Collateral Damage 7-25-2010

We had no plans to go sailing today as we had two parties to attend. While in between parites, I was watching the Orioles game on TV. Don't ask me why, I just was! It was hot and sunny here in Annapolis, but the wind was blowing like crazy in Baltimore and the game went into rain delay. So I checked the radar and there was a pretty impressive line of thunderstorms heading our way. I figured I had 15 minutes before it hit so I went and checked on the dock lines, etc. I adjusted a couple of them to make sure we didn't get blown up against the bulkhead. As I finished up with my boat, my dock neighbor was in much need of help. His Audi convertible top wouldn't go up! I helped him cover his car with a tarp just in time. I sat there for a while and watched the squall come through. The sound of the wind blowing through the sailboat rigging was amazing!

After the second party, Eileen and I rode our bikes to the marina to check things out. We talked with some friends who were there throughout the storm. The wind speed at our marina was measured at 77 knots. Yes, seventy seven knots! That is 89 miles per hour. Here are a couple of photos I took with my blackberry. Not the best quality, but you will get a sense of how bad this storm cell really was.

The headsail on this boat was shredded

Zoom in on this one (click the picture)! This is a 34 ft catamaran being brought in via SeaTow. The mast is snapped in half. I'm thinking 77 knots was too much wind for a full main! I am thankful that we had no damage to our boat which was safely in her slip.

Girl Talk 7-24-2010

Another hot one in the Mid-Atlantic! Eileen and Clarissa spent most of the time on the swim platform chatting. We took turns jumping in and hanging on a rope I had cleated to the stern. So good to cool off! I am loving the auto pilot! The new bimini top is great too as it provides much needed shade while out on the Bay!

Padre's 40th Birthday Sail 7-23-2010

On a blistering hot Friday night, we took our dear friend Chris Dunn (Padre) out for his birthday. What an event-filled sail we enjoyed! We had a steady 9 knot breeze from the South and cooler temps on the Bay than the triple-digit temps being experienced on land! We ended up sailing 15 NM before all was said and done!

Happy 40th Chris!

First and Second mates!

Yasa Team from Majuro, Marshall Islands. It really is amazing how big these tankers and freighters are!

Here's a first...cooking red and white Zweigle hots while sailing on a reach with the auto pilot! These along with the awesome salads Eileen prepared ahead of time made for a great meal on the Bay!

Heading back to port before Dylan called my cell phone to let us know that he and Elise were just coming out of Lake Ogleton, just off our port bow! We came about and headed back out for more adventure!

Well, we hooked up...literally. Elise came aboard Domingoman and...

Eileen disembarked and boarded Jinx! Since we didn't think about sending the camera along, we made use of the boat hook to extend the reach and pass the camera to my first mate! Elise took the helm for a while before I engaged the auto pilot again. Elise yelled to Dylan...Look! We are on auto pilot! Dylan said me too as he proudly held up his hands (Eileen had command of Jinx)!!

I am always interested in how our boat looks to others. I am quite pleased! Thanks Eileen for catching some great shots!

The moon was almost full and you can't see it here, but the moonlight just shimmered on the bay. It was breath-taking! This Friday night sail will rank among some of the most memorable. Thanks for joining us Padre, Dylan and Elise!

Sail to Thomas Point 7-18-10

Today we sailed to Thomas Point Lighthouse, about 7 NM South of Annapolis. A beautiful summer afternoon with decent wind but still a bit on the warm side. Our neighbors Dylan and Elise joined us for a great afternoon! We sailed past the lighthouse and tacked to get closer for some real nice photos. After taking turns diving in to cool off, we set sail for our home port. It was really interesting as we were watching a rain system develop just west of us. The system was moving North as were we! It never made its way to the Bay...the rain that is! The wind however, was a different story. We were on a reach in a gentle 9 knot breeze but the wind peppered up to 22 knots in a matter of seconds. That made things very interesting aboard Domingoman! The crew remained calm and we furled the headsail and sailed back under mainsail only. That was more than enough sail in this freshened breeze!

Dylan on the starboard rail as we entered the bay

Eileen enjoying the sea breeze that felt like air conditioning

Eileen and Elise on the swim platform keeping their feet cool

The Thomas Point lighthouse.

Dylan and Elise

Serious speed! This is the fastest we have sailed. Actually, we hit 8.3 knots, but it is tough to try to grab the camera when you are heeled at 30 degrees! All in all, it was a great sail. Dylan's comment in the guest log was "22 knots of wind...you can't beat it!"

Sail with Barry 7-17-10

We enjoyed the cool temp and 12 knot breeze out on the bay as the temps were in the mid 90's on land! We sailed out passed the shipping lane towards the bay bridge. This was the first time I met Barry, a gentleman and friend of my first mate!

Barry enjoying time at the helm

Eileen and Jamie cooling their feet

This barge was being towed by that tugboat

This barge, loaded with coal, was being pushed by that tug

Oh no...the jellies are here!

4th of July Weekend

July 4th 2010 was a holiday to remember! Our family came from MA, CO, NC, FL, and NY! We had a housefull needless to say! Here are various shots of our time together, not in chronological order!

Our Grandkids, left to right...Abby, Alexander, Isaac, participating in our neighborhood parade!

One of many sailing trips on the bay. This one with Wes and Kim, Leah and Matthew, and Joel and Bri.

My son-in-law Brad with Alex at our marina

Joel diving off the starboard side!

Isaac at the helm!

Family shot at home

Isaac give me a head-butt

Abby hanging with Cappy!

This is probably one of the coolest cakes I have ever seen. Stephanie used her artistic talents to make this for my 50th surprise B-day party. When one is born on Christmas, he doesn't suspect a party in July. I'm not even used to having birthday parties! After the initial shock, it really was a lot of fun. Thanks to all who made this happen, especially my first mate!

You might have to click on the picture to be able to see the helicopter hovering around that sailboat. The helicopter belongs to a company "Boatpix.com" and it takes pictures of boats while underway. They took pics of our boat and I am waiting for them to arrive in the mail.

Guys day out! Jamie, Joel, Matthew, Brad and I had a great sail in perfect conditions.

Eileen and Joel at our beach overlook

Another parade pic!

Bri and our 4th grandchild (yes...unborn) with Leah, and Matthew on crab pot watch!

Stehpanine, Brad, and Alex in the Chessie lounge

Group shot after sailing

Gene, Khuzaima and Taha out for a cruise after my party

My mother-in-law Sue, from Florida at the helm

My mom at the helm. She wasn't so sure about this steering thing!

Thanks to everyone for making this a memory! Eileen and I are truly blessed.