Dawn came hot and humid for the second Barnegat Daysail of the 2010 season.   While three of the four skippers went through a mooring and docking check-out with a Nelson’s Sailing Center instructor, the crews gathered gear, liquids, and porta-potties in the shade of the porch.   Our trip leader bugged everyone to sign the appropriate paperwork, and chased papers across the porch as the errant wind gusted – annoying, but a good omen.  Once our skippers had proven their skills, everyone made a beeline for their assigned vessel in the hopes of finding a more sustained breeze off shore.

In fact the breeze was perfect for these 24-foot daysailers.  Skipper Judy steered her craft east on Tom’s River, bravely threading the needle through several fleets of racing one-designs with the skilled assistance of Mary Ann, Jim, and sailing novice Isabel (who has since signed on for more trips – she must have enjoyed it!).

Jack, Julio, and Mia reached briefly to the west to set sails and familiarize crew with sailing basics before coming about to face the crowds of small, fast vessels.

All was well aboard Julio’s boat, where sailing students Jitender and Nalini were glad of this opportunity to sail somewhere other than their training waters of New York Harbor.   Mia’s crew of Marianne and trip leader (and sailing novice) Kathleen worked on their tacking technique while laughing off Mia’s regular shouts of “grind faster!”

Jack, Frank, and Corry were able to enjoy the perfect breeze for the first half of the outing – right up until the rudder broke.  Fortunately, they were not in the way of any of the racers at the time.   Nelson’s responded quickly to their radio call by sending a boat to tow them in.

Meanwhile, Judy’s crew with its head start into the bay made it all the way to Cedar Beach before turning north again, passing Mia’s boat, which was still going the other way.   There had been talk of anchoring for lunch and possibly swimming, but the steady breeze kept everyone (except Jack’s crew) sailing – the idea of sitting still in the sun was not very appetizing.

Typically, the afternoon breeze grew gusty at the mouth of Tom’s River, giving the returning crews a chance to tack sharply and balance against some steep heels.   Fortunately, the racing fleets had thinned out by then so there was more room to maneuver upwind toward Nelson’s.

As the crews ambled back up the dock they were greeted by a bucket of ice cold beer along with Frank (Jack and Corry having departed) and Joe Brozek, who hadn’t sailed but was in the neighborhood.  Those hearty souls who hadn’t fled in their air conditioned vehicles were treated to a round of appetizers at a local restaurant where they toasted the fun of their adventure on the water and chatted about all manner of things, including recommending favorite books to one another.

The day was a perfect introduction to the fun and exertion of sailing -- as well as to the occasional mishaps -- for new members Kathleen (kudos for also organizing the day!), Isabel, Frank (also already on board for another trip), Jitender, and Nalini.  And it was also a great time for the experienced members.

Be sure to watch the 2011 schedule for next summer’s local small boat adventures!