Underway around 1:15 on a windy day. Out to the east end of Willoughby and quickly down-sailed. Crossed the TS Channel into Mill Pond Creek. Enjoyed the usual Hormone talk with Capt Pewich and the Lady Anne. Enjoyed the brisk east wind and choppy seas. Very Maya-esque behaviour from the tillerman. Very savoir fare lunch including disgusting brown cheese with dark streaks and wonderful warm tea. Wind chill was just bearable til around 3 when the teeth chattering began and in we went.

A long, wonderful sail under ideal winds for new R&B crew recruitment. No press gangs required! Underway around 9:15 under clear skies and a 10 knot southwest wind. Next five hours cruised Willoughby Bay and out to the Shed and back in gradually warming air temps and bright sunshine. Shocking development when the first stage crew realized they had brought no mobile phone, watch, or camera. Blue Captain's severe embarrassment was mitigated when the phenomenon of Maya's internal time clock was discovered. Slightly late mid-course crew pickup and bio break (head code 245)at Willoughby Harbor. The Yorktown Vikings safely embarked with their life-sustaining coffee. Lady Maya retained control of the helm for most of the expedition, using both of her "rights" to the fullest extent under the watchful eye and guidance of Tattoos by Carl. Point target steering seemed to work best. Impressive helmsman nimbility demonstrated during tacks. Previous Caribbean, Lake Ponchatrain and Neuse River sailing experience came in handy and soon the R&B was winging around the bay. Big bonus as a large pod of acrobatic dolphins cruised by heading southwest. Slowed on a broach reach for the standard pot-luck lunch of sushi, grapes, wheat thins, beer and water. Moved on to a run with some gratifying moments a "wing-a-wing". No sign of the Lee Ho. Spied the "Round the Lights" race in progress but kept well clear so as to avoid pressuring the racers. Also passed Zoya and Cool Change with friendly hails. Uneventful return to base with the best "Jumper" ever seen and buncha fully qualified new crew (certificates pending).

General Jack joined the crew for a late afternoon cruise on stiff southwest winds and sunny skies. Underway at 3:25 p.m. We headed out on main and working jib but quickly downscoped to single sail through some foredeck acrobatics by the Gold Captain. An exhilaratin' 1 1/2 hour tour d' Willoughby followed with the bay all to ourselves (no one else crazy enough). Interception by CG rocket boat asking about a capsize near bridge resulted in some tossed vino. RTB witnessed the two Captains in a dockside line handling tug of war drill - the superb teamwork never stops. Records set for most senior sailor in two categories!

After work sail with the salty crew (Tattoos by Carl, Mrs. Nelson, The Nige). Underway just before 5 p.m. into a light westerly breeze which pushed us along at just the right speed. All hands took a turn at the tiller and the R&B sound system provided smooth p-jazz and classic oldies to set the tone. Some screwtop vino and silver bullets were consumed. Cruised around just west of the tunnel and watched the Wednesday night races in Hampton Bay. Enjoyed passage of a big Hoegh car carrier and the King Ore. As the wind subsided we turned for home watching the sun slowly sink. RTB around 1945.

Underway at around 1625 on a mostly cloudy day with a northwest wind which started slow and steadily built up to 10 knots making for a good sail with the big jib. Highlight was introduction to the Lady Ann, sometime consort of Capt Pewich Bligh. This ensured plenty of medical subject matter expertise and a firm cap on eccentricities. Big pod of dolphins provided a thrill. After some intense helm training for LA, Pewich took the tiller for the duration and we sailed over to Mill Creek for a display of the R&B before the Fort Monroe Marina including a tight racing turn. There was considerable debate over Pewich's "Plumber's Bum" and the need for longer t-shirts. Many minutes spent looking for the "Lee Ho". Upon return deftly dodged a stream of huge merchants criss-crossing over the HRBT including the AOM Julia out of Panama. 1800 on a Sunday is "traffic tie-up in WeWa" time. After enduring disparaging remarks about the IKE's hull number we scooted back to base on a brisk breeze enjoing upwards of 6 knots.

