Century Club: George Hernandez

A sail across the channel to the mostly without tidal current Willoughby Bay. There I dropped anchor and noted the sailing at anchor tendencies of my Nonsuch 30. Then, I put up the Riding Sail I recently made to see the difference. It seems to be doing it's job and cut the wandering back and forth by more than half. It was interesting to watch the spoiler block the airflow to one wing as the boat moved off the wind and the other filled with air to bring us back. More testing to come.

Unusually cold weather and an unending case of bronchitis has kept me off the water for most of the month. Monday while still not feeling 100% I had to get out. Fortunately, light winds and sunshine made for a very comfortable day on the water. In the sun going downwind, quite warm. heading upwind in the shade of the sail, not so much...

Quite a few warships on the channel. 2 Aircraft carriers, 2 submarines, plus the usual Navy patrol boats protecting them, and at least 4 tugs, and several cargo ships.

I sailed about 7 miles down the Elizabeth River and back.

With a forecast of light winds, I almost didn't leave the dock. But, it was another nice day so off I went. Leaving Mill Creek I spotted another Nonsuch. Following him for a while to get some pictures until turning back to OPCM.

Docking was another thing. New dock which gives me the maneuvering room for backing in. Twice so far it had gone well. Not today. Five tries before finally giving up and going in bow first. That really bothered me so back out again and on the first try I did it. With 30 hours of fuel on board, this could have gone on all night...