“DOWN BAY CRUISE TO DAMES QUARTER - 2007”
By Marc Cruder
Introduction
The right combination of weather and wind made for a very good overall and varied sailing experience. Dames Quarter couldn’t have been better as our host Larry Antonik made sure we had plenty of room to anchor and breakfast every morning. He rounded up the neighbors, treated the group to an evening run by workboat up the Wicomico River to the RED ROOST, a converted chicken coop and outstanding eatery, capped off by a local fireworks display on our way back. The run up the Nanticoke to Vienna was scenic and drew most of the group. The return trip with the current and 15 knots of wind made for interesting downwind sailing, especially when we met the inbound barge traffic. We had a record number of return cruisers, including one boat from below the Potomac, while we added 2 more at our destination. There was member support ashore, a few minor casualties along the way (that got fixed) and a great opportunity to experience a seldom visited and largely untouched part of the bay. Here’s how it went….
Returning Cruisers
- Marc “Leave the cabin doors off, it won’t rain again” Cruder sailing Wanderer -Wittholz/Prudence 25.
- Dave “Let me show you how it’s done” Bleil with crew Jim “But it looked good to me” Ohlmacher sailing Gull - Mystic 20.
- Don “About half” Dunn with crew John “Don’t leave me” Brown sailing Granmary – Atlantic City 21.
- Butler “It was me” Smythe with rookie crew Steve “He won’t let me drive” Flesner sailing Caerulean - Menger 23.
- Butch “I took 3 calls from Denise this morning” Miller sailing Dusty – Marshall 18
- Rich “Fire in the hold” McLaughlin with crew Mike “Hand me my 5 minute epoxy and the duct tape” Crawford sailing Tenacity - Marshall 22.
- Stuart “I’m not wearing my logo” Hopkins sailing Muskrat – Yawl rigged Marshall 22
Cruisers that met us along the way
- Jeanne “I’ll stay right here…I’m familiar with the Marshall 22” Griffin and Lois “I’m with you Jeanne” Flesner who both came by powerboat to the Lewis Creek raft-up.
- Jack “Careful of my new Imeron” Smith sailing Winter’s Dream - Marshall 18.
Cruise Support that met us at Dames Quarter
- Larry “How we doing…O.K.?” Antonik, our consummate host and owner of Purrrfection – Marshall 18.
- Denise “You can get the bigger boat if we get this head situation straight” Miller
- Dave “Pert is gone” Park
Sunday, 6/10: Day One - Destination: Brannock Bay – SE of Sharps Island
Weather: Overcast with temps in the 80s; winds northeast @ 5-10 kts and fading
With both my teenagers freely announcing that they had their own lives (and jobs) now, I moved this trip up to the week before school let out, since there was no family crew to be had. Year 5 of the projected 5 year restoration saw me finishing cabin details and getting the boat in the water before….that’s right before May 1st ! The only disappointment was that after the sink installation including thru-hull and plumbing, the existing water tank leaked after only about 3 gallons, and will become next winter’s project. Not deterred, I temporarily installed a bladder tank that I had laying around and so got the potable water system I wanted. That said, Wanderer was ready and shook down well ahead of time. Even most of the provisions were laid in the night before, so that the cruise would start first thing in the morning. I can’t remember when that happened last.
I was underway under power from my new location at Orme’s Bluewater Marina on the Rhode River at 0815. Bob Orme, who recently crossed the bar, was a catboat sailor of some renown locally, with his green Marshall 22 still visible under the shed. I was happy for Wanderer to be in such appropriate surroundings. Set a course of 120 degrees per magnetic compass (PMC) outbound. By 0830 I was out of the river and raised sail just east of Curtis Point and beyond the crab pots. With a favorable but light wind and heading southeast, I was abeam the green #85A by 0900 moving at about 3.5 mph per the GPS with a fair tide. Set a course of 175 degrees PMC to Sharps Island Light, steering visually for the end of Tilghman Island.
With the wind easing and deep draft traffic coming up the bay I added the engine at about 1100. By 1130 I was abeam the red #84 off Poplar Island. At 1200 the VHF crackled with the sound John Brown’s voice aboard the yacht Granmary for the 1200 radio check. He reported to be on a parallel course on the west side of Poplar Island in the Narrows. At 1230 I altered course left on sighting the #7 green south of Tilghman Island. By 1330, and abeam the mark, set a compass course of 140 degrees PMC to Brannock Bay.
