Sailabration fireworks (photo by Jason Knauer)
Six boats from the NSHSA decided to witness first-hand Baltimore’s 2014 Sailabration. The weekend started with four boats arriving early Friday at Henderson’s Warf Marina before the USCG closed the waterway for the day. They were treated to the practice show of the Blue Angles right overhead! S/V Schatzi sailed in the bay for a while and watched the practice from the vicinity of the Key Bridge - the Admiral was sure one pilot was aiming right at her before screaming upwards.
Henderson’s was very accommodating as they put all the boats close by and provided plenty of help docking. S/V Tenacity arrived just before dark and a vote was taken and decision made for no docking help for those flaunting their bow thrusters (we figured they had the tenacity to get their boat in a tight slip). Common sense, or jealousy??
Dinner out for some on Friday night included enjoying some of the best fresh fish the city has to offer. The Black Olive Restaurant of Fells Point (not Toronto), was excellent!
Saturday morning we awoke to a little fog…or was that smoke from the cannons of Fort McHenry? The Farmers Market was a real treat for breakfast-vegetables and homemade pickles served with our BBQ later that evening. The fog and light rain subsided, delaying the Blue Angles start due to the low ceiling and they were forced to display their “Low Show”. They did not disappoint!
We all enjoyed a Pot Luck dinner aboard Schatzi…just how many people will a Hunter seat for dinner? We now know that 22 people and a dog had no worries about making their way to the food line.
Saturday night was a real treat with a FANTASTIC Fireworks display-truly unforgettable and the largest in MD history!
Sunday morning saw an early departure for several vessels before the waterway was closed for another Blue Angles show. Others spent the Sunday morning strolling the inner Harbor, Fells point or making their way to Ft. McHenry for first-hand viewing of the air show and festivities.
The Blue Angles “High Show” was great with sunny blue skies and perfect weather!! We returned home through some angry waters of the Patapsco River. Arriving back in Middle River exhausted, the group was treated to a perfect sunset. Ahhh. Another great weekend with friends and all the history that the city had to offer!!
