The Cruiser

From the Helm . . .

Mike DeBettencourt, Fleet Captain

Missy and I just finished a 9 day cruise in the Bay aboard Treasure, visiting with several fleet members along the way. Tom and Wanda Vail aboard Merlin hosted the St. Michaels raft-up for the Antique Boat Show, and, as usual, I think we forgot to actually eat dinner again. Tom and Wanda were also gracious enough to show Missy and me the St, Michaels harbor via their dinghy (mine is powered by oars and sail and is very impractical). The Harrisons and Jacks were also present, and I realized how much I enjoy hearing the sailing and shore side stories of the fleet members. Bill Jack told me of his return sail from Bermuda in his boat, the Sally J, and the lessons he learned along the way. He also made me realize once more that the fleet members are very good sailors in their own right, and I am somewhat humbled when listening. Also, if you want to see the results of true craftsmanship from one of our own members, please ask Tom or Wanda to show you Merlin’s hinged salon table, courtesy of Mike Harrison.

Our week cruise down the bay enabled us to visit with Roy Gillim and Laura Wharton, whom we met at Solomon’s Island for dinner. They are taking a two week long cruise with the Chesapeake Catalina Yacht Club to Norfolk and back, which is their longest sail on their C36, Troubadour. Roy and Laura are hosting the Day of Absurdity with some new events that I am not sure you can really practice for – should be interesting.

What did I learn on my cruise other than that boats are constant maintenance? I learned that NOAA reports are accurate about 60% of the time, that mosquitoes will find any opening in your screens, that the jellyfish have started to inhabit the middle bay areas, that walking miles in 96 degree heat makes you incredibly thirsty, and that going to windward in small craft warnings is never fun. What hurts is that I learned all this long ago, too, and just needed to be taught anew. And for all this, I hope I never have to give up sailing!

I hope to see you all at some of the events this year, and am sure that you will already have stories of your own, for that is what we do.

Richard Toth, the Fleet Captain of Catalina 36 Fleet 5 (Long Island Sound), has also extended us another invitation for any assistance we might need to go to the Catalina East Coast Rendezvous at Mystic, Connecticut. The website for Fleet 5 is www.catalina36.org/Fleet5. He also stated that we would be welcome at any of his other events, if space is still available.

See you on the Bay!

Mike deBettencourt

Treasure

www.debettecourt@comcast.net

From our Vice Fleet Captain,

Mike Harrison

I don’t know about the rest of you but we have been having a great season so far. Our move from storage in New Jersey to Rock Hall in April provided a fine inaugural trip with decent wind and warm weather. The Delaware Bay was even behaving kindly. We stopped over night in Chesapeake City and took advantage of the new City dock, which is free by the way. They even have water and electric available for $5 and $10 respectively, which you drop off at the Town Hall on the honor system. Dinner at one of our favorite spots, The Yacht Club restaurant, two blocks from the dock, was great as usual.

We have had several great outings so far, but one was somewhat noteworthy. We met up with the Vails on Merlin on the Magothy and had a typical nice relaxed evening. The next morning we were both to sail back across the Bay to Rock Hall. The weather seemed good but the wind was getting pretty stiff by the time we pulled up anchor. It appeared that full sails would be too much so I put one reef in the main. Although I was a bit hesitant to let out the 150 I did anyway (knowing that we were actually going to be racing across the Bay, unofficial of course) By the time we got through the neck of the river I had already rounded up twice and I was really not feeling too wise about having all of the Genoa out. This was going to be one of those real white-knuckle rides I thought. After due consideration I decided it would be too difficult to furl in the Genoa so I tried something I had read about. We were on a hard tack so I winched the Genoa in hard and eased the main a bit to depower it. It worked great. Now all I had to do was ride the bucking bronco across the Bay! About halfway across (wind at about 20 kts and seas at about 4 ft), as we blasted into the wind at 6.5 kts and bulldozed through the gnarly chop, I had a revelation. My mental state went from one of fear and trepidation about what could happen, what might break, what if…, to one of shear bliss at the excitement of how the boat was absolutely blasting its way through the wind and seas, in a relatively controlled manner. But, we lost the race to Merlin (a C42 by the way, with a folding prop). Oh well, at least they didn’t know it was a race.

For those that might remember me mentioning that the city owned moorings in Weems Cr, Annapolis, were free for the taking please be advised that they have retagged the moorings with a notice stating that there is a $25/day fee for use, to be paid to the Annapolis Harbormaster. I guess if it seems too good to be true then…

We anchored without any problem on our last visit. We have also enjoyed good wind, good food, good drink and good socializing the day following Memorial Day on the West R., at an impromptu raft on The Wye R. in Shaw bay, with the Banks, Jacks and Vails. And, we rafted with the Vails, Jacks, and Missey and Mike DeBettencourt at St. Michaels during the annual antique boat show. I am really getting the itch to build one of those reproduction Chris-Craft kit boats!

Plan to join one of out raft-ups in the near future! You’ll have a good time, for sure!

Mike Harrison

Bonnie Dew

Fgharrison3@verizon.net

(856) 794-8287

DIESEL CONTAMINATION

This piece of information is for those of you who have not yet attempted to fill your fuel tank with tap water! Last week we arrived at Bonnie Dew late Friday evening after stopping at the Granary for dinner (and beverages). The plan was to sail first thing in the am from Rock Hall to the raft in St. Michaels. We wanted to get there in time to visit the antique boat show and still allow appropriate time for the evening social hour. I only had a couple of items of preparation to take care of on Fri eve. Topping off the water tanks was of course one of them. I will never be able to explain why I began filling the diesel tank with water but fortunately I only squirted for a short while before smelling the rat!

