Day 1:
After crew introductions and a few formalities, we discussed cruise
planning and provisioning. While Bill did the shopping, Dave and Rich
helped prepare the dinghy, perform engine checks and ready the boat. Once
underway, we were met with a nice westerly allowing us to beam reach to
Queenstown Creek where we dropped anchor. Fabulous sunset after a dinner
prepared by Captain Andy. Off through the narrows to St Michaels
tomorrow!
Day 2:
A light breakfast and early departure today to pass through Kent Narrows
Bridge before the flood current builds. Although max flood was predicted
as 0.7 knots at noon, we saw 3 or 4 knots when transiting the bascule
bridge at the 10:00 opening! After attempts at light air tacking
against the current, we motor sailed to St Michaels and were rewarded with
a dip in the pool and hot showers, followed by a tour of the Chesapeake
Bay Maritime Museum. Everyone is clean, fed and happy!
Day 3:
After a relaxed breakfast of pancakes prepared by Chef Dave, we cast
off bound for the West River. Light winds mean we motorsail to Bloody
Point, but are then rewarded with a brisk southerly which caused the crew
to change our plan and navigate further North to Annapolis. We made 6-7
knots, passing Thomas Point Light and allowing us time for some
maneuvering and drills around the anchored freight ships near the main
channel before picking up a mooring for the night.
Day 4:
We wake to find that ducks used our dinghy as a restroom overnight -
yuk! It's also test day and everyone does well - yay! We drop the mooring
ball around 1100 and set sail under the Bay Bridge toward Rock Hall. The
weather forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms, which stayed both
north and south of us. We docked in Rock Hall Harbor and feasted on
grilled maple pork chops at the marina, followed by a celebratory beverage
at The Harbor Shack, then watched the storms roll in.
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Day 5:
Forecast today is 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms. We rise at
first light to head out before the heat and humidity build and fuel the
storms. Our plan was foiled when a thunderstorm developed rapidly by the
Bay Bridge shortly after leaving Rock Hall. We prepared by taking bearings
to nearby shoals and finding bearings to safe water. We had rain and some
limited visibility, but no violent winds. In fact, we could have used some
wind as the crew needed to motor sail once again to arrive back at
Lankford Bay. After pump out, fuel and cleanup, we held a well-deserved
graduation ceremony. Congrats Bill, Dave and Rich!
Captain Andy Barton
S/V
ACADAME,
IP32
Rock Hall, Maryland
