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Janes Island ~ Bright Sun, Big Downwind

 Harris with a tailwind in Mabu

 

It’s now gusting over 20 knots, and waves are building quickly. With the second reef tied in, and the chicken jibe out of the way, we have the wind and waves spanking us in the backside. Essentially this is now a five boat drag race across the river, all running for the mouth of the canal.

We’re way out ahead because we started first, but the other boats are coming really fast. It’s not a dead downwind run, which is no fun, but a very broad reach. Still, the Caledonia is amazingly well-behaved. This is probably the biggest wind Harris has had the boat in so far, and I can tell he’s both nervous about how she’ll handle and pleased with the results. Whitecaps are starting to break around us, charging in from the Sound.

 

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Janes Island ~ Bright Sun, Big Wind Video

 

direct Youtube Link 

This is video from the morning and early afternoon, up to just before the wind really kicked up and we decided to tie in another reef.

Great sailing. Here’s the whole track:

 

 

The next post and video will pick up where this leaves off.

 

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Janes Island ~ Bright Sun, Big Wind

Harris at the tiller of Mabu 

 

Unlike last time we were here, there is no argument over which direction we’ll go today: North. The wind will continue out of the Northwest – sensible in the morning but build steadily throughout the day to something very unsensible. I’ve always heard old sailors say the wind is strongest on the backside of a cold front. This prediction bears that out.

Based on the forecast, I plan to explore the marshes inside Janes Island in the Melonseed, staying clear of big water, but Harris suggests I ride with him. He has a sparkling new Caledonia Yawl, Mabu, bulit by Geoff Kerr of Two Daughters Boatworks in Maine. Sounds good to both of us. I’ll be free to take photos again, and he might like two sets of hands when the wind pipes up, especially in a new ride. Continue reading “Janes Island ~ Bright Sun, Big Wind”

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Manokin River Evening ~ Video

evening on Wolftrap Creek, Manokin River 

 direct Youtube link

 

Afternoon into evening. Sailing up narrow creeks and back out into broad bays. Beautiful sailing in a fresh breeze.

Rafted up for the evening, then anchoring out for the night.

The next morning all head back to Janes Island to haul out and head home.

 

 

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Manokin River Afternoon ~ Video

Up the Manokin River

direct Youtube link

 

Spirited run up the Manokin River from Teague Creek. A downwind run in 12-15 knots.

All afternoon the Coast Guard broadcasted alerts of a vessel in distress.

 

 

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Manokin River Afternoon

Pete guides Obadiah downwind 

 

From Teague Creek to Wolftrap Creek is a distance of less than 4 miles, but it’s a fun 4 miles. By the end of lunch break the wind has picked up. Herds of white caps are galloping upriver. The wind and the tide are not yet at odds, so instead of choppy and bucking it’s a smooth gallop.

 

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Manokin River Morning ~ Video

 

direct Youtube link 

Sailing from Janes Island up the Manokin River. The video above is from the first part of the day.