John had made sure Owl Moon was ready to go on previous trips to Regent Point. Sunday, Diane and John drove down to RP with two friends who were joining us on the sail north, Rick O'Donnel and Erin Harrington. We arrived RP in plenty of time to make final preparations for departure...installing jack lines, confirming that water tanks were full, stowing provisions and personal gear. We finished prep just in time to drive to the other side of the creek for dinner at Merroir.
 |
| Merroir provided blankets for customers to keep warm as the air chilled after sunset. |
We departed RP in the dark at 5 am, using the spotlight to find the daymarkers as we made our way out Locklies Creek. We also had the GPS track left on our way in to follow out. We took it slow and easy since the channel is very narrow and not very deep, going forward at engine idle speed.
Once in the Rappahannock River we were able to hoist sail as there was a fresh breeze from the south. We were able to sail on a reach out of the Rappahannock with our speed ranging from 6.5 to 7 knots. We only put out the small jib, figuring it would be easier to roll in as we jibed at Windmill Point to head north.
 |
| Sailing out of the Rappahannock just before sunrise with the moon setting behind us. |
Introducing the crew...Sunrise at the mouth of the Rappahannock.
Once we reached Windmill Point and turned north, our speed dropped considerably as the wind had gone light and we were now heading dead downwind...not what had been forecast. John reluctantly started the motor so that we could continue to make good time toward Annapolis. After about an hour of motoring, we we tried sailing for a bit, but there just wasn't enough wind to keep our speed over 4 knots. After about 30 minutes of slow progress north, we returned to motoring.
Still motoring at lunch time, Diane made us all tuna melts for lunch. During lunch, the wind came up and once lunch was finished we briefly turned south to raise the mainsail. This was just north of Point No Point...we had motored across the entire mouth of the Potomac. Returning to our course to Annapolis once the mainsail was up, the wind was still dead downwind so we poled out the big jib to starboard and flew the little inside jib to port.
 |
| Sailing Again! |
 |
| Happy to be sailing after a delicious lunch! |
The wind built and we started making great time towards Annapolis.
Wing and wing up the Bay!
 |
| Looking for land. |
 |
| Photo op on the bow. |
 |
| Enjoying the day on the Bay! |
 |
By late afternoon we were surfing waves at over 9 knots.
AIS reported top speed for the day of 9.5 knots. We were making such good time up the Bay, we considered holding off on dinner and going to McGarvey's. However, John was hungry and went below to help Erin prepare the Indian dinner we had planned, including papadums. That involved heating up pouches of Indian food in boiling water, cooking the papadums in the microwave and warming already cooked rice in the microwave...not much work. The meal was enjoyed by all as we sailed the last leg of the Bay, just south of Thomas Point Light to Tolly Point.
|
 |
| The sun was setting as we rounded Tolly Point and headed into the mouth of the Severn. |
 |
| Removing jack lines and getting fenders and docklines on deck in preparation for arrival. |
We arrived at our dock at 8 pm...15 hours to go the 96 miles from Regent Point.
 |
| Our track to Annapolis...a very straight course due to the south wind. |
