Beating the Heat... Crossing Buzzard's Bay

How did you escape the heat today? Although the wind was light, it blew steady enough for a crossing with confidence. Buzzard's Bay was unusually choppy with wind, swell and boat wake. Leaving Ned's Point at 1:30, the wind was increasing but still under 20 mph out in the bay. On the far side, near "The Knob" in Woods Hole, the wind was non-existent. After falling off-plane I jibed for the return trip. Getting back on-plane took some time, but once up, all was good. Bumpy, but fun. Round trip took just over an hour and fifteen minutes, with the "schlog" included. As always with a solo crossing, arriving back safely always feels great. No matter how much safety gear you bring, there is always an element of uncertainty... just enough to remind me that I'm still living! Love it.

My Addiction... H2O Cape Hatteras 2013

H2O ADDICTION from Dean Withrow on Vimeo.

Costa Rica Adventure

First Day Out on the ice

First day, Fast ice from Dean Withrow on Vimeo.

Jet Skis on the Intercoastal

Diving the SS Copenhagen

World Record Run

 

Chiquita "On Ice"

The Kennedy Speed Slick

Saturday Oct. 15th looked to be a BIG day for wind on the Cape. Our first ripping SW in quite a while. Launching in front of the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis, MA. gave me a near perfect speed slick for GPS runs. The use of handheld, Doppler GPS units has given birth to an international competition among speed sailors from all over the world. Our team lacks a true speed strip and the Kennedy Slick is the best I can find on Google Earth. On an individual basis, my goal is to break 40 knts., on open water. it's been much tougher then I anticipated, but what a thrill trying! 


In order to achieve this, several things have to fall into place:
- Perfectly flat water (Low jetty and High tide)
- 35 to 45 knts of wind
- A Broad Reach, 120*-130* downwind
- The Right Equipment (designed for speed)
- A Fit and Fearless sailor :)
I had the flat water, plenty of wind, couldn't go downwind, my quiver was "not up to speed" (but getting close) and finally... "Fearless" I am, Fit? well not so much, given our summer of no wind.


Sailing along the jetty with breaking waves sending spray over my head was a thrill. The sun was shining, the water warm and everything came home in one piece, including me. Those who walked by were curious and friendly. I met people from Ireland, China, France and a few locals.  Over all a great day on the water. Check out the video below or on my YouTube channel in HD with a better resolution:
http://youtu.be/oEzUqSWKYsQ?hd=1 

Kennedy Speed Slick October 15, 2011

Day of the Dirtbag

Windsurfing Hatteras 2011

Last Day of Summer

Dirtbag Open... Monty Python

 

April Winds... Hatteras 2009 from Dean Withrow on Vimeo.