Little wind, then a nice breeze. Starting off the outgoing tidal current carried me to the channel. Just enough air movement that I had rudder authority to maintain dricetional control. Once out a 15 knot NE breeze moved me along nicely. Knowing this likely wouldn't last I turned back to position myself for an easy sail back in when it did finally die.
Century Club: George Hernandez
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Back to Fort Monroe. A fairly strong breeze had me start off with a reef in the sail. With the wind about 30 degrees off my track through the narrow channel and an incoming tidal current I was making slow progress. I had to run the diesel to get through the tighest point which also turned more into the wind. Once out and as the channel turned more SE, out comes the reef and an easy though rolling sail towards home.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
One of my favorite places. Back River. Only 11.7 nm from Frot Monroe it is an easy sail even on a light wind day. This day had a wide range of winds. From 23 knot gusts that moved me along at 7 knots to dead calm. Obviously some thermal activity to make the day interesting. By mid afternoon the breeze became more reliable and the occasional throught of giving up left me.
With a north wind forecast overnight I anchored on the north side near north creek in ~8' of water. This didn't give me the protection I had hoped for as the breeze overnight was more NE and swells from the bay curved around the land and followed the river to hit me broadside rocking the boat until the early morning hours.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Local sail enjoying the 91° SW breeze. Stayed close waiting for a friend to head out from Fort Monroe heading to Oriental, NC. I wanted to get some pictures of them under sail. Unfortunately, it took longer than expected for them to depart and I ran out of time. Then with developing thunderstorms they decided to cancel for the day.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
The previous day with gusty winds entering the marina, I could see it would be a struggle backing in. Just reounding the corner past the seawall the winds grabbed the bow and we were headed towards it. This day was to get the boat turned around. Of course, just like with the airplane where moving the plane necessitated once around the pattern, I have to go out and motor around for a bit.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Njord, the Norse god of wind was having some fun with me. At first a north breeze got me out and tacking up the shoreline. It was a little rough and gusty so I changed plans and decided to head back to the James River. Just as I turned west to fight the outgoing tide the wind changed to west and lightened. Every thermal that passed changed the wind direction. Loosing ground I finally had to run the diesel to get out of the suddenly busy channel.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
First of a 2 day event. Out in the Hampton Yacht Club skiff as the Mark Boat. Quite breezy with SW winds approaching 20 knots making for a bumpy time at anchor. Thunderstorms delayed then cancelled the second day of racing.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Beautiful morning sail over to Willoughby Bay and back. It is starting to feel like the good weather is hare to stay. Excited to begin cruising!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Southwest winds of 10-15 knots made for some great sailing. First out into the bay then west and around the Hampton Bar. At times the wind picked up and for a half hour or so to keep things relaxing, I put in the first reef.
Originally the plan was to sail somewhere for the night but the wind was forecast increase during the night to near 30. At one point I sailed up the Hampton River and dropped anchor. I only stayed there about 30 minutes before deciding to return to my marina for the night. I'm used to anchoring in quiet places with lots of room. With the limited space I didn't feel comfortable letting out a lot of anchor line and if I dragged during the winds at night shallow water was not far away.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Number of days:
1 day
Slightly chilly overnight, but with an extra blanket I was comfortable and slept great. Light winds made for a very relaxing sail back across the channel.