Century Club: George Hernandez

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Thursday, April 4, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#22 Unexpected winds

First race of the year on Willoughby Bay. It was a little breezy so I decided to just motor out and anchor at the Birdsnest to photograph the race. As the boats rounded the first mark and headed towards me the winds picked up significantly. Instead of 15 knots they continued to build. I let out another 50' of anchor line in 10' of water, for 100'+. The winds gusted to 37 knots making things difficult for the few boats that didn't drop out of the race. Overpowered rounding the mark things got a little exciting for the first boat as it healed over 50 degrees in a gust. 

I usually keep a pretty good watch on the weather. Others had not expected this either. Since I was just photographing it wasn't a big concern for me, and I was lax in getting an updated forecast before heading out.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#21 Fog and mast work

A foggy morning heading over to Tidwater Marine Services. A cargo ship hidden in the fog could be heard long before it was visible. As I left TMS while still on Sunset Creek I decided to get my mainsail ready for use once off the river. As I was climbing back into the cockpit, my sneaker caught on the lifeline and fell off. Not onto the deck of course, into the water. Fortunately it landed upright and floated mostly dry right on the surface as I turned the boat around to pluck it out with my dock pole. 

Monday, April 1, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#20 Windshift!

Though a rather think layer of cirrostratus blocked most of the sun from getting through, a warm west breeze made for a very comfortable afternoon on the water. I sailed north past Fort Monroe and after passing Buckroe Beach fishing pier turned back towards Willoughby Bay. On the way back the skies cleared and I was soaking up the sun. Shortly after arriving in Willoughby Bay the wind shifted to come from the NE. In no time at all the temperature dropped from mid 70's to mid 50's as a cold front passed. Shirt, long pants, sweatshirt with hood up I was feeling chilled by the time I arrived back at the dock!

Friday, March 29, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#19 Breezy but comfortable

Another short afternoon on Willoughby Bay. West winds ~20 knots, but strong sunshine and comfortable temps. I feel the Weather has turned the corner...

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#18 Low clouds, and drizzle

Determined to get out on the water ahead of a night on the boat, I motored to the east end of Willoughby Bay and dropped anchor close to the shore so the east wind was reduced a bit. Fortunately the drizzle stopped and in spit of the cool weather it was fairly comfortable through the afternoon. One other boat from the Norfolk Navy Club was out, so I got a few shots to share with their club.

Sunday, March 17, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#17 Sail to Old Point Comfort

I had the opportunity to bring along one of the surfers I know from photographing on the beach. She picked it right up and really enjoyed being at the helm.

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#16 Floating around

Almost dead calm, but I motored out onto Willoughby Bay to take care of a few chores on the boat and fish for a while. I haven't been seeing indications of fish on my on depth finder lately but a pod of dolphins were swimming around me meaning it was worth a try...

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#15 Light Breeze...

...But absolutely wonderful!

Sunshine and low 70's made it a joy to be on the water, inspite of fairly light winds most of the afternoon. I sailed out of Willoughby Bay on the north channel then east for a few miles. Heading back against an ebb tide is was slow going even with an increasing SE breeze. Back in Willoughby Bay I dropped the sails and watched the sun set before motoring in.

Friday, March 8, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#14 A little work and a little play

A one day break in the weather. Sunny skies but thickening clouds ahead of the next weather system bringing rain by morning. Used the nice day to fit a new tiller to replace the back up being used since previous was broke during a gale 2 months back. Sailed east on the bay for a while before heading back in. Three foot waves on a 10-15 knot ESE breeze.

Sunday, March 3, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
#13 Across the channel

Over to Fort Monroe. Sunny day but the air was a little cool. Fortunately the northeast breeze was gentle allowing the sun to keep me comfortable. Few others on the water other than workboats. Images shot in 720nm Infrared.

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