Century Club: Mariah Dean

Utilized my alumni benefits to practice single handing a fj. Used just the main as I usually do. Talked about trying to use the main and jib next time... we'll see. Need light winds for that. I did terrible docking but alright when I was sailing. Got a few headers that threw me off and still working on getting the lifts just right. Overall a nice soothing solo sail that was nice after some stress at work (but hey I used a floating holiday today so at least I get those) and dealing with a family member recently being diagnosed with cancer, as well as some other stressors. 

Saw some local watermen working with the river keepers. They set 400 oyster cages with spat on shell. Volunteered (after being asked hahah-- which is what I get for walking over!) to help them unload the cages, really just as an excuse to chat and catch up with them. Basically walked onto the barge to help volunteer, unloaded the cages while chatting, then the captain pretended he didn't see me and started driving, but I figured he was just joking because he does that, so we went maybe 50 foot via water to the dock where I hopped off and said goodbyes. 

Took BR out for a little bottom scrub. Forgot my snorkeling gear so I just cleaned the top that was easy to reach. Felt better scrubbing a boat bottom in waters that don't have so many big sharks that circle the boat while cleaning. At least, not any that I could see with the poor visibility in the patuxent. The current was strong so it was decent exercise to swim. Then went for a quick sail. Practiced helm and dried off. 

Tried to do the broken rudder race. Had to retire early because of a broken centerboard. Then got on the skiff and went out and watched and took photos of the racers. Would of been nice to do the race, seemed like a nice long fun race. Oh well. The conditions were sporty. My thigh isn't feeling the best after yesterday's capsize (I don't know what the heck happened-- just that I never want that to happen again!) so I wasn't too sad to retire. Bruising on both inner and outer thigh, similar size and severity. Blah! I am renaming the broken rudder race as the bruised (damn near broken) femur race, in my head. 

Took a sailing friend out on an fj during alumni weekend. We usually sail his flying scot at local regattas. Was fun to try another boat. I have to improve on a lot.