Fine autumn afternoon with a ENE wind around 10-15. Underway at 3:30 pm with a mixed crew from Buckroe and Alverstoke. Sailed to Willoughby Bank under main and weather jib. After tack practice was completed turned north for the Horseshoe crossing Thimble Shoals channel in the direction of Salt Ponds. Witnessed the passage of the USS Normandy returning from deloyment. Reliable performance by principal steersman earned the title "A-Tiller the Hun". Foredeck monkey was also at the top of his game despite pending hip replacement. Finally, confirmed difference between "figurehead" and "maidenhead" with cockpit crew. As wind abated, returned to homeport on north edge of TS channel via broad reach and ever reliable "Gabriel" for a 5:30 pm arrival.

Underway at 10 am on a fine, hot, sunny day with wind from the east. Sailed out to Willoughby Bank and then a broad reach back into Thimble Shoals channel. Dodged a container ship, tug and barge and a car carrier. Arrived OPCM to embark new crew down from Buckroe Beach and points south. Sailed off to Willoughby Spit for lunch and back on single tack each way. Ran aground briefly just west of tunnel causeway, but quick action by the Gold Captain brought us under power and off the sand, hereby dubbed "Tina's Bump". Smooth, consistent wind all afternoon with droopy bottomed crew in cockpit and glamorous foredeck crew on watch for crab pots. First successful whisker pole experience--no casualties. Arrived homeport around 5:00 pm. A fine day all the way.