Greetings, folks:

 

I've been thinking of ways to tinker with the Chesapeake cruise to add some new spice.  The program that we've been following the past several years is pretty darn nice - so I don't want to screw things up.  Regardless of whether you are male or female, this cruise has always been great fun.  Everyone knows that my original thinking when starting this event was to create an outstanding cruising opportunity for sailing couples.  Not just the guys!  The two islands, Tangier and Smith Islands, are renowned tourist attractions.  They are remarkable historical landmarks and the year-round settlements exemplify a Chesapeake Bay watermen's life style no longer seen elsewhere on the Bay.  Watts Island, a pristine wildlife preserve is also a beautiful landing spot.  This aspect of the cruise, along with the comforts of berthing our Wayfarers in civilized marinas, with handy restaurants close by, is what attracts our women sailors.  That said, I wish some of you would do more to encourage your wives to participate! 

 

However, I have some ideas on how we might modify a few things to satisfy those who have now been participating for several years and would like to see something new.  I know from my own experience that the Eastern Shore has much more to offer in the way of dinghy cruising - so I appreciate such feelings.  Therefore, I'm asking for your feedback regarding the following suggestions.

 

First - what we've done in the past.  If we follow a program similar to that of the past three or four years we will arrive in Crisfield, MD, on Tuesday, June 1st. and depart Wednesday morning, taking in stops at Tangier Island, Watts Island and Smith Island, before returning to Crisfield on Saturday, June 5th. 

 

Perspective:  Last year it was blowing upwards to a gale the day we arrived.  Just sailing across the marina harbor to the slips was tricky.  The Heffernans suffered damage to the genoa on their ketch coming up from VA to join us.  On Wednesday, the weather cleared and we had a nice sail to Tangier Island.  Then, on Thursday, suffering little wind for the first half the day, we struggled to make it to Watts I.  But once there, we enjoyed a great beach party on this 'south- seas -like' island paradise.  Returning to Tangier that afternoon, the wind was perfect for a fast, fun-filled, downwind run - except that ominous black thunderheads to the northwest were giving me a serious case of 'the nerves'.  I was worried!  However, we arrived without mishap and the storms never materialized.  On Friday, enjoying a fairly decent wind out of the south we headed north for Smith I. and the town of Ewell - we were happy.  But when the wind died completely with three or more miles still to go, we became less happy.  Some of us began to row or paddle.  Luckily, Gary Hirsch saved us from suffering hours of being becalmed in the strong sun.  With his trusty outboard, he towed us all in to town, except for Steve and Robert, who chose to wait it out on the outside.  Again I worried, as they didn't arrive until quite a bit later.  Early that evening a vicious thunderstorm, with recorded fifty-knot wind gusts, rolled down upon us while in the marina - causing havoc.  Friday morning brought a fresh westerly breeze which made for a nice fast crossing of Tangier Sound into Crisfield.  This was a great finish.  But again, thunderstorms arrived late in the afternoon, except that by then everyone was already on their way back home.

 

Idea #1.  Start the cruise from Onancock ('Nancock), VA, instead of Crisfield.  Logistically - regarding overall sailing distances and available facilities - this would be about the same.  At 'Nancock there is a launch ramp and city operated marina that has toilet and shower facilities.  The marina is small and tends to fill up, and advanced booking is required.  We might have to double the W's up in a slip; and it might be necessary for some to anchor in the river.  The comfort facilities are not as nice as Crisfield, but the town is much nicer and more interesting.  Attached are two scans from my cruising planning chart: 

0013 takes in the VA shore south of Tangier and shows 'Nancock; 0011 takes in the MD shore north of Tangier and shows Crisfield and the beautiful rivers to the north - I'll get to 0011 later.  I didn't compress these scans, so if you click on them and blow them up you'll be able to see a lot of detail.  Beside the marina booking we will need to check out what's available for long term parking for the cars and trailers.  Space at the waterfront is limited.

 

'Nancock is a historic and picturesque town which is right on the river, with nice shops and restaurants.  I've sailed there and so have the Heffernans.  The distance from the town waterfront to the river mouth is slightly more than 4 NM, with slightly less than 1 NM further before clearing the bars in the entrance channel.  Sailing the 'Nancock River would be different and add a sense of new adventure.  We would want to have two or more boats with motors - preferably towing no more than two or three Wayfarers each.  Back during my visit in 2006, I found the last mile or so approaching the town to be blocked by trees and slow going. 

 

Also, attached are pictures I took of the waterfront in 2006.  Two photos are of a waterfront restaurant, front and back, while the third shows the small park near the marina.  In the background of this one there is a glimpse of some boats in the marina.  Everything is close together.  Also, there is a photo taken of the river.  Too bad I wasn't thinking more about the future when I took these.

 

Cruise plan.  The plan would be to depart promptly Wednesday morning and sail/row/motor down the 'Nancock River, then sail to Watts Island for a lunch stop and swim.  Following that we would continue to Tangier I. and Park's marina.  (Total distance traveled, dock to dock is ~ 15 - 16 NM.)  We would eat dinner at the Chesapeake House.  Thursday we would sail to Pauli's marina at Ewell on Smiths I., either via the outside or Tangier Sound passages.  Friday we would return to Tangier via the opposite route.  Saturday would return to 'Nancock, possibly stopping at Watts I. again, or possibly explore some of VA shore around Pompco Creek - Camp Island to the north, or the group of three islands, Parker - Finneys - Scarboro, to the south - all depending upon wind conditions and available time.  Note that along this part of the VA shore the water depth typically is in the range of 1 to 3 feet.  However, if the tide should happen to be up there will be an additional foot or more.

 

Idea #2.  This is an option for those wanting to explore more remote areas and into roughing it.  This could be done by adding a day at the front end of the regular cruise, starting on Tuesday, by having those who are interested arrive at Crisfield early Monday.  The idea would be to take a day and a half to explore one or two of the big rivers lying to the north of Tangier Sound.  We would depart Crisfield on Monday afternoon and could plan to jioning the main body of the group on Wednesday, at Pauli's on Smith I. 

 

The rivers I'm refering to are the Manokin and Wicomico rivers.  I have previously explored both - they are marvelous and beautiful wilderness areas, surounded by large expanses of Federal Management wildlife marsh lands.  In my mind this regeon probably represents the best part of Maryland's Eastern Shore.  I know several excellent well protected anchorages.

 

There are no marinas, towns, stores, or restaurants that lie within walking distance of this shore.  It will be strictly 100% boat camping - you have to bring everything you need with you.  It may be possible to find toilets for the ladies, but that is iffy.  I haven't broached the subject with Jane, so I don't know if she would be game.  Regardless, there isn't any reason why others couldn't undertake this on their own.

 

DICK