It is official now. Luna is under wraps for the remaining winter. I bought 3 tarps, six 2×3’s and one 2×4 and headed to Mobjack with my big ball of string. The temps started in the teens and warmed to the mid 40’s. There was a good breeze with sun. Had the canvas not been removed, we would have gone sailing. After removing the booms, forward hatch and companionway doors, a sturdy framework was fashioned to support the tarps. Coverage was good save for the aft tarp which got sort of bunched. I’ll rework that one on my next visit.
Here are a couple pics of the cabinets and interior I’ve been fixing. Galley is to port with a single burner butane stove. Chart table is to starboard. Two drawers for the galley. One for the chart table.
Both have lift off counters made from a chestnut oak tree we dropped in our yard a couple years ago. The rest is mahogany. This greatly improves the old cabinets for storage and efficiency. I may write up more when that project is complete. Here are the counters tops. Fiddles are on 3 sides. there are storage bins all the way outboard.
With the boat pieces brought home, there will be plenty of varnish work to get a start on before late March for haul out. That will be here before we know it. Good. It is hard to visit Luna and not go. It is going to be a good year.
Yesterday I went down to check on Luna and remove her canvass. The temps proved too tempting. T-shirt weather, sun and a stiff breeze. It was awesome. Though now a dream, I hope it sustains until Spring. The scent of water and land, and warmth of the sun are absent here, but you’ll get the drift …
For the two days before Thanksgiving, my daughter and I took what may be the last overnight in Luna as the season is closing. We had intended to start Monday, but weather (freezing temps) and schedules weren’t encouraging.
To make the “log” short, we left the slip under sail on a gentle WSW breeze, slipped down River, crossed Mobjack, and nosed into Browns Bay. Our dinghy Gigi was in tow.
crossing Mobjack
Lunch was a good ale and turkey wraps prepped by “Matey”.
ale
galley work
wrap
The late Fall sun was low and brilliant, coloring the marsh grasses and evergreen pines. Once in Browns Bay, distracted by the view, we nudged Luna onto a mud bank as the ebb tide was 30 minutes from low. Two sailors on the bow and a winding outboard weren’t sufficient to push the long keel towards deeper water. Pulling out the 16# claw, I rowed out 75 yards to set the anchor.
off to kedge an anchor *
laying the rode *
return trip *
Back at the boat, a firm tug on the rode set us free. Shortening the line, we decided to anchor for the evening. We had a good evening listening to music and watching the sun set.
Gigi
patina
I thought leaving the mizzen would allow Luna to follow Gigi, but the wind dropped to nothing and the dinghy began kissing the bigger boat. Therefore, we arrested the dink against the starboard side where it stayed quietly for the night.
dinghy, be still.
The evening was fine. Dinner with the new galley cabinets worked well. Sleep came around 8:00, way too early, but he freezing temps drive one to the warmth of the sleeping bags.
rising moon
Matey
jet trails
silhouette *
a hat in the making *
The next morning after some hot oatmeal and coffee, we motor back across the still bay to check out Pepper Creek. Loons, scoters and coot make their appearance as we slide along.
outside Pepper Creek
Once in the creek we are greeted by a setter on a pier. Somewhat confused by our encouraging voices, he barks out warning while wagging his tail. As we turn around in front of him we stick bottom. Should have listened to Rover. This time the dinghy pulls Luna off by the tail.
Pepper Creek entrance
guard dog *
no wind *
The breeze freshens once we leave the creek. We raise all sails and pass a boat “drudging” for oysters as we begin the beat up into the East River home.
About two weeks ago, my daughter and I finally coordinated schedules to sail Luna together. She was there last spring to help survey and haul Luna home, but hadn’t seen her in the water, much less take a sail. Well, with a perfect 8-10 kt breeze, a camera and picnic lunch, we shoved off across Mobjack and into the Severn and back. Simple. Just right. I’ll let the photos tell the rest.
a bow
the tack
lazy afternoon
lazy skipper
raising the pennant
a girl
watching the bow wake
All photos but the last 2 are hers. Lastly, a short video of mine.
