In early September, Chris and kids had the opportunity to visit for the weekend and the weather looked good for a day sail on the Chesapeake. We loaded up the boat with a picnic lunch and headed out for the bay. Unfortunately, our route out the Poquoson River to the bay was straight into the 20kt winds and 2-3ft seas. It made for a bouncy and wet slog.
After an hour bashing our way out to the York River, we were ready to call it a day and return to port, but once we got to the river channel we were able to turn downwind and everything quickly settled down. Interestingly, we saw two sailboats motoring out the York River directly into the wind and while I was watching, I saw the mast of one of them crumple backwards. Soon he was on the radio calling for help. Towboat quickly responded and towed him back to Sarah's Creek.
Sailing direct downwind it turned out to be a wonderful day. Additionally, the wind steadily dropped in force which was good for the trip back up the river. We sailed down to Yorktown and under the Coleman Bridge.
