Back in the Tidewater area, the big thermals happen in the spring when the warm SW winds blow over the still-cold waters. Willoughby Bay's proximity to the Norfolk naval Base provides the advantage of having a large source of convection, the concrete air base itself, which allows the warm air to drop down to the surface and penetrate the otherwise stagnant cold layer. Although these thermals can be rather gusty, they can bring out the small sails in large numbers. Just watch out for really low flying helicopters.