Batteries low: 12.25v on house battery. Was able to start engine in 60 degrees by warming it by spinning it for a few seconds with the decompression levers engaged. Then starting the engine normally. Still the engine was reluctant to start. Very soon after starting, checked the output of the alternator: 20A at 13.99V. Ran the engine for about half an hour to charge the batteries.
Wind started around 14 knots, so started with a reef in the main. Wind dropped, shook out the reef while running downwind wing and wing. Tacked around at R "4" to sail back up river to the Naval Acadmey. Then back to R "4". Had the river to myself at this point, or nearly so. In gusting winds while sailing wing and wing, got the "monohull death roll" going. Never managed to that before without a spinnaker flying.
Rarely a motorboat would pass by. The docks from the boat shows were being towed from Ego Alley across the Severn to the piece of water immediately downstream of the YP boat yard and associated buildings. So got to dodge those tows.
Back to the Academy. Wind rose sharply to 20 knots. Whitecaps on the Severn. Re-reefed. Headed back down to R "4" for the third time. Again shook out the reef as the wind dropped. Sailed back to Horn Point and motored in from there.
Beautiful clear air. Some clouds. Remarkable blues in the sky. An Alerion 30? #35 came out to play as did a yawl (ketch?) with 53001 on the genoa, sailing "jib and jigger". A very good day to be alive. This is a principal reason why I sail.
GPX formatted Track distance: 9.12nm, average speed: 3.8kts, duration: 2:32