April 10th, 2011 - She's in the water!  It was a very smooth launch with no mishaps. This is the earliest launch date she's ever had.

May 27th: Went out again in the Bay after some morning fog had lifted. The wind picked up nicely, and I enjoyed a steady 8-10 knot breeze.

I had the chance to fly the 215-square-foot asymmetrical spinnaker - what a blast!

Nice to see the sun illuminating the sails.

June 24th-25th: The 2011 Southeast Connecticut Mariner Fleet Rendezvous commenced as we sailed from Niantic to stay overnight at Mystic Seaport.

It was the weekend of the famous WoodenBoat Show, and we set our hooks in the nearby anchorage.

My Dyer Dhow TRUE LOVE got a workout that weekend shuttling Mariner sailors back and forth between their boats!

The whole event was an outstanding success. For more information and pictures, check out the photo album.

August 13th: My father and I went to New Jersey to compete in the 2011 Mariner Nationals. These four pictures were taken by Steve Hock.

Here is one of the few times we actually had people behind us. ORION showed her colors fairly early as a cruiser, not a racer.

This is more like it. Headed for the windward mark while the other boats in the background are already headed for the leeward gate.

Lifting ORION out of the water using a four-point bridle is always somewhat of a nerve-wracking experience.

November 7th: Hauled ORION out of the water and power-washed the bottom and topsides.

Here she is, all ready to go. Another sailing season gone.