Century Club: Tom Dean

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Monday, July 3, 2023 to Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Number of days:
3 days
Fireworks travels - July 3 - 5

The daughter decided that she wanted to see multiple fireworks - so we decided Rock Hall on the 3rd and Chestertown on the 4th. Headed out early - 9am on the 3rd for Swan Creek. Sunny 78 - 86 degrees. Winds were out of the south - so we motored down to Kent Island and when we made the turn towards love point, we raised the sail - although everything died soon thereafter.  Arrived in Swan Creek about 3PM and picked up a mooring ball at Haven Harbour. Family joined us - dinghied in to get them - and we headed out after dinner to watch the fireworks from around the mouth of Swan Creek ... MISTAKE!!  By the time we got out there - the wind was really kicking up - probably 2 to 3 foot swells.  Got the anchor down and secure in about 10 feet of water.... watched the fireworks and then had a hell of a time getting that anchor back up!  Finally got it up, mototored back to our mooring ball - took the family back to the dock and finally got to sleep about 1 am.

The next morning - the 4th - up early - left Swan Creek about 9:30 with a temperature of 78 and barometer at 29.8.  Winds were light out of the west - but several storms came up - and we took advantage of the aftermath of the storms to raise the sails for a whil, before things dropped off again. Made Chestertown by 4 - and anchored near the cable crossing.  Evidently, a catamaran took offense to us anchoring too close and pulled up and moved down a bit- yelling at us that we were too close (I left three boat lengths between us!).  I was ticketed to see all of the small boats anchoring right next to them for the fireworks - especially happy that some were setting off fireworks in their direction!! Fireworks were wonderful (again, used dinghy to pick up family and ferry them back) 

The morning of the 5th, we pulled anchor at 9 am for the journey back to the marina.  Winds were almost non-existentent for the entire journey - but we did manage to get the sails up right past conquest beach. Warm day - 78 - 86,  Got back to slip a little after noon!  Fun fireworks journey!

Sunday, July 2, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Sunday, July 2nd - swimming, fishing and sailing!

Well, not a whole lot of wind, but enough to get the genoa out and sail a bit. We then stopped at Cacaway Island and told the dinghy over - but the DNR police came by and kicked us off (private island). We sailed down Langford Creek a ways, dropped some fishing lines and had some fun trolling and then anchoring to fish.  Son in law caught a spot!

Friday, June 30, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 30 - Sail with the Grandson and family!

Headed out early - winds were out of the south - 5-10 and sunny with warm temperatures (forgot to record that and the barometer). Got the Gennaker up and lazily sailed down the creek for a while before we ended up at Cacaway Island  (Billy's Island as we call it) where we stopped and played and fished before heading back to meet up with Gigi.  A very fun day!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Wednesday, June 28 - another solo sail

Got to the marina early for I had a few chores that had to be done... hanging curtains, sanding and painting some spots on the deck, oiling some teak - but got those jobs done fairly quickly so was ready to head out.  The forecast was for Winds out of the west 5-10 knots and looking at the flags, that seemed rather accurate, but the winds also seemed to be falling off. Temperature was mid 70's - Mostly Sunny with the barometer 29.86.

As I was getting ready to depart, my dock neighbor came in and warned me that the winds were not was was predicted. He said he was barely moving and finally decided to motor. I headed out anyway - followed the sailing school out and got the main up fairly quickly (after ducking all the fishermen anchored in the channel!). Winds weren't terrific at first - sometimes as low as 3 knots - but was able to keep moving. Caught a couple nice breezes and moved across the Chester River basin between Langford and Reed creeks. Was thinking that it might be good to get the gennaker ready to fly back to the marina with the light winds - so I put the snap blocks out and got the asymmetrical on deck and ready.

Suddenly, I noticed the wind picking up - substantially.  Winds well over 10 knots and a shift in the direction from West to North West. Checked the radar app to see if any storms were approaching - which there was none - but also noticed a special weather statement issued just 5 minutes earlier... with the alert about the wind shift and gusting winds - 10 to 15 with gusts to 20!. Needless to say, the gennaker wasn't going up! I decided to reef the headsail - so I moved the jib cars up, reefed in the headsail and things got very comfortable again. After a few more tacks, decided to head on back to the marina - as I needed to stop at the fuel dock and get some diesel before putting Bubbles away.

