LONG CRUISES - 2016 Writeup Has Arrived!
The 2017 PLAN as well!
The files below cover:
1. CCBA Long Cruises from 2005 to 2016.
- If you have looked at the 2005-2011 document before, it now includes 2013 & 2014 AND 2015.
Please excuse the size - it is well over 13 Megs!
2. Several Prior Cruises to include the around Delmarva.
1. CCBA Long Cruises from 2005 to 2016.
- If you have looked at the 2005-2011 document before, it now includes 2013 & 2014 AND 2015.
Please excuse the size - it is well over 13 Megs!
2. Several Prior Cruises to include the around Delmarva.
MILES AND WYE RIVERS LONG CRUISE” – 2017
IntroductionAfter the rousing success of the first fall and extended duration “bucket list” cruise to the Pocomoke River last year, we’ll dial it back this year for a leisurely and easy 6 day romp closer to home. We last saw the Miles River via Eastern Bay and the Wye River in 2001, so it will be nice to return to some favorite creeks, anchor in some new spots and put a day aside to see what is new at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. With plenty of launching sites and the promise of seasonal fall wind and weather, we hope it will motivate and facilitate participation by catboaters beyond the Chesapeake Bay. Low mileage legs ensure a “sail everywhere” itinerary. Here’s what we have in mind…
Sunday, 9/17: Destination – Shipping Creek off Eastern Bay (38-54.2 N; 76-19.5 W)
Plan: Initial rendezvous site in the vicinity of a launching ramp for the ease of trailer sailors. For those navigating by sea, Shipping Creek is best located by finding the #2 flashing red at the mouth of Cox Creek. From there, pick up the #1 green day mark, indicating the south side of the entrance to Shipping Creek. The entrance will be clearly visible to the west, but check the chart and note the #1 green marks a shoal that extends a bit northwest of the mark, complemented by a shoal extending south from Batts Neck. So proceed with care to a location in the first cove to port, between 7 and 10 ft depths marks on the chart. Look for catboat masts or raise Wanderer on VHF 72.
Note: On our last visit, due to aggressive exploration of the south prong of Shipping Creek and the subsequent grounding of MUFASA on a falling tide, only Capt Don Dunn found the intended anchorage in the north prong. I look forward to being in the right place this time.
There are no services or facilities in this creek, except for the launching ramp.
Monday, 9/18: Destination – DeCoursey Cove in the Wye River (West) – 12 nm (38-54.5N; 76-09.5W)
Plan: Exit Shipping Creek into Eastern Bay heading southeast, mindful of the long shoal south of Cox Neck and specifically south of Bodkin Island. Round Tilghman Point in the vicinity of the #4 flashing red, then continue into the Miles River on a southeasterly course toward Bennett Point by shaping up on a course between the red#2 and green #3 day marks. Then turn northeast into the Wye River. Continue about a mile and a half, leaving the #1 green to port and enter the western leg of the Wye River. In about 3 miles, Wye Narrows opens up to starboard. DeCoursey Cove is the first cove to port, just above where most charts indicate a depth of 10 ft.
Note: The Wye River is navigable for another 3 three miles above Wye Narrows and Wye Narrows continues for another mile and half to a fixed bridge, separating the Wye River (East) and (West). There are no services or facilities.
Tuesday 9/19: Destination – St. Michaels, MD – 9 nm (38-47.3N; 76-13W)
Plan: After two days anchored out, we will head directly to St. Michaels to replenish supplies and spend some time ashore. Exit Wye Narrows and continue down the Wye River until clear of Bennett Point. Set a magnetic compass course of about 200 degrees from the #4 flashing red to lead you to the channel buoys (red num #12, followed by red day mark #14). Continue past the #2 red day mark on the north side of Long Haul Creek and follow the western shore to the #2 flashing red and #3 green which is the approach to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The main harbor and most facilities are to port of the museum. The game plan is to get into slips, get settled and see the town. A suggested itinerary is to spend the afternoon taking in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and then dinner ashore at any of the many restaurants within walking distance.
Note: There are at least three marinas that offer transient slips with amenities. After Labor Day, this should be no problem. Details to follow. I will need a boat count for those interested. For more general info see www.cbmm.org and www.stmichaelsmd.org.
Wednesday 9/20: Miles River Exploration ending at Hunting Creek (38-46.3N; 76-10.1W)
Plan: With Hunting Creek just 3.5 miles further down the Miles River, there is no particular agenda for today. So see anything you may have missed in town, or head out and explore the rest of the Miles River, then meet up with group again anchored out in Hunting Creek. For exploration, there are Long Haul and Leeds Creeks immediately outside St. Michaels. Beyond that, the Miles River is also navigable for several miles past Hunting Creek where you will find the Route 370 bascule bridge. The bridge opens on demand to access the head of the Miles River as well as Glebe and Goldsborough Creek. When we were last here, we went up beyond the bridge, anchored for lunch and then came back down before anchoring for the night. It was worth the time. So give some thought to how you will spend the day. Happy hour back at the raft up is 5 pm.
Note: Be sure to stock up on fuel, ice or anything else you need before leaving St. Michaels, as we will be anchored out for the remainder of the cruise.
Thursday 9/21: Destination – Pickering Creek on the Wye River (East) – 11 nm
Plan: Continuing the low mileage itinerary, there is no particular rush, so enjoy the anchorage or head out to see the rest of the Wye River (East) before locating the group on Pickering Creek. Trace the route back up to the #4 flashing red at Bennett Point, then continue into the Wye River. This time alter course to starboard into the Wye River (East). Pickering Creek is about 5.5 miles in and to starboard. Look for catboats.
Note: There are no services or facilities.
Friday, 9/22: Destination – Warehouse Creek off Eastern Bay – 15 nm (38-56.5N;76-19.5W)
Plan: Last leg of the trip together. Exit the Wye River (East), rounding Bennett Point then sail northwesterly for Tilghman Point. Then come left another 45 degrees to shape up for the #2 flashing red at the mouth of Cox Creek. From here, come right to a heading just east of north and continue just a little over two miles to the mouth of Warehouse Creek. Look for the catboat raft-up.
