Sails: Interrupt mainsailn with a single reef, 135 genoa.
AYC cancelled this evening's race due to weather: "Currently at Thomas Point, winds are sustained at 21 and it is expected to continue to build over the next couple of hours with guests in the high 30s." and "... forecast that thunderstorms are approaching and predicted to arrive in the area around 2000." Announcement arrived via email as I approached Rt3/301 on Rt50 bound for Annapolis. Wondered if the crew might want to sail anyway...and they were game.
Before heading out discussed sail selection and when we should return to dock. Consensus was to use the sails listed above and dock around 1930 so that we are ahead of the forecasted thunderstorm.
First two boards, sailed at ~60* to the 22-26kt apparent wind, to the entrance to Back Creek, sailed under single-reefed main alone, while we felt out the weather, the two feet waves, and settled into the motion of the boat.
Once everyone on the rail, Fred, Heather, and Bob, her father, were sufficiently wetted from spray and used to the motion, we rolled out the 135LP in the area of Y"A", headed off to a beam reach and romped out towards Mark "B". The water darkened as a uniform cloud to the west blocked the sun. Though it did not appear to be a thunderstorm, no height or appropriate shape, we decided to head back, exercising a bit of caution given the possible weather. Tacked downwind, with Rick driving, Fred working main, while I trimmed the genoa. Heather had declined to trim genoa in this weather.
Rolled in the genoa before G"1SC". Found a lee beside the mega-yachts to drop the main. Motored past AYC for fun and took her into dock. A very pleasant evening concluded with chips and beers at the dock.
GPX
formatted track. Estimated Distance: 6.88nm, estimated average speed: 4.9kts, estimated duration: 1:24