Dawn Patrol: November 2010

Sunrise on Cedar Island, NC on Friday, September 24, 2010 (photo: Ms. Kokopedal)

Cedar Island awoke on race day to a warm and almost windless sunrise on Pamlico Sound.

Having photo opportunities is one of the ways cruising differs from racing. When cruising, we can usually pause for photographs. At the most exciting and memorable moments in the race it often seems there is no time for picking up the camera. Some of the best photos of the NCC 2010 were taken by friends and family observing the race, or were taken before the start.

(photo: Ms. Kokopedal)

Moon over DawnPatrol at sunrise
(photo: RidgeRunner)

The moon was still over the beach. To those of us on the beach making final preparations and counting down to the 7:30 AM start, the calm conditions and beautiful sunrise were a welcome sight. The start would be easy for all: sea kayakers, sailing kayakers, racing kayakers, and monohull or multi-hull sailors with paddles or oars. The immediate challenge would be moving our boat on inflatable rollers down from the highwater mark to the thin glassy water and then far enough out to reach deep water.

Those of us with sails were optimistic that fair winds would build in as the sun warmed the morning. In fact, we were in for a shocking amount of rowing.