Note: For trailer sailors looking to be closer to the original launching site, an option is to make for Shipping Creek instead.
There are no services or facilities on either Shipping or Warehouse Creeks.
Saturday 9/23: Destination – Homeward Bound
Plan: All on their own to head home as individual voyage plans dictate.
General Cruise Notes:
- Back to a Sunday to Saturday agenda to accommodate those still working a traditional job schedule.
- Goal is to sail everywhere regardless of wind and weather. Distances of 10 or 12 miles can still take half a day, but leave plenty of time for sleeping in, big breakfasts, extra exploring or just enjoying the anchorages.
- I am looking for a boat count soonest, so I can arrange slips in St. Michaels and after that will be in touch with intended cruisers about a month out.
- Dinghies not a must as we will not be able to land anywhere at most anchorages. That said, dinghies or kayaks can be handy for exploring.
- Trailer sailors, for access locations in Talbot and Queen Anne’s Counties, see:
- Anchorage locations are the key to finding the group. Wanderer will be monitoring channel 72. Alternate is my cell at 202-680-3803.
See you on the water.
mcc
See 2015 PHOTOS IN THE UPDATED LONG CRUISE FILE
FREE RANGE CATBOATING ON THE CHOPTANK - 2015 By Marc Cruder
Having hit the C & D Canal last year, we headed south to the Choptank River. With a good turnout including some new boats and faces, we made for creeks largely on the north side of the river that we had never been to. The weather was again hotter than it should be and the creeks so inviting that the cruise went “free range” early…meaning some made their own itinerary. We did a lot of sailing, used only a few gallons of fuel, while it’s a good bet most can now identify and locate Choptank Light (because we sailed past it no less than four times). Our stops at St. Michaels and Suicide Bridge went well, followed by a brisk challenge hard on the wind to Oxford, where one of our members treated the group to a nice gathering at his home in the shade of Campbell’s Boatyard. Some well-intentioned catboaters didn’t start because of engine problems and others didn’t finish reportedly due to the same…or was it the conjugal visits…but that’s another story. Here’s how it went….
Returning Cruisers
- Marc “Where is my breakfast” Cruder with crew Steve “You look hot” Flesner sailing Wanderer: Wittholz 25 (Glass)
- Dave “We made it again” Bleil with crew Jim “Do I really have to put my speedo back on” Ohlmacher sailing Gull: Mystic 20.
- Butch “I’m on the side of the road and I deserve to be there…you silly” Miller sailing Cathy: Americat 22
- Jack “A little 151 from Bermuda” Smith sailing Winter’s Dream: Marshall 18
- Mike “I’m liking that clothespin scarf in the mast” Crawford with crew Rich “Fresh oysters” McLaughlin sailing Shoveller: Fenwick Williams 25
- Martin “It’s a lovely cove for a nap” Gardner sailing Planet: Wittholz 25 (Wood)
- Paul “Gooseneck casualty” Cammaroto with crew Dominic “I’m rowing this year” Cammaroto sailing Bubbly: Marshall 18 (with newly built Norwegian Pram)
Drive-By Cruiser
Craig “Camera ready” Ligabel sailing Mystic Wind (with dinghy): Mystic 20
New Cruisers
Roy “On again – off again” Henwood with crew Duncan “I only drink neat…but I think this needs a mixer” White sailing Liberty: Marshall 18
Phil “Catboat Ironman” Livingston sailing Patriot: Marshall 18
Other
John “The Perkins is still perking” Brown with crew Don “That doesn’t mean anything” Allen sailing Traveler: Atkins Ketch
Kerry “Alright, I’ll put the sails up, but I’ll leave the engine on” O’Malley with crew Kristine “I’ll take that Dark & Stormy now” O’Malley sailing Chesapeake: Dickerson Bugeye Yacht
Sunday, 6/14: Destination: Harris Creek
Wanderer finally spent some time on the hard inside this winter, which was long overdue after 5 years. Even a fiberglass boats needs work regularly. So the short story was new bowsprit, bobstay, cabin eyebrow (laminated in place this time), prop with a little less pitch, rig down, mast painted, eye bolts, running rigging and halyard blocks with roller bearings. Rub and toe rails got paint as did the hull (one part polyurethane by brush). There was also a cap for the boom end and a new mounting block for the stern light as well as a new nicro-press eye on the centerboard pendant. Needless to say, I will be looking to shorten my maintenance intervals. The upshot was that I was not launched until after Memorial Day Weekend, so missed our first event. Not a regular occurrence for me, but it happens from time to time. This year was one of those times.
I took a slip on the Eastern Shore where I launched for two weeks before the cruise, which gave me enough time to rig and sea trial. So I was ready to go when my intrepid (think Gilligan and the Skipper) but aging crew, Steve Flesner, found me. John Brown, my usual crew had been singlehandedly supporting the local economy of southern Maryland, so his Atkin Ketch Traveler was finally ready this year and occupied him completely. Steve and I did our shopping the day before departure, headed for the boat, loaded all stores, then relaxed at the Cambridge Diner for local crab cakes, homemade coleslaw and pudding (rice and bread). Had a Myers and Tonic nightcap back at the boat, then slept on deck until there were some sprinkles under the newly renovated bright lights of Ferry Point Marina and background noise of cars on Route 50. We survived.
We were up at 0600 to an overcast and muggy day. Took a quick trip into town for breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, then got ourselves out of the slip with dinghy, retrieved all dock lines, then made up to the gas dock for final ice provisioning. Given the forecast, we would be using a lot of ice on this cruise!
