the race
A pretty sunset
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
The beginning of a long run
Having a great time at the helm
The crew doing our best on the downwind leg
Some great, action-packed racing this evening. We had a very full boat again, and the wind was blowing pretty well at the start of the race. RC put 8 boats over the line at the same time (combined no spin and PHRF C), making for a pretty tight start. We immediately tacked out of traffic and had a great upwind leg, ending with a mark rounding while 3 fighter jets flew about 100ft overhead. Next up we had a long spinnaker run under the mylar kite. A bit of chaos ensued as we crossed the entire fleet at the Solomons bridge, but we got to clear air and managed another strong beating leg, followed by a deep reach to the finish. We managed a bullet for the first Wednesday in quite a while. Even with a few newbies I feel like the crew is starting to gel well, and we’re able to correct mistakes quickly. This one was pretty stressful in a couple of places but overall a blast!
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Met up with a friend from the Barba Roja crew to do the first social paddle of the season at the Leonardtown Wharf, but when we got there they had moved the start date to next Tuesday. We went paddling anyway, and had a nice ride up McIntosh Run. It was near low tide so we had to dodge some sticks and shallow water, but otherwise conditions were perfect and we had a great time.
Sunday, June 26, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
The crew looking serious
The Barba Roja on the course
SMSA Summer Invitational. We had a small crew and decided to go non-spin to create a fleet for the other boat that was wanting to do so. Got a clean start, a nice first beating leg, and a great downwind leg going wing-on-wing. The wind and waves built throughout the race, and we had a tough beating leg through the chop and across the channel in the Bay. Our competition retired (didn't want to push a borrowed boat too hard), and we had a lively reaching leg back to the finish. We crossed the line enjoying a fried chicken lunch, much to the dismay of the race committee.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield & Kristen Gyorgy)
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
The crew for today
Spinnaker run into the sunset
SMSA Smith Point Race. A 45nm course down to a mark off Point Lookout and back. A fairly light downwind start quickly shifted & filled in to a great beat all the way to the mark. Conditions slowly built throughout the day culminating in a great spinnaker run back up the Bay and into Solomons. Distance races are always long days on the Barba Roja (this one took about 11 hours) , but we had great food & enjoyable company, and the whole race was some of the best sailing I've done in a while.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield)
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Took a little paddle off Clarke's Landing this evening. The weather looked pretty iffy so I stayed pretty close to the pier. Feeling pretty run down after a weird week so I didn't get too far. Had to mill around for a bit before leaving to wait for the small pier to clear so I could pull my board. Nothing super interesting but still another day on the water.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Evening paddle to celebrate the summer solstice. Took a lap off Clarke's landing and got to see a lot of wildlife. I spotted ducks, a heron, a school of fish, and even a huge turtle! Unfortunately I also spotted a few jellyfish, so they'll probably be here by the 4th of July as always. I'm glad I can get out on the water solo while I'm quarantining but I'm itching to get back sailing.
Monday, June 20, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Decided to check out a new launch site for Day 50. I launched off Piney Point with the vague idea of circumnavigating St. George's Island, but the windy conditions and fact that I was going solo made me decide to scrap that plan and instead paddle up St. George's Creek. Not really a notable paddle in particular, but I still appreaciated the opportunity to get out on the water.
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Back on the water after a brief stint of having Covid (ugh, what a pain!). I had to miss sailing on Wednesday and cancel my trip I had planned to Ocean City, and I wanted to get out and try to salvage what I could of my holiday weekend. Did a nice long paddle off Leonardtown Wharf, down to the Breton Bay pier and back. Gusty conditions made it a great workout, especially the final leg beating dead into the wind to get back to the Wharf. Nice to finally get out of the house and get some fresh air & sunshine.
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Today's route
Took a tour around Breton Bay with an old friend who recently moved back to the area. Great weather to be out on the water.