At 1400 Caerulean was approaching from the south. The afternoon sun highlighted and made unmistakable her Egyptian cotton colored sail. By 1430, we were side by side checking depths (I with my 6 ft boat hook and Butler with his electronic depth sounder). The area was skinny on water, and federal navigation aids had been removed, although still noted on most charts. We worked our way in to an area with 6 to 8 ft of water and dropped the hook. While not as far in or as protected as I’d hoped, no weather was expected so we left well enough alone and had swim call. Always good to scrub a few barnacles and check the bottom paint. As we did, other catboats started to appear until we had an initial raft up of five. One boat had gone ahead to make the Patuxent River early and get a glimpse of the Captain John Smith shallop that was retracing that historic discovery voyage. Happy hour commenced with Dark and Stormies in Wanderer’s cockpit after “swing man” John reported aboard with his personal dunnage. He’d be sailing aboard Granmary and bunking aboard Wanderer. An easy first day.
Monday, 6/11: Day Two - Destination: Lewis Creek – Patuxent River
Weather: Sunny; Winds light from the west, eventually coming around to the north
Overnight, Caerulean and Dusty had stayed rafted up to Wanderer, until I was awakened by a “thump.” Found the other two boats trying to quietly unraft due to increasing winds from the unprotected west. A few hours later and as is normal on these cruises, I awoke to the sound of watermen’s boats. These were fairly quiet as they had mufflers on their exhausts. They were working trot lines and certainly in much closer to shore than we were. Had we found our way in closer, it probably would have been worse as we would have been in the middle of the trot lines. As it was, things were tolerable, if not a bit rolling due to their wake.
After eggs and proscuitto (I couldn’t find the pre-cooked bacon), we all weighed anchor at about 0900, and were underway under power. I added sail about 15 minutes later and steered a due west course for the red and green buoy set just south of Sharps Island light. At 1000 I was abeam the #6 red, and turned south to a course of about 190 degrees PMC visually lining up with James Island to port and Cove Point to starboard. Engine off.
By 1030, I added engine but kept the sail up pulling gently, providing shade while making about 3.5 mph per the GPS. I was abeam James Island for the noon radio check. All catboats reporting and in sight ahead of me in the vicinity of the Cove Point LNG docks. By 1300, the engine was no longer necessary abeam the red and white “CP” buoy with wind astern moving us at about 4.0 mph per the GPS. Abeam the LNG docks at 1400, I jibed around to a starboard tack, coming right to shape up for Drum Point.
Shortly after the jibe, an inbound tug pushing ahead was increasingly visible but miles off yet. I had been monitoring VHF channel 72 for the group that was well ahead of me when I heard: “Blow boat get the hell out of the way.” Just goes to show you, not everyone out on the bay is happy. The tug and tow had slight left bearing drift and the channel was miles wide, not to mention how far away we were from each other, so I maintained radio silence and my course, until I passed well ahead of him, then got on Channel 13 and responded with: “Thanks for the accommodation Captain” and left it at that. By 1500 I was abeam Little Cove Point, adding engine to keep speed up in the dying wind conditions. Another half hour found me off Drum Point with a favorable wind coming into the Patuxent River.
At 1630, the cell phone jingled and it was the Marshall 22 Tenacity coming down under the route 4 bridge, headed for Solomons Island and asking if I needed anything. I ordered a bag of ice. By 1700, I had negotiated the entrance to Lewis Creek and found the raft-up…swim call! At 1800, with happy hour in full swing, the Flesners arrived by powerboat with catboater Jeanne Griffin. They visited aboard Tenacity, where the “mantis” shade was rigged, while photos were taken from the dinghy, followed by dinner.
Tuesday 6/12: Day Three - Destination: Dames Qtr Creek – Dames Quarter, MD
Weather: Overcast with intermittent sun; Winds light from the north building to 15 kts.
Lewis Creek proved to be a peaceful spot, with half the boats on their own hooks and the other half rafted up. There was plenty of breeze and no winged friends. The plan however, was not to lay in, as we had some mileage ahead of us. So I cranked up the engine as the preparatory signal and weighed anchor at 0700. Made a last pass around all the boats to discuss the day’s navigation and was out of Lewis Creek within half an hour.
