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.