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.