July 11-13 marked the 1st ever/annual Chesapeake Bay Amel Rally. There were a couple of organizers involved, and the idea was hatched late last year. As it turns out, the Amel boats are pretty much scattered all over the world so when it came to pass that there were 11 RSVPs, the group got to be pretty exciting. Ultimately, only 8 boats made the trip as 3 were laid up (one, due to a halyard wrap in the Delmarva Rally), one because the yard didn't get it off the hard in time and one that had a last minute motor challenge. Nonetheless, those owners and crews that could not come in on their boats drove to St. Michaels and joined either the rafted-boat pot luck and/or the dockside dinner get together.
On Thursday we spotted an Amel Super Maramu taking anchor and after posting a message on the Amel Owners forum, we got in contact with the crew of "Peregrinus" and got to meet the owners, tour their boat and visit about the upcoming gathering.
By Friday evening there were 6 Amels at anchor and by Saturday morning the total was 8.
Dinghy and water taxi rides were arranged and the noon-time gathering aboard "Shenanigans" ended up being 25 people (that's a lot of folks even for a 53' boat!). As is the norm with potlucks, there was too much food and as is the norm with boat people, the people and the conversations were amazing. One of our goals for attending was to network with people more familiar with the boat than we are, since we are new owners. We could not have asked for a better opportunity to learn and make new friends.
We occupied the upstairs floor of the Crab Claw restaurant for the dinner get together and were treated to great food and more amazing conversations. There were a couple of distinguished guests from Amel and Pantaneus and on of the organizers of the rally had put together amazing packages with customized carry bags and all kinds of knick-knack gifts donated from some supporting vendors. A very pleasant surprise.
On Sunday we rejoined a couple of owners and continued to exchange information and build a new friendship.
This, hopefully, is the first annual get together because it was absolutely worth the effort to attend.