Well, I thought we were going to have to write off the whole weekend, what with finding someone that could pump out the entire tank, filter the fuel, and refill the tank, on a weekend. I went to sleep feeling very depressed. The next morning, with a somewhat cleared head, I decided to ask my friend, a few slips down the dock. with a C36 also, if perchance he had ever done the same thing? (he shall remain nameless) Sure enough his answer was yes! He was kind enough to lend me the hand pump he used to get the water out of his tank. It is one of those sold for changing oil in your engine, with a thin plastic intake tube about 2 ft long. The procedure was very straightforward. First remove the cover panel in the aft cabin to expose the fuel tank. Loosen and pull off the fill hose from the tank and insert the hand pump intake tube so it goes exactly to the bottom of the tank. Using a plastic gallon jug I began pumping. It is so great that diesel fuel is bright red and that water doesn’t mix with it but sinks to the bottom of the tank. It was possible to see clearly the water in the jug. Two gallons worth and I was satisfied that most all water was removed. I still, however, went to West Marine and bought some “water absorber” to treat the tank. One caveat: don’t lay the pump down in the aft cabin while you empty the first jug, it will siphon fuel all day long into the bilge. Periodic checking to the bowl on the primary fuel filter resulted in the trapping of only a couple of ounces of water over the duration of the weekend.

We got off Saturday about 1300 and made St Michaels in time for the important stuff that evening. Sunday we dinghyed over to the museum and took in the antique boats.

Anonymous

GOING FASTER – BACKING STRAIGHTER

Much to my first mate’s chagrin, I usually spend a few boat units each winter on boat upgrades or improvements. During the past winter, I spent several hours during those cold evenings surfing the Internet for a more efficient prop option for our 36XL.

I’ve never liked dragging the “five gallon bucket” under the boat while sailing. On previous boats, I had feathering props, Max-Prop and Autoprop. Both were reliable, low maintenance and definite improvements for motoring and sailing. Both companies make a unit to fit Merlin, but are too expensive to get by my CF-“No”, also known as my Admiral.

For some reason, I always felt better about feathering versus folding. But after reading several owner’s reviews of the Flex-O-Fold propeller, it went on the short list. A couple on a boat like ours sailed one from Vancouver, down to Mexico and over to Hawaii last year and spoke very highly of it being one of the best upgrades that contributed to the success of their trip. With a recommendation like that, I called the distributor and had a chat. After he agreed to the “Miami Boat Show price”, I placed the order for the 3-bladed version to fit our shaft and boat. Costing less than 20 boat units was much better than the competition’s prices.

After sawing around ½ inch off the end of my existing shaft to make room for the folding mechanism, installation took just a few minutes. The unit is very well built of bronze with substantial stainless pins at the three blade pivot points. It’s heavy with nicely machined folding mechanisms. .

The result: We gained about .5 knot motoring and more under sail. In stronger winds of 15-20 knots, it really shines. When folded, the props’ frontal exposure is small, smooth and streamlined. It hasn’t failed to unfold or go smoothly into reverse yet. And no kidding…the boat backs much, much straighter with very little prop walk. Merlin’s happier too.

Tom Vail

Merlin

Changes in Latitude

Wintering in the Bahamas

Windancer spent the entire winter in the Bahamas – from the end of the hurricane season to start of the hurricane season. The last time we cruised the Bahamas was ten years ago in our previous boat, Condor (a Morgan 34), and that was a relatively short visit.

The down side of such a cruise is also the up side. That is, the Bahamas is a long way from the Chesapeake (the “top” of the Bahamas’ 700 islands are roughly on the same latitude as West Palm Beach, Florida and our GPS log showed that we had traveled 1400+ miles from Galesville). But getting there is half the fun. We stuck to the ICW/”Ditch” both ways because we prefer it to “going outside”. For us, the scenic variety of the Ditch swamps the “speed” of offshore passages. It’s also safer.

The Ditch is not for die-hard sailors because there are so few opportunities to sail – Albemarle Sound, the Alligator River, and the Neuse River (all in North Carolina) are pretty much all there is (though motor sailing – “sail motoring” is a more accurate description – is frequently feasible). Windancer draws 6’ which is not always compatible with the seldom-dredged ICW, though we found that the frequently-heard warnings about shoaling to be overblown. Nevertheless, don’t try the ICW without a reliable depthsounder, a good chartplotter (with built-in up-to-date charts and tide information), and supporting materials like the Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob’s book of anchorages. And make sure you adjust your insurance coverage for being outside your normal cruising waters.

Crossing the Gulf Stream – or I should say, waiting to cross – has to be the most frustrating part of any trip to or from the Bahamas. On the way to the Bahamas, we had to wait four days in Ft. Lauderdale for a weather window; on the way back, we waited two days at West End. These are far from hardship ports, but such delays can impact vacation plans and crew-change schedules. The general advice not to cross the Gulf Stream if the wind is from the north is ignored at one’s peril.

On the return, U.S. Customs procedures were so Mickey Mouse I thought we were in a different part of Florida. Don’t get me started!

But the Bahamas is worth it! We now subscribe to the shtick that Bahamian waters are the clearest in the world. The place is lousy with pristine beaches, and the Bahamians are friendly and helpful. The government now welcomes outside capital and the economic consequences are obvious; the economy is strong and the drug culture appears to be history. Where we spent most of our time – the Exumas – cruisers routinely leave their boats wide open (don’t try this in Nassau!). A well-organized cruiser community is quite active, though unobtrusive, with daily VHF announcements of activities for cruisers of all ages. Provisioning is easy, though not cheap, so it’s best to stock up as much as possible before crossing. Repairs you can’t make yourself are best made with the very willing and readily available help of fellow cruisers; or, one can rely on the local talent though only if you appreciate “Bahamian time” – a charming but also frustrating cultural phenomenon endemic throughout the Caribbean. The winds – commonly 20-25 knots – make for marvelous sailing between islands.

Speaking of winds, MJ and I encountered three horrific storms, all while we were on the ICW. Thankfully, each hit while we were at the dock – a full gale pushing the boat against the dock in Charleston all night long on the way down, a similar event from Tropical Depression Barry in Swansboro (NC) on the way back, and a freak storm (55 knots, marble-sized hail, torrential rain) in Belhaven (also NC) that struck within an hour of arrival.