I soon had the sail up, shading the morning sun, with a light wind on the quarter and favorable to my outbound course. At 0800 I passed inboard of the red #6A as Dusty and Caerulean were headed into Solomons Island for fuel and crew respectively. Steve was joining Butler aboard Caerulean. Cleared Hog Point with all 6 boats in sight under sail at about 0900. The wind came up strong and steady around 0930 and all boats began to move out smartly – Tenacity, Gull and Granmary ahead with Caerulean and Dusty astern. Moving southeasterly down the bay, we were abeam the north side of Hooper Island lighthouse by 1000, passing Granmary in the process, with Capt Don running the old girl “full tilt.” Visually following the south end of Hoopers Island as it appeared we cut the corner into Hooper Strait close and well north of the Green #1 bell buoy.
Hove to in Hooper Strait to make lunch and conduct the noon radio check. All catboats in sight with Caerulean on point, having overtaken the group. Tried to contact our host at Dames Quarter, but had no cell phone signal. Having fallen behind, ran a straight course of 120 degrees PMC and was abeam Shark Fin Shoal light at about 1445, without regard to the buoy system and finding plenty of water. Tried our host again and connected. Reported: “six catboats headed your way” with an ETA of about 1700. A squall was making up and visible to starboard, but moving ahead of us (or so I thought).
Made Great Shoals light just about 1630 when the sky opened up. Kept sailing under varying wind until rounding up on Long Point. Started the engine. I was the last boat into the cove in front of Larry Antonik’s, among all the other catboats, that now numbered eight. The additions were Larry’s Marshall 18 Purrfection, Jack Smith’s freshly painted Winters Dream and Stuart Hopkins’ Muskrat. Made a flawed attempt to land at the dock due to insufficient water, so maneuvered back to a hook. Our host was on the dock as the rain subsided. The word was passed for dinner ashore at 1800. You don’t have to tell catboaters twice, and there were plenty of dinghies on hand to assist.
Larry put dinner together with some help from neighbors (and “come here’s”) Alena Ortega and Jeanne Vanlith. Food was aplenty and the company exceptional as we would learn the longer we stayed. Larry had a steady stream of interested and interesting neighbors dropping in. Although we all ended up back on our boats, facilities were open and available to the group ashore, which was greatly appreciated. Another good sailing day down and a timely arrival at our intended destination.
Wednesday 6/12: Day Four - Destination: Vienna, MD via the Nanticoke River
Weather: Overcast with some sun; Winds northeast @ 8 to 12 kts
It was another quiet night at anchor. Although we witnessed what could only be called a mosquito gauntlet between our host Larry Antonik’s pier and his house, that was not the situation out at anchor. We survived without rigging screens.
We experienced a beautiful sunrise over the marsh at about 0530, as I took the opportunity to row ashore for a shower and use of the facilities. Larry was up and on the dock moving his Marshall 18 into deeper water. Breakfast ashore was at 0800 with neighbors and the rest of the anchored catboaters attending. The homemade buffet ranged from the healthy to “it may not be that good for you, but it sure tastes great.” At 0900, we started to move toward the boats, but not before a group picture in front of Larry’ oversize catboat copper weathervane. We also took a quick tour of the shed to view everything from a Delaware Shad Skiff to several one cylinder Palmer gas engines. As I suggested to Larry he better check pockets before letting the group leave, Mike Crawford’s comment was something along the line: “It’s a good thing I don’t need any parts for my Palmer Pup at the moment.” With the tour complete we headed for the dock.
We had anchors up and were proceeding outbound when we learned Granmary was having some starting problems, so left Capt Don in the capable hands of the locals while the rest of us headed for the Nanticoke. John was crewing aboard Wanderer.
By 1000 we were under power and sail at the mouth of the Nanticoke with a total of five catboats and Stuart Hopkins Marshall 22 yawl Muskrat…but not before sighting an unusual black hulled piratesque vessel with square sails, hull up on the horizon. Not knowing what or who it was, suspecting we might be in a time warp, but seeing no cannon fire, we altered course and proceeded up river while being passed by an inbound tug pushing a tank barge ahead. Being alongside commercial traffic allowed us to pick the eastern and unbuoyed channel while the tug and barge stayed in the deeper, buoyed western channel. The transit up the river was about 5 hours and uneventful with overcast skies, so we were comfortable. Once the river narrowed up and started to bend, sails were doused and we were on engines because winds were on the nose for the most part. The “peak” power plant at Vienna was visible above the marsh for some distance, so we had a bead on our destination. The tide was fair, as we made steady progress and enjoyed the natural beauty of the river. Navigation was easy, with plenty of water and width.
