A south wind in the low teens carried us out to the main channel and east. Returning against a decreasing outgoing tide the winds shifted to the SW which had us tacking up the narrow entrance to Willoughby Bay. My neighbor Eris joined me and was rewarded with a submarine passing us apparently headed to Newport News.
Century Club: George Hernandez
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
A little cooler than I would have wished for. Temp forecast was spot on, however the NE breeze was a little stronger than I expected. One reef in the sail just to keep things relaxing. Since I wasn't going anywhere seeing 3-4 knots was just fine.
Back to the dock I replaced a couple of the 9 lines securing the boat. This puts brand new 1/2 inch lines on all 4 corners. Piece of mind when storms blow through...
Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
..then out on Seabatical for the night.
Sailed with my marina neighbor Eris on her CSY 33 as she gets comfortable on the water and particularly docking. She is a quick learner and is doing great.
Once back to the dock I headed out on my boat for some sailing then an overnight anchored nearby on Willoughby Bay. In the morning a little more sailing before heading back in.
Willoughby Bay is a minefield of crab pots!
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Apparently we are into crabbing season. Willoughby Bay and the north channel to exit are full of crab pots. The wind was better than forecast. I was expecting to just get out onto the water, drop anchor and do a little work on the boat. Instead it was a relaxing hour and a half sail before heading back in
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Sailing lesson with my marina neighbor.
A nice 15 knot northwest wind gave Eris lots of practice tacking today as we worked our way over to Hampton. First in the channel as we dealt with an outgoing tide, then in the Hampton River where the importance of maintaining enough speed for sucessful turns was demonstrated. Some momentary excitement when trying to pinch things too tight resulted in insufficient forward momentum when starting the tacking maneuver. Shifting winds in the narrow channel made for more of a challenge...
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Sunny and warm, but light winds. I barely made it out of Willoughby Bay and to the main channel at Fort Story before turning back. Back in the marina for a better use of time, varnishing.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
A short sail with one of my marina neighbors on a 33' Caribbean Sailing Yacht. New to sailing, having a second hand onboard is helpful.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 to Thursday, March 5, 2026
Number of days:
2 days
After so much cold weather a couple of nice days arrived. Originally the thought was to sail down the Elizabeth River to Norfolk, however forecasted light winds mid-afternoon had me worried about being on a very busy channel barely moving. Winds were expected to be better north so I sailed to Back River for the night.
The following morning heading home tacking into a SSW wind I had to reef and un-reef twice as the breeze went from 10-15 then 15-20 several times.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
Just motoring today.
A first no wind so I motored out and dropped anchor to do some fishing...
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Number of days:
1 day
To Old Point Comfort. My marina neighbor Eris who ownes a Pacific Seacraft 34 joined me for the sail. A nice east breeze and almost no tidal current made for an easy sail there and back.