Underway under power flying the yacht ensign at 0830. Removed the sail cover and set sail at 0930 on a westerly heading with almost no wind, but a fair tide still ebbing. At 1030, started to tack to clear Hambrooks Bar. By 1130, the tide had turned and we were on engine sheeted in making 3.5 kts per GPS. We were abeam Choptank Light by 1230 and sighted Planet coming out of the Tred Avon River. By 1500 we were at the mouth of Harris Creek and on a run no longer requiring the engine. Navigated the buoys up and beyond Dun Cove to the combination red/green. Planet went left to a nice little cove but I was still not seeing catboats, so raised Traveler on the VHF to find him reportedly “up in the mud with all the catboats.” Something of an exaggeration since Traveler has a six ft. draft, but nonetheless, as we continued on masts became visible in the next creek including Chesapeake, our wayward bugeye yacht sailed by a former Marshall 22 couple. All were on their own hooks, so I rafted up to Traveler. Swim call and happy hour ensued, followed by Chinese “frutti di mare” aboard Traveler. With at least six catboats, a ketch and a bugeye, it was “Cruise On” for 2015. Two more catboats would make their way in before dark.
Monday, 6/15: Destination: La Trappe Creek
It cooled down after a brief rainsquall and we enjoyed a nice breeze all night hanging on Traveler’s big plow anchor. Up at about 0600 to coffee, cereal and fresh milk. Made the rounds of the anchorage by dinghy, mostly to ensure newcomers were tuned into the itinerary and prepared. Planet and Winters Dream liked the spot and informed they were staying put. All others departed on or about 0830 variously under power and or sail. Got Wanderer underway and to the mouth of Harris Creek by 1100. Of note, we did see Chesapeake with sails up, but as with most of the group, on engine due to light winds. Some sailing is better than no sailing. By 1300 we were off the engine on a course of 140 degrees PMC shaping up for Choptank Light, making 4.0 kts per GPS.
Made the entrance to La Trappe Creek about 1400. Continued under sail in company with Marshall 18 Liberty almost to Trappe Landing. Another Marshall 18, Patriot darted out from a side creek under sail to make it a threesome. Although the sail up the creek was fairly easy as the creek is buoyed throughout, the trip out was on the wind tacking. It was lively because of the tree-lined creek and so a little gusty at times. It felt like some serious dinghy racing, but we were in bigger boats. Got lucky making a few marks by rounding up and letting the 25’s momentum get us by. I was trying to stay in the channel while the 18s were able to take a little more liberty (pun intended) with the waterway due to their lesser draft requirements. Had a great sail back down to the designated anchorage. Patriot, like Liberty turned out to be another long time CCBA member finally turning out for a cruise. These two Marshall 18’s were not dock fixtures and their owners showed their stuff as we put our cats through their paces tacking in reasonably close quarters. Patriot’s invite for the group on Friday in Oxford was still on the table, so I confirmed our interest on behalf of the group.
Sailed into the anchorage, dropped sail and rafted up to Traveler. For swim call, decided to make my way over to Cathy, Butch Miller’s newly purchased Americat. Other swimmers (Gull and crew) joined the group inspection. Cathy was piled with stores for the cruise, but was obviously an original and clean example. Butch, moving up from a Marshall 18 was happy with headroom and enclosed head for his better half. We could only approve.
Completing swim call back at Wanderer, we were visited by a wood deadrise owned by “Mercedes Mike” who was a regular visitor to the shed where Wanderer spent the winter. Mike has several vintage Mercedes and would come with a different car every time I saw him. Nonetheless he promised to track us down and brought presents (several bags of ice), which were gladly received while his girlfriend, took catboat photos. Mike also reported seeing Chesapeake and Shoveller at the Cambridge Municipal Marina across the river…the cruise had officially gone “free range.”
Mercedes Mike and his nice little deadrise departed as happy hour erupted. We were boarded by Bubbly, Cathy, Liberty and Traveler. Happy hour ensued and ensued and then ensued some more. No cooking tonight…too many snacks, but lots of good company and catching up. Retired about 2200 to a cool breeze and lightning in the eastern sky.
Tuesday 6/16: Destination: Broad Creek
Up at 0600 making coffee. Breakfast bars only this morning as the crew seemed to have a sensitive stomach reacting after the previous evenings “snacks.” Underway at 0715 because we doubled back east to Ferry Point Marina for ice. Landed at Ferry Point at about 0815 and off again at 0900, meeting Gull on one whistle inbound. Came out to the main channel, set sail with engine on a course of about 300 degrees PMC. Abeam Choptank Light again at about 1100 moving at 4.0 kts. Entered Broad Creek at about 1300. Came left at the #9 green following Cathy further up into the creek. Eventually sighted Traveler anchored on the south side of the creek at about 1400. The location was Edgar Cove in about 9 ft. of water. Swim call was immediate, followed by a nap…because it was early. Liberty left to pursue an anchorage closer to St. Michaels as they had their better halves set up in a bed and breakfast, with a conjugal visit in mind!
After the requisite rest, a count of the anchorage showed the group had grown to include Shoveller, Patriot and on the horizon (our horizon) an unaccounted for Mystic 20 that could only be Mystic Wind towing his signature dinghy with Maryland State flag. The group social hour began in earnest with Wanderer and Cathy rafted up each to a side of Traveler. Shoveller reported out on the quality of the Cambridge Municipal Marina, while this was the first night Patriot would stay with us. Mystic Wind supplied Patriot’s transport to the raft up and his own martini libation along with bell peppers and hot sauce. Mystic Wind made the trek from the western shore solo and only staying for the night, but not before properly documenting the situation with photos as only he can take. We were glad to add him to the mix. Things broke up before going too far and I was able to heat up some homemade white chili brought along frozen.
Wednesday, 6/17: Destination: St. Michaels via San Domingo Cove
Slept in until 0700. After coffee, we enjoyed dry Eggs Florentine. The crew claimed to not have the knack of the alcohol stove. How could he? This was day three and only the first time he had cooked! Then the fun started. Bubbly had a gooseneck casualty and needed an assist from “Butch Marine.” While they were sorting through nuts bolts and washers, I did a little maintenance by replacing the teak single becket block on the main sheet with one of the boat’s original handmade PVC blocks (rebuilt of course). In the end, parts were found and Bubbly back in commission.