Beyond normal wear and tear, Windancer did quite well, as did we.

Ron Boster

Windancer

The British Virgin Islands

We arrived in Road Town, Tortola, on a Saturday mid-afternoon in March, but were unable to depart until Sunday morning as the rest of our crew didn’t arrive until early evening. Ron and I were briefed on the boat and our itinerary checked with the charter personnel. Our charter company was North South, which has older sailboats for charter at less expense than Moorings. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. However, our only criticism was that we were unable to reach the charter base by VHF. Thankfully, we had no emergencies. Bobby’s Market was within walking distance for provisioning. They carry a large choice of provisions and gave us a lift back to the marina gratis. The Ample Hamper was located at our marina but it is very pricey.

Our first destination was Cooper Island. There were several moorings but none available when we arrived. We decided to set two anchors but, as we were doing so, a neighboring sailboat let us know that they would be leaving in a couple of hours. They signaled when they were leaving and we dinghied over to the mooring ball just in time to snag it as another entering sailboat had also spied it. This night we cooked aboard.

The next day we left for Virgin Gorda’s North Sound and had a lovely sail. We took a mooring in Biras Creek and then dinghied over in front of Saba Rock for some snorkeling. This can be tricky when the sun is not with you as there are many shallow spots. A wonderful meal was had at The Fat Virgin, which is a very short dinghy ride.

The following morning we left for Anagada. Leaving from the North Sound, head due north. You’ll not loose sight of Virgin Gorda, but it’ll be some time before you see what looks like ‘pencils’ on the horizon, which are palm trees. Anagada is but 23 feet above sea level. Thanks to GPS you shouldn’t have a problem locating it. However, the approach is a little tricky. There are many coral heads close to the surface. Luckily, there was a flagship sitting on the first buoy for some time, waiting for its sailboat flotilla to arrive. Even though we had been here before we made use of good fortune and headed for the flagship. Dinner reservations for Anagada lobster must be made by radio by 4 pm. We called Potter’s and were not disappointed (for our second time).

We then left by taxi for a 15-minute ride to Loblolly Bay located on the north shore of Anagada. This has got to be the most beautiful beach/bay we’ve seen in the Caribbean! You can snorkel right off the shore and see great coral and fish. There is a coral reef to the north that keeps the wave action down.

Our fourth day was spent on a beautiful beam reach from Anagada to Jost Van Dyke’s Great Harbor, sailing on the high north side of Tortola. On our previous trip we had seen rainbows in the area and, again, we were treated to another. You usually do not see the violet color so vivid in a rainbow—except for here!

We set anchor and made reservations for dinner. While sitting in the cockpit enjoying a cocktail, we watched as a dinghy went from boat to boat checking up on their flotilla of inexperienced sailors. The sailboat anchored immediately in front of us decided to run their engine to charge their fridge. However, they neglected to check if they were in neutral, and immediately came full speed toward our boat. Once they discovered they were in gear, they pulled back into neutral and were fortunate enough not to have to reset their anchor.

We had not been to the famous Foxy’s on our previous trip. The other ladies on our crew had been before and said the atmosphere was great but the food was a little sketchy. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a nice open-air patio dining area and good food. The highlight was performances from anyone in the audience who wanted to come up and ‘sing for their rum’. Two performers were excellent.

Our next destination was Norman Island. From Jost Van Dyke, you have to go to the west end of Tortola and past Soper’s Hole. We had a very brisk sail (25 knots solid) over to Tortola but you must always motor through this area due to heavy currents and narrow passage. On the south side of Tortola, we again experienced high winds all the way to Norman Island. We moored in The Bight and decided to go ashore for dinner at a newly-renovated restaurant where we were treated to a Tortola steel band. Both food and band were excellent.

The next morning, our intentions were to go snorkeling at the Indians and then return to Road Town due to an early departure by our other two crew. However, the few moorings that you must use were taken. We instead opted to pull into Kelly’s Cove, which is immediately to starboard when you come out of The Bight. There are only 4-6 moorings but we were able to get one and spent one of the most restful days and evenings of the trip. The snorkeling from point to point of the cove was spectacular. We saw a turtle, nurse shark, rainbow moray eel, beautiful coral and large numbers of various fish. Since we were only 7 nm from Road Town, we decided to stay overnight and leave early the next morning.

Leaving early in the morning for Road Town, we arrived back before the fuel dock was opened. This resulted in jockeying our sailboat around other incoming and outgoing vessels for 30-40 minutes. Once fueled, personnel from our marina boarded us to put us stern to in our slip. If you’ve never seen this done, it’s an experience. Mind you they have done this hundreds of time before but they never slow down to a normal docking speed—full speed astern!

Jan and Ron Marburger

S’Wonderful

May-June 2007

Edited By Pat Hershey

From the Helm . . .

Mike DeBettencourt, Fleet Captain

Seizing the weather window that opened on Saturday, I coaxed Treasure from its winter hideout at Harbor View Marina. Along the watery path to its summer slip in Middle River, I bent the sails on but continued motoring in the fluky, light winds. Other sailboats were ghosting along, but I needed to make the dock before 5 PM when the rain and wind was supposed to appear with a vengeance. Not a lot of boats, either motor or sail, were out on the Patapsco, but I could not blame them given the expected storms heading our way. Treasure and I basked in the rare mid-day sunshine, still clinging to our time table. This was a delivery, pure and simple, but ultimately presaged the warmer, slower summer sailing ahead. Yes, it can only get better!