As we landed at Vienna, the locals were right there with the “do’s and don’ts” as well as local information and offers of rides to whatever we needed. Vienna recently (with in the last 5 years) constructed several transient slips as well as a public sea wall. Mooring outside the slips and or to the sea wall is at no cost. Winds were still persistent out of the northeast and not easing. It was a little too active a sea state for the Marshall 18’s that were along, so they took a local tip and proceeded 2.5 miles further up river under the route 50 bridge and into Marshyhope Creek. The rest of us went into town to the Nanticoke Inn (run by Millie’s, which was across the street and being renovated). The Nanticoke Inn is the only restaurant in town and had a family atmosphere. We took advantage of crab dip, crab balls and crab cakes. The special on the menu, enjoyed by others was a gigantic slab of meatloaf, offered of course with several side dishes. After dinner we went to the only gas station in town for some ice. For planning purposes, the gas station has kerosene in addition to gasoline, but no diesel. That requires a short trip out of town, which the locals were willing to provide had we needed it. With ice in hand we walked the few blocks it took to get back to the river.
Just as we were settling in for a night cap, an old Jeep Cherokee pulled up with WBOC emblazed all over its side. It was Charlie Paparella, local feature writer and photographer out of the shore’s Salisbury TV station. I had been in touch with him before the cruise, at Larry Antonik’s urging, as the story of a group of wayward catboats was apparently newsworthy on the shore. Charlie got his camera and came aboard. Little by little, others in the group made it to Wanderer’s cockpit. Charlie interviewed any catboater willing to give him the time. He was a friendly conversationalist with great respect for our traditional little boats, so we each in turn held the microphone and answered Charlie’s questions as best we could. Once interviews were over, Charlie was apprised of our schedule, and we agreed to keep in touch the following day in case he could get the WBOC helicopter up for some underway footage or if he could meet us at Larry’s when we got in. After Charlie left, the other excitement for the night was watching an outbound towboat shape up for (crabbing sideways) and push a light barge under the route 50 bridge. We all wondered if might need to abandon ship if the tug and tow could not come around sufficiently to avoid us. Our fears were unjustified, but it got exciting for a few minutes anyway. The tide had shifted to an ebb and the wind was quieting down, so we expected a good night as the temperature was also dropping to cool things off. We had not heard from our Marshall 18’s as we thought we might on VHF, but suspected they were fine in the natural beauty of Marshyhope Creek. All to bed early for an early start in the morning to ensure we would leave on a favorable tide.
Note: Although our interaction with the locals was positive, it was initially hard to read. The line handler that met me opened with: “How are you doing?” to which I responded: “Well, we made it…that has to be worth something” … which prompted a: “Maybe to you.” Showers were then allegedly offered for $10 person; $12 if you wanted hot water. There were no takers. This was the same person that offered to take us out of town for diesel and that suggested Marshyhope Creek to the smaller boats.
Thursday, 6/14: Day Five – Destination: Dames Qtr Creek, Dames Quarter, MD
Weather: Overcast; Northeast winds @ 15 kts with a fair tide of about 2 kts
Although we were somewhat worried about being tied up to the seawall with river current, adequate spring lines and fenders made for a worry-free night with no movement, especially after the wind calmed down.
Started up the engine at 0700 to get everyone moving along. Thought we might see our Marshall 18’s but the fair tide was the determining factor although I took some time to talk with the mayor of Vienna when he hailed me from ashore. We discussed his vision for Vienna and I complimented him on the transient dock and seawall construction which made this a stop for us. We also discussed the no fee and he said he counted on transients spending their money in town, which I was happy to report we had done. By 0715, we were out in the stream setting sail and bringing up the rear (except for Marshall 18s)
About 0800, John noticed an inbound wheelhouse visible above the marsh several bends south of us. With all boats ahead and considering the towboat’s view was just the tops of our gaff peaks, thought I should get on channel 13 (bridge to bridge). As I did, I heard two captains talking to each other… “They look a little small for radios” the one said…. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough” responded the other. Just then I identified myself to the inbound towboat. Told him we could see his wheelhouse inbound above the marsh and that there were 6 sailboats headed his way with a fair tide (moving at about 8.5 mph per the GPS under sail), but that we would stay out of his way. This is all a commercial vessel wants to know…that he is seen and that you have a plan. He responded by telling me he needed to stay in the middle of the river where the water was deepest. I told him we were centerboard boats and would respect that by keeping to the sides…hoping of course that the other catboats were listening. We met the towboat Sharps Island pushing the rock barge Potomac ahead in the vicinity of the red #16 rounding the bend at Penknife Point. Got back on the GPS to thank the towboat Captain for meeting us in the widest bend in the river, to which he responded by asking us where we were going and by informing us of an outbound tug and barge coming down behind us.