Underway under sail finally at a leisurely 1000 with Cathy, Shoveller and Bubbly for the mere 5-mile transit designed to get us in position to storm St. Michaels by day. Negotiated the three parts of Hambleton Island (not as easy as it looks, even with buoys), making our way up San Domingo creek. Passed Traveler anchored in a cove to port just before the final turn in the creek. It was low tide, but we found room for all to have dinghy access. Ashore we found Towne Creek Restaurant, where they gladly accommodated our party of 10. Had a nice crab cake as a late lunch, then off to Justine’s for pistachio ice cream. Walking back to the dinghy, we met “Conjugal Don” and his wife on the porch of a B&B. Apparently Liberty’s outboard had issues and was ashore with a local shade tree mechanic without a timeline. We wished him luck, then made our way to the seawall, rowed out to Wanderer rafted up to Shoveller, then powered back down the creek to raft up to Traveler just in time for a nap.
It was about 1730 when I came to and happy hour had commenced. This turned into another unstoppable event where the snacks kept coming since everyone had had a proper lunch. No dinner again tonight. Shoveller went in search of more breeze in the vicinity of Hambleton Island, while I stayed behind to finish a bottle of Sailor Jerry’s with “Butch Marine.” Bedded down as it cooled down…good sleeping.
Note: Rowed past a few deadrise boats docked next to the dinghy access. The watermen were on about people needing to stay away from their crab pots in a voice loud enough for all to hear. So I confronted the loudest one with: “So Capt, where do we need to be so we’re out of your way?”…he responded: “Where ya from?” I said: “I get it…we’re good.”
Thursday, 6/18: Suicide Bridge on Cabin Creek
Awoke at 0130 to find Gull’s skipper fiddling with our dinghies and Gull’s anchor rode in the middle of it all. Waited to see what the intrepid skipper would do on his own, then made it to the deck to suggest he ease out his anchor line. Once eased, the entanglement subsided, so the further suggestion was to weigh anchor and reset a farther distance away from the Wanderer/Traveler swinging raft-up. The sound of Gull’s diesel broke the night silence and it was done. With that, returned to my bunk. Shortly thereafter some wind and rain came up…timing is everything.
Up at 0600 for a quick morning coffee, then cranked up the Buhk at 0700. Winters Dream continuing on the “free range” plan was staying put in this nice anchorage while the rest of us were trekking west across the Choptank to Cabin Creek. Underway under power behind Traveler outbound with overcast skies and light rain. The other cats followed suit.
After negotiating all parts of Hambleton Island again, we found ourselves at the mouth of Broad Creek at about 0815. Set sail retaining the engine against the foul tide on a course of 130 degrees PMC shaping up for…you guessed it…Choptank Light, which we were abeam of by 0945. Continuing, we were abeam Howell Point at 1100 and back in Ferry Point Marina in company with Cathy for ice, fuel, a quick shower and lunch relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the little sand beach adjacent to the marina.
We were underway again at 1345, setting sail with a favorable tide and under the Route 50 Bridge in another 15 minutes enroute Suicide Bride Restaurant for an 1800 dinner with a projected party of 15-20. Enroute, I realized as we passed Warwick Creek that I had misinformed Traveler on our destination. I only caught my mistake by actually referring back to the printed itinerary I created. Traveler’s skipper is not much on anything but last minute verbal direction, which in this case was somewhat misguided.
In any case, made Cabin Creek at about 1600. Found Bubbly, Gull and Patriot at the mouth of the creek engaged in a swim call. Continued into the creek to find Traveler anchored to port, so rafted up and dinghied in to speak with manager of Suicide Bridge Restaurant. Catboats were welcome to tie up to the tee-head. The group was welcomed to the bar and lounge upstairs by Camilia and Holley (The bush sisters). Guests included Dave Park, Mom and Dad Livingston, the Howells and Mark Adams. Absent without leave were Shoveller and Winter’s Dream. The rain poured as we enjoyed drinks and dinner dispersed around the lounge. Nightcap of “Old Crow” aboard Traveler once the weather cleared.
Friday, 6/19: Destination: Oxford on the Tred Avon
Traveler aground about 0200 in “a good 5 ft.” as the locals would say, but unfortunately drawing “a firm 6 ft.” John’s electronics actually showed 5.3 ft. We were up at 0600 for only a quick coffee due to the mileage ahead of us and underway by 0645 after a quick visit from Patriot. Traveler was afloat again and followed us out.
Powered to the mouth of Cabin Creek, then set sail with engine off making for the Route 50 Bridge. Nice sailing until thru the bridge to have wind and seas on the nose. Set sail close hauled with the engine on to maintain our head. Caught up to Patriot after he ducked into La Trappe Creek to “almost put in a reef.” We were seeing a steady 15 plus kts of wind, coupled with a tide change counter to the wind. So began the slog in the short steep chop….feeling for the outboard boats, but enjoying the confidence of displacement under our feet. I remember staying to Steve once Wanderer was in her stride…. “To appreciate a big catboat…you need to get out in some good wind where you can feel the power and stability of the boat”…hard to beat a big cat doing what they do best. It was a great sail.
Passing Choptank Light yet again enroute the Tred Avon River, we were met by the errant Shoveller as the Tred Avon River “welcome catboat.” Now with escort, we made the entrance to the harbor at Oxford by 1300. Doused sail, powered in and found Campbell’s Town Creek Boatyard. We also found Winters Dream here in a slip near Patriot and were able to squeeze Wanderer into a 12 ft. wide slip. Settled in and made lunch.
Most of the others were in full on “free range” mode in search of suitable berths. Cathy later joined us at Campbell’s Town Creek. The group headed for Cutts & Case.
Having been there in the past, I stayed behind to enjoy a leisurely shower, cool off and catch up my log. As the afternoon went on, the group assembled at Phil Livingston’s new home, backed right up to Campbell’s Town Creek. We immediately got a tour of his new “boat shed” designed for the Marshall 18 with trailer. Apparently local ordinances don’t allow a garage, but certainly a boat shed, given the nature of this nautical community. With the shed inspection complete, we retired to air conditioning inside while treated to a spread of sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, cookies, etc. The “Patriot” theme extended into the house, including the display of a colonial era naval uniform.