All in all, an enjoyable 4+ hour sail

Monday, June 26, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 26 - solo sail with a small craft advisory!

Was checking out the weather forecast last night and early today, and decided that it looked good for a sail - a bit windy, but certainly manageable.  Got to the marina around 10 am - noticed that the whisker pole had not been tougher - and got Bubbles ready to sail. Got moving before the sailing school got out of the slip for a docking class.  Found the winds to be 10-15 out of the South pretty consistently. No real big gusts - as was predicted.  Got the sails up early, but really had to wait a bit because 1) the creek is pretty much North South - and 2) a bunch of crabbers out.... one even laying traps right in the narrow channel going out of Daivis Creek. Barometer was 29.64 and the Temperature range was 81 - 84 degrees.

Had already decided to reef the Genoa, but when I got to the mouth of the Chester, decided to also reef the main. The 15+ knots of wind was just a bit overpowering. Things settled down nicely after that. kept working on the Close Haul - to see just how close to the wind I could really sail - which was right about 41 degrees. That may change a bit once we get the centerboard moving up and down again!! Went down the Chester a ways before turning around to a broad reach with one tack before turning to go back up Langford creek wing on wing.... could have really used that whisker pole!  Got into the slip about 3:30 and did a few chores befgore heading off.

Sunday, June 25, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 7 - Full Crew Sail

Awoke a bit early, made a hearty breakfast, and then announced to the crew that we were going sailing... no matter what. Winds were light all day, but with some real bright moments.  Engines on at 10 am - Winds were out of the WSW 4 kn to maybe seven or 8 kn barometer is 29.82,  temperature was 77°  

Put up the sales quickly and we sailed down Langford Creek and down into and around in the basin. Winds were strong coming down the creek, but were light and then died off for a bit in the Chester. After a half hour of not having much air, the winds  started picking back up nicely, and we were cruising right along. The first mate out a lot of time on both the helm, sheets and  lines and was doing quite well for only her 10th time out for the year After a couple hours of just sailing close haul and reach we decide to head back to the marina decided to go with asymmetrical! We flew that sail all the way back till right outside the marina. Lovely day and at about 330 and then we headed up to the pool.

Thursday, June 22, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 22 - A dreary day, but a fun day.

Since I spent the solstice doing maintenance work (gale winds), I decided - since the rain was cancelled for the day - that I would head out for a little sail even though they were predicting pretty windy conditions. When I got to the marina the winds did seem fairly light - turned on the instruments and I was seeing 8 knots or so... however, I wasn't overly trusting since I am blocked from NE winds a bit in the marina. Barometer was 30.6 and falling - Temperature ranged from 65 - 70 degrees.  Ends up winds were out of the NE between 5 and 20 knots. Took off out of the marina at 11:30 already prepped for a single reef in the main and jib sheet cars set up for only partially unfurling the genoa. Started thinking about taking out the main reef in Langford creek - as the winds were averaging about 8 knots... but decided to hold off until I got out into the Chester...I am glad I did.

When I got to the mouth of Langford Creek and into the Chester, things picked up considerably. Stayed on a broad reach for a while - and while comfortable, I knew I would need to head in a different direction if I were to get back to the marina, so I started moving to a close reach - and that's when the winds picked up... substantially. By the time I got to the south shore in the basin - outside Reedy Creek, the winds were averaging 14 knots true. Decided not to go too far because a close reach or a close haul had me beating against the winds and waves hard. I zig-zagged back and forth eventually getting myself well set up for a run up Langford creek - although it wasn't going to be easy because the winds were remaining strong. The RHYC summer camp were keeping close to the club - which was helpful for me. Began tacking up the creek figuring I would have to give up and start up the engines eventually, but managed to ride the wind and make adjustments so that I made it all the way up the creek and back to the entrance of the marina before I turned on the engine to drop the sails. Very fun, very rewarding sail - also a sail where I learned quite a bit! Reminded me of those late fall/winter/early spring sails where the wind is just whipping, its chilly, and there is a little mist. Really challenged me - and I think I met the challenge well!

