Serene Sail on the York
People ask, “Is it serene on a sailboat?” On a serene afternoon, we sailed the York for an hour before the wind shifted and died. Two parties on board had a wonderful time. Yes, we saw those elusive two dolphins, but only for a moment. Kathy and Mark Walkenhorst were on vacation from suburban Detroit, […]
Serenity Sailing, Then Dolphins
A York County woman took her family sailing on the York River and found it a serene setting of mild winds and warm breezes, part of the outdoor fun near Yorktown. The anticipation was that of a family outing. The adventure arrived in the quietude, as they chatted for hours. In the process, we sailed under […]
Sailing Near the Navy
A dreary day on the York River perked up with the siting of an exceptional Navy ship. It was quite an adventure. Amy and John McCarthy took a long-awaited sail with their daughter C.C. and her boyfriend Chris Coe, in town from Ketchum, Idaho. C.C. sailed competitively in high school, so she had no trouble […]
Crisis After Yorktown
For two years after the American victory at Yorktown in October of 1781, the Continental Army remained in the field. Peace with Great Britain was still uncertain. By March of 1783, Army officers and soldiers in Newburgh, New York, were growing impatient with Congress over back pay. Discord at headquarters was rampant. An inflammatory address circulated […]
Easter Weekend Sailing
Three families from Pennsylvania and Virginia enjoyed Easter Weekend sailing and outdoor fun off Yorktown. Winds on the York River were a brisk 10-15 mph, making it a challenge both days to keep the sailboat heeling between 10 and 15 degrees. Many enjoyed hanging out on the bow, where the views and the experience are […]
Sunset cruise
The romance of a sunset cruise is undeniable, when it goes well. The axiom “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight” is a helpful indicator that the sky will remain clear. Except when it doesn’t, and rain falls—in the dark. After a long day at work, couples enjoy a sunset cruise to relax, but nothing could […]
Great Day to Learn Sailing
The 17th annual spring sailing class of WALT rose to the occasion in rising winds that started flat and grew to 15 mph over the course of a six-hour run. Under the guidance of Williamsburg Charter Sails, the class learned the three reaches of sail. They got numerous and extensive turns on the helm as the […]
Missiles Come from Yorktown
It’s debatable if President Trump should have ordered 59 Tomahawk missiles fired into a military airbase in Syria. Early reactions are that it was a good strategic move for the gas attacks on civilians. One can also debate whether he has the authority in such an adventure, though LBJ set that precedent in the Gulf […]
American Revolution’s Next Battle
In a remarkable coincidence, two similar museums are opening this month on the East Coast. Except that they aren’t comparable. Think of it as the American Revolution’s next battle. After a soft opening last fall, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown opened officially with hoopla and major speakers. As it stands majestically overlooking the York River, the place […]
Growing Up Cruising on Chesapeake Bay
Everyone has a recollection about their childhood boating experiences. Valerie Axel recalls fondly growing up on Chesapeake Bay as a continuous adventure. She related her story while sailing the York River with her husband Neil on a magnificent spring afternoon. “We spent the summers cruising the Bay in my father’s 48-foot Chris Craft. He was […]
