Hampton Virginia (Antares U. 2012)

June 6, 2012 by Jason Fish

When we got another opportunity to talk about boats, you can guess what our reaction was. Not only would we get to sail an Antares again, meet some new owners, and talk boats, but we could also refine our work order and make some more decisions.

Learning Bow systems

Shaun and Neil generously volunteered their boat for Antares U. They had just sailed up from Buenos Aires, through the Caribbean, out to Bermuda and, finally, to Virginia. We were also to hear their stories and

I have always enjoyed school

listen to some good advice. The first morning, the seas were rough and there was a small craft advisory. It seemed like docking practice would be off. We spent the morning revisiting the systems and got ready for the afternoon sail. I was a bit nervous about potential seasickness but that didn’t stop me from taking part in the boat based barbecue lunch. We had an awesome sail, achieving speeds of 15 knots and each person took a turn steering. I sat in the cockpit chair most of the time, which being at about the beam of the boat, ended up being the stablest ride and I felt great the whole trip.

When we returned to shore, we were entertained by Neil as he presented us with his fishing tips. Neither of us know step one about fishing so we listened attentively, looking forward to our first catch. My only notable fish story from the past was when my Uncle Bob caught this fish on the Jersey Shore and I was so freaked out at first that I turned away and raced back to the house.

My last fishing adventure

The next day, the winds had died down a bit so it was time to practice docking under the watchful, calm eye of Jeff. We came away with an intact boat so everyone was very happy. I need a few hundred more times to practice and I am sure I will be okay.

Once again, we left the boat wishing that we were already on our way.