Although we originally planned to go a bit further north, our friends Sergio, Chip and LeMoine offered to take a vacation day on Friday so they could meet up with us on our cruise. So, we crossed over to Deltaville, to obtain a position closer to a rendezvous point. We anchored in Jackson Creek, which is always pretty.
Century Club: Eric Brinsfield
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
Happy Birthday Cathy!
Sunset at Anchor
We left Cape Charles around 0845. The weather was beautiful, but unfortunately, the wind had died completely. The temperature was very nice, so even motoring, we had a nice trip. Lots of full birds on the water including the usual Surf Scoters.
I understand the the Onancock Wharf is actually open, but I could not get any response from the office. So, we anchored just outside the harbor for a very pleasant evening. Today was Cathy's birthday, so we celebrated with Champagne.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
View while eating dinner at the Shanty
We decided a take a shot cruise up the bay for about a week depending on weather. We started on November 3 (election day) and sailed off toward Cape Charles. We had a fantastic sail on a beam reach for the entire trip. We sped along at 7-9 knots SOG. We also crossed paths with all of the Salty Dog cruisers heading out of the bay, including an old friend (Dream Maker), who we met in George Town, Exumas last year. I gave them a call on the VHF and they were heading to the islands again. We decided to skip it this year due to the changing COVID policies in the Bahamas. I was jealous.
Beautiful day on the water. Had dinner at the Shanty, who had spaced out their tables per recommendations. The closest table to us was about 20 feet away. Only 4 other couples occupied in the inside of the restaurant. The food was great with a wonderful sunset.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
Joined Modus Vivendi and Virginia Breeze for a sail out through the CBBT. We have a beautiful day and a fun sail with plenty of wind and favorable currents.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
AFter updating some software, I needed recalibrate my autopilot. Cathy and I took an afternoon sail to take care of that and spend some time on the water. I have been tied up on major boat projects lately, so it was not to get out again.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
I helped the crew of Wharf Rat serve as race committee on Andy Spittler's Coriolis. Mostly I took photos. We had a great nice for racing.
You can find the photos from the race at: https://primemeridian.smugmug.com/Broad-Bay-Sailing-Association/BBSA-202...
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
The tug Pocomoke heading north in the bay
Although we had planned to stay out a few more days, the forecast indicated we would have a day with no wind, followed by some southwest winds and rain. So, we decided to trancate the trip and head on home from Deltaville. We had a pretty day, but very little wind. The lower bay was very busy with Naval exercises, so we were entertained on the way.
We have a fun trip for 23 days in the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay alsways offers lots of new experiences.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
Track from Coan River to Jackson Creek
After lounging around in the Coan River for a few days, we pulled up the anchor on Tuesday, September 22 to sail down to Jackson Creek in Deltaville. At the time we left, we were not sure how far south we would go, but we had good wind all the way to Stingray Point.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
Sunset on the Coan River
With a slow start, we left Solomons around 9:45 am and headed out the Patuxent. After I hoisted the main and Genoa, I went below briefly and the motored stopped.
ERIC: Did you turn off the motor already?
CATHY: NO. I thought you did.
After a momentary panic, I check the starboard tank fuel gauge and it showed empty now that we were heeled over. It was reading half when we left Solomons, so I think I need to replace my fuel gauge.
Luckily, we were sailing well and I had installed a fuel polishing system a year and a half ago. I just switched to the port tank and turned on the external fuel pump and the system was quickly reprimed. I tested that everything worked again. Because we had wind, I turned off the motor and we sailed multiple broad reaches as far as Point No Point until I turned on the motor again. It was a nice trip to Coan River, but because of the waves, it was a bit exhausting.
Friday, September 18, 2020
Number of days:
1 day
With winds forecast to be 20 knots, gusting to 25K, we left Crab Alley on Kent Island early at 7:35 am. With the wind coming from the north, the wind speed seemed pretty mild has we headed out of the protection of Crab Alley. As we moved down Eastern Bay, the wind and waves increased. On entering the Chesapeake, we were sailing with the forecasted 20 knots running downwind on broad reaches. Once we found the sweet spot between wind angle and wave angle, we had a comfortable run to Solomons arriving at 1:30 pm.
Great day.