Lessons Learned - Hopefully!

On Sunday we spent a pleasant day anchored in Old Point Comfort, VA; where Jim successfully fixed our SSB radio. The problem was a result of trying to connect a new coax cable from the radio to the tuner in a dark corner of the lazzarette. Once he could see, and disconnect the tuner and work on it in the cockpit, it was an easy fix! One broken boat thing; off the list! On Monday morning the wind was blowing in the 20s; so we waited til late morning to begin our trip for the day. We were surprised with how rough the water was going out the inlet to Chesapeake Bay. The boat was bucking 3 - 4 foot waves coming very close together. We would have angled better, but we were avoiding cargo ships; also in the channel. Finally, when we turned North things settled down and we were more under control. But......we hadn't sailed in these conditions for awhile and two things we didn't do were - the secondary anchor (Fortress) was not secured well at the bow and it broke free and was swinging. Fortunately, another boat called us on the VHF to let us know it was loose! And we hadn't secured the portholes in the forward cabin (our bed), and water came in and soaked the sheets, etc. It could have been worse; but another lesson learned! No damage from the anchor, and fresh sheets on the bed! We did have a great sail after that - 6 knots up the Chesapeake to Jackson Creek near Deltaville, VA.