Yesterday was fantastic. My oldest boy is just back from working at a dude ranch this summer, and like music to my ears, he asked to go sailing. I couldn’t think of a better idea. He got no protest from this old sailor. We went and had one of those rare August days, easy temps, good breeze, and a lunch in the cooler. Darn near perfect.
Cowboy
We’re still struggling with getting Luna out of her berth when driving NE winds force her back in. This go-round we used our small 2hp Honda thinking its ability to swivel 180 degrees would provide reversing action and drag us out of the slip. Initially successful, the progress degraded as the wind won by grabbing the stern. We had no real steerage. So, like last outing we docked on the outer berth, but this time with jib and jigger we slipped to weather past a crumbling wharf and into the clear.
“Dory”: a Cape Dory 28
Aside from a marina mate, “Dory”, there were no boats out there. With winds 12-15 kts we rushed out of East River on a run, jibed and sailed to port out past New Point. There it got windy (18-20 kts) and lumpy quick. The standing NE wind bucked outgoing tide producing short, quick 6′ seas. Reefing the main settled things down. Dropping the main altogether may have been a better decision. After 20 minutes of taking our lumps, we turned back into Mobjack and reached far up into the Ware River. Pretty. I look forward to seeing this river in the Fall.
siesta
As we turned, the crew was quick to catch up on shut eye.
The reach was strong across Mobjack into Ware River.
wet decks
sweet rig
slicing through
colorful
my good buddy
The day ended with a beat back up the East River watching the sunset. As I said, a fantastic day.
One evening in Maine at the Small Reach Regatta, I got the opportunity to introduce my girl to some of the “riff-raff”. Only after walking away from some introductions did I hear my buddy Mike say, “There goes a patient lady”. I laughed, and then, I didn’t. What was he implying? I think I know. I’m blessed.
More recently, over the past10 days I’d been watching for a weather window and saw predictions for a day that seemed ideal for August in Virginia. 82 degrees, sunny with NE winds at 5-10 mph. I wanted things to be as perfect as they could to introduce my number 1 girl to girl number 2. As luck would have it, the winds were virtually non existent, but the acquaintance was made and I think a friendship struck. Guess they’ll start trading tales?
my cowgirl and Luna.
Our actual moments of sailing were fleeting. Several porpoise entertained us as we drifted up river. They were chasing bait fish along our way. For the most part, it was a flat day, but … on a boat … no harm.
Dwindling breeze
To be enjoyed, the outing demanded patience. You had to pause and take in the lovely view. Luna made the best out of the wisps of air. She continually impresses. Like Una, her hull is so easily driven. And just like a dinghy, Luna is small enough that shifting our bodies to leeward helps shape the sails. That’s all she needed. She loves to sail.
Schedules intruded calling us back home mid afternoon. No sooner had we tied to the dock, the breeze began to fill in. Still, all in all it was a pleasant afternoon. I’m glad the girls met. As always, it’s tough to leave either.
It is not often one gets to go sailing. It is rarer still to sail three different boats in a single day, but that is what happened this past Sunday. Sailing in the early morning was fantastic with Luna up East River. The boys and I then trucked across Mathews County to meet Barry at Freeport Landing. Upstream from the Route 3 bridge on the Piankatank, a private ramp and pier exist now where once a long gone ferry landing was. A $5 honor system allows you acess. A few boats, some more neglected than others rest in sheds along the loop drive in front of a 2-story building. Known as the Freeport Store, it was once the “overnight” building for the Piankatank Steamship Line before ending in 1932 when the automobile eclipsed the ferry’s need.
A nice view of the surrounds is in Barry’s blog from an earlier visit. He really captures the feel of the place. It was his idea to meet there and I’m glad we did. Aside from a few always annoying jets skis, you couldn’t pick a better place for a Sunday sail. Winds were light and temperatures in the low 80’s. The boys and I launched UNA and chased after Barry’s midnight blue Melonseed named “Aeon”.
