Early start sailing out with the sunrise. Heading to Tangier Island. Good north breeze early in the day died as I was passing Cape Charles taking back and forth across the bay. Had hoped to make it as far as Piankatank River but diverted to Mobjack Bay and New Point Comfort Bight. South wind picked up early evening and made for a bumpy night on this exposed anchorage.
Century Club: George Hernandez
Friday, August 25, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
After a wonderful night anchored out in Willoughby Bay I just motored in hoping to beat the heat. Forecast mid 90's with THI of 105!
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
An afternoon sailing then anchor out to photograph the Thursday race. Beautiful temperature overnight on the water!
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Getting gas I ran into a woman with a Lake Placid shirt. I spent many weekends in Lake Placid hiking in the High Peaks. She expressed an interest in sailing. Finally a couple months later we got together for an afternoon sail. Starting off in a light breeze the wind built through the afternoon. Perfect sailing weather!
Friday, August 18, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Out of Willoughby Bay on the north channel and around an anchored ship. Back in through the Swells Point channel.
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A great day sailing! At 93 degrees it was very hot, but a nice SW breeze made it tolerable. I was passed later in the day by a couple of the powerboats from the gathering at Claxton Creek just before passing Fort Monroe. I was happy to get some shots of them underway. Fighting the peak outgoing tidal current and a direct headwind I once again made use of the desiel rather than spending forever tacking back and forth.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A hot day with mixed winds sailing north to Claxton Creek. I ran the desiel about 25% of the time to keep reasonable progress. In all 10 boats showed up for the gathering. At 5:00 we all gathered on Navy Lady for a visit and snacks.
Unfortunately a layer of cirrus moved in just before sunset. While making for some colorful pictures much of the night sky was obscured. I originally planned to paddle to shore with my camera and super-wide lens in a dry bag to set up on a tripod for some long exposures. However with clouds covering more than half the sky I decided not to make the 1/2 mile paddle in the dark.
Monday, August 7, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
At 90+ a very warm day! Fortunately, a nice southwest breeze kept me from baking in the heat as I sailed west from Willoughby Bay to Middle Ground Light. The threat of storms encouraged me to sail back into the marina after dinner rather than anchor out for the night. Good decision. While only seeing a light shower as a thunderstorm passed to the south, the winds gusted to about 40 knots.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Easy sail compared with the previous day. Broad reach with about 10 knots wind out of the ENE.
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A beautiful day while protected by the islands. One the Bay a little different story...
I started the day paddling my kayak over to one of the islands. Aware that this is a nature preserve, I called the Research Reserve Office before going. As long as I stay on the beach and don't mess with their experiments, no problem. Kind of near to have an island all to myself, even if it is only 500' in size.
Sailing south there was a 15+ knot wind out of the NE making for a rough ride. Waves probably a little over 3 feet. I was happy once I turned into Back River and the water smoothed out.
I didn't take any pictures while sailing as I had my hands full and occasional spray entering the cockpit.