Courtesy of the outer fringes of T.S. Cristobal caught some late afternoon wind out of LCreek up to Thimble Shoals Channel and back with a crew of two. Gabriel was a bit persnickety at first but kicked in after some coaxing. Underway around 4 something. East wind took us up and back at 5 to 6 knot clip in a light swell. Single deck crew performed marvelously upon return. Motoring south in LCreek channel found some sand on west side even though inside the channel marker, best to stay closer to mid-channel course. Celebrated exhausting button up with dinner out for the crew.

Free at last! After a month and a half of repairs, the R&B finally put to sea from Virginia Boat and Yacht at 0904. Motored up the Elizabeth R. and tried some slow and muggy sailing on Willoughby Bank just east of Fort Wool. The brutal temp and humidity were only made bearable by Ant's very tasty oriental rib, chips, and Werther's picnic lunch washed down by ice cold brews. Surpised to see an Invincible class tied up at NOB Pier 12 with nary a real carrier. After relighting Gabriel and about giving up on the god of Wind, a minor miracle: A beautiful little bit of air from the North began to flow allowing motor shut down and an enjoyable hour long tack heading 110° for our new berth at Cove Marina. Unable to budge the helmsman while the wind was up (to give others a chance at steering) resulting in a permanent tiller indentation of his fingergrip. After some much-needed tack practice, entered Little Creek in a rain squall, and smoothly slipped into No. 189 on Pier 7 at around 1500.

Headin' for the yard. Underway at 0730 on a calm, steaming day manned by an all-Beaches crew. With a rising tide, smooth water, and a purring motor, the transit down the Elizabeth River proceeded without incident. After a hard right turn at R30, arrived at Virginia Boat and Yacht in sunny Portsmouth at 10:00 to begin painting and repairs.

Another envigorating, "dust off the cobwebs" day on the bay. Underway around 9 a.m. into a breezy southwest wind on a warm cloudless morning with a falling tide. Steerage training for the new mate into Willoughby Bay with the usual unexpected tacks. The aged crewmen creaking around the aft cockpit manning the winches like two startled pachyderms. Then onwards to Willoughby Bay Marina for a quick touch and go to embark the Atlanta/Winston crowd. A wonderful half hour ensued up to the point the starboard spreader decided to spring free from the mast. Dropped sail and returned to OPCM. Re-entry to slip enlivened by loss of the gear shift connecting pin. Time for the boatyard.

The 2008 sailing season opened with a fine little excursion into Hampton Roads and over to Willoughby Bank on a southwest wind. Fighting a strong tidal current we moseyed around for a few hours dodging tugs in tow and the Port Said heavily leaden for parts unknown. The R&B held up true to form from masttop to rudder with a new mate at the helm outbound. Enjoyed the 75F temps. Dusted off the cobwebs from both hand and eye. Delighted to confirm that the depth finder works after all. Ran the working jib through several tacks--nothing significant to report. Gabriel purred along. Celebratory Skipjacks at Sunset Grill afterwards including a salad with Cathy's Kempsville lettuce. Ready for the big time.

Fine autumn afternoon with a ENE wind around 10-15. Underway at 3:30 pm with a mixed crew from Buckroe and Alverstoke. Sailed to Willoughby Bank under main and weather jib. After tack practice was completed turned north for the Horseshoe crossing Thimble Shoals channel in the direction of Salt Ponds. Witnessed the passage of the USS Normandy returning from deloyment. Reliable performance by principal steersman earned the title "A-Tiller the Hun". Foredeck monkey was also at the top of his game despite pending hip replacement. Finally, confirmed difference between "figurehead" and "maidenhead" with cockpit crew. As wind abated, returned to homeport on north edge of TS channel via broad reach and ever reliable "Gabriel" for a 5:30 pm arrival.

Underway at 10 am on a fine, hot, sunny day with wind from the east. Sailed out to Willoughby Bank and then a broad reach back into Thimble Shoals channel. Dodged a container ship, tug and barge and a car carrier. Arrived OPCM to embark new crew down from Buckroe Beach and points south. Sailed off to Willoughby Spit for lunch and back on single tack each way. Ran aground briefly just west of tunnel causeway, but quick action by the Gold Captain brought us under power and off the sand, hereby dubbed "Tina's Bump". Smooth, consistent wind all afternoon with droopy bottomed crew in cockpit and glamorous foredeck crew on watch for crab pots. First successful whisker pole experience--no casualties. Arrived homeport around 5:00 pm. A fine day all the way.