Went out on a friend's J/33 for a relaxing evening cruise. The air was pretty heavy and we sailed the boat conservatively. I got to take a turn at the tiller and I must say I'm a little jealous - it really is a great boat.
Century Club: Jonathan Nepini
Friday, April 15, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Great sunset colors back at the dock
Yours truly taking a turn at the helm
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Big crew
Drag race to the finish
First Wednesday night race of the season. We had a very full boat, including a few talented newcomers. Our rival boat was out and we had some close, action-packed racing. We just missed beating them boat for boat, but still won our class on corrected time. I drove and Steve called tactics and handled foredeck. Continuing to work on crew coordination & speeding up tacks and mark roundings.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield & Polly Traynham)
Sunday, April 10, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Running under a reefed main & genoa
Flying downwind to the finish
Right back out on the water on the heels of Saturday's distance race. Heavy air resulted in few competitors, and sticking around for a second race let us snag a win for the day. Steve helmed and I trimmed headsails, and we performed pretty well despite the conditions. Hoping for some warmer weather soon!
(Photos courtesy of Polly Traynham)
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Great Saturday on the bay
Floating along in almost no breeze
First distance race of the season. A true tour of all points of sail and wind conditions, from ghosting along in nearly no breeze to a brief 18kt blow. I was at the helm and got lots of practice stringing together wind lines in light air. A little chilly to be out all day, but still a great way to spend a Saturday.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield)
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Just before reefing
Things got a little sporty at times
SMSA Frostbites #4, the final race in the series. Some strange shifts caught the fleet at the start, followed by heavy air conditions for the rest of the race. The crew managed to put in a reef while underway after my helm became unmanageable for the upwind leg, and we pulled off some of the best speeds I've seen from the boat recently. We had a couple of brand new sailors out for their first ever ride on a sailboat and they certainly got an adventure!
We ended up taking 7th overall for the series, which did come as a bit of a disappointment, but I'm hoping we can work together as a team better and improve as the season progresses.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield & Polly Traynham)
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Good fleet today and a nice start
The Barba Roja passing under the Solomons Bridge
SMSA Frostbite Race #3. I was expecting conditions similar to last week, but thankfully the breeze was much more manageable today, though the temps were a little cold. We put a reef in and the boat was much better balanced than last week. Steve wanted to drive his own boat for a change so I helped with headsail trim and filled in where I was needed. We worked well together as a crew, and while our results didn't quite match our effort everyone had a great afternoon on the water.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield & Chris Staley)
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Powered up & working hard
A late start for us but a good fleet today
SMSA Frostbite Race #2. Tough race today, the big gusty winds caused us a ton of problems. Between us we lost a hat (recovered), sunglasses, a phone, a Yeti mug, and almost a crew member (saved by the lifelines thankfully). As per usual I was on the helm, and it was a fight the whole way. Our results were disappointing, but the whole crew worked really hard, and I learned a lot about managing challenges and driving in big air. Hoping for better conditions next week.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield)
Friday, March 18, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Flying the MD flag for a change
Spinnaker reaching at sunset
Went out for another short cruise to test another spinnaker for the Barba Roja, this time a .5oz reaching kite. Managed a very speedy upwind leg on the way back from the Solomons bridge and got some more good helm practice. Looking forward to racing on Sunday.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield)
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
Great day for a relaxing sail
The new Mylar spinnaker in action
Joined a few friends for a brief evening cruise to enjoy the weather and test a mylar spinnaker Steve picked up for the boat. We had a nice, if brief, run before the wind died off and we had to pack it up. Still need to practice driving under a kite since I haven't had much opportunity to do so yet.
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield)
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
A fine crew!
The Barba Roja, as seen from the end of Solomons
Today was the first Spring Frostbite race at SMSA, and the start of the racing season in Southern Maryland. I helmed the Barba Roja today and we managed a very strong third place finish in a field of six boats. The wind was gusty and shifty, and I was reminded that I still need lots more practice time behind the wheel. Overall a great race and a great start to the season!
(Photos courtesy of Steven Birchfield & Tim Flaherty)