2009 Chesapeake Bay Cruise


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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, chart
s, 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 w
ent 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 enjoy
ed 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



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