While very appreciative of our host, most were visually and physically drained by the day’s sail against the elements. That said, all who left Cabin Creek made it to Oxford and our host Phil Livingston was crowned “catboat ironman” for his solo transit without putting a reef in his capably sailed Marshall 18. Applause all around as the rest of the group pleaded “No Contest.” Not bad for his first outing with this eclectic group. Well done Phil!
Things wound down quickly from there as those of us residing just on the other side of the property line, retired to Adirondack chairs in the shade near the docks. There we witnessed a Coast Guard boarding team bringing a boater back to the dock, who apparently had no fire extinguisher. The Coasties were then eyeing my dinghy as their next conquest, but nothing came of that exchange when questioned. Skippers from Winters Dream and Cathy as well as Wanderer’s crew enjoyed the rest of the evening chatting it up and finally retiring about 2230. We had done some hard sailing and had 14 sailing souls reassembled at Phil’s plus two of Bubbly’s friends. It had been a good catboatin’ day.
Saturday 6/20: Destination: Homeward Bound
It was a tolerable night with a light breeze and no bugs. Up at 0600 for coffee and to finish the cereal with still fresh milk. Underway early after a short discussion with Entrepreneur Jack Smith. It was something about a “Significant Life Event” business…aka “Bucket List Catboat Adventures” where we would offer berths on this one week cruise of ours so more people could have a significant life event. My crew, Steve’s significant life event for the morning was getting into the dinghy and making out to where I could pick him up. Phil came down to see us off as we motored outbound.
Our only hiccup was running through a clump of sea grass at the mouth of the Tred Avon, that temporarily loaded up the prop. A quick slow down, stop, reverse, then ahead and we were clear. Turned on the flashing green at Benoni Point at 0800, shaping up for Knapps Narrows on a course of 300 degrees PMC. Picked up the channel (RRR from both ends) at about 0930. It was overcast; there was no wind, so we were on engine. Cleared Knapps Narrows at 1000, setting a course north for Bloody Point Lighthouse. We were clear Popular Island and abeam the lighthouse by 1145. Set a final course of 320 degrees PMC for the Rhode River, making 4.0 kts per GPS. We were tied up at Ponder Cove by 1500.
Epilogue
Another good cruise down with some more favorite creeks added to the record. Attendance stayed up and despite going “free range” early, it was nice to meet some long time and very capable CCBA members with fully found vessels who simply had not made the cruise before. While there was one mechanical failure, “Butch Marine” came thru again with sufficient stock to put Chief Cammaroto back on track enough to prove his repair during the upwind slog to Oxford. We were also happy to see Domenic add rowing to his resume while getting good use out of the father/son project pram.
The Goslings 151 was a hit, with sorry to say, none left to spare by the end of the week. The watermen have started to embrace water cooled exhausts and even quieter outboard engines in an effort to clear their work space of traditional inboard engine boxes. For us, that meant being able to sleep through the morning setting and working of trotlines…another indication of a kinder gentler world.
The cruise would not have been complete without our traveling marketing and media mogul in his Mystic 20 and little wood dinghy complete with the Maryland state flag proudly flying. Craig, not much of a stay for the week kind of guy definitely went above and beyond to sail over 20 miles each way just to have a few martinis and take a few photos. See his work at http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/MTnIYzCL/1/6936369
In the end, we could have done worse than another week on the water catboating on the Choptank. Now that Wanderer has had enough work to put her right for awhile, I have promised an adventure next year to the Pocomoke River, so keep a weather eye on the website at www.chesapeakecatboats.org, now that the Commodore with Portfolio has added that skill to his resume. See you around the Bay sometime.
Having hit the C & D Canal last year, we headed south to the Choptank River. With a good turnout including some new boats and faces, we made for creeks largely on the north side of the river that we had never been to. The weather was again hotter than it should be and the creeks so inviting that the cruise went “free range” early…meaning some made their own itinerary. We did a lot of sailing, used only a few gallons of fuel, while it’s a good bet most can now identify and locate Choptank Light (because we sailed past it no less than four times). Our stops at St. Michaels and Suicide Bridge went well, followed by a brisk challenge hard on the wind to Oxford, where one of our members treated the group to a nice gathering at his home in the shade of Campbell’s Boatyard. Some well-intentioned catboaters didn’t start because of engine problems and others didn’t finish reportedly due to the same…or was it the conjugal visits…but that’s another story. Here’s how it went….
Returning Cruisers
- Marc “Where is my breakfast” Cruder with crew Steve “You look hot” Flesner sailing Wanderer: Wittholz 25 (Glass)
- Dave “We made it again” Bleil with crew Jim “Do I really have to put my speedo back on” Ohlmacher sailing Gull: Mystic 20.
- Butch “I’m on the side of the road and I deserve to be there…you silly” Miller sailing Cathy: Americat 22
- Jack “A little 151 from Bermuda” Smith sailing Winter’s Dream: Marshall 18
- Mike “I’m liking that clothespin scarf in the mast” Crawford with crew Rich “Fresh oysters” McLaughlin sailing Shoveller: Fenwick Williams 25
- Martin “It’s a lovely cove for a nap” Gardner sailing Planet: Wittholz 25 (Wood)
- Paul “Gooseneck casualty” Cammaroto with crew Dominic “I’m rowing this year” Cammaroto sailing Bubbly: Marshall 18 (with newly built Norwegian Pram)
Drive-By Cruiser
Craig “Camera ready” Ligabel sailing Mystic Wind (with dinghy): Mystic 20
New Cruisers
Roy “On again – off again” Henwood with crew Duncan “I only drink neat…but I think this needs a mixer” White sailing Liberty: Marshall 18
Phil “Catboat Ironman” Livingston sailing Patriot: Marshall 18
Other
John “The Perkins is still perking” Brown with crew Don “That doesn’t mean anything” Allen sailing Traveler: Atkins Ketch
Kerry “Alright, I’ll put the sails up, but I’ll leave the engine on” O’Malley with crew Kristine “I’ll take that Dark & Stormy now” O’Malley sailing Chesapeake: Dickerson Bugeye Yacht
Sunday, 6/14: Destination: Harris Creek
Wanderer finally spent some time on the hard inside this winter, which was long overdue after 5 years. Even a fiberglass boats needs work regularly. So the short story was new bowsprit, bobstay, cabin eyebrow (laminated in place this time), prop with a little less pitch, rig down, mast painted, eye bolts, running rigging and halyard blocks with roller bearings. Rub and toe rails got paint as did the hull (one part polyurethane by brush). There was also a cap for the boom end and a new mounting block for the stern light as well as a new nicro-press eye on the centerboard pendant. Needless to say, I will be looking to shorten my maintenance intervals. The upshot was that I was not launched until after Memorial Day Weekend, so missed our first event. Not a regular occurrence for me, but it happens from time to time. This year was one of those times.
