Mischief Managed | chesapeaketidings & more..

May 2

Shakedown Cruise

Saturday/Sunday (4/30-5/1) was the first weekend cruise of the season to Eagle Cove behind Gibson Island. Fourteen boats made the cruise and formed a circle raft. Great work by the raft captain to manage boats of various sizes into a tight circle – sterns in.

The sail up on Saturday began with 15-20kts (gusty) from the north, making for some short sail legs north to the Bay bridge. North of the bridge our course took us straight into the wind, so motored the balance of the trip. The raft broke up about 1100 on Sunday, now with very light south winds. Managed to sail some with head sail alone, but resorted to the motor to make it all the way home. Still, all-in-all, a good trip!

Apr 27

First sail of the Season

Easter Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day after threatening forecasts leading up. Plenty of sunshine, mid-70s and 8-12kts. A perfect day to take family out for a daysail. Kids and grandkid had their first experience on Valinor.

Addison is ready to go – we’ll start training her for future crew duties soon !

Apr 18

Springtime on the Bay

As the weather warms and Spring breezes blow, the urge to get out sailing grows strong. Pressure to go when time is available gets intense. Judgment about conditions is tested. So it was this past weekend with a scheduled club cruise.
Debates ensued over weather forecasts that promised less than ideal condition, and raised questions of safety for some. The final decision to cancel was prudent, and in hind sight wise.
The chart below from Thomas Point tells the story and shows the strength of the low pressure storm that blew through carrying with it very high winds (peaked over 50kts). Not shown in this graph was the 3-5ft waves that were measured just off Annapolis.
So, we can all be proud of the good judgment that was exercised and look forward to the next opportunity!
Note: the period 4/16-17 ….

Mar 21

Spring arrives

Friday was one of those warm, sunny days that confirms our hope that Spring has arrived! It was also a perfect day to finish all the Spring boat cleaning chores. With some helping hands, the cabin was emptied and thoroughly scrubbed. Cushions cleaned over winter were put back in place, and all the gear and supplies were sorted and stowed in place. After spending time trying to find things last year, this year all was listed and location marked on a boat diagram – should make things easier to find 🙂

After checking hoses, lube levels and opening the thru hull intake; started engine. Fired on second try and ran smoothly. Engaged transmission – fwd and reverse – all working well. Radios and all instruments at helm and below in working order……..

The weekend was spent in a number of SOS activities: the annual Spring Training series of seminars on Saturday, after-party Saturday evening, Brunch and member meeting Sunday followed by the traditional sock burning. Spent Friday and Saturday nights on the boat and enjoyed watching the moon rise – along with all those who remembered it was at it’s fullest in years. The nights were clear and it was a stunning site! Sadly, did not take pictures … but it was a beautiful time on the creek.

Mar 13

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Bay Schooners 2009

Mar 4

First steps into the new season…

A couple days of sun and warmer weather provided a chance to begin boat prep for the coming season. The winter tarp is off and bimini & dodger back on ……..

Also had the good fortune of a quick trip to the rigger to get new lines installed in the boom. The out haul line was badly frayed. While replacing the line, the rigger also removed several season’s buildup of wasp nests — a good reason why this work is best done in winter 🙂

Other Catalina friends have found warmer waters south of Nassau, Bahamas!

Maybe next year……..

Feb 18

Spring cleaning

Ever wonder how many cushions it takes to make a boat comfortable? And what it takes to clean them!

Feb 9

First signs ..

Notice arrived today that sails are ready — having been repaired, cleaned and modified for the coming season. Added a window in the head sail for greater forward visibility – trying not to bump into things 🙂

Winter on the creek has been unusually cold, but submerged pumps kept the water moving and boats ice-free. Hoping for no bad storms for the remainder of the winter.