I was just going down to the waterfront to check on SPARTINA. Storms had passed through the area last night, some with gusts to 60 mph and hail. So I wanted to take a look at the boat. It was hot and humid with gusts forecast to build into the mid-20s. Next thing I knew I was out on the river sailing. How did that happen? I could have cut the humidity with a knife. No one on board complained.
I sailed Saturday morning, light winds and very hot.
And then Sunday morning too, a wonderful and solid southwest breeze that I sailed for over three hours. There was a young woman sitting on the landing at the waterfront park. I sailed by close enough that we exchanged greetings, then later on another pass we talked about the wonderful wind. The next time by I asked if she wanted to join me for the sail and with no hesitation she said yes. Once aboard I learned that not only had she once worked as a sailing instructor but also that she is from Elizabeth City, one of my favorite sailing areas. And then on top of that, she is very good friends with a friend of mine. Small world. She sailed with me for about 30 minutes, a very enjoyable sail.
Late this morning I saw a boat with the mainsail up coming down the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. To have a sail raised on that stretch of water, sailing between the shipyards that line the river and accompanying security boats, is very unusual. I don't think I have ever seen it down before. I sailed past them where the southern branch opens to the main river. The boat was WATER BEAR out of Annapolis, Maryland. A Westsail 32 I believe. Maybe headed home from a winter down south. How nice.
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