Fleet 3’s spring banquet was held at the Granary Restaurant in Georgetown, Maryland. There is always a kind of excitement at the spring luncheons when we plan the seasonal events. Currently, there are eleven events – one in May, two in June, four in July, one in August, and three in September. Joyce and Andy Stefancik reap the reward for the southernmost event since they are planning on a June raft-up in the Rappahannock. Rock Hall will also be in the limelight this year. This waterfront bastion is celebrating their 300^th birthday with fireworks on July 3, coinciding with our own Day

of Absurdity. As a matter of fact, for those Fleet 3 members who cannot get enough fireworks for our great nation, Barbara and Jeffrey Banks will be hosting a raft-up near Oxford on July 1. Members can then sail from that raft-up to Spring Cove Marina for a fireworks double-dip!

Special congratulations go to Ted Simpson for his rapid updating of our website. Your new Charter is there, as are the pictures from the spring luncheon, and the summer events. I don’t know whether you have been keeping up with the adventures of Anita on the website, but, if not, read the articles and view the pictures. I have read them all at least twice, since, I hope someday to follow in Ann and Bob’s wake. Maybe we can get them to give us a presentation of their travels at our fall meeting.

If anyone has an impromptu or last minute event, please orchestrate it through Mike Harrison, our Vice Fleet Captain. This is just to avoid situations of overlapping events as happened last year.

The rain has ceased, but the wind is now whistling through the mast and spreaders. The boat is heeling 5 degrees to leeward, and the internal wires and halyards are slapping with increasing frequency. It is time to go home, but it will not be long before I will see you on the water!

Mike

Treasure

From our Vice Fleet Captain,

Mike Harrison

Well, it’s April 16, and winter projects are complete.(except bottom paint) Now it looks as though I might as well start a new list, the way the weather is going. Actually, since I like to believe the 10-day weather forecast, it looks like we might hit the water in 7-8 days, with mid 60 degree temperatures.

Speaking of winter projects, I have a couple that have me pretty excited. Not long ago I saw Morgan Freeman (actor/sailor) being interviewed on TV. He was asked what his favorite sound was. His response was “the sound when you shut down the engine”! That’s when I decided to try to upgrade our engine compartment insulation. McMaster-Carr was my source for 1” thick, foil faced, adhesive back foam sheeting. (About $13 per ft x 54 in. wide) I also used ss screws and fender washers to secure it. I would like to offer the following 2 tips if you want to do the same: First, if you don’t wax or grease the screws they grab the foam and twist it like crazy. Second, some parts of my engine had only about a half inch of clearance before applying the insulation. I either cut out or compressed areas by the alternator, water pump and crankshaft to prevent interference. We haven’t tried it out yet. I’ll let you know how it worked in the next issue. I also stripped and refinished our sole boards using “Ultimate Sole Gloss” finish. They look fantastic; I’ll let you know how they hold up later in the season.

Our 2007 raft schedule follows. Please plan to join us when you can. Also, don’t hesitate to contact me with suggestions for a location or event you think would be interesting, or if you would be interested in hosting:

Fgharrison3@verizon.net

(856) 794-828)

Seven years ago when Carol and I started sailing we were more inclined to sail to a marina destination, with a nice secure and cozy slip, than to venture to some “strange” location and drop anchor. However, since joining the Fleet, we have come to know what a great experience a raft weekend can be. The nature of a raft event is so relaxed and casual that even when you have never met the others it is very easy to make quick friends and thoroughly enjoy the rendezvous.

Since Carol works in retail we often find ourselves going out mid-week. On those occasions, when we were alone, we have found one of our favorite spots to go is Weems Creek, in West Annapolis. It’s up the Severn R., past the Academy just south of the Rt. 50 Bridge. It’s a very quiet and scenic creek with 10+/- feet right up to the shore. It has many moorings that are private, public or Naval Academy (for hurricane hiding).

The Annapolis Harbormaster has advised us that (except those marked “private”) they are free on a first come first served basis. There is also no need to contact the Harbormaster, just tie on. There is a public boat ramp and dinghy beach at the southwest corner just before the first bridge. A couple of blocks away is Ridgley Ave., which goes into town. We have heard that there is trolley service into town along Ridgley but haven’t ever used it. If, as we have rarely seen, the moorings are all filled it is possible to anchor in the creek as well. This may require going out near the creek entrance to get space, but it is still a great spot.

Let’s hope the weather is good to us this season.

Mike

Bonnie Dew

The Jack's will be hosting the Annual Memorial Day Wine Tasting Raft Up on the West River on May 26th. If weather and time permit, we will make it a two-day event.

On Saturday, the Sally J will be anchored in the West River in the early afternoon and we will monitor channel 72. This is a great way to kick off the new sailing season, so bring a bottle or two of your favorite wine and join us!

There are three restaurants in Galesville making dinner ashore a possibility. We look forward to seeing lots of Fleet 3 members and hopefully with better weather!

One of our favorite annual events on the bay is the Antique and Classic Boat Festival at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. This year is the festival’s 20th anniversary! The Festival will take place Friday, June 15 11am-5pm, Saturday, June 16 10am–5pm and Sunday, June 17 10am-2pm. Over 100 antique and classic boats, boatbuilding demonstrations, classic Rolls Royce automobiles, maritime craft vendors, food, and more will be present. In addition, CBMM will hold its’ first Moonlight Mixer Concert Saturday evening on Navy Point beginning at 7:30pm.

Merlin will be anchored on the outside off Parrott Point (to port as you head into St. Michaels) from noon Saturday until noon on

Sunday. Look for our pirate flag in the rigging. As always, channel 72 is the hailing channel as you approach. In addition to the traditional sundowners and shared snacks on Merlin after the Festival Saturday, we can join the Moonlight Mixer or have a walk into St. Michaels for dinner.

We hope you can join us for this great weekend at one of the Bay’s more special places. Please RVSP to vailte@msn.com or give a call to 302-383-4064. See you in St. Michaels!

about June 19. We hope to overnight in the Rhode River, Solomons, somewhere in the Northern Neck of Virginia, and then head into into the Rappahannock. We will be spending the night of the 24th in a room at the Tides Inn on Carter Creek. (We found booking a room on-line is cheaper than calling the Tides directly. Go figure.)

