| Course: |
ASA 103/104 Basic and Intermediate Coastal
Cruising |
| Date: |
June 11-18, 2009 |
| Vessel: |
IP-32 ACADAME |
| Students: |
Tom
Pfeifer, Tom Przybelski |
|
Captain: |
Keith
Jackson |
Day 1
What better way to start a sailing class then a review of knots. When the
class is all settled we start into the class work. A discussion of the
weeks schedule and possible destinations is held with the class
using power point, a review of navigation, and navigation
aids along with the rules of the road. These are two topics that we will
be using and reinforced
for the whole eight days on the water. The class reconvenes on the boat
for a briefing on safety equipment and boat systems.
Leaving the dock, the class headed out for
a review and assessment of their sailing skills. Boat preps,
starting procedures and leaving
the dock were
discussed. Proper techniques for raising the sails, winch operation, tacks and jibing are demonstrated
and explained. The wind was blowing well so we
started out with a reefed
main and jib. We returned to the dock and a
final recap for the day and plans for the next.
Day 2
A brief start in the classroom going over information for the 103 course is held
then down to the boat. After a systems check of the boat we left the dock
for more sailing. Navigation aids, charts,
and rules of the road are reviewed. During the time on the water, further
discussion sets our travel plan, which leads to menu plans. We returned to
the marina for practice maneuvering the boat at slow speed in tight areas.
Standing turns and backing were practiced. The real test came when the
students practiced docking at the fuel dock and back in our slip. After
putting the boat away, the students went to town for dinner, final plans,
and then a stop at the store to purchase provisions for
the trip.
Day 3
We start early to check the boat and prepare it for the start of our trip with
the first stop the Magothy River. The course is reviewed and the duties of
the student
crew for the passage are assigned. The lack of breeze prevented our
plans of sailing so we motored.
We were able to practice our navigation skills and practice our distance, speed,
and time calculations along with testing our headings and taking compass
bearings. On the western side of the bay we did find some wind so rather
then heading right into the river we stayed out and just enjoyed sailing for a
hour. We worked our way into the river and up to Sillery Bay where we
dropped anchor in 10 ft of water.
The students had a well deserved period of a
relaxing swim
in the water. They then prepared a great meal of
crab alfrato a la Acadame. As the captain did
the dishes, the crew took their 103 test and both did great.
Day 4
From the nice quite setting of the Magothy to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore,
this was the second location the students wanted to visit. The students
worked the planning sheet selecting waypoints. From these waypoints, they
determined distance and headings as well as other information on the chart to be
aware. Once more, the wind was less then ideal but the trip was
interesting. To enter Baltimore by water is an experience. The
students did well and we arrived at the marina early enough to visit the city.
Day 5
A great crew. Up early and ready to get started. The crew planed the
trip to Annapolis using the charts and plotting tools. Unfortunately, the
wind was still lacking. About noon, a south wind started to build and the fun
really started making long tacks across the bay and to the Bay Bridge. As
we approached the bridge, we went
to start the engine as a precaution. Unfortunately, the start button was
not working so we positioned the boat for the best wind angle going through the
bridge. On the south side of the bridge, the wind continued to build
so we hove to and reefed the main. We got lucky and as we were approaching
the entrance to Annapolis harbor, the engine started ok
and we were able to motor over to the mooring field and
pick up the ball in the first attempt.
As the students had been working hard long
days, it was time for them
to take shore leave and head to town. Once more, the crew was back on the
boat early and was able to plan their next day’s trip to Dun Cove on the East
side of Tilghman Island.
Day 6
It was a wild night on the mooring ball. The strong South wind through the
night kept the mooring field churned up all night with a lot of rocking and
rolling. We were glad
to have the extra safety of being on a mooring ball and not at anchor. The
strong South wind made for a great ride most of the way down the bay. The
students continued to make log entries and plot the
DR course and backed it up by plotting GPS positions.
Timing was perfect because we were getting close to Poplar Island and our entry
into Knapp’s Narrows. We made a pit stop to pump out the holding tank
and take on some fuel. Then passed through the bridge and up to Dun Cove.
The students did a great job navigating up through some very shallow water and
we anchored in 8 feet
of water. Swimming was out of the question due to sea nettles lurking all
around the boat. It was beautiful and we were the only boat in the cove
the whole night. We were able to complete the course material for 104 and
plan our trip to St. Michaels the next day.
Day 7
Unlike the night before, the water was flat the whole night and everyone got a
good night sleep. The crew enjoyed
eating leftovers for breakfast. The waters were still flat which means no
wind and another day of navigation practice. It was a very uneventful trip
over to St Michaels. When we set anchor, we had one last review then the
students both did a great job on their 104 test. They also enjoyed a trip
to shore and were able to return ahead of the rain.
Day 8
A nice North wind made for a lot of work tacking up to Kent Narrows but it was
wind at last. We were able to out race a Cat up to East Bay and timed the
bridge opening perfectly. Upon returning to the marina we pumped out,
fueled up, and took care of the post cruise check list items. We had a
great 8 days and traveled over 200 miles together. The goal of a safe,
fun, and educational trip was accomplished.
Captain Keith Jackson
aboard IP-32 ACADAME
Lankford Bay Marina
July 11, 2009
to Ocean Reports
Return to Home
|