On my Aqua Map Sail 250 it appeared the Gorch Fock was anchored to the west of the channel on the Elizabeth River. I had hoped to sail aound it taking pictures. It was docked at the Norfolk naval station. Still very exciting to see this beautiful ship!
Century Club: George Hernandez
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Unfortunately cut short before we even got started due to mechanical issues on the subject boat. I followed her back in then continued sailing for a while.
Light winds and relaxing sailing
Thursday, June 4, 2026 to Friday, June 5, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
A few favorable weather days so I decided to head north. Depending on my progress, either the Goodwin Islands or Mobjack Bay.
Well Mother Nature helped make the decision for me. First, a light flood tide passing Fort Monroe slowed my progress onto the bay. Then very light winds into early afternoon. After about 3 hours I still hadn't passed Salt Ponds.
I'm fine floating around at 1.5 knots on a very light wind day when not going anywhere. Very relaxing since being on the water was the destination. When I do have a destination there is a minumum speed. Below that I start feeling a little stressed. The forecast was calling for increasing winds by mid-afternoon but had hoped to be a little further along by the time they arrived.
With the autohelm on, I was able to sit up front in the shade of the sail and read. Before long a nice breeze arrived and the boat accelerated. Still another 12 miles to go but now I was moving along nicely.
Excellent anchorage just inside of Green Point. Room for one or two boats. Quiet and just a short few hundred foot paddle to the beach.
In the morning a west breeze carried me out the zig zag channel onto the bay. Once again light winds into mid afternoon before a good SE wind picked up
Monday, June 1, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
...When you can be on the water?
So, I started the engine, unplugged and untied. Simple project. Just a change to the anchor release line and float. I motored out to the windward end of Willoughby Bay and just drifted on the breeze, while working and enjoying the sunshine. Out for an hour or so. It was wonderful!
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Sail with my marina neighbor Eris on her CSY 33 'Black Dog'. A light SW wind and the outgoing tide slowly carried us out to Thimble Shoal lighthouse. Once out there the breeze weakened further making the return painfully slow. Time for the diesel.
Last day of the Southern Bay Race Week had the James River full of boats.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 to Thursday, May 28, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
First a short sail with a marina neighbor. He owns a C&C 38 and was curious about my Nonsuch 30. After that I was back out onto Willoughby Bay sailing back and forth until late afternoon when I anchored on the east end for the night. I had hoped to go somewhere but with a commitment the following day I decided to play it safe and stay close.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
It was a beautiful day so I decided to just motor out and do my work out on the water. On the way out I saw something in the water. Once closer I could see it was a dinghy overturned in the water. A work boat arrived before I did and said that he had already brought the skipper to the shore. Calling the marina I found a crew was getting ready to provide assistance.
Monday, May 18, 2026 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
Back River was my alternate if Mother Nature didn't cooperate. Original destination the Goodwin Islands. During the first 2-1/2 hours in a light west breeze I only made 5.7 miles. It was a hot day with the afternoon high over 93°. Finally a refreshing NE wind arrived and I was then moving along nicely. However, by that point with 3 hours to my destination I decided to just pull into Back River.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
My marina and sailing student was called into work at the last minute. Already on the way to the marina. Rather than going out on her boat, I sailed Sebatical. Turns out not really a great day for sailing. A light SW breeze only moved me along at around 2 knots. By a little after noon I decided to head back in. Tomorrow, if there a better breeze north to the Goodwin Islands or Back River if less. Willoughby Bay if there no wind at all...
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 to Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
Original plan, Middle Ground Lighthouse then Portsmouth. Making great progress until the wind died ahead of the shift from NE to S. Decided to try out Lafayette River for the night. Nice spot right across from the Norfolk Yacht Club.