Underway around 9:45 on a mostly sunny day with increasing wind from the east. Gold captain kindly set up the boat. Enjoyed company of two visitors from Winston with the Dr. at the helm. Weather started out hot and calm, so we motored out to Thimble Shoals Channel where the breeze picked up just enough on a rising tide. Ended up between 2 and 3 knots tacking NE and SE. Good-size pod of dolphins and later a turtle. Got a clear view of the RFS Adm Chabanenko (DD 650) transiting outbound for Exercise FRUKUS 2011. Also passed by a large utility boat the WEXTAP. Enjoyed the cold drinks as we drifted around staying just out above scorching speed. Back to marina at 11:30.