Barry built two such boats at once in his basement. Talk about pieces of furniture! He lovingly thought about every detail, some I’m sure he borrowed, but others I know he created. All in all, these elegant boats are truly something to gaze at.
Aeon
Farmer Brown and the paparazzi.
I wish I had taken closer pics, but the day was just about messing about in boats as we slid from shore to shore, looking for that ideal shack and pier along the water’s edge. Several met the mark.
Ideal place. Just sink the jet ski.
Luna took us for a morning sail, Una carried us through the afternoon, and I got to take Aeon for a tail end sail. Just me and a small boat. That’s sailing at its essence. Toes dragging in the water as we slid along. I felt like 9 years old again. Thanks Barry!
The heat dropped and the couple days of rain gave way to a strong NE wind this past Saturday. We decided to go sailing. With my two youngest boys as crew, we hitched up UNA and a couple kayaks and headed down to Mobjack to see Luna. Coaxing her from her berth posed a problem. Winds were in the upper teens and pinned us into the slip. Our little engine that can, a 5.5 hp Seagull ( yes, that’s the original one), couldn’t on this day as she has no reverse. Never did. We had to warp Luna from her berth to an outer pier 2 slips down.
Prior to first attempt.
With a hardy shove of the bow to windward and full forward throttle engaged we headed out, or so we thought. The wind would not allow Luna to take her bow to weather and we glided back past our slip and headed for the rocks. I immediately cut the engine and ran forward to jump from the bow onto the marina’s rip-rap saving us from striking. Somehow we avoided any damage (other than ego). Not a scratch. We coaxed Luna back in a vacant slip. That is something impossible to have said with a 42′ boat. 6,500 # is a far cry from Emily’s 22,000#. Undeterred, we sat and pondered for 30 minutes or so before the next attempt.
The pondering pause. Seagull ready. Nice stem!
I figured not only had we not gotten past the eye of the wind, but we really had no steerage.This time we waited for a momentary wind decrease, got the engine rolling, slingshot the stern with her docile while a stronger shove of the bow passed it through the eye and we were free. (I’m still not satisfied with this technique ad will figure out a better answer). Once out in the river we raised the mizzen and jib to sail up river. I’ve said it before, but I’m continually amazed at the increased cruising grounds in a boat that only draws 4′. We scouted both the east and western branches of the East River. Selecting the western end, we dropped anchor in the mouth of Woodas Creek.
Fetch up Woods Creek. Perfect evening.
There was still enough fetch to the NE to allow for knocking down bugs. We swam, scrubbed the bottom (the Hydrocoat is performing well), had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, “dined” on black beans and rice, played cards, and watched the sun set.
First mate and mate 1.1.
A good find in Maine from Texas.
Mate 1.1 beat the skipper in gin. How he did it with 5 aces, I don’t know. Incredible. First mate had hurt his back. He mostly lay in the cockpit reading. Accordingly his rank was in jeopardy. He didn’t seem to mind.
Sancho Panza and First Mate taking his siesta.
We watched stars in the cockpit under our new oil lantern. It is a W. T. Kirkman #350 “Little Giant” and functions so much better than the Chinese brands we’ve used. They may look the same, but that’s it. This model has a larger tank and nice wide base. The light is very clean burning and consistent.
1.1 exudes his winning card playing smugness.
Wonderful scenery.
Dropping sun.
W.T. Kirkman in action.
We all slept well. The evening was cool. Luna’s deep ballast hardy gives notice to the slight wavelets pushing down the creek. One sailor berthed in the cockpit on an air mattress and 2 slumbered below. For some reason I awoke at 1:00 am and caught sight of a brilliant falling star.
Breakfast was simple, if not nutritious. Donuts, milk and later, oranges. A short 8:00 am sail further up river was sparkling. However, by 9:15 all went glassy and we fired up the outboard after getting past flooding it. Shutting off the fuel flow and 7 pulls later, we were rolling along back to the pier when the engine sagged and died. No more fuel. Had planned to go sailing, not motoring, and had left the extra fuel in the back of the truck. With only a tenth of a mile to go, we raised the jib and mizzen to creep back to the marina and into the slip. Nice and easy. No sails would have been needed yesterday. It was a short trip, but a fine trip.
