6-9 Sept Bay Days, Hampton Va anchorage

Race for daylight was on, as The Belle headed out of the Norfolk Navy Sailing Center at 1900 headed for the Hampton River anchorage and link-up with Al and Nickie aboard Risky Business. We cleared the Willoughby Bay and Hampton Bar channels as the last flickers of sunlight faded, for an after dark arrival in the anchorage...violating our 2-hr before sunset rule for all anchorage arrivals.  Al and Nickie had already dropped a lunch hook, so the good-spot for Hampton Bay Day festivities over the weekend was in our hands. Quickly spotting Risky Business in the darkness, we pulled a-beam, fixed fenders, then pulled forward into the anchorage to drop our heavy hook and all chain rode, eased in reverse passing Risky Business, dropped the aft hook, then heaved on the windlass to set the main fore-anchor, ease forward, and raft-up with Al and Nickie. We were set! "Goose" was arriving early in the AM with his Beneteau Oceania 356 to fill-out the raft-up. The salmon and baked potato dinner, the great wine and great company with Debbie and "Snooder" made for a great evening.

As Bay Days got into swing, Kenny Chesney "Al" loaded Karen and Nickie aboard the tender for some fun ashore, while the guys hung-out afloat enjoying the beautiful day.

 

While many good things like friends last, the weekend fun gave way to an early AM raft break up to meet the tide schedule for return sails.  The winds were quite accommodating, as the 12-14kt southwesterly  made for a close-haul run down the Hampton River into the Chesapeake, and a broad-reach run home.  What a great way to end a fabulous weekend.  Risky Business  headed to Back Bay further north, motored by The Belle...getting a great picture of the Lady in her element!