It has been incredibly windy the past week. My neighbor texted me a picture of my boat on the lift with the jib sock flapping in the breeze along with the sail. Not in a million years would I have thought that wind could unzip the sail cover, but it did. The jib had seen better days and I had already purchased a replacement hence no big deal. Fortunately, the jib sock was not damaged. Went out for a quick sail with the ripped jib before the sun went down.
Century Club: Alan Batcheller
Friday, April 23, 2021 to Monday, April 26, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Quick evening sail before the sun went down.
Picture of the jib sock and sail blowing around.
Monday, April 12, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A morning sail around Mattox Creek.
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Another near perfect day.
Lucky day # 13 was a continuation of day 12. Near perfect weather with just the right amount of wind.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
An overcast start to the day.
One of my all-time favorite upscale dive bars, Dockside.
The legendary Ms. Ann
The Riverboat
The weather was looking a bit dismal Saturday morning but it turned out to be one of my best sailing days thus far. Sailed into Monroe Bay past one of my all-time favorite upscale dive bars, DockSide. The legendary Miss Ann is still in Monroe Bay. https://www.colonial-beach-virginia-attractions.com/miss-ann.html Continued sailing up the Potomac past the Riverboat restaurant before turning around and heading back home. Used my outboard to speed up the trip back home. Four hours of sailing wasn’t enough on this day so went out again after lunch for another hour. When things go well sailing is really fun!
Friday, April 9, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A very windy Friday evening.
Didn't want to spend too much time taking pictures.
A very windy Friday evening limited my boating to a very brief outing in my kayak, maybe 150 yards total. My judgement and boating skills are both improving.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
A nice, mellow morning paddle to Stepp’s Marina for day # 10.
Monday, March 29, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Quiet before the storm.
They were predicting another strong, gusty wind day but I decided to go out anyway. It was about 8:30 when I left and it didn't look that bad. A strong wind from the west pushed me out of Mattox Creek quickly and I realized it was getting windier and should head back. When the winds died down a bit, I should have taken that opportunity to furl my jib and lower and secure the main but I didn't. By the time I decided I should secure everything it was too late. I furled the jib okay but wasn't able to secure the mainsheet very well so it just flapped around as I motored in. It was very challenging getting onto the lift with the high winds and I came close to having the head of the mainsail getting cut or caught in my outboards propellor. I thank God for making it back safely and fortunately no damage to the boat. I will definitely think twice before I go out when they are predicting gusts over 20mph.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Kayaking on Mattox Creek
They were calling for rain and high winds on Sunday so I just went out for a quick paddle on Mattox Creek.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
An abandoned sailboat in Mattox Creek. Anyone want to claim it as a fixer uppper?
Just enjoying a perfect day.
The day started out with very little wind then picked up nicley. Spent just under 3 hours sailing out to the Potomac then around Mattox Creek.
Friday, March 26, 2021
Number of days:
1 day
Arrr, a strong westerly breeze kept my sail close to shore and brief.
A strong breeze from the west kept me close to shore on Mattox Creek. I played it safe and didn't unfurl the jib.