By 1000, Wanderer had passed all catboats ahead jibing downwind, thanks to John’s cutting all the bends close and because waterline length matters when you are being pushed by wind astern. We were coming up on Wetipquin Creek where the river opens up to two channels again. Took a few pictures of the catboats behind us with their sails being lit up by the sun. By 1100, we were navigating again and altering course eventually hard on the wind in the vicinity of Great Shoals Light. Got passed by Caerulean and had Muskrat close substantially but not catch up due to the limited distance left. Sighted WBOC’s Charlie Paparella on Larry’s dock shooting more footage and conducting interviews with those ashore. By 1115, we were all back at anchor in Dames Quarter, so lunch aboard was the order of the day
Just when we thought we’d rest after the physical down wind trip, Tenacity, after tying up to the dock, suddenly had white smoke pouring from her cabin. A request was made for more extinguishers, but because of fast action, not needed. A close call with an electrical fire on top of the batteries caused by an extra bilge pump circuit wired directly to the battery with no fuse. Bilge pump wiring and bilge pump were removed; the battery suffered a hole in the casing on top, but was working, so temporary repairs were made and Tenacity was operational again. This small incident along with finding out that Granmary was back on line put things right with the world, so we took the rest of the afternoon to relax until our scheduled underway trip for dinner. Most of the group retreated to Alena Ortega’s art studio to view her mosaic work, followed by a short car ride to the harbors of Chance and Wenona. Everyone ashore at 1700 to assemble for the night’s festivities.
The group assembled, joined by Dave Park and Denise Miller, both of whom came by land for the night’s festivities. With lifejackets in hand the group was moved by car to the local waterman’s dock where we met Captain Ed and his wife Ginger to board their 40 year old, Cambridge built deadrise workboat. The two of them have been a married crabbing team for that same amount of time. Boarded all guests and got underway for Whitehaven, MD on the north side of the Wicomico River. The trip was interesting because we were on a wood workboat and because we got to see a piece of the other major river in this area. Upon arrival, we were picked up at the dock and driven by pick-up to the Red Roost, a converted commercial chicken coop and now very successful local restaurant. Dinner was on our host and we feasted on local seafood including clams and crabs mixed with shrimp and hush puppies, topped off with desserts like the local Smith Island Cake. Captain Ed, who sees crabs every day of his life, had the steak.
By 2000, we were back on the water and headed home as the sun went down, but not before Captain Ed checked his water depth with a boat hook (my own personal choice). In the vicinity of Long Point, we were treated to a fireworks display put on by one of Larry’s neighbors just for us. It certainly capped off the evening in a special sort of way, and had the whole boat hooping and hollerin’ including some shrill whistles from Ms. Ortega (originally from NJ…what can you expect?!). By 2100, we were back to the cars and navigated our way back to the boats in the dark without mishap. It was an exceptional day and night thanks to our host Larry Antonik. We were certainly made to feel welcome in this rarely visited part of the bay.
Friday, 6/15: Day Six - Destination: Hellen Creek off the Patuxent River
Weather: Overcast with some sun; Winds northeast @ 5 to 10kts and easing.
The wind was up overnight so our winged friends were grounded. That along with a substantial temperature drop into the 50’s made for good sleeping weather. That notwithstanding we had a long day ahead so breakfast ashore started at 0600 with an intended 0700 departure. That was the plan, but, not wanting to run out on our guest in such a hurry we lingered as we watched the WBOC helicopter overhead just about that time hoping to get some underway catboat footage. This was the first time WBOC was on time and we were not….oh well.
It was almost 0830 by the time we thanked our host, the neighbors assembled and we got out hooks up. Favorable winds had us setting sail immediately as we moved away from Dames Quarter. At 1000 we negotiated the entrance to Hooper Strait westbound as we met up again with the towboat Sharps Island pushing the now empty rock barge Potomac out of the Nanticoke and through the Hooper Strait buoy system. We were all well clear of this commercial traffic, so no radio comms were necessary. By 1100, we were abeam the Hooper Strait skeleton structure with most catboats substantially to windward. Their position forced me to make an early radio check to discuss the alternate route of navigating the Honga River. Caerulean responded with no intention of taking the inside route, so all other catboats followed his lead. At about 1230 the tide started to ebb and with the wind slacking off on approach to Hoopers Island lighthouse, all catboats were eventually on engines with a northwesterly heading for the Patuxent River.
