A Chesapeake Bay Trek

Some of our crew enjoyed a spin around the Bay in July and we haven't previouusly had the opportunity to tell about it. We wanted to be up there for the crabs and beer and doin's around Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, so we did it. The objective was to charter a cruising catamaran to see how all went with that in protected waters. A few of us had tried one a couple of other times in Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay and liked it and we wanted to make another go. Cats are hard to find in the Bay area but we did get one lined up. Four of the crew arrived in the afternoon and after boarding the vessel in Eastport spent the evening carousing Annapolis and sampling the local fare at a number of the friendly eztablishments. A couple of the guys were on a search for the "best" crab cake so pursued that in each restaurant we could find. They finally proclaimed Buddy's on the waterfront as the best...so far. We set off the next morning motoring (just a little wind from the north) up the Bay over to the Rock Hall/Gratitude harbor and berthed up right at the Rock Hall Crabhouse. We were able to explore a number of spots there even being chaeuferred to a couple of places by a local bisto worker. Crab cakes were sampled by no definitive decisions could be made. The beer seemed fine though. We slid down into the Chester River and crossed behind the north end of Kent Island the next day to berth at Mear's Marina at the Kent Island Bridge. Now the crab cake run began in earnest as there are at least ten plus places within walking distance here that feature the delicacy. The next morning, the "best" crabcake so far was proclaimed to be found at ___________. We were delayed getting away from our berth due to controls malfunctions and found we had to get another boat. The charterer brought a substitute vessel to us in a few hours but alas, it was a sloop as no other catamarans were available. Hoever, we put off and proceeded down Eastern Neck and up the Miles River to St. Michaels. Not much to tell about this as we had to anchor out and found the water taxi was not running. We were disappointed in not getting ashore for crab cakes and the local color there. The next day we sailed across, yes, sailed across to Galesville and spent a great evening at anchor in the West River. The following day we went up the South River and tried crabs and crab cakes at Mike's. Those were deemed top of the line also. We anchored for the evening and went on around Thomas Point light back to the home berth in Eastport the next morning. We did get a good sail off Annapolis for a while but the wind soon said goodbye to us. Anyway, all in all, we got a chance to look around the Bay by boat and it was enjoyable. We plan on doing it again this summer. Come along!

a deliciously romantic Valentine’s Day but we got a perfect weather forecast for the weekend before and decided to go over knowing how chancy conditions can become this time of year. Well, it was a great choice. Let me tell you about it. Karen and Captain Billy cranked up their beautiful new 43 ft. Tiara Cruiser, the BK EXPRESS and we set out early to cross from WPB directly to Walker’s Cay. The seas in the Gulfstream may have been all of three feet, now ain’t that grand! Made it to Memory Rock and entered the Abacos Bank right on the nose in three hours and set sights for Walker’s, the island of great sportfishing. In a little over three and a-half hours, the Captain was threading us through the shallow waters (we hit dead low tide) right into Walker’s marina. We could see the antennas and airport wind sock from a long way out but getting into the basin takes more than a notion for the novice. We found a line of stakes to get us over the bar but it was shoal. A deeper channel goes in another way but we didn’t know that then.
Clearing customs was no problem, since the officials are right there for both air and sea arrivals. Berthing overnight gave us a chance to walk the little island, meet a few inhabitants, find out about the excellent diving and fishing available, and do the bar and restaurant at the resort hotel where the massive wall fish mounts are worth seeing. All gives the impression of comfortable island elegance of times gone by. Walker’s offers laid back relaxation, of which we took good advantage.
The next morning was bright and beautiful so we set out on an excursion down island. Myer Albury, a local guide, gave us some real schooling on getting there from here in the islands. Skirting Bristle Point, crossing the LapDog Lagoon, and avoiding the rocks on Skedge Ledge (not on your chart?, all local names), Myer eased us into Grand Cay for lunch at Rosie’s. He lives there so even though Rosie’s was closed we had lunch anyway, and the fresh fish and lobster were delicious. Set off to Double Breasted Cay (could tell you about the variations the crew came up with for that name, but won’t) exploring that prime cruising area, took a snorkel lookabout before bobbing through a lot of the little cays that we won’t do again without Myer’s local knowledge. The Captain put us on a course back across the bank on the north shore of Grand Bahama, through the canal, and into a berth right at the Marketplace in Lucaya with the shopping, music, cruise tour fanfare, Saturday night regalia, etc. right on our fantail. Sorry the rest of you missed it, but we'll do it again when you are ready. Let us hear from you and we'll tell you about the Limbo Skatemaster and LeanBack Kid, Bradley and the trio, and the Fatman's Nephew. We took a shopping stroll on Sunday morning, and with gorgeous weather holding, we set a direct course from Freeport to the WPB inlet. Capt. Billy, his GPS, autopilot, and the sweet running diesels of the BK EXPRESS put us back home in just over three hours. Can't beat it!! Were the seas and weather agreeable, whow! We'll be telling you about this trip at least until the next one. Join us then.

The COMMODORE’S Corner...

The Commodore greets all his new and previously known boating friends after being out of contact for a while. It sure is good getting in touch with all of you. I’m very much hoping to hear some news from you about boating, sailing, or other. Send me information and I’ll pass it on. I’m looking forward to another great Club year and more boating fun. Anyone looking to boat, sail or cruise needs to get in touch with us. Call us anytime, just leave a message. You’ll hear from us. Those of you that want to share your land or sea experiences, just send us the details. We’ll put them in print here. E-Mail.....CapJay