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.

A wild and wonderful day on Willoughby Bay. Mustered a crew of six at 1400 to find one bum foot, a twisted knee, a pulled Achilles, and several non-descript ailments. Smoothly underway around 1425, headed out into a strong west wind under full main and storm jib. Temps around 60F. With sound system cranked up, we tacked our way out to the Shed enjoying the steady breeze with yelps of delight. Offer of lifejackets to new crewlady met with hostile response. Libations flowed freely and washed down the gourmet Subway subs and trail mix. Blue Captain donned a PFD for fashion's sake and was met with howls of derision. Noted the depthometer only seems to work on a port tack. Routine established: the young folk manned the R&B pub cabin with aplomb while the older types creaked agedly around the cockpit. Gold Captain kept his usual death grip on the tiller beating off all who dared to have a try. Passed the NS Marina's Cero outbound. Broad reaches and two jibes on the way home to a smooth tie up about 1715. A round of Kona's and smiles at the Sunset G. was matched by a bone jarring crash as a fellow barmate missed a chair and hit the deck. Ended the day with a toast to a "mildly entertaining sail".

Friday afternoon with temps in the 80's and a healthy west wind warranted a cruise round Willoughby Bay for several hours. Nicely underway as the clock approached 15:00, the R&B raced around up to the shed and back at over 5 knots. The new sound system (courtesy of the young Beaches) spun golden oldies. The bright sun blazed in low humidity and the world was put aright in no time. The oft visited theme of a sail to Cape Charles was again put forth. Dodging crabpots became an entertaining side show for each of the helmsmen. A thorough discussion of the rules of the road ensued as a few other sailors ventured out. Many improvements to be mentioned: interior woodwork, re-wiring, a new power switch box, deck re-paint all bring the boat to its highest state of readiness ever. We returned at 1815 ish and, after an impressively quick button up, were off to a delicious experimental shrimp dinner.