For the rest of the afternoon we were working against the ebb with light winds on the nose but luckily no seas. Had some inbound tanker traffic coming up the bay to avoid at about 1500 and by 1600 most of us had made Cedar Point inbound up the Patuxent River. All catboats were in sight with no one stopping at Solomons Island. Made Hellen Creek at about 1800, working up to a secluded spot at the head of the creek for the final night’s raft-up. Happy hour ensued with sufficient energy to libate and snack, but not to cook. Stars of the evening included Jerry’s Spiced Rum and Dominican cigars with all making rather merry. Conversation was limited after a long day on the water but all enjoying the camaraderie and surroundings. Rookie cruiser Steve Flesner presented Wanderer with Buckwheat flour to carry on in Captain Hoover’s tradition for the making of pancakes in the morning. The thought was appreciated but the group consensus was that there would be no buckwheat pancakes until Flesner was on the cruise in his own catboat, thereby ruling on and giving incentive for seaman Flesner to get his Mystic 20 ship shape and cruise ready, instead of sitting on the trailer.
There was some minimal discussion about next year’s cruise with the Patapsco River and its creeks including Baltimore’s Inner Harbor mentioned, but time will tell. Received a call that Winters Dream had successfully hauled and made it home to Fenwick Island from Dames Quarter. With no weather expected, the group stayed rafted up for the night with exception of Gull, who was present but on her own hook.
Saturday 6/16: Day Seven - Destination: Homeward Bound
Weather: Sunny with winds light from the west
The final night was pleasant with a nice breeze. The quiet was broken only by the steady sound of a wild turkey on the shore in the woods.
Up at 0600 with John to discuss his final travel arrangements and options for a two versus three-day transit north with Capt Don. For myself, I had decided to not trek north, but instead leave Wanderer on St. Leonard’s creek in position for the Pax River Shootout in two weeks at the kind invitation of the Flesners. So I was in no hurry to go anywhere. By 0700, most had emerged from their cabins to sit and chat over a light breakfast. The surrounds looked even better after a night’s rest, so the group lingered a bit. The current cruise was recounted with renewed energy, while the call for pancakes was cancelled and replaced with some hard boiled eggs that needed to be consumed.
The group started to break up at about 0730, with all getting underway in different directions. Granmary was headed for Knapps Narrows with Tenacity and Dusty, while Caerulean, Wanderer and Gull were headed for St. Leonard’s Creek. Cleared Hellen Creek at about 0800 with reasonable west winds so raised sail for the last leg of the trip north as the rest of catboats headed south and out of the river for the Bay. Made St. Leonard’s Creek at about 0900, doused sail and powered up the creek. By 1200, was tied up, had the boat cleaned up, the dinghy ashore and all secure. Even had the time to clean up myself. Gull moved around the corner to another dock that would also position her for the next CCBA event at the end of the month. The crew of Wanderer and Gull then shifted to automobile transport provide by Steve Flesner and we made our way north, but not before stopping for lunch locally. Another cruise was history.
Epilogue
After we all split at the end of this cruise, reports continued to come in. Granmary’s crew reported in Sunday night by phone to find Capt Dunn at Grays Inn Creek and Seaman Brown eating Chinese, but not before a night on the hook somewhere off Poplar Narrows near the re-formed island and then fighting the foul tide bravely through the Kent Narrows bridge the next day. Similarly and as reported electronically by Dusty, long hours, heavy engine use and a fair tide got him and Tenacity to Prospect Bay before Tenacity continued on to the Chester River the next day.
All that said, everyone got home safe and the cruise exceeded expectations on several fronts. We had a good turnout, were treated royally in wilds of the eastern shore marsh down at Dames Quarter, including a workboat ride, dinner at the Red Roost and an impromptu fireworks show, plus simply the pleasure of our host Larry Antonik and his great property. That and cruising down the Nanticoke with following wind and tide made for some challenging full power under sail. Casualties were minor with repairs made, so that as it should be, no catboat was left behind. Our opportunity with WBOC also exceeded our expectations as Charlie Paparella put together a nice feature story that melded the uniqueness of the catboats with the varied background of their owners and then told the story of our refugee-like escape from the western shore to enjoy Father’s Day as all men should…on the water with their boats. We thank Charlie for his artistic content and respect for the group that painted a positive picture for those who may not quite understand this catboating thing. Having received a copy of the report on DVD, you can look for it soon on our website at www.chesapeakecatboats.org, where you can also stay tuned as plans develop for next year’s long cruise. Until then….It’s a wrap for cruise 2007 from the Chesapeake Bay.
mcc (Wanderer)