A beautiful, sunny afternoon with a good steady east wind and a light-hearted crew of three. After a short, intense session on the location of the tiller (Blue Captain training error), we enjoyed a two hour cruise up to the head of Willoughby Bay and back with PiWi at the helm. The limits of acceptable heel were established early-on by the intensity of fingernail pressure on the Blue Captain's shoulder. PiWi then regaled us with stories of Capt Pewich's home abode, faux attacks on a Dutch AF base while in the radio tower, and the "dancing" washing machine. Capped off the day with an antique car show and a fine dinner from Madame (who really earned her seamanship badge today). Gate: 341

Independence Day! A fine late day sail under ideal clear skies marked by the welcome return of three crew back from NC and "Cupcake's" first sailing adventure. Underway around 5:15 we found a very light breeze in 90 degree temps. Sail/motored out to Thimble Shoals channel looking for a breath of air. Once clear of Fort Wool the southwest wind picked up and gradually grew to 12-15 knots. Headed back on a long westward, port tack making over 5 knots with the Dr. at the helm shadowed by Capt P. Bligh's steadily streamed advice. Foredeck crew relaxed and enjoyed setting sun to some fine tunes. Water depth between the No. 2 Red and the Shed was good. Tacked our way into the 8 daymark and returned to slip with flawless arrival just before sunset.

A cool northeast wind brought some fantastic sailing to Hampton Roads. A crew of three set out around 13:20 to cruise Willoughby under main and working jib. Leaving the marina there was a brief contretemps with some junior student, dinghy sailors who unconsciously crossed the R&B bow in tight maneuvering space. After a stern warning by the Gold Captain, apologies were graciously accepted and we motored on. Out past the 7 and 8 marks, the bumpy seas and gusty winds did not deter a run or two up to the Shed followed by a scoot around W. Bay on smoother water. Newly installed cockpit speakers worked a champ. Declared first racing victory against a Hunter 260 (ok, ok with reefed main). Amazed by a hydrofoil sailboat who screamed by us at 20+ knots to the sounds of cheers from all. Enjoyed some exotic snacks including french bread, pate, cheese, and small-bottle champagne--all part of the signature unique mystique that is the R&B. With all hands having a turn at the tiller, we returned to base around 3 p.m enthused and enthralled. Capped off the afternoon with a visit to Ruby Tuesday for a few pints and a strong OJ.

Intern day on the R&B as a multinational crew set sail around 10:20 for some action on Willoughby Bay. A sunny sky and south wind under 10 knots helped ease the lash of intense training under Capt Pewich Bligh for the Italian and French students. A ray and small dolphin were sighted amongst the ten thousand crab pots. Beers were distributed and redistributed before and after going about. Language cross-training ensued. Forgot to eat the watermelon. Air temperature climbed above 90 deg F. Finally as the wind began to slacken and the body roasting began we slipped back to home. Passed the Belle of Virginia (recently from Bradenton)outbound from the marina followed by an attack run by two Naval Station dinghies but all ended well. Our young crew seemed to enjoy and deserved mucho tiller time for their hard work and positive attitudes.

We set off just after 8 a.m. for a fine day of sailing on a southwest wind. Beach-heavy crew of four. Learned some critical intel on the Head Code from our new dockmates: two tops and a bottom, one top and two bottoms. Walked the boat out of the slip with the motor in neutral and set off. First big event - a way too close encounter with a day marker that disrupted a good chunk of the stbd rubrail - nasty business. Then unexpectedly mixed in with the fleet coming from all quarters and heading out for Southern Bay Race Week racing off Ocean View, the Casemate Classic, of which we were all totally unaware. Counted over 40 boats. Watched the action at a distance from Willoughby Bank. Curiousity satisfied we began a long series of back tacks criss-crossing Thimble Shoals Channnel. Made way for "Warship 66" (Hue City) and enjoyed the wind, sun and the views of Old Point Comfort Light. Finally turned the corner for home and an easy return to the slip around 1 p.m. There is a channel leading from east of Shed into mouth a breakwater.