In general, I could forgo much of summer as I prefer the Spring and Fall for sailing, but that’s not nearly enough time, so we make amends for the summer. Here in Virginia, it can get hot enough to burn your hide in short order. In fact two days ago it was 99 degrees F and humid, just down right sweaty. (Try Texas you say? Yep, lived in Houston for a couple of years. Nice brisket, but five months of August). To add insult to summer sailing here, if your evening holding ground is in the wrong place and time, the “squitos” and “no-see-‘um” come looking for you. Sometimes all of them. To handle the day, you can slather on goo and wear a sombrero to avoid a burn. Now the end of the day requires a fair wind anchorage, shade from an awning, a cool swim with fresh water rinse, and a cold drink(s) to make everything right. It is possible. And, as long at there is a breath of air to knock down the bugs, even the hotter nights can be made comfortable with just a sheet and a small 12v fan. I particularly like the Caframo fans. They have a low draw, are quiet, and really push the air. I’ve used them for years. I now carry a couple on LUNA.
Essentially, there is a fine edge between doing summer sailing right or wrong. Perhaps I’ll post on LUNA’s small improvements like a new auto bilge pump, a bigger Ah battery, and a better electrical distribution panel later. Though I didn’t feel like my boat was really ready to go overnight, I gladly took up an opportunity to sail with Curt and Doug on Mobjack along with their Drascombe and Shrimper.
Annie and Tidings
I sailed for just over one night. Curt writes of their extended trip here.
Mobjack Bay offers four significant rivers worthy of exploration: the Severn, Ware, North and East. Several lesser rivers and bays also exist, but may be better for cooler temps. Our trip started, stopped, and started from the East River. Doug returned for a cooler. I for a bag of groceries and to swap the mainsail cover I mistook for an awning. Finally organized and together, we took a good swim to kill the early afternoon heat. As the breeze built from the south, we decided to sail up the Ware and anchor behind Windmill Point ( a common name on the Bay). This seemed just open enough and secure towards Roans Wharf.
Here are two clips of LUNA’s windward action. It is near impossible to get her rail in the water. She hits a point where she digs in her shoulder and holds there. Still, you can drag your hand in her wake as she slips along. Add to that her full keel tracks like she is on rails. All done gently, all with purpose, and up tempo. She is, first and foremost, a sailboat and I love that purity.
… and as the breeze stiffened:
Curt and Doug explored portions of the North River before catching back up with us. My late afternoon at anchor involved more swimming, some reading (napping under the awning), and a little straightening up of the cabin. No offense to UNA, but having the ability to leave the cabin junked up is nice. She’ll be rewarded with a sail in Maine this summer, if not here sooner.
Annie and Tidings rafted up with us later. We swam again until sunset. Doug explained that what I’d been calling horse flies were actually Geenheads which were attracted to motion and CO. so. don’t move or breathe when these nasty bugs are out. If they were around after a few ice cold beers, I didn’t notice. Generally, we enjoyed the evening. Without the moon, the stars came out in force and the night cooled off as we broke up to sleep. Waking up to the rumble of a dead rise skiff the next morning was the most gentle way to be roused from one’s berth.
The breeze was fickle early on, but enough showed for my favorite sailing to windward back up the East River and home. I had to pull out LUNA’s 12′ sweep to get there, but it was worth the short rowing. Top speed to reach the wind maybe 1.5 kts of consistent effort. DORY was leaving the marina as we sailed and got this shot.
Photo by Barbara from her boat DORY.
Overall, the sailing was good, the company great, and as always I’m ready to go again.
My dear little ship settled in the water Monday after an almost 2 year absence. Her time in the yard at Crown Pointe Marina in Gloucester, VA was a short 10 days from arrival. The yard manager Josh was very accommodating and service oriented. Refreshing. We shared a few beers, stories and tunes with the several watermen fixing their boats. Luna proved our ticket to this hard working, independent and all-a-round good people. With names like “Kenny Man” and “Rooster”, how could you go wrong? Ice cold Buds, country and gospel music fed our efforts.
a fresh bottom in the slings.