Upon heading north, the tail-end of the cruise could coincide with one or both of the Raft-ups at Oxford and/or Rock Hall. Keep in mind the destinations (with the exception of the 24th at the Tides) are subject to revision!

The Catalina East Coast Rendezvous will be held in Mystic, Connecticut from August 10 - August 12. The events will be based at the Mystic Seaport Museum. For those attending by boat contact Bob Fleming at rjflemming@aol.com. Bob is the slip coordinator and will provide information on reserving a slip at the museum. People staying on boats will be able to roam the grounds even after the museum closes to the public. I haven’t seen information on registering with Catalina for the rendezvous. We will put it in the newsletter when the registration information is available.

There are three boats from our fleet that I know that are tentatively planning on attending. Please let me know if you are considering attending. Also, I may be looking for an additional crewmember. Let me know if you have any interest.

If there are people with experience traveling to the area or around the area, I would appreciate you sharing your knowledge about marinas, anchorages, currents, charts for either the Long Island Sound or Block Island route, including New Jersey shore area.

1. Clean the prop and shaft thoroughly burnishing it with bronze wool or sandpaper until it gleams.

2. Apply one thin coat of Interlux Prime wash, undiluted. You'll only need a few ounces each year of this two-part undercoat.

3. After at least one hour, but within six hours, apply one coat of Interlux Ultra-Kote.

At next haul-out, you'll be amazed how growth-free the prop and shaft will be! I use this system every year and am very pleased with it.

A cutting board (we use a Farberware brand that we found at Giant), a file and some sand paper to fine tune the fit, a little bit of elbow grease, and VOILA you have doubled your galley workspace. This is an inexpensive solution to your workspace limitations. Leave it in place for food prep until you’re ready to cook and then just pop it out.

After 12 years (and several replaced boards) we cannot imagine cooking on board without it.

Having discussed one of our favorite anchorages, Weems Creek, in my article I would like to recommend a nearby fine dining spot to cap off your stay in the Creek. Just a couple of short blocks from the dinghy beach, up Tucker St. and right on Melvyn Ave., puts you at Northwoods. This is an elegant upscale restaurant with an intimate atmosphere. Although you might see a tie and jacket here and there they, on one occasion, welcomed us clad in our boat casual attire without any problem.

The prices are moderate, I would say, ranging from $6-10 for appetizers, $24-29 for entrees and $7 for desert. However, they offer a special that we find interesting. For $32.95 you can have any appetizer, salad, any entrée and any desert. Some of our favorite dishes have been Escargot stuffed mushrooms with a killer sauce, Clams Casino and Seafood Bisque for starters. Entrees cover pretty much the full range of steaks, seafood, veal and chicken. We have enjoyed Beef Wellington and Seafood Rockefeller among others.

The Crème Brulee is a great way to finish off the meal. They have a very extensive wine list that goes as low as $16 a bottle and high as you can bear. On our first visit we were very well served by “Rainy”, who remembered us months later on a return visit! Although it is not a waterside location, it is a nice quiet location with outdoor dining as an option if the weather suits. I think Craig LeBan might give it three bells if he ever got out of Philadelphia to eat!

The next weekend, the Pflegers hosted a large gathering in the Choptank confirming the "southern fleet" is active, alive and well. We went into the July-August doldrums patiently awaiting the Spring Cove/Swan Creek Crab Feast shore-side event that included the postponed Day of Absurdity competition. Thank you Mike deBettencourt, Bob Halter and Ann Miller for making this a great day! Come to the Fall Meeting to see who will carry the traveling trophy home for the winter. We were all ready to have our first official Fleet 3 race weekend up on the Chester on Labor Day weekend until tropical storm Ernesto showed up. Mike D had to cancel due to the horrible weather but we look forward to a date next year when we can all show how well we can "cruise" around a racecourse.

Next, MERLIN hosted in Shaw Bay on the Wye River. Read about that in this issue. We’ll plan to repeat that one next year! A mid-September cruise up to Baltimore had four boats joining the Hersheys and Simpsons again at Inner Harbor East for an absolutely gorgeous evening in the marina and a group dinner in Little Italy nearby. The Freys had a great raft-up planned complete with Mai-Tais and a Hawaiian theme in Crab Alley Creek during the third weekend of September. However, the "wind from hell" tore his main into two panels at the clew reef-point as they crossed the Choptank Saturday morning. Regretfully, that was cause to postpone until 2007. By the time we read this, Captain Paskin’s Liar’s Cruise will be in the books after the first week of October and there will be stories to tell.

Thanks to all of the members who made our 2006 events come to life by hosting and attending. Needless to say, without active participation, Fleet 3 would become a barnacle-encrusted dock dweller. Let’s maintain our headway, support those who support us, keep sailing and having fun!

We’ll be hauling MERLIN in mid-November after enjoying some brisk October sailing. As we’ve done the past couple of years, Wanda and I take our boat to Annapolis for our "Boat Show hotel room". This year, we will anchor up Spa Creek and share the space with lots of southbound cruisers. We’re always jealous to see them and dream of the day not too far off when we can join that migration. At this writing, Fleet 3 members Bob Halter and Ann Miller are making their way toward Florida and the Bahamas on ANITA. Maybe they’ll be back to tell us their tales at next year’s Spring Meeting. Bob and Ann would love to get your emails at rlh223@ptd.net. For some reason, they want to know immediately when we get our first snowstorm. Go figure.

Please save Saturday, November 4^th, and join us for our Fall Meeting in Annapolis. Details are in this issue. We look forward to discussing plans for an annual shore-side event and your suggestions for our 2007 sailing events. After all, spring is just around the corner.

Thanks for inviting me out to play this year. The experiences and friends that have come my way are very special and much appreciated. Wanda, Duffy, Zoë and I look forward to next season sailing the Chesapeake with Fleet 3!

