Arrival in Norfolk
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Fri 16 May 2008 16:20
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36:54.46N 76:18.48W
Firslty, apologies for the delay in updating the
blog - a few technical problems to deal with, but hopefully this should
work!
We weighed anchor from Claxton Creek yesterday
morning and had a good sail south towards Norfolk with the genoa set in a force
3 in bright sunshine. The wind remained helpful for a couple of hours but then
headed us so we had to put in a few tacks and then came across a rare thing in
the Chesapeake - the tide running against us! Nothing too serious though and we
still had full main and genoa set.
As we came into Norfolk we had a few enormous
container ships, barges and Navy vessels to deal with. As the traffic got busier
we furled the sails and motored in through Hampton Roads, over the tunnel and
past the Navy base. Unfortunately there weren't any US aircraft carriers in,
though a couple of their amphibious assualt ships were present (bigger than our
aircraft carriers!) and it was great to see them up close. Mummy did some super
work at the helm, careful to stay within the channel for fear of one hundred
coast guard ships patrolling the waters and locking us up in the state
penitentiary for straying too close to the ships!
We continued to motor towards the Norfolk Yacht and
Country Club where we secured alongside at 1500. Very smart facility where we
were able to take full advantage of their showers and hospitality before we had
guests come on board at 1800.
Rear Admiral Richard Leaman and his wife Suzy with
Lt Chris Eastbrook were first to arrive and we had the first Pimm's of the
season. They were joined by Rear Admiral Terry McKnight and his sister Kathel,
and Louis and Lorna Wilson Chalon (congratulations to Louis promoted to
Commander yesterday), and a few drinks were had before the Bennetts and
McKnights headed up the yacht club to have a very good meal courtesy of Kathel -
thank you so much.
A peaceful night was passed on board (despite the
heavy rain!) and then today we have been taking advantage of the wifi facilities
up at the club and have been driven around by Louis to get various bits and
pieces from the enormous Navy stores here (Louis - thank you so much for being
our taxi service!).
The rest of the day shall probably be spent doing a
few repair jobs on board...Pippa has to do something with the anchor cable;
what's the betting she'll break something - again!
Aquila in her berth at Norfolk Yacht and Country
Club, with the Club House behind...
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