Century Club: George Hernandez

Saturday, November 2, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

...on Willoughby Bay.

In spite of leaving the house fairly early, time was getting close when I arrived at the marina. So, rather than sail over I just fired up the diesel and motored there. No wanting to be in the way and wanting the sun at my back for photography I anchored east of the southbound leg. I was a little further off the course than I would prefer but still got a few good pictures. Actually my favorite shots were as I encountered boats on their final leg as I was motoring back to OPCM.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 to Thursday, October 31, 2024
Number of days:
2 days

Needing to be home by mid-afternoon on Thursday, I scaled back my sailing plans and only went as far as the Back River. Entering the river I stopped just inside and got off of the channel to drop anchor. I wanted to paddle to shore to walk on the beach but with a 15 knot west wind the water was too rough trying to climb down into the kayak. I eventually moved further up the river and down to the south side hoping to get a little protection from wind and waves. Finally the breeze shifted more to the south and decreased making for a more pleasant evening. One of the next things for the boat is to make a Riding Sail to reduce the boat sailing while at anchor. 

 

The sail home went well with a 15-20 knot wind right on my nose, as always! About 2/3 of the way home I realized I'd be late if I didn't fire up the diesel and aim straight for home...

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

Original plan over the weekend was for a 3 day sail to the Eastern Shore, however light winds changed that and I stayed close and spent the night in the marina. Spotted another catboat and changed course to intercept for photos.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 to Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Number of days:
2 days

Sunny and warm days, prefect for an overnight. Only missing ingreedient, wind. Light east wind as I left OPCM and for a while tried to make progress eastbound against the incoming tide. As I realized the net result was west, I fired up the Westerbeke and headed over to Willoughby Bay. Once in that channel it was easy to sail the remaining distance to the east end where I dropped anchor for the night. Before dinner I prepared all the wood on the boat for a coat of varnish the next day when back. I was comfortable through the evening in calm winds. The low reached upper 50's. A few more degrees and an additional blank would have been needed.

 

In the morning I woke to ships sounding their fog horns. To the west, over the main channel I could see the fog. It was slow going into the 5 knot west wind, but that was okay. Even though I have passive AIS, sailing on the shipping channel in the fog was something to avoid when possible. Passing Willoughby Harbor Marina I was in the thick of it. Nothing was visible around me as I slowly progressed up the north channel sailing on instruments. (and sounding my horn) Fortunately, just as I was approaching the main channel, everything cleared and I was able to continue across back to Fort Monroe.

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

Our annual Round-the-Lights race. I anchored just east of Middle Ground light with my camera. Somewhere around 41 boats participated. 

Monday, October 14, 2024 to Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Number of days:
2 days

A friend and new sailor ran aground on Poquoson Flats. She asked for my help bringing her boat back home.

A ferry ride from Sea Tow as high tide approached found the boat floating free at at anchor around 5 pm. Various problems including an overheating engine slowed our progress but we finally arrived back to Fort Monroe around 1 am.

Saturday, October 12, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

Sail with a friend out to Thimble Shoal Lighthouse and back.

Friday, October 4, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

A Hallberg-rassy owner on my dock was curious about my unusual looking catboat. With a 12 east breeze it was the perfect day to let her see how nice my Nonsuch 30 handles. It was also a treat for me to have some company on the water with me. 99.99% of the time I sail single handed

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Number of days:
1 day

A former nieghbor a Willoughby Harbor Marina is now anchored across from Old Point Comfort Marina and needed a ride from the boat to shore and then get supplies. Happy to help....

Monday, September 23, 2024 to Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Number of days:
2 days

Probably due to a little late start, tide being against me and the NE wind right on my nose. I was making terrible time even before the wind let up mid afternoon. Chart plotter predicted arrival after sunset so Kiptopeake would have to wait for another time. I turned towards Back River for the overnight. Clouds thickened and the forecast continued to go downhill with rain forecast in the morning. Fortunately only light rain for the sail home. I needed to wear a raincoat for a little while but overall it was a pleasant and fairly fast sail back home.

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