Small craft warnings out today, but we handled it very well. Wind off the starboard quarter with a little rolling. Only a 70% jib up, but still doing 6 - 7 knots. Air temperature is 60 degrees, but lower in the breeze. Must be the last hurrah for the season! As the sun sets, my mind turns to the fleet events of the last summer.

It is also the last hurrah for one of our cruising friends, Tom Vail, who is exiting the office of the Fleet Captain. Over the last year, I have admired the job Tom did.. Acting as the Fleet captain of the largest Catalina 36 fleet is not easy, but Tom handled his duties with an ability to meld different viewpoints into a fleet consensus. Thank you, Tom. By the way, Tom also owns one of the best new toys I have seen lately on a boat. Hoisting him up his mast was effortless with his rechargeable winch grinder. Nice!

At our fall luncheon in Annapolis, we will be asked to think about a yearly event for fleet members. I am in favor of it. Without a doubt, I enjoyed the Day of Absuridty and Crab Feast, which were combined this summer. The Day of Absurdity events brought people together to laugh at their own antics, since it is impossible to be specialists in the events which Bob Halter and Ann Miller concocted. The fellowship of the fleet was felt foremost, and then it was capped off by hot steamed crabs. I would suggest that this, or something like it, be held annually as a fleet paid event. I know there are concerns from others, and there should be an open discussion about it at the fall luncheon.

I also heard from our Catalina 36 fleet brethren from Long Island. Is there any interest in getting together with them, say in Cape May next year?

The sunset was spectacular again, and the slats are now in place, keeping some semblance of warmth to the cabin as dinner is prepared. One last note in advance of the talk at the fall luncheon. I read a book on the Great Loop entitled "Honey, Let’s Get a Boat" by Ron and Eva Stob. It was entertaining, and if you have a chance to read it, please do. If you do read it, my question to you is "What do the authors think about sailors?".

Please save the date, Saturday, November 4^thand plan to attend Fleet 3’s Fall Meeting. We will be holding our luncheon and meeting at Griffin’s City Dock Restaurant, 22 Market Place in Annapolis from 11:30 to 14:30.

Our speakers for this meeting are Roxanne and Lenny Nelson who recently completed "The Great Loop" cruise circling the eastern half of the United States. The passage includes the ICW, the New York canal system, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and the Tenn-Tom waterway. Over 7000 miles and 140 locks must be navigated. The Nelson’s (former C36 owner) accomplished this feat on their Island Gypsy 32 "Summertime" and have lots to share with us. Don’t miss it!

We’ve met at Griffin’s on several occasions and their food and service are always great. Lunch choices are "Crab Cake on toast Points with Savory Fries" or "Open-faced Grilled Sirloin Steak on Sourdough". Our lunch includes mesclun salad, coffee, tea or cola and dessert du jour. Cost per person is $28.00 including tax and gratuity. Please bring your check payable to C36 Fleet 3 with you to the meeting. A cash bar will also be available.

The business meeting will include our officer’s reports and elections for the 2007 season. New business will include a discussion and vote on holding a club-sponsored shore-side event each season and the officers will be anxious to hear your feedback and suggestions. The Fall Meeting is a great time to pay your 2007 dues as well. They will again be $25 for the year. After the meeting, why not step on over to Fawcett’s and do a little holiday shopping?

Your reservations contact is Tom Vail, Fleet Captain. Tom may be reached at 302-383-4064 or by email at vailte@msn.com. We MUST provide Griffin’s with our count and lunch choices no later than Friday, October 27^th. Please assist by letting Tom know early.

After reading that the Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe Association was racing this weekend in the Miles River, and "Music on the Bay" was planned for Shaw Bay on Saturday afternoon, it was a natural for an "add-on" raft-up event. So Wanda & I, on MERLIN, invited the fleet to join us.

Light winds resulted in cancellation of the races Saturday, so we motored into the Wye and dropped anchor in Shaw Bay early in the afternoon. As each hour passed, the population in the anchorage doubled, then tripled and quadrupled. BLUEBIRD and CATNIP joined the raft. HMS FOX and friends Lenny and Roxanne on their trawler SUMMERTIME were nearby and ADNILYBOT arrived in time for the start of the music. Annapolis’ favorite locals, THEM EASTPORT OYSTER BOYS were perched atop a raft of vessels nearby. We all jumped in our dinghies and joined the large gaggle of fans along the stern side of the music venue. The BOYS were great, playing for two hours featuring their humor and Bay-focused musical storytelling. Around six, the concert closed and we buzzed back to our boats. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful Shaw Bay sunset, Judy’s famous meatballs and other yummy snacks along with sundowners in true Fleet 3 fashion. Look for this unique and special event to gather the fleet again next year!

On Saturday, September 16^th, six boats braved a blustery, misty, rainy morning to rendezvous at the Inner Harbor East Marina. Attendees included Moon Struck (Econs), Merlin (Tom Vail and Bill Gore), Nipper’s Clipper (Simpsons), S’Wonderful (Marburgers), Solstice (Hersheys), and Legacy (Yarwoods). As the day progressed, the weather cooperated and the sun came out. Many of the group succumbed to the temptation to do some shopping and have lunch while enjoying the sights of the Inner Harbor.

Tom Vail graciously agreed to host our lively early evening cocktail party aboard his stretch 36, Merlin. Our usual congregating area on the dock was occupied by a live band and party.

The group then walked to Amicci’s in Little Italy for delicious authentic Italian cuisine. The portions were generous, the service was excellent and the wine flowed plentifully. We can highly recommend the lasagna, a sumptuous delight we’ve been told "Grandma" Amicci makes each day!

Sunday morning, most of the group walked to Jimmy’s in Fells Point for breakfast. By about 11AM all boats had departed the marina, after another enjoyable weekend in the Inner Harbor.

Most boats headed back to their respective marinas, while Nipper’s Clipper and Solstice headed out for a weeklong cruise to Chestertown at a leisurely pace.

