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.
Century Club: George Hernandez
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.
Monday, July 31, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
In spite of showers to the west slowly moving east, it was a fantastic day. I did get slightly wet with off an on showers into the early evening but things fizzled out before sunset Comfortable evening....
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Too hot to do any work on the boat, so a short sail instead. Out of the marina and as soon as the main was up I was surrounded by dolphins. There must have been 40 on our little bay. I love dolphins and was happy to sail back and forth just watching them around me.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
I don't think it got below 80 at night! But, with a nice breeze blowing it was comfortable and I slept great. West wind carried me easily out of the Back River. As afternoon arrived the winds shifted to a SSW direction forcing me to sail further east close hauled. After a few tacks I arrived at the HRBT right at maximum outgoing flow it was a battle to get past Fort Wool. Finally I fired up the diesel. I hate to do this because that isn't the game for me! Sailing is. But, I needed to get home for events in the evening.
Monday, July 17, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Thank heavens for a nice breeze, because it was HOT!
The forecast was for lighter wind but instead was out of the east at 10-13 knots. I rode east on the outgoing tide picking up a knot and a half before turning north and sailing past Thimble Shoals lighthouse. Showers were already building over VB as I turned north. The forecast was for a slight chance of showers at Langley. I watched one late afternoon to the west but it fizzled out. Another popped up over Newport News and headed my way. Moderate rain and maybe 30 knot wind fought with the tidal current over orentation of the boat at anchor resulting in my anchor line against the keel holding me sideways.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Beautiful evening ahead of wind and showers later that night. Was planning to anchor out after the race but had a passenger to get home. Once back at the dock I decided to sleep there.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
There was a nice breeze blowing as I walked the VB boardawlk in the morning. As soon as I untied the boat it was gone! I stuck it out, slowly sailing back and forth in Willoughby Bay all the while cooking in the 90 degree Wx. In less than an hour though, the breeze picked up and it was beautiful as well as much more comfortable.
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
A very warm day with a nice SW breeze. Sailed west about half the way to Middle Ground Light on the James River before turning back so could be home for dinner.