Luna’s seams were reefed, cotton caulked where it looked necessary and seam compounded to receive 2 coats of Petit’s Hydrocoat. This paint is water based and has been well reviewed. The designer’s father, the Wizard of Bristol, Nathaniel Greene Herreshoff was noted to have said, “There are only two colors to paint a boat – black or white. And only a fool would paint a boat black.” White she is with a midnight blue boot stripe and green bottom. It looks right, a classic Herreshoff color scheme.
swelling up
Luna settled right in with the other purpose built skiffs. After a few hours of periodic bilge pumping and the early heat in the basin, we fired up the Seagull outboard and motored off the marina to anchor for a nice breeze and sunset. The boat came with a stainless steel folding anchor that I’m told was designed for seaplanes. It features opposing flukes and folding cross bars. The contraption buried well and held through the sustained 25-30 mph winds that brewed later that night. Sunset was accompanied by watermen tweaking their craft’s engines and a group of 3 adolescent local boys practicing their “colorful” language and flips off a nearby pier. A few belly flops and back crashes forced screams of pain to echo across the water. Perhaps it was punishment for their poor choice of words? It was all amusing.
a view from Perrin Creek to York River.
Perrin Creek surrounds.
work boats
The morning had started at 0500, the work was steady, dinner brief and sack time at 2130. I slept on a wool army blanket with a light sleeping bag. Without an automatic bilge pump, I woke a few times to pump the bilge. Once when the wind increased to veer 180 degrees and another time at 0300 as a waterman decided to test his engine. He needs a watch.
the galley and Top Ramen on the burner.
Morning began at 0600. The breeze was a fresh 10 kts from the SSW. Skied was scudded with dark clouds in the west. A bowl left in the cockpit showed about 1 1/2″ of water in it, so I wasn’t so sure how much pumping came from the sea and how much from the skies. A quick inspection showed no leaks in either the deck or chain plates. Nice to see.
Without a depth sounder or centerboard I was cautious about sailing out of this shallow creek at low tide. Still, having learned on UNA, we raised and flatten the mizzen, went forward to shorten the rode, raised the jib, and took the anchor aft. Gashing the hull with this menacing anchor was avoided, but seems inevitable in the future. I think I’ll look for another claw as they have served us well. The whole procedure was controlled and Luna very slowly drifted aft until we sheeted the jib and slipped to windward out along the waterman docks. Some fellow yelled across the harbor, “Nice boat!” We waved and grinned. With only jib and jigger, the Rozinante confidently tacked 3-4 times up the channel and out into the York. What looked to be the pilot schooner Virginia was resting along the Yorktown wharf beyond as Luna gathered speed in the building breeze (12-15 mph). The main hardly seemed necessary as we reached out to Swash Channel. I should have shipped the outboard as it was dragging partly in the lee. despite that we moved 6.5-7 kts across the bottom on a still outgoing tide.
Jibing on the other side of Swash, we rolled across Mobjack Bay into East River as winds built to 18 mph. I was really enjoying this little sea boat. Her tracking with a full keel amazed me. She darn near sails herself downwind!
The last bit of a sail always seems the sweetest and as Luna approached her new marina, this time was even more special. Everything I had read about this vessel was proving true. Her gentle motion, solid tracking, and quickness to power on delighted. The secure cockpit, handy controls and rushing water at arms length exhilarated. There is a short channel into our marina. We rounded up, flatten the mizzen again, went forward to drop the jib and set out dock lines. In perhaps 3 minutes time, the boat hardly dropped back a full boat length. What a lady.
With a single pull, the Seagull fired up and we crept into our new berth. What a morning. What a boat.
Hi! my name is Sebastian (You can call me Seb!) ...welcome to my Blog. I'm a photographer from Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy my work.
Gavin Atkin's weblog for the sort of people who like looking inside boat sheds. It's about old boats, traditional boats, boat building, restoration, the sea and the North Kent Coast
Lingering Lunacy 