This year’s newly christened "Liars Cruise" has come and gone. In like a lamb and out like a lion. The cruise started nicely enough with fair skies and NW winds at 10-15 on Sunday 1 October. Three boats (L’CHAYIM with Harvey Paskin, HMS Fox with Jeff and Barbara Banks, and Ad-Nily-Bot with Toby and Linda Frey) had a great sail up from the south to rendezvous in Eagle Cove on the Magothy River. We enjoyed cocktails and nibbles on board LCHAYIM and then decided to call it an evening. On Sunday, with a forecast of 10-15 kts from the south, we decided to head over to Grays Inn Creek on the Chester River. Not surprisingly, shortly after entering the bay, what little wind there was did not build to 10-15, but rather dropped to 0-5. Thus we had a leisurely motor crossing.

Fox and LCHAYIM got a head start on Ad-Nily-Bot and stopped just outside of the entrance to Queenstown. Fox dropped anchor, and Jeff and I took a dinghy ride into the Queenstown public dock (yes, there really is one). We walked into downtown Queenstown, and were surprised to find a quaint little town center with a bank, deli, real estate office, and post office. The deli was scarcely populated with cold drinks and baked goods. It is really a place where locals come to eat and get sandwiches. We sounded the channel on the way in and believe there is plenty of water for those of you wanting to enter and anchor off to the left of the entrance channel. We chose not to because of previous experiences I had with waterman breaking the serene silence very early in the mornings. So off we went to Grays Inn Creek along with Ad-Nily-Bot.

With only three boats, we were really short of a good number of willing liars, so we were glad to hear that S’Wonderful with Jan and Ron Marburger would be joining us on Tuesday evening. On Tuesday the weather was warm, clear, and the south wind of 10-15 kts scheduled for Monday materialized. We left the anchorage after a restful morning and just sailed around the Chester for a few hours. S’Wonderful joined the fleet during this time, all of us going in and out of the Corsica River under sail. We all sailed into Davis Creek for the evening. Fox (a stretch 36) was gracious and brave enough to serve as the anchor boat for the other three 36s, and we all rafted on her for appetizers. Liars’ activities seemed to focus on stories rather than games for the evening, and we put off the games till the following day. Catnip with Andy and Joyce Stefancik called and said they would be joining us on Wed evening, so we looked forward to increasing the pool of liars on Wednesday evening. Not to be caught without practicing, Toby, Jeff, Ron and I practiced some liars dice while at anchor in Davis Creek on Wednesday afternoon. Watch out for Ron, he is a fast learner and a good liar!

We broke up the raft about 2:30 in the afternoon and sailed around the Chester for an hour or so before entering Reed Creek. The wind was out of the south again at about 10-15 with little wave height. It was really fun just tacking back and forth with no real urgency to get anywhere. For those of you who have never been into Reed Creek, don’t follow S’Wonderful in. Jan claimed to be familiar with the entrance, so we agreed to let her lead us in. She stayed a bit too much to the left of the channel, and came dangerously close to running aground. Nevertheless, we all made it in safely and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and protection of the shoreline from the south wind. Catnip joined us late in the day, but just in time to help eat up the last of the hors d’oeuvres.

As we were contemplating the evening’s activities, we tuned in the weather forecast and were surprised to hear that the wind was supposed to shift to the north during the night and pipe up to 15 kts or more. The forecast for Thursday was 15 kts from the north, and the Friday and Saturday were forecast to have winds greater than 20-25 kts with a chance of rain. Throwing caution to the winds, we decided to break up the raft, and head for home on Thursday. During the evening the wind did indeed pick up and shift to the north (about 5 in the morning), and some of us dragged, some more than others. Fortunately, no one ran aground nor damaged any other boats. On Thursday morning the wind continued to blow out of the north, gusting to more than 15 kts. We left Reed Creek (I led the way with my un-trusty chart plotter), and set sail outside the entrance. The wind seemed to subside a bit and it was a great broad reach down the Chester to the green can at Hail Point. As we turned into the wind we had a broad reach up to bell "G9", and then began a six tack beat up the Chester to get past Love Point. The wind was blowing about 15-17, and the waves were not too bad, so all in all it was a fun, albeit long, excursion. Once passing Love point, it was a broad reach down the bay to Annapolis for L’CHAYIM, FOX, and Ad-Nily-Bot. S’Wonderful opted to motorsail back to Rock Hall, and Catnip opted to sail home to the Magothy.

The cruise was cut a little short by the weather (which proved to be as forecasted…Friday and Saturday were rainy, chilly, and very windy), but it did not dampen the spirits of the intrepid participants. In fact, we were damp with spirits the whole week!

At the Annapolis Sailboat show this year, I had a discussion with the Lewmar folks about our leaking portlights that we discovered had once again begun to have a slow leak. They told me I was lucky that it took almost 10 years for the leaks to occur.

I stated that, after various unsuccessful attempts at controlling the leaks, I realized that covering the small expansion gaskets with a thin layer of caulk stopped the leaks. However, the caulk deteriorated after 4-6 months and the leaks returned. The Lewmar rep said the next time we have a leak, just scrape out the gray expansion gasket entirely (see arrows on illustration) and replace it with caulk.

Dump everything in a plastic bag and swish around to mix. Throw in meat (I use a thick London Broil) and marinate at least 4 - 5 hours. Grill.

One of the highlights of the Northern Bay is the beautiful Sassafras River. Each season brings an array of varied color on the shores and an abundant variety of wildlife both on the water and on land among which are a growing number of bald eagles that call the Sassafras home. Anchorages are plentiful and range from the cozy quiet of Turner Creek to the more exposed and lively beaches that dot the shoreline. Seven or so miles in the river where the Route 213 Bridge crosses are five marinas, which offer overnight deep-water slips. From each of these marinas you can take a short walk or tender ride to the Granary Restaurant on the northern side of the river in the marina by the same name.