The long anticipated move to new homeport was accomplished without incident or accident. Underway at 0715 from Willoughby Harbor Marina on a quiet Friday, we dodged the crab pot prairie dog population and arrived at Norfolk Navy Marina a scant 15 minutes later with motor purring. Would have been a fine opportunity for a humid scoot around Willoughby Bay under sail, but the work bell called for some. All tied and up and ready for the next chapter in the log of the R&B.

A wonderful 2 hour sail on Willoughby with the LaLos. Forecasted low winds perked up and with Mr. Sisson at the helm for his first time, we scooted around the bay at all points of sail. Finally, thoroughly invigorated, we avoided the thunderstorms and returned to base. Finished up with a nice lunch at the Grille and sorted out that Kona should be called Longboard.

The answer my friend was blowin' in the east wind as a crew of three left the dock around 1120 on a bright sunny day in Willoughby. Enjoyed the bay more or less to ourselves in excellent conditions with a breeze 10 to 15 knots and light sweater temps. Out to TS Channel and back we watched the workday world as tugs and barges chugged along and two of the US Navy's finest got underway from NOB. Inadvertantly sent a few "bum" calls to close friends. Passed the Cyn Lyn on the way back from a fishing expedition. Return to homeport only marred by engine problems as we dead sticked it in to slip A-19. Discussed engine repair plans over a few Kona's and an OJ at the 'Grille.

A wild and wonderful day on Willoughby Bay. Mustered a crew of six at 1400 to find one bum foot, a twisted knee, a pulled Achilles, and several non-descript ailments. Smoothly underway around 1425, headed out into a strong west wind under full main and storm jib. Temps around 60F. With sound system cranked up, we tacked our way out to the Shed enjoying the steady breeze with yelps of delight. Offer of lifejackets to new crewlady met with hostile response. Libations flowed freely and washed down the gourmet Subway subs and trail mix. Blue Captain donned a PFD for fashion's sake and was met with howls of derision. Noted the depthometer only seems to work on a port tack. Routine established: the young folk manned the R&B pub cabin with aplomb while the older types creaked agedly around the cockpit. Gold Captain kept his usual death grip on the tiller beating off all who dared to have a try. Passed the NS Marina's Cero outbound. Broad reaches and two jibes on the way home to a smooth tie up about 1715. A round of Kona's and smiles at the Sunset G. was matched by a bone jarring crash as a fellow barmate missed a chair and hit the deck. Ended the day with a toast to a "mildly entertaining sail".

Friday afternoon with temps in the 80's and a healthy west wind warranted a cruise round Willoughby Bay for several hours. Nicely underway as the clock approached 15:00, the R&B raced around up to the shed and back at over 5 knots. The new sound system (courtesy of the young Beaches) spun golden oldies. The bright sun blazed in low humidity and the world was put aright in no time. The oft visited theme of a sail to Cape Charles was again put forth. Dodging crabpots became an entertaining side show for each of the helmsmen. A thorough discussion of the rules of the road ensued as a few other sailors ventured out. Many improvements to be mentioned: interior woodwork, re-wiring, a new power switch box, deck re-paint all bring the boat to its highest state of readiness ever. We returned at 1815 ish and, after an impressively quick button up, were off to a delicious experimental shrimp dinner.

A delightful mid-day sail with the Hatchard clan. Clear skies, temps in the 80's we cruised around Willoughby Bay with Naomi at the helm for 3 hours before the wind faded. Speed average 3-5 knots on a south wind of about 10 knots.

The 2010 season opened with a short one hour cruise around Willoughby Bay under clear skies and mid-70 degree temps. Very light wind from southwest. Mounted the motor which started right up after a thorough winterizing. Dodged at least 10,000 crab pots. Uneventful RTB.