I took a slip on the Eastern Shore where I launched for two weeks before the cruise, which gave me enough time to rig and sea trial. So I was ready to go when my intrepid (think Gilligan and the Skipper) but aging crew, Steve Flesner, found me. John Brown, my usual crew had been singlehandedly supporting the local economy of southern Maryland, so his Atkin Ketch Traveler was finally ready this year and occupied him completely. Steve and I did our shopping the day before departure, headed for the boat, loaded all stores, then relaxed at the Cambridge Diner for local crab cakes, homemade coleslaw and pudding (rice and bread). Had a Myers and Tonic nightcap back at the boat, then slept on deck until there were some sprinkles under the newly renovated bright lights of Ferry Point Marina and background noise of cars on Route 50. We survived.
We were up at 0600 to an overcast and muggy day. Took a quick trip into town for breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, then got ourselves out of the slip with dinghy, retrieved all dock lines, then made up to the gas dock for final ice provisioning. Given the forecast, we would be using a lot of ice on this cruise!
Underway under power flying the yacht ensign at 0830. Removed the sail cover and set sail at 0930 on a westerly heading with almost no wind, but a fair tide still ebbing. At 1030, started to tack to clear Hambrooks Bar. By 1130, the tide had turned and we were on engine sheeted in making 3.5 kts per GPS. We were abeam Choptank Light by 1230 and sighted Planet coming out of the Tred Avon River. By 1500 we were at the mouth of Harris Creek and on a run no longer requiring the engine. Navigated the buoys up and beyond Dun Cove to the combination red/green. Planet went left to a nice little cove but I was still not seeing catboats, so raised Traveler on the VHF to find him reportedly “up in the mud with all the catboats.” Something of an exaggeration since Traveler has a six ft. draft, but nonetheless, as we continued on masts became visible in the next creek including Chesapeake, our wayward bugeye yacht sailed by a former Marshall 22 couple. All were on their own hooks, so I rafted up to Traveler. Swim call and happy hour ensued, followed by Chinese “frutti di mare” aboard Traveler. With at least six catboats, a ketch and a bugeye, it was “Cruise On” for 2015. Two more catboats would make their way in before dark.
Monday, 6/15: Destination: La Trappe Creek
It cooled down after a brief rainsquall and we enjoyed a nice breeze all night hanging on Traveler’s big plow anchor. Up at about 0600 to coffee, cereal and fresh milk. Made the rounds of the anchorage by dinghy, mostly to ensure newcomers were tuned into the itinerary and prepared. Planet and Winters Dream liked the spot and informed they were staying put. All others departed on or about 0830 variously under power and or sail. Got Wanderer underway and to the mouth of Harris Creek by 1100. Of note, we did see Chesapeake with sails up, but as with most of the group, on engine due to light winds. Some sailing is better than no sailing. By 1300 we were off the engine on a course of 140 degrees PMC shaping up for Choptank Light, making 4.0 kts per GPS.
Made the entrance to La Trappe Creek about 1400. Continued under sail in company with Marshall 18 Liberty almost to Trappe Landing. Another Marshall 18, Patriot darted out from a side creek under sail to make it a threesome. Although the sail up the creek was fairly easy as the creek is buoyed throughout, the trip out was on the wind tacking. It was lively because of the tree-lined creek and so a little gusty at times. It felt like some serious dinghy racing, but we were in bigger boats. Got lucky making a few marks by rounding up and letting the 25’s momentum get us by. I was trying to stay in the channel while the 18s were able to take a little more liberty (pun intended) with the waterway due to their lesser draft requirements. Had a great sail back down to the designated anchorage. Patriot, like Liberty turned out to be another long time CCBA member finally turning out for a cruise. These two Marshall 18’s were not dock fixtures and their owners showed their stuff as we put our cats through their paces tacking in reasonably close quarters. Patriot’s invite for the group on Friday in Oxford was still on the table, so I confirmed our interest on behalf of the group.
Sailed into the anchorage, dropped sail and rafted up to Traveler. For swim call, decided to make my way over to Cathy, Butch Miller’s newly purchased Americat. Other swimmers (Gull and crew) joined the group inspection. Cathy was piled with stores for the cruise, but was obviously an original and clean example. Butch, moving up from a Marshall 18 was happy with headroom and enclosed head for his better half. We could only approve.
Completing swim call back at Wanderer, we were visited by a wood deadrise owned by “Mercedes Mike” who was a regular visitor to the shed where Wanderer spent the winter. Mike has several vintage Mercedes and would come with a different car every time I saw him. Nonetheless he promised to track us down and brought presents (several bags of ice), which were gladly received while his girlfriend, took catboat photos. Mike also reported seeing Chesapeake and Shoveller at the Cambridge Municipal Marina across the river…the cruise had officially gone “free range.”
Mercedes Mike and his nice little deadrise departed as happy hour erupted. We were boarded by Bubbly, Cathy, Liberty and Traveler. Happy hour ensued and ensued and then ensued some more. No cooking tonight…too many snacks, but lots of good company and catching up. Retired about 2200 to a cool breeze and lightning in the eastern sky.
