Under the leadership of Cruise Director, John Pasley, 24 boats with close to 60 crew on board assembled at Calvert Marina in Solomons for the opening dinner of the traditional 2015 Annapolis and Philadelphia Fleets Spring Cruise. This year offered a full and ambitious two week schedule extending as far south as Hampton, VA, with numerous ports of call en route.
Needless to say the opening day weather did not fully cooperate, and most boats arrived in the Solomons after a 40+ mile dead beat into 20 knot southerly winds. So the floating docks of Calvert Marina were, for all, a welcome haven of tranquility. In the evening, Annapolis Fleet Captain Julian Bigden welcomed the entire complement of members and guests to the opening cocktail hour and buffet dinner at the Back Creek Bistro.
From Solomons the crews traveled down the Bay, stopping along the way at Deltaville, Point Lookout, Mobjack Bay, and Hospital Point before arriving at the Hampton Yacht Club, four and five days later. Arrivals were made in thundery rain storms and wind, so it was with great relief that we assembled later that evening and enjoyed our 'end of the first week' celebratory dinner at the Hampton Yacht Club.
The next day was a lay-day and most enjoyed a scheduled visit to the Newport News Mariners Museum. What a treat to see and learn about the famous Monitor - a Civil War ironclad that was recovered and now is partially on-display. Some of the larger parts, such as the turret, are undergoing electrolytic cleaning to safely remove all of the marine growth and decay. This process may take another 12-13 years (our docent explained that he might not be here when it finishes; he revealed that he was 90 yrs old!). For now, just a glance through the window at the turret inside a huge tank of water.
Before some crews ended their cruise and headed for home ports, others looked forward to a second week. Much of the decision involving next ports were determined by the weather, however skippers tried to stick to some of the scheduled ports of call and this led crews to visits in the York River, Cape Charles, Onancock, the Corrotoman, and the Ware River.
While in the York River we stayed at The York River Yacht Haven. The manager shuttled all of us over to Yorktown. (It was here that L'Hermione took part in the defeat of Cornwallis in 1781). L'Hermione, docked here for the beginning of her US celebration visit, was beautifully displayed and several thousand visitors walked her decks. Yorktown was hosting a big celebration that included re-enactors. The photo shows all the varied uniforms that were issued (by a lottery at that time). These uniforms were provided by the French.
The remaining crews then came together once again at the Chesapeake Boat Basin in Kilmarnock where we enjoyed a spectacular visit to a local winery - Good Luck Wines. This trip included a tour and explanation of their wine-making and a tasting of their current offerings. This was followed by a delicious dinner catered by the Car Wash Café. This was enjoyed on the side porch overlooking the vineyards. A wonderful visit organized by cruise directors, John and Linda Pasley who by-the-way, advised that the wine-makers, Paul and Katie Krop, were former next door neighbors many years ago, before they started Good Luck Wines.
Everyone now made their way back to Annapolis, via Solomons. In Solomons we enjoyed the pool at Zahnizer's that helped to give some relief from the 90+ temperatures.
The final cruise stop was the final dinner at the Eastport Yacht Club. What better way to cap off the two week adventure than to get another look at L'Hermione, now anchored in the Severn River awaiting the tide before she moved to Ego Alley. As we went out onto the deck of the Eastport Yacht Club that Sunday evening to see her after a quick thunderstorm, we were given a beautiful double rainbow which rose over L'Hermione!
Many sailors belong to one or more cruising clubs. Our club, The Corinthians, has provided so many varied and rich shared. For example, we sail in-company with The Little Ship Club, located in London, England. This relationship has further expanded our sailing experiences. But it is so much more than just the sailing. So we take to heart the phrase, sailing in company, because in our sailing world we are family. We are enriched a little more with each event and our character is revealed as the friendships evolve. You never have to ask for help, it is volunteered. "You want me to go up the mast and fix your windex?" You never have to feel alone, the radio is buzzing with 'how's your sail going?' The depth of experience among our members is broad and generous.
For most of us our sailing life is of course finite, but what is so very special is that the memories of each event and each other are infinite! What a life!
