2020 Chesapeake Bay Cruise

Day 1:  We met onboard at 0845 and began with an extended inspection of the boat and its systems.  Some of the students had previously trained on these IP 32s, but we all now engaged in a more detailed inspection and discussion of the boat’s sailing rig and operating components, electrical, plumbing, fuel, engine, mechanical and safety systems.   We then planned our meals for the coming days, and I went shopping for provisions.  While I shopped, the crew reviewed the charts to become familiar with the area we planned to cruise and plotted our course for today’s destination: Queenstown Creek, about a two hour’s sail south on the Chester River.  At around 1500 we departed Lankford Bay Marina, on our way to Queenstown.  Winds were SW 10-14 knots, affording us a good, brisk sail down the Chester River.  The entrance to Queenstown Creek is narrow and shallow, and we determined that we would arrive near low tide.  The chart and guides recommend “local knowledge” when entering.  We made it through the marked entrance without incident, and enjoyed a lovely evening watching the sun set from our anchorage for the night.  But, as we prepared for dinner, we were alarmed to discover that our water tank was empty!  At departure, we checked the water level by reading the tank gauge – showing the tank to be 7/8 full.  A problem with water filtration at Lankford Bay Marina precluded us from further filling the tank at the slip (a precaution we always take otherwise).  Behold, the water gauge was broken.  Never, ever, trust a gauge!  First stop tomorrow: a place to replenish our water supply.

Day 2: We got underway by 0800, bound first for Piney Narrows Yacht Haven, in Kent Narrows.  Once in the Chester River, we met winds W 12–14 knots, and raised and reefed the main and genoa for a vigorous close-hauled sail to Kent Narrows.  We took all sails down to motor through the Narrows.  At Piney Narrows we took on fuel and water (lots of water!) and passed through Kent Narrows bridge on our way to the Wye River. The winds decreased to W 8-10 knots as we entered Prospect Bay, so with our sails raised and engine on, we motorsailed down Prospect Bay and Eastern Bay, to the Wye River.  Doug, Rob and Owen took turns at the helm through the afternoon.  Passing beautiful landscapes on either side along the Wye, we explored several options before choosing to anchor in a small cove just inside the Wye Narrows.  Due to the small size of the anchorage – a pocket of deeper water surrounded by shallows with a narrow inlet – and the possibility of a wind shift, we laid out two anchors for the night.  We enjoyed a comfortable night’s sleep at anchor.

Day 3: We slept in a bit this morning, as the forecast promised a sunny but largely windless day.  We passed the morning discussing knots, navigation rules, cruise planning and various other topics.  Around noon we set out for St. Michaels Marina.  As we turned into the Wye River we were pleased to encounter a stronger SW wind than expected – about 10-12 knots – and raised the main and genoa, leaving our engine running as a precaution.  We tacked our way down the Wye, which on this Sunday was full of both sail and power boats.  This gave us the opportunity to practice the rules.  The wind held fairly steady for several hours, until we neared the entrance to the Miles River.  Lowering our sails, we motored into St. Michaels Marina, arriving at around 1700.  We waited our turn at the fuel dock, which afforded the opportunity to practice motoring in a confined area.  After emptying our holding tank we motored to our assigned slip.  The crew then enjoyed an onshore meal and drink, and a quiet rest.

Day 4: Up early, we plotted our course for an extended leg to Annapolis.  We enjoyed a good sail throughout the morning in winds NW 9-12 knots, though to maintain the needed speed we kept our engine running at 2200 RPM.  Upon nearing the Chesapeake Bay/Eastern Bay intersection the wind largely died out, leaving us to motor-sail north to Annapolis.  At around 1630 we arrived at Annapolis Harbor, where we had our pick of mooring balls in the field just outside Ego Alley.  After mooring, Doug and Owen took the water taxi ashore for a look around town.  Later, after dinner and the pleasure of watching the night settle over the Annapolis waterfront, another quiet night’s rest restored the crew.

Day 5: Again up early, the crew prepared for our voyage up the Bay and Chester River to Lankford Creek and home.  Winds were light, NW 6-8, from the direction of our course, so we motorsailed under the Bay Bridge and to Love Point.  There, with light winds NW 5-8 knots, our engine sputtered to stop.  We tried changing the Racor filter, but to no avail.  Apparently some contamination in the fuel had blocked the fuel line at some point above the filter.  With no wind to fill the sails, we turned to the only choice we had for a timely return home – and called BoatUS for a tow to Lankford Bay Marina.  After a brief wait, the tow boat arrived and we were underway – ignominiously under tow up the Chester River and into Lankford Creek, with crew taking turns at the helm to guide the boat behind our friendly towboat.  This did, however, afford the crew the opportunity to experience arranging a tow – a skill needed for anyone who cruises the Chesapeake for a while.  We arrived at Lankford Bay Marina at about 1400, where crew and captain retired to the air-conditioned MD School office to take the ASA 104 test, which all passed easily.