Had a gentle beat over to the Severn River off Mobjack Bay weekend before last. Full moon. Water still warm enough to swim. Early run home at sunrise.

Temps lately have been close to historic lows here for July/August. Sailing? You had to ask? Took Little Bird for a short lazy downwind afternoon trip across Mobjack to Browns Bay for the evening. Swimming, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres met the sunset. later reading under the forward hatch below was short lived. I did catch the full moon. Amazing, but not photographable via phone. The big bright dish got reduced to a small white dot set in the midnight sky. Still, believe it or not, I saw it. Luminous and beautiful throughout the night, a gentle breeze and 65 degrees made for an easy slumber.

The following morning provided some of the finest sailing home. Once clear of shoals, I lashed the tiller and watched the boat beat back home. Wonderful. Another log entry. Short but sweet. Lookie here:

For good portions of the summer, it’s what it is. Light and variable winds, hot and sunny. Had 4 good sails to windward both up and down the river over several days. Here is a short iMovie video via phone from yesterday afternoon’s sail. D

Just daydreaming really.

After a long hiatus from sailing (UNA didn’t sail this year until last weekend), I’m now getting some in.

Took a short overnight in Little Bird two weeks ago. Was a peaceful setting all around. Vid below:

She’s a beauty. Took almost 4 years to find this Frances 26. Those who have them tend to hold on to them. The first for sale ad I saw was for a boat in Connecticut. The fellow who answered said he decided not to sell, but he introduced me to a local guy who graciously let me see his. I was hooked, but of course, he too wasn’t selling. A year or so later another ad leads to a call to a doctor in Chicago. We talked for an hour or so. He confirms that he is indeed selling. I buy a plane ticket, rent a car, book a room and spend the better part of the following day listening to how wonderful the boat is. I make a strong offer. The crazy doctor says he’s not selling! I still want to bill him my travel expenses. Shortly thereafter I hear that there is an owner of two Frances and that he was ready to sell one. Nothing. Some months pass and I consider a project Frances in Maine. After study and survey, that made no sense. However, someone has bought that one and is overhauling it. Alas, I get the fine Chickadee to sail while waiting out somebody who will sell their Frances. Eventually it did happen. I’m thrilled. Little Bird, then Seabird, was actually the first one I had even seen. I fell for the boat then and can’t believe I’m sailing her now. She has been so well cared for with exquisite attention to details. Though 44 years old, she is as close to new as you could expect. From masthead to bottom, this boat has been loved. Little Bird is a distillation of all the cruising boats I’ve known. All in a 26′ package.

Here is a short video of three short overnight cruises thus far. Looking toward many more. With her diesel heater, the season is just starting.