2007 Chesapeake Bay Cruise

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May 16, Wednesday: After introductions, students were familiarized with the course agenda, navigation, weather, and boat systems. After inventory, provisioning and navigation planning, we departed Langford Creek  and powered down the Chester River. Weather forecasts indicated a severe front arriving in the afternoon so we prepared the boat for heavy weather. The storm was quite severe with lightening, winds to 45 knots and heavy rain. While motoring toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the engine overheat alarm sounded and the engine was promptly shut down. After inspection, no reason was found for the overheat, and we restarted the engine with no further problems, keeping the RPMs slightly lower. We continued to a mooring on Spa Creek in Annapolis for the evening

May 17, Thursday: Departing Annapolis we broad reached under 15-20 knot north winds south down the Chesapeake, jibing and utilizing a preventer rigged to the main boom. We hardened-up and entered the Patuxent River to Solomons and arrived at Spring Cove Marina late and tied up at the gas dock.

May 18, Friday: After paying slip fees and pumping out we departed the marina and raised the main to the first reef and beat down the Patuxent River, turning south and broad reaching under threatening skies and light rain. The students utilized ship's radar to watch for commercial vessels in limited visibility conditions. We turned into the Piankatank River and anchored in Fishing Bay as daylight faded. The Capt cooked dinner while the students took their ASA104 test, which all passed handily.

May 19, Saturday: We dinked ashore where Erik proudly showed us his Freedom ketch in the marina. Departing Fishing Bay, we headed south under light winds and calms for anchorage in Willoughby Bay.

May 20, Sunday: Departing Willoughby Bay, we had some great sailing at Newport News, running all three sails with freshening west winds. We then sailed down the Thimble Shoals Channel and entered Little Creek. At Taylors Landing Marina we found the gas dock was blocked by another boat and we turned to enter the inside gas dock only to have a large power boat exit his slip directly in front of us.  With no room to spare, we did a standing turn, which resulted in Halimeda striking the protruding anchor of a docked power boat with some damage to both boats. After docking, Capt Joe exchanged information with the power boat owner and reported the collision to Tom Tursi. We fueled up, pumped out, and docked Halimeda. After cleaning the boat, the crew departed, heading to four different states.

It was a very challenging cruise, with a destination far down the Bay and a time frame to meet, regardless of inclement weather. This is the type of cruise where the students learn the most, and these students gained significantly from the total experience!

Captain Joe Kliment
Aboard IP-45 HALIMEDA
Little Creek, Norfolk, VA
April 20, 2007

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