Saturday, June 17, 2023 to Monday, June 19, 2023
Number of days:
3 days
Wye River trip

Saturday, June 17

Left the marina about 10. Cool morning - temperature was 68 but rose to 80 by the mid afternoon. Winds out of the Northwest - mostly 10 knots or better - some gusts and some times the winds died off slightly before rising again. Only had the Genoa out for the whole sail as we had the winds either on a broad reach or full run. Very comfortable sail.  Went from Lankford Bay Marine, down Langford Creek, down the Chester - through Kent Narrows (made the 1:00 bridge opening) and down through prospect bay, eastern bay and into the Wye River. Dropped the hook just past Bordley Point on Wye River East about 3:45. It got a bit hairy in Eastern Bay - larger waves and stronger winds, but all in all a lovely sail. Anchorage was lovely - and even though it was perfect protection - we had the anchorage to ourselves!

 

Sunday June 18

Spent the day exploring parts of the Wye River- on both a kayak and our new dinghy. Saw Bald Eagles, beautiful blue herons, and even a couple pods of dolphins! After a long morning kayak adventure in both the Wye East River (where we were anchored) and the main Wye River, we inflated our new Zodiac dinghy on the deck and launched it. We found this much, much, much easier than our old Archilles dinghy which was just a monster to put together and almost impossible on the deck! Took a lovely ride down the Wye East river to cap off a day!

 

 

Monday, June 19 - Juneteenth

Started up the engine at 8:40 to head back to Lankford Bay Marina. Temperature was 72 degrees - it got up to 85. Barometer was 29.96 and steady. Sunny skies, but hazy and little to no wind! Motored up to Kent Narrows where there was a cluster of boats waiting for an opening. There were a couple of boats that hadn’t bothered calling the bridge tender and either butted in or got in others way. One was a sailboat coming from north, the other a powerboat who evidently didn’t notice the queue of boats waiting to go northbound. Anyway, got through at the 11:00 opening. On the other side of the narrows, wind was starting to build a bit, so we got the asymmetrical up for a while, but the wind was not coming from the south - but instead more like the west so we couldn’t make the turn up the Chester and had to lower the sail. Probably best, because the wind died away again. Got back to the marina and into the slip without issue. Lovely trip!

Thursday, June 15, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 15th - another solo sail

Got to the marina - caught up with some dock neighbors and watched the sailing school learn to take a boat out of a slip! Then I got bubbles ready to sail - once the winds picked up.  Meanwhile, did a bit of electrical work. About 11, the winds picked up a bit... but I decided to go ahead and check out what was actually happening down in the Chester. Winds were out of the WSW 5-10 and then moved to the S about 5 knots. Barometer was 29.7 and steady - temperatures ranged form 70-79 degrees.

Got the sails up quickly - but kept the motor so I could move into the wind and give myself enough room to maneuver without the engine.  Once I got to the point where the angles were good, engine went off and Genoa came out!  At first, winds were nice - pullling me along - close haul - at more than 5 knots. Had to tack a few times - skinny water - but was making good progress. The direction of the wind kept me from heading too far down river - mostly stayed in the big basin there. A number of sailboats out - most staying in that same area. About 2 o'clock it was time to think about heading back - so I hoisted up the gennaker and made some nice time getting back.  True wind was a little over 3 knots and my speed over ground was pretty much matching that.  Got in at 3:30 - another fun and educational sail!

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
June 13 - Solo Sail
  • Nice Spinaker!

Partly Sunny - winds were W 5-10 (or less) shifting to Sout 5-10 later in the afternoon.  Partly to Mostly Sunny, 70 - 76 degrees with the Barometer at 29.78 and falling slowly. Got out a bit later than I wanted as I had to pack up our old dinghy which was on the top of the deck. After getting that wrapped up nicely and back into the locker - headed on out about 11:30am. Got sails up quickly, but not much wind going down Langford Creek - so kept engine on until the point where the creek meets the Chester.  

It was slow going at first (no traffic), but got little fits and spurts - enough to keep me moving. Best winds were right in front of Grays Inn Creek and down that western bank (even though winds were out of the west. Got down a ways and felt the winds start to shift veering to the south. After that they started to pick up a bit.  Had the Gennaker out on the deck thinking that the light winds would be a perfect time to fly - but because the winds were growling in strength - decided not to have a repeat of the incident with it on Thursday going to Fairlee - and instead did broad reaches back - made pretty good time too.  Fund day - ending about 3:30.

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