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

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.