Sailabration: Boats, Planes & Fireworks!
Similar wind conditions prevailed on Friday as we headed on north and into the Baltimore Harbor. It was an early run, as the Coast Guard imposed a ‘closure’ on the entrance over which the Navy’s Blue Angels would be performing low level maneuvers. We made good time, again motor/sailing, and were secure in our marina slip by 0930, a full half-hour before the closure.
Friday afternoon provided a preview as the Blue Angels were making practice runs – lots of pictures with the camera set on action settings and with a long lens. Dinner and a fun happy hour aboard another club boat made for a full day.
Navy’s Blue Angels
Saturday offered time to walk the board walk that followed a twisted path to the Inner Harbor where the Tall Ships were berthed – also provided good exercise! That afternoon we watched the air show, enjoyed happy hour (again) at the marina’s sailors’ lounge, with an evening fireworks display to cap off the day. It was special to see the Elf – a restoration project by a fellow SOS member —
Elf
Sunday morning we made an early start for home. – again, to slip out of the harbor before the closure was in force. We raised the main sail heading down the Patapsco River SE into the wind. Once clear of the closure and past the Key Bridge, we turned south and managed to sail with reduce engine speed and soon shut it down. Although the wind was variable in speed and direction, we sailed most of the way to the Bay Bridge then motor/sailed across the Magothy bay. With sometimes 10-12kts 45os off the port bow, we sailed at 5-7kts, and then drifting as the wind died to a 2-3kt breeze.
By pure chance, as we approached the Bay Bridge, the USCG Barque Eagle caught up and we got this nice view as she cleared the bridge – a fitting end to a great four-day sail.
USCG Barque Eagle
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