A motoring day to open the 2011 season as we dropped the R&B off at Virginia Boat and Yacht for a repaint. Underway around 0930 on a cool morning that turned warm with wind from the south. Unfortunately this meant a headwind going down the Elizabeth River so sails stayed in the bag. Steady 3 kts on a falling tide. Trailed in behind the USS New York pulling into Naval Station Piers. Slightly stung by the Gold Captain's description of this mighty warship as looking like a "cross-channel ferry". Enjoyed the beautiful weather as we chugged down the west side of the Norfolk Reach channel. Finally passed south of the degaussing complex and then turned west to arrive just past 12:00 for check-in with Bill Hughes. Call back in a few weeks.

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