Fall Cruise 2014

The Fleet departed their respective home ports on Friday through Sunday. Some spent the first night at Broad Creek, while others pressed on to Spa Creek. All of the boats rendezvoused in Annapolis on Sunday evening.

Fleet List: Aquila, Champagne, Elsie's Phantasie, Puesta del Sol, Silent Running, and Windsprint.

Monday: We woke to find a Spanish galleon anchored off of the Naval Academy. It attempted to move into the city dock but they were not ready. In the process came pretty close to Elsie's Phantasie. The fleet dropped off their moorings mid morning and started the sail south to Eastern Bay and the Wye River. The wind was 20+ knots from the NE, and we made excellent speed on a broad reach. After making the turn at Bloody Point, we all reefed for a close haul up Eastern Bay. Once we were in the Wye, we found Dividing Creek with many boats already at anchor, so we pressed on to Granary Creek. This anchorage was very calm and we felt comfortable building rafts for the night. The crews gathered on Champagne for happy hour.

Tuesday: We broke up the rafts and hauled anchor with an agreed destination of Higgins Yacht Yard in St. Micheals.Some of the fleet motored and some sailed out of the Wye and down the Miles River. The wind was light and fortunately it was a short distance. By the time most of reached the Miles, the wind diminished further and most of us motored. Puesta del Sol had a battery failure and was unable to start their engine. Joe and Dave took a starter battery out by dink to assist when they got close to the entrance to St. Micheals. They were able to get the engine started and made their way to the marina. Some of the ladies went into town to explore and shop. We all gathered on Elsie's Phantasie for happy hour and then the crews walked to dinner at the Town Dock Restaurant, followed by dessert and coffee on Aquila.

Wednesday: Due to the predicted weather for Thursday, the fleet decided to sail to Harness Creek on the South River that would offer good protection from the forecasted wind. Windsprint chose to depart earlier than planned to avoid the weather. They made the 10:00 bridge opening at Kent Narrows and were rewarded with a great sail to Bodkin Point. The rest of the fleet sailed up the Miles close hauled and transitioned to a run down Eastern Bay. Once we got to the Bay, most of the fleet reefed for the sail to the South River. The wind was 25Kts from the North. We made it into the anchorage by 14:00 and decided it was prudent to anchor separately because of the predicted winds. The rain started just at 17:00, as predicted (go figure...) After all of the anchors were set, we all gathered on Aquila for snacks and drinks. The anchorage proved to offer excellent protection and the storm passed without incident.

Thursday:The forecast was for rain through the morning, but it was sunny and calm (in the anchorage...) We decided to try to move and Champagne headed off early to get a pump out in Selby Bay. The rest of the fleet hauled their anchors and started to follow, only to hear Champagne call saying the winds were more than 25Kts before they got to the Bay and were turning back. The rest of us took their queue and returned to Harness Creek and reanchored. We created a few rafts and spent the day taking a walk to Fawcetts in Annapolis. After the trek, we gathered for drinks and snacks, then dessert on Silent Running.

Friday: Aquila and Puesta del Sol had to leave the fleet today. They departed for their homeports and Champagne rafted to Silent Running until we were ready to depart. We departed the anchorage at 10:30 en route to Broad Creek. The wind was 10Kts from the North and we tacked across the Bay and back to Annapolis. After several tacks, we were able to make it under the Bay Bridge and into the Magothy. We were the only boats in the creek and formed a three boat raft. Relaxation, drinks and eating ensued...

Saturday: Saturday morning was beautiful, clear and calm... We set off for our final stop of the cruise.Elsie's Phantasie headed of to Rock Hall and Champagne and Silent Running set sail to Rock Creek. We were able to sail through the morning, but as mid day arrived, the wind went to almost zero and we were forced to resort to the engines. We found Narsilion anchored in Rock Creek and Tom was gracious enough to offer us each a side. We invaded Narsilion for happy hour and then Silent Running for dessert.

Sunday:This morning, as we head back to our home ports, the wind is calm and the waters are flat. Fortunately it was only a few hours of motoring back to our marinas.

Once again, the fall cruise was a fun time, with lots of sailing. This is the first time that we have had to hold up due to weather, but we made the best of it. We are looking forward to next year's cruise already!

See the Spot track of Silent Running

Bill & Linda
S/V Silent Running