Talk about wild rides across the Chesapeake, 40 knot wind nights on anchor, sunny days with 5 knot winds, boat problems, dragging anchors, etc., we had it all. This was the most exciting fall cruise that many of us can remember and that was not only due to the external factor of uncooperative weather but also due to all the participants that braved most of its duration and came out to support this annual Club’s event by boat or land yachts.
A total of 18 boats participated in and out of our 10 day cruise schedule: Sikora, Sookie, Tern II, Calypso, Cookin, Felicity, Rinn Duin, Gendarme, Skybird, Solstice, Horizon, Waconah, L’Amitie, Leighway Sr, Gilleleje, Summit II, Isa Lei and Muskrat. We started the cruise on Saturday, October 4th, with a Fall Rendezvous at one of our member’s houses where the slate of our next year’s offices were announced to be voted in at our January, 2015 annual dinner meeting. It was well attended, with some members participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge for A.L.S. Those mostly willing participants, braved temperatures hovering in the low 60’s providing a great backdrop for memorable pictures and raising funds for a good cause. Four boats spent a very quiet night at the dock of Williams’ house that night: Sikora , Sookie, , Waconah and Cookin.
Ice Bucket Challenge for A.L.S.; Photo “ALS Splash” by Vicki Lathom.
Sunday, October 5th we had 27 knot winds going to Sellman Creek on Rhode River where we had 10 boats rafted in the leeway of the big island. The schedule called for party on the Flat Island however our keen observer, Jim Mennucci noticed only three buoys marking the shoal so the happy hour was held on Muskrat and Sikora.
Monday, October 6th we had 30 knot winds and four/five foot seas going across Chesapeake Bay to Dunn Cove where we ended up with 8 boats. It seemed that we were the only boats on the Bay without any other sails in sight during the crossing. Winds were howling up to 40 knots all night, but no rain. Tern II and Calypso with engine trouble spent the night at Tilghman Marina. We all successfully navigated the Knapps Narrows despite reported shoaling.
Tuesday, October 7th to San Domingo Creek for Soup Night on shore where we were joined by a number of land yachts to enjoy variety of soups prepared by the club members. At the shore party we took a vote and it was decided to spend another day/night there as the ladies wanted to go shopping in St. Michaels despite warning from the cruise director, John Maliszewski that mutineers will be dealt with severely, including the walk down the plank. Despite his best efforts, the ladies prevailed.
Wednesday, October 8th we had breakfast at Carpenter Street Saloon, shopping and Pumpkin Night. We were joined by L’Amitie and Horizon that afternoon. Our cruise captain, John managed to fall into his Dinghy with all the gifts the Admiral bought in St. Michaels. Guess she bought one too many. For the Pumpkin carving contest, 1st Place went to Muskrat for his depiction of Natty Boh (me thinks somebody likes his beer), 2nd Place to Leighway Sr, and 3rd Place to Calypso.
Thursday, October 9th we enjoyed hot raisin bran muffins for breakfast as Doris tried out her new oven onboard Sikora. It worked! John dinghy’d them to all rafts. Sunny day – 5 knot winds on the nose as we made it to LaTrappe Creek and our hosts beautiful home for an afternoon of swimming, showers and grilling, thirteen boats rafted this day. Early evening the Lodge’s hosted Win, Lose or Draw on the dock with appetizers everywhere. Muskrat and Tern II were the party boats. Once again, the Ladies WON against the Gents. But we were democratic and gave prizes to all present. Calm night.
Friday, October 10th there were light sprinkles, cloudy, cool day and we headed for Oxford. Six boats on two rafts, Gendarme, Rinn Duin and Calypso, & Skybird, Horizon and Sikora. Sikora held a Trivia Game with questions about the Chesapeake Bay and the winners were a three way tie for 1st Place for Gendarme, Skybird and Calypso, 2nd Place Rinn Duin and 3rd Place Horizon. More rain through the night.
Saturday, October 11th to Dunn Cove – 30 knots – 6 boat raft. At Happy Hour we went over the answers for the Crossword Puzzle published in our Fall Cruise Guide.
Sunday, October 12th disembarked for home.
by John & Doris Maliszewski