Tuesday 6/16: Destination: Broad Creek
Up at 0600 making coffee. Breakfast bars only this morning as the crew seemed to have a sensitive stomach reacting after the previous evenings “snacks.” Underway at 0715 because we doubled back east to Ferry Point Marina for ice. Landed at Ferry Point at about 0815 and off again at 0900, meeting Gull on one whistle inbound. Came out to the main channel, set sail with engine on a course of about 300 degrees PMC. Abeam Choptank Light again at about 1100 moving at 4.0 kts. Entered Broad Creek at about 1300. Came left at the #9 green following Cathy further up into the creek. Eventually sighted Traveler anchored on the south side of the creek at about 1400. The location was Edgar Cove in about 9 ft. of water. Swim call was immediate, followed by a nap…because it was early. Liberty left to pursue an anchorage closer to St. Michaels as they had their better halves set up in a bed and breakfast, with a conjugal visit in mind!
After the requisite rest, a count of the anchorage showed the group had grown to include Shoveller, Patriot and on the horizon (our horizon) an unaccounted for Mystic 20 that could only be Mystic Wind towing his signature dinghy with Maryland State flag. The group social hour began in earnest with Wanderer and Cathy rafted up each to a side of Traveler. Shoveller reported out on the quality of the Cambridge Municipal Marina, while this was the first night Patriot would stay with us. Mystic Wind supplied Patriot’s transport to the raft up and his own martini libation along with bell peppers and hot sauce. Mystic Wind made the trek from the western shore solo and only staying for the night, but not before properly documenting the situation with photos as only he can take. We were glad to add him to the mix. Things broke up before going too far and I was able to heat up some homemade white chili brought along frozen.
Wednesday, 6/17: Destination: St. Michaels via San Domingo Cove
Slept in until 0700. After coffee, we enjoyed dry Eggs Florentine. The crew claimed to not have the knack of the alcohol stove. How could he? This was day three and only the first time he had cooked! Then the fun started. Bubbly had a gooseneck casualty and needed an assist from “Butch Marine.” While they were sorting through nuts bolts and washers, I did a little maintenance by replacing the teak single becket block on the main sheet with one of the boat’s original handmade PVC blocks (rebuilt of course). In the end, parts were found and Bubbly back in commission.
Underway under sail finally at a leisurely 1000 with Cathy, Shoveller and Bubbly for the mere 5-mile transit designed to get us in position to storm St. Michaels by day. Negotiated the three parts of Hambleton Island (not as easy as it looks, even with buoys), making our way up San Domingo creek. Passed Traveler anchored in a cove to port just before the final turn in the creek. It was low tide, but we found room for all to have dinghy access. Ashore we found Towne Creek Restaurant, where they gladly accommodated our party of 10. Had a nice crab cake as a late lunch, then off to Justine’s for pistachio ice cream. Walking back to the dinghy, we met “Conjugal Don” and his wife on the porch of a B&B. Apparently Liberty’s outboard had issues and was ashore with a local shade tree mechanic without a timeline. We wished him luck, then made our way to the seawall, rowed out to Wanderer rafted up to Shoveller, then powered back down the creek to raft up to Traveler just in time for a nap.
It was about 1730 when I came to and happy hour had commenced. This turned into another unstoppable event where the snacks kept coming since everyone had had a proper lunch. No dinner again tonight. Shoveller went in search of more breeze in the vicinity of Hambleton Island, while I stayed behind to finish a bottle of Sailor Jerry’s with “Butch Marine.” Bedded down as it cooled down…good sleeping.
Note: Rowed past a few deadrise boats docked next to the dinghy access. The watermen were on about people needing to stay away from their crab pots in a voice loud enough for all to hear. So I confronted the loudest one with: “So Capt, where do we need to be so we’re out of your way?”…he responded: “Where ya from?” I said: “I get it…we’re good.”
Thursday, 6/18: Suicide Bridge on Cabin Creek
Awoke at 0130 to find Gull’s skipper fiddling with our dinghies and Gull’s anchor rode in the middle of it all. Waited to see what the intrepid skipper would do on his own, then made it to the deck to suggest he ease out his anchor line. Once eased, the entanglement subsided, so the further suggestion was to weigh anchor and reset a farther distance away from the Wanderer/Traveler swinging raft-up. The sound of Gull’s diesel broke the night silence and it was done. With that, returned to my bunk. Shortly thereafter some wind and rain came up…timing is everything.
Up at 0600 for a quick morning coffee, then cranked up the Buhk at 0700. Winters Dream continuing on the “free range” plan was staying put in this nice anchorage while the rest of us were trekking west across the Choptank to Cabin Creek. Underway under power behind Traveler outbound with overcast skies and light rain. The other cats followed suit.
After negotiating all parts of Hambleton Island again, we found ourselves at the mouth of Broad Creek at about 0815. Set sail retaining the engine against the foul tide on a course of 130 degrees PMC shaping up for…you guessed it…Choptank Light, which we were abeam of by 0945. Continuing, we were abeam Howell Point at 1100 and back in Ferry Point Marina in company with Cathy for ice, fuel, a quick shower and lunch relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the little sand beach adjacent to the marina.
We were underway again at 1345, setting sail with a favorable tide and under the Route 50 Bridge in another 15 minutes enroute Suicide Bride Restaurant for an 1800 dinner with a projected party of 15-20. Enroute, I realized as we passed Warwick Creek that I had misinformed Traveler on our destination. I only caught my mistake by actually referring back to the printed itinerary I created. Traveler’s skipper is not much on anything but last minute verbal direction, which in this case was somewhat misguided.
In any case, made Cabin Creek at about 1600. Found Bubbly, Gull and Patriot at the mouth of the creek engaged in a swim call. Continued into the creek to find Traveler anchored to port, so rafted up and dinghied in to speak with manager of Suicide Bridge Restaurant. Catboats were welcome to tie up to the tee-head. The group was welcomed to the bar and lounge upstairs by Camilia and Holley (The bush sisters). Guests included Dave Park, Mom and Dad Livingston, the Howells and Mark Adams. Absent without leave were Shoveller and Winter’s Dream. The rain poured as we enjoyed drinks and dinner dispersed around the lounge. Nightcap of “Old Crow” aboard Traveler once the weather cleared.
