Emily at the helm
Photos from Day 3 of the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival
With so many photos I’ll post them in batches over several days, so check back for more.
At noon there’s a skipper’s meeting for race instructions. The course is set at the last minute based on conditions. Very little wind this day, so the course is shortened dramatically over previous years. Basically a close reach, followed by a broad reach to the finish. There’s much ribbing and mock gravity during the proceedings, as usual.
Emily and I will go together in one boat, while Amanda stays on shore to watch the dogs.
We have no illusions about winning anything, and no real intension of trying. Most of the boats in this “race” are not fast. There are a couple of thoroughbreds in the mix, though, like the Flying Dutchman, an Olympic class racer, and just enough folks taking it seriously that we don’t want to get in anyone’s way. We just want to get in position to take some photos and have fun.
As usual, we’re nearly the last to leave. Nothing new about that. But my tops’l has gotten twisted on the spar enough to spoil the foil. This makes us both late and slow. We are just happy to get to the start before the gun. We end up in excellent position at the start, essentially BECAUSE we’re late and not tangle up in the crowd, but opt to give it up for a better view.
Almost the whole fleet heads off on the same tack in a tight bunch. It spreads out quickly. We tack in and out of the crowd taking photos.
Despite a lack of commitment or strategy, we finish in the bottom third. Quite an accomplishment. We celebrate!
Once across the line, we turn and head back out for more fun. Emily takes the tiller for the first time, and clearly is a natural at reading the feel of the boat in the wind, balancing the tiller and sheet to hold a clean angle in the breeze. We sail for another hour or so across the Miles River and back, then head in to get ready for the annual dinner.
Almost all these photos were taken by Emily while I steered the course.
All very nice Barry! Glad the weather held out for you all. Hope to make it next year. Inspired to get back in the garage and work on the Sooty!
Cheers-
Eddie
thank you so much for taking these pictures. I built the B and B Spindrift 11N “Suzy J” and I didn’t get many pictures. I guess I was too busy talking!
Thank you,
Steve
Hello,
Your explanations and images ditch my help.
I want to make a e-book about how to build a boat with vele.Barca we built in 1977, but we did not have a camera handy, so I am inspired by your pictures. I hope you do not mind. Thanks