Another envigorating, "dust off the cobwebs" day on the bay. Underway around 9 a.m. into a breezy southwest wind on a warm cloudless morning with a falling tide. Steerage training for the new mate into Willoughby Bay with the usual unexpected tacks. The aged crewmen creaking around the aft cockpit manning the winches like two startled pachyderms. Then onwards to Willoughby Bay Marina for a quick touch and go to embark the Atlanta/Winston crowd. A wonderful half hour ensued up to the point the starboard spreader decided to spring free from the mast. Dropped sail and returned to OPCM. Re-entry to slip enlivened by loss of the gear shift connecting pin. Time for the boatyard.

The 2008 sailing season opened with a fine little excursion into Hampton Roads and over to Willoughby Bank on a southwest wind. Fighting a strong tidal current we moseyed around for a few hours dodging tugs in tow and the Port Said heavily leaden for parts unknown. The R&B held up true to form from masttop to rudder with a new mate at the helm outbound. Enjoyed the 75F temps. Dusted off the cobwebs from both hand and eye. Delighted to confirm that the depth finder works after all. Ran the working jib through several tacks--nothing significant to report. Gabriel purred along. Celebratory Skipjacks at Sunset Grill afterwards including a salad with Cathy's Kempsville lettuce. Ready for the big time.