The winner and the complicated world of sailboat race handicapping

While Pride of Baltimore II crossed the finish line first, schooner Lady Maryland actually won the big boat class of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

Virginia was third.

Pride Captain Jan Miles, never one to be short on words, explains it all here.

I'll post a link to the full standings when I can track it down.

Meanwhile, here's a link to my story about being aboard Virginia that ran in Saturday's Pilot.

-- Aaron

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Captain Moseley of the Schooner Virginia talks about the race

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the race is over

Heading down the Elizabeth River with sails furled.  

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Almost home

Sails down, Virginia is motoring in the Elizabeth River by downtown Norfolk.  In few minutes, the ship will tie up in  Portsmouth at the landing next to the Renaissance Hotel in Olde Towne.

Surely, Captain Hank Moseley could use some sleep. He hasn't left the helm all night,

-- Aaron

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Over the line

Virginia crossed the finish line about 4:30 a.m., behind Pride of Baltimore II. The crew dropped the sails and fired up the diesel engine. The water in the bay off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is some of the roughest of the trip. We're making our way to the James River, after which we'll head into the Elizabeth River to tie up in Portsmouth.

More to come later.

-- Aaron

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Pride of Baltimore II up ahead

The Pride of Baltimore II is uphead, but Virginia is closing in.

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Hank Moseley, captain of The Virginia, gives an update as the schooner passes Cove Point.

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Special Guest Blogger: First Mate Sara Cole

Baby It's Cold Outside

With temperatures in the 40s, blustery winds, and a steady, light rain most sensible people left their boats at the dock and stayed home today.  By rights, the crew of the Virginia should be scowling and cursing the fact that they have to be outside in this weather.  Instead it's smiles on their faces and laughter on their tongues.  Why?  Because our boat is doing what she was meant to do, what she loves to do.  Because today we don't worry about touching up the brightwork or polishing brass.  Today we sail as fast as we can.  We put up every sail we have and then we don't mind the rain, the wind, and the cold.  When the last rope is pulled in tight and the last piece of canvas billows out and stretches tight, Virginia leans over and flies down the bay.  You can almost see her smiling, hear her laughter, and it's her joy that puts a smile on our faces.  This feeling is like no other sensation; pure, clean delight.  That's why, on a day like today, I say it's a great day to go sailing.

-- Sara Cole, First Mate

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under full canvas

Sailing on a broad reach with the mainsail to starboard.....

and adding the fisherman stays'l so that all the canvas is up......

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Watching Pride's stern

We're behind Pride by about two miles. What to do? Fly more sail, of course.

Captain Moseley just ordered the crew to raise the the "fisherman." The fisherman is an impressive trapezoidal-ish sail that flies between the two masts. Now, Virginia is under full power.

"Everything we got. Every stich of canvas," First Mate Sara Cole said.

-- Aaron

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