Friday, 6/19: Destination: Oxford on the Tred Avon
Traveler aground about 0200 in “a good 5 ft.” as the locals would say, but unfortunately drawing “a firm 6 ft.” John’s electronics actually showed 5.3 ft. We were up at 0600 for only a quick coffee due to the mileage ahead of us and underway by 0645 after a quick visit from Patriot. Traveler was afloat again and followed us out.
Powered to the mouth of Cabin Creek, then set sail with engine off making for the Route 50 Bridge. Nice sailing until thru the bridge to have wind and seas on the nose. Set sail close hauled with the engine on to maintain our head. Caught up to Patriot after he ducked into La Trappe Creek to “almost put in a reef.” We were seeing a steady 15 plus kts of wind, coupled with a tide change counter to the wind. So began the slog in the short steep chop….feeling for the outboard boats, but enjoying the confidence of displacement under our feet. I remember staying to Steve once Wanderer was in her stride…. “To appreciate a big catboat…you need to get out in some good wind where you can feel the power and stability of the boat”…hard to beat a big cat doing what they do best. It was a great sail.
Passing Choptank Light yet again enroute the Tred Avon River, we were met by the errant Shoveller as the Tred Avon River “welcome catboat.” Now with escort, we made the entrance to the harbor at Oxford by 1300. Doused sail, powered in and found Campbell’s Town Creek Boatyard. We also found Winters Dream here in a slip near Patriot and were able to squeeze Wanderer into a 12 ft. wide slip. Settled in and made lunch.
Most of the others were in full on “free range” mode in search of suitable berths. Cathy later joined us at Campbell’s Town Creek. The group headed for Cutts & Case.
Having been there in the past, I stayed behind to enjoy a leisurely shower, cool off and catch up my log. As the afternoon went on, the group assembled at Phil Livingston’s new home, backed right up to Campbell’s Town Creek. We immediately got a tour of his new “boat shed” designed for the Marshall 18 with trailer. Apparently local ordinances don’t allow a garage, but certainly a boat shed, given the nature of this nautical community. With the shed inspection complete, we retired to air conditioning inside while treated to a spread of sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, cookies, etc. The “Patriot” theme extended into the house, including the display of a colonial era naval uniform.
While very appreciative of our host, most were visually and physically drained by the day’s sail against the elements. That said, all who left Cabin Creek made it to Oxford and our host Phil Livingston was crowned “catboat ironman” for his solo transit without putting a reef in his capably sailed Marshall 18. Applause all around as the rest of the group pleaded “No Contest.” Not bad for his first outing with this eclectic group. Well done Phil!
Things wound down quickly from there as those of us residing just on the other side of the property line, retired to Adirondack chairs in the shade near the docks. There we witnessed a Coast Guard boarding team bringing a boater back to the dock, who apparently had no fire extinguisher. The Coasties were then eyeing my dinghy as their next conquest, but nothing came of that exchange when questioned. Skippers from Winters Dream and Cathy as well as Wanderer’s crew enjoyed the rest of the evening chatting it up and finally retiring about 2230. We had done some hard sailing and had 14 sailing souls reassembled at Phil’s plus two of Bubbly’s friends. It had been a good catboatin’ day.
Saturday 6/20: Destination: Homeward Bound
It was a tolerable night with a light breeze and no bugs. Up at 0600 for coffee and to finish the cereal with still fresh milk. Underway early after a short discussion with Entrepreneur Jack Smith. It was something about a “Significant Life Event” business…aka “Bucket List Catboat Adventures” where we would offer berths on this one week cruise of ours so more people could have a significant life event. My crew, Steve’s significant life event for the morning was getting into the dinghy and making out to where I could pick him up. Phil came down to see us off as we motored outbound.
Our only hiccup was running through a clump of sea grass at the mouth of the Tred Avon, that temporarily loaded up the prop. A quick slow down, stop, reverse, then ahead and we were clear. Turned on the flashing green at Benoni Point at 0800, shaping up for Knapps Narrows on a course of 300 degrees PMC. Picked up the channel (RRR from both ends) at about 0930. It was overcast; there was no wind, so we were on engine. Cleared Knapps Narrows at 1000, setting a course north for Bloody Point Lighthouse. We were clear Popular Island and abeam the lighthouse by 1145. Set a final course of 320 degrees PMC for the Rhode River, making 4.0 kts per GPS. We were tied up at Ponder Cove by 1500.
Epilogue
Another good cruise down with some more favorite creeks added to the record. Attendance stayed up and despite going “free range” early, it was nice to meet some long time and very capable CCBA members with fully found vessels who simply had not made the cruise before. While there was one mechanical failure, “Butch Marine” came thru again with sufficient stock to put Chief Cammaroto back on track enough to prove his repair during the upwind slog to Oxford. We were also happy to see Domenic add rowing to his resume while getting good use out of the father/son project pram.
The Goslings 151 was a hit, with sorry to say, none left to spare by the end of the week. The watermen have started to embrace water cooled exhausts and even quieter outboard engines in an effort to clear their work space of traditional inboard engine boxes. For us, that meant being able to sleep through the morning setting and working of trotlines…another indication of a kinder gentler world.
The cruise would not have been complete without our traveling marketing and media mogul in his Mystic 20 and little wood dinghy complete with the Maryland state flag proudly flying. Craig, not much of a stay for the week kind of guy definitely went above and beyond to sail over 20 miles each way just to have a few martinis and take a few photos. See his work at http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/MTnIYzCL/1/6936369
In the end, we could have done worse than another week on the water catboating on the Choptank. Now that Wanderer has had enough work to put her right for awhile, I have promised an adventure next year to the Pocomoke River, so keep a weather eye on the website at www.chesapeakecatboats.org, now that the Commodore with Portfolio has added that skill to his resume. See you around the Bay sometime.
| ccba_longcruises2004-2015.docx |
Delmarva Circumnavigation 2000
Download the 4 Articles below.
| ccbacircumnavpt1.pdf |
| ccbacircumnavpt2.pdf |
| ccbacircumnavpt3.pdf |
| ccbacircumnavpt4.pdf |
Little Choptank 1997 Cruise
Download the 1 Article below.
| little_choptank_1997.pdf |
