2004 DELMARVA Reports

• Ocean Reports
• Graduate Letters
• Photo Album
• Weather

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Sept 3, Friday
After introductions, the students became familiar with the course and the vessel. With a cautious eye watching Hurricane Frances threaten the Atlantic coast, our departure plans were tentative. We spent the day learning the ship’s systems, planning our course, selecting a watch schedule, assigning responsibilities, taking inventory of the galley supplies, and developing a cruise menu. The crew purchased & stowed provisions, had dinner and turned in early, hoping the weather would cooperate.

Sept 4, Saturday
The storm appeared to be headed inland at Florida, so with approval from Tom Tursi, we departed Spring Cove about 8 AM.  Vijay was at the helm as we began to motor sail up the Chesapeake. Cindy navigated and the crew took bearings and studied the charts. We followed a 4 hour watch schedule, for the students and their selected partner to man the helm. Favorable wind & current brought us to Summit North Marina in the C&D canal at 4 PM, record time for this Captain. After refueling and pumping out, Jack parked HALIMEDA at the slip for the night.  A relaxing dinner at Captain’s Cove was a just reward for this crew, who had invisibly become a team.

Sept 5, Sunday
Vijay, our engineer checked the ship systems while Richard, our navigator checked the weather, tidal currents and planned our course. With Cindy at the helm, we left Summit North Marina early to transit the canal and begin motoring toward the Delaware River.  We motor sailed, then sailed down the Delaware River & Bay, with freshening winds from the East. The advancing edge of now Tropical  Storm Frances combined with a high pressure system, resulting in winds of 20-25 knots and confused 10-12 ft seas at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. Anticipating a long and punishing night in the Atlantic with sea sick crew, the Captain decided to head into Lewes for refuge for the night. After a course change, we arrived at Lewes with Cindy at the helm, bringing HALIMEDA into the slip. The crew enjoyed a well earned meal ashore at Angler’s Restaurant and a restful night.

Sept 6, Monday
We departed Lewes at 8 AM, passing Indian River Inlet about noon, with 15 ft seas and 30 knot winds, progressing at 6 knots regardless of the rolling and pitching motion. A double reefed main and reefed genoa powered our ship for a GREAT ride down the Atlantic coast. The crew dined on pot luck soup, as it was too rough for much cooking. About 8 PM we passed Ocean city Maryland with seas becoming more settled. Since fixes were not possible, the students practiced dead reckoning and found their accuracy impressive, when compared to the GPS position.  Jeff was at the helm when we measured our record speed of 9.7 knots. It was truly an exhilarating ride thru the night for this adventuresome crew.

 Sept 7, Tuesday
After a great sunrise off the Virginia Capes, we traversed the south channel of the Chesapeake Bay and headed into Little Creek, Va. We docked at Taylor’s Landing Marina after refueling, filling with water and pumping out.

Sept 8, Wednesday
We left the dock early and headed North up the Chesapeake. Using coastal navigation, we determined our positions and continued up the bay throughout the night. .

Sept 9, Thursday
We arrived in Annapolis in late morning and docked at Ego Alley. After resting, the students took their ASA 106 test. Everyone passed and we celebrated with a great dinner at Pusser’s.

Sept 10, Friday
Continued travel up the Bay brought us to Haven Harbor at noon, where we refueled, filled with water and pumped out. After bringing HALIMEDA into the slip in Spring Cove, the crew cleaned the ship and were awarded their certificates. This crew had become good friends who were already planning their next sailing adventure. It was my pleasure to watch them transition into skilled sailors during this cruise.

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