Superb cuisine and attentive service are the trademark of this restaurant which attracts a large crowd for the mid-week specials which range from ½ price burgers to $7.95 entrees on family night. Each regular menu entree includes a starch and vegetable and they range in price from $15.00 to $25.00. A wide variety of starters and desserts are also available as is an array of sandwich choices in the $8-$10 range all served with fries and a pickle.
Each day features a special menu offering a $1.50 beer, freshly made soups, and several meat and fish selections. The bar offers a casual atmosphere while the dining room is more elegant. From both dining areas at dinnertime the best seats are near the western windows to enjoy the sun as it sets over the river, a treat that alone makes the trip up the Sassafras worth your time and effort.

During our first week in Maine this year, we heard that the temperature in Washington was 102° with a "feel-like" temperature of 112°. It was an unnecessary reminder of why we sail Down East in August.

After years of sailing the boat to Maine, this year we hired a professional skipper to deliver Windancer to Maine. We figured the added cost would be offset by an extra 7-10 days of sailing Down East. Our conclusion – we made the right decision!

Don’t get me wrong; the sail from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine is a great trip, which I recommend highly. We enjoy Cape May and Block Island, as well as Newport and Buzzards Bay (not to mention, P-Town, Gloucester, and the like). But after doing the same old route for so many years we decided to opt for more cruising time in Maine. I had no trouble finding a suitable delivery captain because I belong to the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association and did not need to utilize CAPCA’s "job bank" (contact: jobs@CAPCA.net).

As a result of the delivery, we had three full weeks in Maine waters which permitted a somewhat more leisurely pace. The fact that we had near-perfect weather, with only two days of thick fog contributed to the enhanced relaxation of this cruise. And the fog did not inhibit our sailing, even though our old radar finally croaked. We did, however, make some ten ports of call – familiar haunts like Eagle Island and Potts Harbor in Casco Bay (there are Eagle Islands all over the Maine Coast!), Tenants Harbor, Christmas Cove, Robinhood/Riggs Cove, and Camden, as well as new ones like Friendship (where the Friendship Sloop was born) in well-charted but poorly marked Muscongus Bay, Pemaquid Harbor, Belfast, and Center Harbor (famous for its Beetle Cats and other gorgeous wooden boats built by the local Brooklin Boat Yard). Underway, the highlight of the cruise was the same as last year – sailing the length of Eggemoggin Reach on a beam reach at hull speed. It really doesn’t get any better!

We stayed three days each in Portland, Camden, Belfast, and Bass Harbor, which allowed us ample shore time (including a visit to the excellent Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, just a few miles from Belfast). At Bass Harbor, we used the LL Bean shuttle to explore Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park. The free shuttle service is a great way to get around. It runs all over the place from early morning to late at night.

MJ and I saw lots of dolphins and seals, but no whales. Our skipper and her crew, however, did record several whales north of the Cape Cod Canal. They also recorded "FLIES, MILLIONS OF THEM!" while running the Delaware Bay. Better them than us, I say! Importantly, we have now gone three consecutive years without snagging a single lobster pot.

And finally, don’t believe the Mainers’ adage – "lobstah’s lobstah" – the Dolphin Restaurant in Potts Harbor (at the end of Harpswell Neck) serves the best lobster (and lobster stew) in Maine. Where to get the best lobster rolls has never been in dispute – Reds Eats in Wiscassette on Route 1 (but be prepared to stand in a long line).

We have been on the water for three weeks now and can report we are having a great time. We stopped in Solomons (there are a few mooring balls at Zahnisers now), Reedville and Deltaville. At Deltaville, we spent a few days with Jim and

Anne Wood who are members of the C36 club. We met them a few years ago when we went to Block Island and points north. We were treated royally, including an oyster roast and services to town. Our next stop was at Wilton Creek, the home of Stan and Chyrel Coloff. Again, we were given a hearty welcome. Their home is just wonderful, on a hill, overlooking their dock in the creek. It is heartwarming to have such good friends in our sailing fleet.

From there, we sailed to Onancock, up the beautiful creek to the town dock. Folks were very friendly; showers were hot; food at the "Mallard" restaurant by the dock was delicious. We originally planned to head to Cape Charles from there, but the weather forecast called for severe weather for a few days so we decided to head back to the western shore to make it easier for us to slip down the shoreline to Norfolk when we could. As you know, it was quite a front. We chose to go to Sarah Creek on the York River to weather the storm. We anchored in the creek just beyond the York River Yacht Haven for the first two days of the storm. The wind blew; the rain poured; the boat swung this way, and that way, and this way, and that way. When there was a slight break in the storm, we ran for the marina and took a slip. Yeah! Electric, water, wifi, hot showers, great restaurant, very nice people and, most importantly, a good night's sleep.

Norfolk was the next stop. We stayed at Waterside and played tourist for two days. The high point was touring the USS Wisconsin. Bob enjoyed reliving the old navy days. We chose to take the Dismal Swamp route south. We made both locks in one day and anchored behind Goat Island just north of Elizabeth City. We considered the swamp to be beautiful, yet tedious and tiring. We had 6 - 10 feet of water, but we still hit some unseen floating object four different times. That was somewhat unnerving. We decided that day that we probably wouldn't return through the swamp. Four hits with no damage; we feel fortunate.

We are now in Elizabeth City for two days. Docks at the city wharf are free, with wifi and water, but no electricity nor restrooms. We were treated to wine and cheese by a group of "Rose Buddies", including Fred, sans roses. These folks greet boaters every afternoon of the week! They are not spring chickens, but their enthusiasm makes up for lack of speed!

Tomorrow we cross Albemarle Sound and through the Alligator River. In a few days, we'll be in New Bern, visiting Brian and Dottie Giersch. Looking forward to seeing them.

Toby Frey has found a comprehensive winterizing checklist with instructions developed by Rich Lemieux: Rich Lemieux's definitive 'Major System Winterizing Checklist' for the C36 MkII. It was developed to help remember all the steps necessary to get the boat ready for the winter. If anyone is interested in a copy please send a request to him: