SpinSheet Magazine October 2023

To see more details about this and all other yachts around the globe, please visit our website.

1974 37’ Irwin - $16,500 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1986 38’ Wauquiez - $65,000 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

1970 38’ Herreshoff - $29,900 Lin Earley - 757.672.2778

1985 38’ Bristol - $69,000 Jason Hinsch - 410.507.1259

1993 39’ Catalina Morgan - $73,000 Dennis Mancinelli - 404.395.6688

1985 40’ Tartan - $80,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1998 45’ Custom Steel Boats - $110,000 Jason Hinsch - 410.507.1259

2011 49’ Hanse - $289,500 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

1980 53’ Bruce Roberts - $165000 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

1977 41’ Morgan - $60,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1993 42’ Kelsall - $89,500 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

1990 43’ Slocum - $185,000 Jim Davis - 386.871.4959

Worldwide Yacht Sales

1985 27’ Island Packet - $40,000 Dennis Mancinelli - 404.395.6688

1998 28’ Hunter - $27,900 Dan Tisoskey - 267.784.7229

1979 30’ Mystic - $17,500 Grant Stadler - 704.589.9244

1964 33’ Rhodes - $21,900 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

1996 32’ Nimble Wanderer - $55,000 Dennis Mancinelli - 404.395.6688

1888 35’ George Lawley & Sons - $249,000 Fletcher Bauman - 410.263.2000

2015 37’ Beneteau Oceanus - $142,000 Curtis Stokes - 410.919.4900

2012 37’ Custom - $300,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1980 37’ Tartan - $39,900 Lin Earley - 757.672.2778

1984 36’ Union - $70,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1977 36’ Islander - $36,500 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1982 36’ Vancouver - $60,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

74

Features

50

Farewell to Friends: Jimmy Buffett

The legendary songwriter and sailor enjoyed many experiences and friendships on the Chesapeake Bay.

By David Gendell

68

Stories of the Century: Logging 100 Days

Thirty SpinSheet Century Club members have confirmed having already logged their 100 days on the water in 2023. How many more will reach their goals?

Presented by bacon sails and Marine suPPlies

74

Welcome to the Annapolis Sailboat Show!

SpinSheet’s exclusive guide to navigating the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 12-15), checking out new boats and products, and meeting sailors.

100

Bluewater Dreaming: 15 Months, 1500 Miles, and 15 Days

Two SpinSheet columnists share drinks, ukelele songs, and stories about their very different paths to St. Martin.

By Cindy Wallach and John Herlig

Presented by M yacht services

116

Autumn Awesomeness for Chesapeake Racers

Annual and championship regattas, CRAB Cup, A2N Lighthouse Challenge, Labor Day events, Navy Oxford Race, and more Chesapeake racing news.

Presented by Mount Gay ruM

138

Sailing Out of Range

To minimize the number of sails onboard, you need to be able to take a sail out of its designed range and make it work.

By David Flynn of Quantum Sails

Mark Hergan of Deadrise Marine Photography took this month’s cover shot at a BCYA Tuesday Night Race. BCYA hosts its Harbor Cup October 21. Find more sailing events in our calendar on page 54.

# Photo courtesy of Dick Franyo

# Photo by Will Keyworth

This issue is dedicated to Mike Cranfield

Beth Crabtree

By Thomas Crabtree

Presented

104 Coral Conscious in the Caribbean By Chelsea Co

106 Charter Notes: Eat Better and Spend Less on Charter By Zuzana Prochazka

109 Cruising Club Notes

Cruising Scene Racing Beat

Presented by yaZu yacthinG

116 Racing News

Presented by Mount Gay ruM

134 Crews That Click: The J/30 Shamrock Team By Storrie Kulynich-Irvin

136 Small Boat Scene: What’s the Shape of the Wind? By Kim Couranz

138 Racer’s Edge By David Flynn of Quantum Sails

For breaking news, photos, and videos, visit spinsheet.com

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Dave Gendell

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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SpinSheet is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake Bay sailors. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of SpinSheet Publishing Company. SpinSheet Publishing Company accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.

SpinSheet is available by first class subscription for $45 per year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to SpinSheet Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C Annapolis, MD, 21403.

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© 2023 SpinSheet Publishing Company

Go the Distance, Love the Journey

What color was the sky? In this image, you can see sunshine reflected on the water, hull, deck, and shin of the sailor on the rail. Knowing that the photo was taken on September 9 on the Chesapeake, you could guess “blue sky” and be statistically accurate.

Who are those sailors? What are they talking about? Are they comfortable snuggling up under the headsail like that? Is it hot? Do the teammates like one another? A non-sailor—or

By Molly Winans

cruising sailor—may be baffled by this photograph. It made me giggle.

If you were a racing sailor, from anywhere in the world, who was shown only this one photo from the start of the 30-nautical-mile Navy Sailing Race to Oxford, what would you think? You may consider the obvious lack of wind and think, Ouch, that will be a long race, or I’ve been there. You may say to yourself, Those were the days. Or you may giggle.

For new sailors or non-racers out there, by hunkering on the low side,

the crew in this image is keeping the boat moving as effectively as possible in a gentle breeze. Our racing guru, David Flynn of Quantum Sails, explains lightwind crew placement aboard big boats:

“I like to say, ‘Assume the position,’ which is forward and to leeward. We want to create maximum heel and minimal wetted surface. As the breeze builds, you can think of moving along the diagonal line towards the cockpit; we move up and aft.” (See David’s latest racing tips on page 138.)

Light-air sailing is not for the faint of heart, as we Chesapeake Bay sailors well know. It takes patience, teamwork, and a certain kind of sailing-crazy crew that will go the distance and love the journey. But man, it’s not always easy to love.

This photo reminds me of two things:

1) my need for new sailing shoes; and

2) Steven Crane’s “The Open Boat,” a short story about a shipwrecked crew in a small boat in an angry ocean. Its famous first line reads, “None of them knew the color of the sky.” This poor racing crew pictured hiding behind the black headsail in calm waters can’t see the sky, either— and sailing 30 miles in such light wind makes for a long day.

As fate would have it, a few hours after our photographer took this shot, the breeze built, and a front with winds up to 35 knots slammed race crews for an exciting finish (see page 128). Thank you to Ted Morgan for the great photo and laugh! (Find the gallery link at spinsheet. com/photos.)

We hope you enjoy this massive October issue, our biggest of the year, jam-packed with stories for cruisers, day sailors, racing sailors, boat show visitors, and the sail-curious. As the Annapolis Sailboat Show comes to town mid-month, so does the excellent sailing breeze. Get out there and enjoy it!

# Photo by Ted Morgan

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Learn more at HAVENHARBOUR.COM.

Visit Booths A2–A4 for our unbelievable boat show specials on in-stock, at-the-show outboards and 2024 slips!

Sailing Barbie

Ithought the SpinSheet staff might enjoy my latest commission for a custom Shields yacht (a bespoke, functioning remote-controlled model) being built for a very “A list” Hollywood actor.

Steve Schertler

SpinSheet in the Whitsunday Islands Annapolis J/105 sailor

Bill Carruth posted this great photo of him with his wife Linsley while sailing the Whitsunday Islands, Australia: “Stunning place to sail among whales and vibrant coral reefs.” Note Linsley’s SpinSheet Racing Team shirt by Team One Newport!

SpinSheet in the San Juan Islands

Janet Gonski writes: Our club (Singles on Sailboats) just returned from a week in the San Juan Islands in Washington state above Seattle… Nine boats and around 50 club members participated, and several of them remembered to bring a SpinSheet with them.”

Remembering Captain kevin Eley | 1959 – 2023

On September 4, our hearts were weighed down with sorrow as we bid farewell to Captain Kevin Eley. We gather not only to mourn his passing but to celebrate a life that left an indelible mark on the sailing community and

From Youth Sailing Virginia (YSV)

countless young hearts. Our deepest condolences go out to Kevin’s beloved wife Sue; his sons, George, Will, and Henry; and all of his family and friends.

Kevin was not just an avid sailor; he was a guiding light in our sailing community. He embarked on a voyage of dedication and passion that led to the establishment and growth of YSV.

YSV would not exist without Kevin’s determination. Seeking a practice venue for his sons’ high school sailing team, he discovered a promising location on Mill Creek at Fort Monroe. With boundless enthusiasm, he reached out to the Fort Monroe Authority and tirelessly worked to secure the site. The city of Hampton rallied behind the mission, and thanks to Kevin’s leadership, a pier was constructed that soon became the home of the YSV fleet of FJs.

Kevin’s vision transformed YSV into the thriving hub it is today—a place where high school and college teams converge to practice and a host for regattas. YSV’s growth didn’t stop there; it evolved into an accredited US Sailing Community Sailing Center and a REACH Education Center. The comprehensive programs, including learn-to-sail camps, water safety and survival, workshops and family learnto-sail lessons, have become a beacon of development for countless youth.

Kevin’s legacy is not confined to the realm of sailing; it extends to the countless youths who, through his dedication, discovered the joys of sailing, many of whom might not otherwise have had the joy of experiencing.

Friends may make donations to YSV in memory of Captain Kevin Eley. Visit youthsailingva.org.

I m p r e s s i v e V o l u m e , F a s c i n a t i n g P e r f o r m a n c e a n d H i g h - Q u a l i t y E q u i p m e n t D e t a i l s

B e l o w d e c k f e a t u r e s e x q u i s i t e , m o d e r n I n t e r i o r , a n d e f f o r t l e s s l y s t y l i s h a n d d e e p l y c o m f o r t a b l e l i f e a b o a r d

U n i q u e I n t h e c l a s s , t h e s p a c i o u s c o c k p i t I s t h e p e r f e c t p l a c e f o r a s o c i a b l e s u n d o w n e r .

Great Adventures Begin Here.

The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

On the Chesapeake we are fortunate for many reasons. For sailors, one reason is that every October the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) draws a fleet of majestic sailing ships for a jaunt down the Bay from Baltimore to Norfolk.

For the inside scoop on this race, we asked veteran GCBSR skipper Duncan Hood, captain of the 48-foot, Annapolisbased Adventurer for a few insights. We reached Hood, who has participated in the race every year since 1997 and is board chair for the GCBSR organization, just after he returned from the Gloucester Schooner Festival and Race, where Adventurer captured first in her class.

Hood says, “When the schooner race started in 1988, the world was very different from today. The Pride of Baltimore was launched, there was no internet, email, cell phones, or texting. In a bar one night, Lane Briggs, a tugboat captain who had a small personal tug named Norfolk Rebel with a schooner rig attached, challenged Jan Miles, captain of the Pride of Baltimore to a race from Baltimore to Norfolk. The winner would take home a case of beer. Little did they imagine the repercussions of the challenge.

“Now, the schooner race is an annual event which draws schooners and traditionally rigged sailboats from up and down the East Coast. It’s been an honor and an exciting tradition to participate in, both as a crew member and now as a captain. Each year, I try to assemble a group whose personalities gel into a cohesive crew. In the past 20-plus years that I’ve participated, we’ve had all sorts of weather from crazy-windy-smash-inthe-face to absolute flat calms. Sailing is one of those things that when it’s good, it’s glorious, and when it’s bad it’s just miserable. We’ve had both and everything in-between.

“From my point of view, it’s been most gratifying to see the evolution of our giving programs. Each year we raise monies for local charities up and down the Bay and to date, we’ve raised over $300,000. To look out at the starting line and see 20-30 of these classic boats arrange themselves may be like trying to make elephants dance, but it’s a beautiful sight, and they strike a chord in your heart as sails fill in the breeze pulling them forward from past history into the present. It’s a thrill. That’s a fact.”

This year, the racing action begins at noon on Thursday, October 5, just south of the Bay Bridge. More than 20 vessels are expected at the start line for the 130mile race to Norfolk. Special land-based events focused on education will take place in Baltimore and Norfolk, before and after the race. In Baltimore the public

may view the vessels dockside at Anchorage Marina on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 3 and 4. An expeditionary learning experience will bring approximately 100 students onto select vessels Wednesday morning, and that evening a parade of sail will begin at 5 p.m., with viewing from Canton, Fells Point, Harbor East, and the Inner Harbor shorelines.

In Norfolk schooners may be viewed dockside on Saturday, October 7, at Freemason Harbor Basin at the Pagoda. Some vessels may be open for tours. That evening the traditional sea chantey sing-along begins at 9 p.m. under the overhang at Nauticus Foundation. Events conclude on Monday, October 9 with more educational experiences. Some schooners with commercial licenses will run day charter sails from the Nauticus docks. Find more details at gcbsr.org

# Taken from under the bowsprit of Pride of Baltimore, this image captures Adventurer flying two spinnakers during a very light wind race start. Photo courtesy of Duncan Hood

Luxury Reimagined

Walking a beach where the only footprints in the sand, are your own. Enjoying a refreshing drink from an island bar only accessible by boat. Waking up each morning with the flexibility to sail anywhere you wish. These experiences redefine luxury -- and are the hallmark of any yacht charter vacation.

This year, we invite you to discover unbridled freedom and authentic travel experiences with The Moorings. Unforgettable moments await.

|

Support Fish For a Cure

For the past several years, our sister publications, FishTalk and PropTalk, have participated in the annual fall Fish For a Cure (F4AC) tournament and Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge. This is such a great event, and even if you are not an angler, there are multiple ways to help support the cause.

Where do your donations go? All funds raised through F4AC directly benefit the Cancer Survivorship Program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute.

LH AAMC programs that are donor funded provide social, emotional, physical, and psychological support for patients and families as they navigate treatment and recovery from illness. Donations made through F4AC support people experiencing the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis with access to critically needed psychosocial services, including nurse navigation, nutrition counseling, psychosocial well-being, and oncology rehabilitation services.

# PropTalk editor Kaylie Jasinski.

# SPF production manager Zach Ditmars.

# FishTalk Angler in Chief Lenny Rudow.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Register for the tournament (on November 4) and fundraising challenge. Registration costs $500 for a captain and three anglers (additional anglers can be added for $150 pp). A fourperson kayak team may register as one boat. This is a catch and release tournament, and all categories will be assessed by length in accordance with the iAngler application. Find the full list of rules and prize categories at fishforacure. org/tournament/rules. And because this is a fundraising tournament, all teams are expected to raise at least $1500. Fundraisers may either join the Legends League (which consists of previous Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge winners) or the Open League (which is open to any other boats registered for the event). Teams that qualify for the Legends League can either opt into the new league or remain in the Open League.

2. Attend the Shore Party, which will be held November 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at South Annapolis Yacht Centre. There will be food and beverages served from multiple bars, a dance floor, and an awards ceremony for the winners of the tournament and Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge. For those not registered in the F4AC tournament, party tickets cost $150 per person.

3. Make a donation. All funds raised support the same great cause. To help our team in the fundraising Captain’s Challenge, visit: fishtalkmag.com/f4ac.

So, sailors, if there’s only one fishing tournament you would ever consider participating in, it should be Fish for a Cure. We hope to see you there!

$10 Million Grant for Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal

Boats end up abandoned or derelict on our nation’s coasts for several reasons. Irresponsible owners abandon vessels when they can no longer afford to care for them or pay for their disposal. Poorly maintained, “at risk” anchored boats combined with the increasing frequency and severity of storms leave shorelines littered with wrecks after each hurricane. A four-year, $10 million grant from NOAA’s Marine Debris Removal Program to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water aims to rid our nation’s shores of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), and remove the associated pollution, navigation, and safety hazards that can harm waters for years.

The grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is part of NOAA’s larger mission to address marine debris, which not only includes fiberglass boats but derelict fishing gear, plastics, and other types of debris.

The majority of funds will kickstart a one-stop-shop competitive grant program to seek out and complete marine debris

removal projects on our nation’s coasts (saltwater) and in the Great Lakes for funding and support. Under the guidelines, any organization—public or private—will be able to apply for ADV removal funds.

support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris removal, with an added focus on how ADVs impact waters in underserved communities.

“This is a coordinated, once-in-alifetime investment to remove abandoned and derelict vessels, and we’re proud to help NOAA carry out this important mission to rid our shores of marine debris,” said BoatUS Foundation president Chris Edmonston. “Our goal over the next four years is to focus on the immediate issue— the substantial number of ADVs that need removal. In the future, we hope to expand the program to inland freshwater lakes and waterways and reach a point where ADV removals diminish as educational and preventive efforts have greater impact. It’s much more cost-effective to stop it before it happens.”

To help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation will also create a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public and

The Foundation, which drew more than 60 letters of support for the grant application, expects to announce the opening of ADV grant program applications in early 2024. As they occur, updates will be posted to BoatUS.org/ADVGrant.

# Derelict vessels create potential pollution, navigation, and safety hazards. Photo by Rick Legow, courtesy of BoatUS

After a generation of some of the tightest one-design racing anywhere, it was time for the RC44 to give a gold watch to a whole fleet’s worth of original Harken race winches. The new Air® winch 180 is next up. The primaries deliver literally 2X line speeds for hoists, jibes, and douses at 43% lighter than their predecessors. The mainsheet winch is 47% lighter. Right now, our smallest Air® winch is ready to deliver for other boats in the 40-50' range. Finally, check out that massive hole out of which we scooped all those kilos. Yep…one hole-y winch indeed.

DOUBLE THE LINE SPEEDS . SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT REDUCTION

.

HOLE-Y WINCH .

Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD, will host the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival (MASCF) on Friday through Sunday, October 6-8. The festival is one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft.

Hundreds of amateur and professional boatbuilders and enthusiasts will come from all over the region to display their one-of-a-kind kayaks, canoes, and other traditional small craft at the 40th edition of the annual festival. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Public entrance to the festival is included with CBMM’s general admission, which is good for two consecutive days and free for CBMM members.

A family-friendly fall staple, MASCF invites guests to marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation used in traditional and contemporary small craft, showcased both on land and in the water, while enjoying all that CBMM has to offer across its 18-acre campus. Throughout the weekend, boat owners are encouraged to share their knowledge and boating experiences with guests.

Saturday offers a full slate of activities. CBMM Shipyard staff and Chesapeake

Wooden Boat Builders School instructors will offer boatbuilding and maritime demonstrations and Chesapeake Light Craft will be on site with a selection of vessels from its fleet for guests to demo. In the afternoon, a spirited small craft race will unfold on the Miles River. Guests are encouraged to watch all the action from CBMM’s waterfront and docks.

Also on Saturday, guests are invited to a special presentation in CBMM’s Shipyard. A weeklong workshop on traditional Japanese boatbuilding, led by author, boatbuilder, and educator Douglas Brooks, concludes with a traditional Shinto launching ceremony to celebrate the completion of a 21-foot Japanese river boat. That evening, Brooks will be the keynote speaker at the dinner for MASCF participants. Limited offerings will be available for the public to see on Sunday. Learn more at cbmm.org/MASCF

Those who wish to register as a participant and gain access to the full slate of events can find more information at cbmm.org/ MASCFparticipants

SEE US AT LAND 45 AT THE ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT SHOW

# CBMM hosts the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival October 6-8. Photo by George Sass

Explore the world with us

Soothing salt air, the whisper

waves against the hull, the vast sky above your head. There’s no better way to reconnect with all that matters most. Wherever you want to go, and whatever type of escape you’re looking for, we have your dream sailing vacation. With 50+ destinations around the globe and over 900 yachts, no one else can take you farther.

Start thinking about your Mediterranean summer sailing adventure now and reserve your yacht in one of our idyllic destinations in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, or Turkey. You can discover ancient worlds, volcanic islands, quaint villages, or long stretches of golden sand and enjoy some of the finest dining in the world. The sea, a land to discover.

Host an Oktoberfest Raftup Chesapeake-Style

The first step in planning an Oktoberfest Chesapeake-style is to start spelling it with a “K” and pronounce Oktoberfest as if you’re Arnold Schwartzenneger: Ok-to-ba-fest You may model your own celebration after the real festival in Munich, but the amusement park rides and other games may be a stretch on a boat. Of course, this special celebration must take place on a boat in order to be “Chesapeake” style. Here are some suggestions for a successful Oktoberfest raftup:

• The official Oktoberfest takes place between mid-September and the first Sunday in October. This year that first Sunday is the first of the month. We think that the window for your raftup party should be stretched deeper into a Chesapeake October—but don’t push it too far, as Halloween may be nippy!

• Rally enough boats to call it a party. That could be two to 12 of them. Make sure to invite your friend with

the largest boat and/or anchor setup to act as the mother ship.

• Check the overnight wind forecast and choose a suitably protected anchorage.

• Among your sailing friends, do you have one hyper-organized, spreadsheet type who’d like to be in charge of food? Put them in charge of food and let them tell you what to bring. The good thing about German food is that it’s not complicated. Bratwurst, potato salad, pretzels, and beer are pretty much it.

• Make sure you have enough grills if you have a sizeable raft so that brat-grilling duties don’t fall upon just one person.

• Friends don’t let friends cook sauerkraut on your boat. Skip the sauerkraut or let the sauerkraut duty fall to the group weirdo, or the random guy with the most beat-up, smelly boat in the group. Otherwise, go with coleslaw.

• If you have that one annoying Oktoberfest guest (such as our editor) who does not like brats or beer, tell her to quit whining and make The Oktoberfest salad. (Google “Nancy’s chopped salad smitten kitchen”—it tastes like an Italian sub, which has nothing to do with German folk festivals, but it fits the taste profile and goes well with brats.)

• Take a photo of your Chesapeake Oktoberfest and send it to editor@spinsheet.com

• Prost!

# Friends don’t let friends cook sauerkraut onboard your boat for an Oktoberfest raftup.

Family-Friendly Patuxent River Celebration

Patuxent River Appreciation Day (PRAD), one of Southern Maryland’s longest running festivals, celebrates its 45th year on Saturday, October 7, at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Everyone is invited to enjoy the fun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is free all day.

The festivities include toy boat building, live music, boat rides, crafts, art vendors, and more. A variety of food vendors will be on site. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Dozens of nonprofit and community groups will be celebrating on the museum grounds. There will be exhibits, demonstrations and displays about oyster farming, native plants, local wildlife, and more that help keep our area a wonderful place to live and play. Be sure to check out animal adoptions, live reptiles, the petting zoo, and worldfamous fossils.

Head over to the Drum Point Lighthouse and surrounding boat basin for even more fun! Children can build their

own toy boats, and the whole family is encouraged to enjoy free cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison, Witch of the Wave, a draketail, and Poe skiff. Take a ride in a rowboat or pedal boat, or even try your hand at navigating a remote-controlled sailboat.

There’s more to discover inside the museum, with many exhibits offering additional interactive experiences for the day. Don’t forget to stop at the Museum Store to get a head start on holiday shopping with new and unique items that celebrate the Chesapeake Bay. Be sure to say hello to North American river otters Chessie Grace and Calvert during your visit.

PRAD brings together and reflects the continuing commitment of the community, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, Calvert Marine Museum, and other organizations that share a desire to preserve

the Patuxent River and to celebrate its positive influence on the area’s quality of life in the past, present, and future. By bringing these people together in a public forum, PRAD organizers hope to grow local support of the environmental programs and tourism activities surrounding the Patuxent River and its tributaries.

# Drum Point Lighthouse and boat basin during PRAD 2022. Photo courtesy of Robert Hurry

Sunfish Challenge and Dinghy Distance Race

By Tim Etherington

The annual Sunfish Challenge and Dinghy Distance race was held at the Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) on Saturday, September 16. Twenty-two boats showed up to race in near perfect conditions for an 8.64 nautical mile distance race around Middle Ground Light. The cold front that pushed Hurricane Lee offshore provided pleasant fall conditions, with winds that started at 15-18 knots and dropped slightly to 10-12 knots toward the end.

Three or more boats were started and scored as a class. Other entries were started and scored as an open class using US Sailing’s North American Portsmouth Yardstick. Classes consisted of Sunfish, Laser/ Force 5, Sonar, and a multihull class.

Northwest winds allowed a beat out to the lighthouse and a broad reach back. Tradition has the Sunfish always starting first. With the favorable winds, the leading Sunfish rounded Middle Ground in first place but was quickly passed by the Hobies. With the fresh breeze on the downwind, they quickly outdistanced the rest of the fleet.

Scott Elliott won the Sunfish for the third year in a row. Jerry Lyons won the Laser/Force 5 class sailing in a Force 5. Will Roberts won the open class sailing a Hampton One Design. David Taylor won the Sonar class, but all four Sonars finished within minutes of each other. Evan Whatley won the multihull class sailing a Hobie 18 and finishing nearly 15 minutes before any other dinghy class finisher.

The top five finishers in corrected time order were: Chris Whatley, Charlene Whatley, Will Roberts, Scott Elliott, and Jerry Lyons. The majority of the fleet corrected within 10 minutes of each other at around one hour and 40 minutes. The race was followed by an awards ceremony and party at HYC. Always conducted the third weekend in September, next year’s race is scheduled for September 21, 2024.

# Scott Elliott, Sunfish class winner three years in a row. Photo by George Hernandez

Jimmy Buffett | 1946-2023

On September 1, Jimmy Buffett, a lifelong sailor, occasional Chesapeake Bay cruiser, and enthusiastic supporter of the Chesapeake Bay and the United States Navy, passed away peacefully at Sag Harbor, NY, “surrounded by family, friends, music, and dogs.” He was 76 years old.

Between sailing, fishing, and flying adventures, Buffett built a multi-decade recording, writing, and business career highlighted by the sale of 20 million albums, books atop The New York Times fiction and nonfiction bestseller lists, and the careful, savvy curation of a broad number of successful business ventures. As a singer-songwriter, he played at a variety of venues around the region ranging from 48 raucous shows with his Coral Reefer Band at Merriweather Post Pavilion to an intimate acoustic performance aboard the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Buffett’s music, lyrics, concerts, and lifestyle left a deep and positive impact on the sailing community on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. His connection to the area and its sailors was deep, varied, and meaningful. He is sorely missed.

In 1983, 36-year-old Buffett announced in the lyrics to the song “We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About:” “I was supposed to have been a

By David Gendell

Jesuit priest or a Naval Academy grad / That was the way that my parents perceived me.” The Naval Academy and the United States Navy writ large were frequently on Buffett’s mind and in his actions. He played several concerts at the Academy, first in March 1980 and most recently in March 2018.

At the 2018 show, the Secretary of the Navy and the Superintendent of the Naval Academy turned up on stage to present Buffett with the Superior Public Service Award, the highest award that can be given to a civilian not employed by the Navy. The accompanying citation recognized Buffett’s “Unwavering support of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps. His dedicated service to our sailors, Marines, wounded warriors, and civilians ensured that they were provided highly visible support and gratitude that greatly enhanced morale and welfare across the Department.”

In recent years, Buffett’s close friendship with Ken Reightler, a former NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot and current Naval Academy faculty member, brought him to Annapolis even when there wasn’t a show nearby. On these visits, Buffett focused his energy and attention on the Naval Academy’s sailing teams. In recent years, he was

frequently seen wearing a Navy Sailing ball cap and, during Covid, a Naval Academy-issued face mask.

Among other Chesapeake Bay sailors with close ties to Buffett was America’s Cup skipper Terry Hutchinson. The Annapolis native attended 36 Buffett concerts, beginning at age 16. The pair struck up an acquaintance on the big boat racing circuit and a friendship when Buffett visited the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic America’s Cup training base on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Food has, of course, always been central to Jimmy Buffett narratives (think cheeseburgers, shakers of salt, oysters and beer, carrot juice, mangos, and shrimp). Not surprisingly, Buffett loved the food and ambiance of a real Chesapeake Bay restaurant. In the early 1990s he announced from the stage at Merriweather, “I ate lunch today at a Tangier Island crab house.”

Over decades of visits to the region he was often spotted at Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn (Annapolis) and at Crisfield Seafood (Silver Spring, MD). In recent years, Buffett began visiting The Boatyard Bar & Grill in the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis; dining in the restaurant, calling on The Boatyard to cater meals aboard his boats, and

# Buffett at the helm of the USNA’s Summerwind with Dick Franyo, owner of the Boatyard Bar & Grill.

even giving the restaurant a shout-out from the concert stage. Boatyard owner Dick Franyo, a committed Buffett fan who both dined and sailed with The Man, reports that his restaurant sold a record number of cheeseburgers in the days following Buffett’s passing.

Buffett’s last visit to the Bay came in the fall of 2020 when he sailed his two boats (a 42-foot Freeman Boatworks/Merritt Boatworks power catamaran and a custom “Surfari” 50-foot sloop (both hulls painted a matching sea foam green), from the C&D Canal to Havre de Grace and to Annapolis with stops at Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina on the canal and at the Concord Point Lighthouse.

That 2020 visit was capped by several days at Annapolis, with Buffett living aboard his boat at the Annapolis Yacht Basin, eating crab cakes from The Boatyard, and attending (and playing music for) a Naval Academy sailing practice. Shortly after dawn on his final day at Annapolis, Buffett visited the Thomas Point Shoal Light-

house and spent more than two hours aboard the 1875 landmark, playing songs on his acoustic guitar, soaking in tales of the lighthouse, and swapping sailing stories.

Buffett used images of the Naval Academy sailing team, the American Magic race boats, the Concord Point Lighthouse, and the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse as backdrops for his concerts in 2021 and 2022.

Jimmy Buffett died of complications from Merkel cell skin cancer, which begins as a painless bump or tumor on the skin and can develop on areas not exposed to sunlight. These cancerous bumps are often mistaken for a bug bite or a pimple but can grow rapidly. The Merkel cell cancer can spread aggressively, first to the lymph nodes and other organs. In the wake of Buffett’s untimely death, this information might serve as a reminder that aggressive sun protection and regular visits to dermatologists are highly recommended for all sailors and Parrotheads. P

waypoints, magnetic

multiple chart scales and free digital charts and software.

Embassy Cruising Guide®

Comprehensive and accurate! Includes marine facilities, navigational advice, anchorages, local knowledge and aerial photography. Available for ports of call along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

# Jimmy Buffett playing songs at the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in 2020. Photo by Dave Gendell

Mike Cranfield | 1952-2023

By Charlie Iliff

On August 28 the world lost a great shipmate: Mike Cranfield, always smiling, never arguing, always doing more than his share of the work. A boat with Mike onboard was always better than a boat without him. Mike was felled at age 71 by complications of West Nile Virus.

When Mike first started sailing on Alaris, we only knew that he was the Baltimore Zoo veterinarian who had been put in contact with ophthalmologist Jack Iliff. A tiger at the zoo needed lid surgery. Jack subsequently consulted and operated on other zoo animals. At some point a Wednesday procedure was scheduled early to make sure Jack got to a Wednesday Night Race.

Mike had a background sailing Albacores in his native Canada. He was invited to a Wednesday Night Race on Alaris and sailed about 40 seasons as regular crew on Alaris, Merope, and Muskrat. About 20 years in, he bought Alaris and cruised and raced her for the next 20 years. Highlight?

A class win in the 2015 Annapolis to Newport Race. Mike installed racks for tanks and a compressor to equip Alaris as a dive platform, and during the Covid world shutdown, he explored underwater wildlife as far south as the Florida Keys.

Mike seldom talked about himself. Shipmates knew Mike as the racing and cruising sailor but only gradually came to know him as an internationally renowned

champion of the health of animals. A statement by the Baltimore Zoo:

“The world has lost a great wildlife champion this week... Cranfield first came to the Maryland Zoo in 1982 as chief veterinarian. He then became the Director of Animal Health, Research, and Conservation, responsible for the health and care of the Zoo’s more than 1500 animals.

“In 1998, he became executive director of the world-renowned nonprofit Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP), which was dedicated to saving the lives of critically endangered mountain gorillas living in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as endangered eastern lowland gorillas in the DRC.

“Under Cranfield, MGVP expanded to include One Health programs for the mountain and Grauer’s gorillas living in Uganda and the DRC, orphaned gorillas, and the people and animals working in and living near gorilla habitats.”

Mike didn’t mention to shipmates that he published numerous scholarly papers or that he received an honorary PhD and other awards for his international veterinary work. But we learned a bit about his gorilla project when he was featured in a “60 Minutes” telecast. He didn’t mention that until someone who had seen it asked him. There’s a documentary about his Gorilla project.

Oh, and since he was born Canadian, he had a whole other life as an aggressive, high-level amateur hockey player. We heard about that when he brought some of his hockey buddies sailing. They brought Molson beer. Mike was a musician and at one point built his own guitar. It wasn’t as good as his Martin.

When Mike got sick, his niece created a private Facebook group. To join the group, some connection to Mike had to be shown. About 500 joined, many of whom described Mike’s enthusiastic mentorship of younger veterinarians and people involved in all aspects of the health of wild and zoo animals, and his generous donation of his time and skill to animal rescue facilities and groups. All who knew him will miss him.

The world has lost a great shipmate. P

# Mike at the helm for the finish of the 2015 A2N. Photo by Geoff Ewenson

# Mike Cranfield (right) collecting his award for the 2015 A2N. Photo courtesy Facebook/Annapolis Newport Race

# Mike (black hat) aboard Alaris at the start of the Annapolis Newport Race. Photo by Al Schreitmueller

Chesapeake Calendar presented by

Drop by after the Boat Show

For more details and links to event websites, visit spinsheet.com/calendar

through Oct 1

SScA conference and Gam

Seven Seas Cruising Association hosts its annual event at Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD. Slips and anchorage available.

1 Swim & paddle South river

A five-mile continuous loop for swimmers and paddlers and half-mile course for breaks along the way. Presented by Crossing Currents Aquatics. Benefits Arundel River Foundation and LiveWater Foundation. Check-ins and safety briefings are staggered and begin at 7:15 a.m. for the five-mile entrants. Half-mile check-ins begin at 7:45 a.m.

3-8 Great chesapeake bay Schooner race

Schooner race to Norfolk. Founded to promote public awareness of the Bay’s maritime heritage and encourage preservation and improvement of its natural resources. Educational and visitor events in Baltimore and Norfolk. Parade of sail in Baltimore Harbor Oct. 4. The race starts near the Bay Bridge at noon Oct. 5.

October

5 changemakers: celebrating environmental Leaders

5 to 8:30 p.m. in Baltimore, MD. This year’s annual fundraising event will bring together over 350 of our state’s most influential elected officials, business leaders, and environmental advocates to celebrate clean water, healthy air, and environmental justice. Presented by Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

5-8 Annapolis powerboat Show

Walk the docks in Historic Annapolis and explore new boats as well as boating supplies, navigation equipment, fishing gear, clothing, and marine accessories.

5-15 Weems & plath tent Sale

Huge savings on discounted, overstock, and sample items. At 214 Eastern Avenue in Annapolis. October 5-15 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

6-8

mid-Atlantic Small craft Festival

Hundreds of amateur and professional boatbuilders and enthusiasts will come from all over the region to display their one-of-a-kind kayaks, canoes, and other traditional small craft at the 40th edition of the annual festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Festival entrance included with museum admission; good for two consecutive days.

12-15 Annapolis Sailboat Show

Sailors from around the globe gather on miles of docks in historic Annapolis to experience hundreds of new and premiering boats, boating gear and accessories, financing options, all while enjoying tasting tents and connecting with fellow boaters.

14 party in the port

6 to 10 p.m. at Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) in Annapolis, MD. EYC’s boat show bash featuring live music, food, libations, and more. Tickets $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

17 Winterizing Your boat online Seminar

7 to 8:30 p.m. No cost. Presented by America’s Boating Club Kent Narrows. Contact: Richard Radlinski at (937) 4070106 or radlinskid@gmail.com

23 her helm: the oxfordbellevue Ferry tale

5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium in St. Michaels, MD. Captain Judy Bixler will share a bit of ferry history and stories of her experiences operating the ferry alongside her husband since 2001. $8 per person. Register: cbmm.org

Do you have an upcoming event? Send the details to: editor@spinsheet.com

Great Crabcakes • A Healthier Bay • Sailing Fast • Fishing with Friends • Happy Kids

24

America’s boater course - boater certification course

America’s Boating Course, an eight-hour presentation open to the public on boating safety, equipment, rules of the road, buoys, and safe operations. This course meets on four consecutive Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Pasadena, MD. Price is $35. Contact Lou Kates at lmkates@comcast.net or (410) 937-0338 or (410) 272-0079 for registration. Presented by the Patapsco River Power Squadron/ America’s Boating Club Patapsco River

27-29 Sultana Downrigging Festival

One of the largest annual tall ship gatherings in North America. A long weekend of Tall Ship sails, tours, live bluegrass music, lectures, exhibits, family activities, regional food, and more.

Chestertown, MD.

28 cbmm oysterFest

Get ready to sip, slurp, and savor at this annual fall event, featuring live music, retriever demonstrations, oysters, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD.

28 oyster roast for Youth Sailing Virginia

9th Annual Oyster Roast offers all-youcan-eat oysters, great food, craft beer from a local brewery, wine, and more. Supports YSV programs.

October Racing through Oct 25

bbSA oktoberfest

Wednesday evenings. Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Norfolk, VA.

purchase.

through Oct

1

rrYc hospice turkey Shoot regatta

Hosted by Rappahannock River Yacht Club, Irvington, VA.

through Oct

AYc Fall Series

Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club.

1

4-25 ccVr octoberfest Series

Wednesdays in October.

Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.

7 bbSA Willoughby memorial race Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Norfolk, VA.

7 opcYc thimble Shoals challenge

Hosted by Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

7-8 AYc Fall Series 2

Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club.

Party in the ‘Port is Eastport yacht Club’s boat show bash featuring live music by a Classic Case, the high energy, six piece, all classic rock band of Stan & Joe’s tavern fame that will have you dancing and singing all night long! b urgers, Hotdogs, Loaded tots, E y C’s famous libations, and more will be available for

7-8 tAYc Fall Star Wind Up

Hosted by Tred Avon Yacht Club. Open to Star, Melges 24, and Shields.

8 ccVr Fall Series 3

Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.

14 bbSA championship for the bold mariner cup

Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Norfolk, VA.

14 pSA race to rock hall

Hosted by the Potapskut Sailing Association, Pasadena, MD.

15 ccVr triple tunnel race

Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.

15 tAYc Fall open Series

Hosted by the Tred Avon Yacht Club. Open to PHRF, One-design Melges 24, and Star.

18-22 Waszp national championships

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club.

20-22 J/22 and J/24 east coast championships

Hosted by Severn Sailing Association, Annapolis, MD.

20-22 Snipe north American championships

Hosted at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.

21 bcYA harbor cup

Hosted by Baltimore City Yacht Association, Baltimore, MD.

21 opcYc ‘round the Lights race

Hosted by Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

21-22 J/105 chesapeake bay championships

Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club.

28 J/70 Fall brawl

Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis, MD.

28-29 halloween howl Opti regatta hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club.

29 tAYc Fall open Series

Hosted by the Tred Avon Yacht Club. Open to PHRF, One-design Melges 24, and Star.

29 - Nov 26

hYc Frostbite Series

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club on Sundays.

17th Annual Fish For a cure

Catch and release fishing tournament and Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge to raise funds for Cancer Survivorship Program at Luminis Health

Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Registration: $500 for a captain and three anglers (or a fourperson kaykay team). Shore Party 5 to 9 p.m. at South Annapolis Yacht Centre (tickets: $150). Register or donate to a team at fishforacure.org

10-12 Waterfowl Festival

A three-day festival celebrating the culture of the Eastern Shore. Featuring artisans, kid’s activities, delicious food and drink, World Waterfowl Calling Championship Demonstration, DelMarVa dock dogs, retriever demonstrations, and more. In Easton, MD. $25 for all three days. Tickets: waterfowlfestival.org

15 Facing our Unfinished challenge: Saving the bay in the 21st century 5:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium in St. Michaels, MD. For more than 50 years, CBF has created broad understanding of the Bay’s poor health, engaged public leaders in making commitments to restore the Chesapeake, and fought successfully to create and maintain a cleanup approach that features real accountability: the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Tickets: $8 per person. Register: cbmm.org

16 mariners’ museum evening Lecture Series

7 to 8:30 p.m. virtual and in-person event at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. Topic: Churchill’s American Arsenal with Larrie D. Ferreiro—engineer, historian, and a 2017 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Free to watch online, $10 for in-person ticket (includes one drink ticket). Advanced registration required at marinersmuseum.org

18 eastern Shore Sea Glass & coastal Arts Festival: holiday edition

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home decor, art, and more.

25 colonial Yacht club

Lighted boat parade

5 to 7 p.m. Potomac River, Marker #2, just off of the Colonial Beach Point, MD. Decorate your boat with festive lights and be part of this season’s holiday wonderment.

25

irvington Lights on the creek Lighted boat parade

Hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club (RRYC) on Carters Creek in Irvington, VA. Parade forms at 5:30 p.m. near Custom Yacht Service on the eastern branch of Carters Creek. Boats will travel west passing RRYC on starboard, continuing on to Tides Inn; they will cover a total distance of 1.7 nautical miles. Multiple prize categories. Post parade party at RRYC at 7 p.m. Open to any type or size of boat. Learn more: rryc.org

November Racing through Nov

Little creek SA Wednesday night racing

2

Norfolk, VA. through Nov 2

bbSA Willoughby thursday night racing

Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Norfolk, VA. through Nov 26

hYc Frostbite Series

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club on Sundays.

4 bbSA Willoughby hot buttered rum race

Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Norfolk, VA.

5 - Dec 10

AYc Frostbite racing First half

Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club on Sundays.

Expires October 31, 2023

For more details and links to event websites, visit spinsheet.com/calendar

In Harmony With the World Meet County Executive and New Sailor, Steuart Pittman

“I’ve found that sailing on the Bay is a lot like galloping the countryside on a horse. You’re not in complete control, but when you find the perfect balance and tact, you’re in harmony with the world. There’s just enough danger to keep your blood pumping and senses keen, and you feel alive.”

When Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, who grew up on a farm and professionally trained horses before being elected in 2018, penned these words in his weekly newsletter this summer, we knew he’d be a perfect fit for our Start Sailing Now page. Here he shares more about his experiences learning to sail and owning boats.

Hooked by Take Someone Sailing Day

In 2019 I signed my family up for Annapolis Waterfront and Sailing Center’s Take Someone Sailing Day. We were guests on a beautiful sailboat, and it was fantastic. I was immediately drawn in and started thinking about buying a boat for our family.

I ended up with an old powerboat that only lasted about a year. Next, I purchased a pontoon boat, which we still own. My wife and two sons really enjoy it. We keep a couple of paddleboards onboard and have a lot of fun.

But I really wanted to sail, so I got myself a Newport 16 sailboat that was built in the 1970s. I paid about $800 for it, including the trailer, and I taught myself to sail on the West River. Since I love exploring, it wasn’t long before I wanted to go further and go overnight. I began to look for a big-

ger boat and ended up with a MacGregor 26 motor-sailer. I love it! My wife and sons aren’t quite as enthusiastic as I am about sailing, so with this boat when the wind dies, we just pull up the daggerboard, turn on the motor, and off we go! I have had a blast sailing it out of the West River. If the wind is coming from the southeast, it’s a perfect sail out to Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse or across to Bloody Point and back.

Sailing School

This summer I was planning to take the MacGregor around the Bay for a week in August, but the engine died in June. I tried in vain to fix it myself, but as my vacation week approached, I decided instead to sign up for five days of sailing lessons at Annapolis Sailing School, something that I had been thinking about for a while. I reg-

istered for American Sailing Association (ASA) 101 and 103. With three students and an instructor onboard, we sailed three or four different types of boats, starting with the school’s Rainbow fleet and moving to bigger boats later in the week. What do you most enjoy most about sailing?

I have enjoyed learning a new skill and being successful at it, but it’s more than that. Being on the water and feeling the power of the wind immediately makes me feel like everything is okay. Everything seems to make sense, and I am a part of it all.

I also appreciate the ‘machine’ of the boat. I like figuring out how it all works and making the boat go. Then, once everything is all set, I enjoy just relaxing.

As told to Beth Crabtree

Finally, I love the idea of exploring on a boat. It’s a way to travel without paying for hotel rooms, restaurants, or plane or train tickets. Future sailing plans

I enjoy my MacGregor 26, but I dream about my next boat. Sometime before I’m done with this job, I hope to upgrade to the next level. I imagine owning a boat that I could take to the islands and do some cruising and on which I could get my wife and kids more involved. Before that I’d go back to sailing school for ASA 104, the bareboat cruising certification course.

Advice for someone who is interested in learning to sail. Just do it! You can figure out a way. Whether it’s getting an inexpensive boat, taking a sailing class, or going out with a friend, sailing is more accessible than people might think, and the hours that you spend out on the water cost you nothing. We are really, really lucky to live in this county where we can explore the Bay and its rivers and creeks.

New sailors or those returning to sailing may want to seek instruction or coaching at a sailing school or club. Many such organizations exist on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They offer certifications for beginners, returning sailors hoping to brush up on seamanship skills, cruisers seeking bareboat chartering or navigation experience, and racers wanting to hone their skills. The following is a sampling of schools and clubs that offer sailing instruction on the Chesapeake. For a more complete list of schools offering certifications outside this region, visit US Sailing or American Sailing.

• Annapolis Sailing School annapolissailing.com

• Annapolis Naval Sailing Association ansa.org

• Blue Water Sailing School bwss.com

• Captain In You Sailing Schools, Inc. captaininyou.com

• DC Sail dcsail.org

• J/World Annapolis jworldannapolis.com

• SailTime sailtime.com/annapolis

Find a Sailing School art

• Sail Solomons sailsi.com

• West River Sailing Club learn2sailwrsc.com

# The County Executive participating in Take Someone Sailing Day 2019.

Photo by Al Schreitmueller

Sultana Education Foundation:

T HE I NTERSECTION OF E COLOGY AND H ISTORY

By Thomas Crabtree

This summer, I had the pleasure of working for Sultana Education Foundation’s paddling program as a trip leader.

The organization takes its name from the schooner Sultana, a replica of an 18thcentury British Navy vessel that sailed the Chesapeake enforcing taxes prior to the Revolutionary War. The nonprofit provides educational opportunities that integrate the culture, history, and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. The organization plays a role in addressing environmental issues by creating stewards for the Chesapeake.

“I think the most important thing we do is make direct connections between our local students and their environment. Without that connection, there’s no reason for them to get motivated to care and caring is the first critical step towards action,” says Chris Cerino, vice president of Sultana.

Differing from advocacy or political groups, “We have a more fundamental approach of connecting our constituents to the resource that’s right in their own backyard in a way that’s fun, informative, educational, and inspiring.”

The Schooner Sultana hosts summer camps, school trips, and public sails. Summer camps and school trips include setting sail, using the otter trawl to learn about marine life, talking about 18th-century navigation, and going below deck to learn about life as a sailor.

The goal is to, “engage kids with the world around them, both its historical context and current ecological context,” says Kate Dumhart, captain of Sultana “You’ve got to like it before you want to do anything about it. So, how do we make it fun and accessible?”

“I think a lot of people are nervous around the water, especially people who haven’t spent a ton of time on the water,” says Dumhart. “But the water we’re operating in and the structure of the vessel make it very accessible. (She) doesn’t heel over that much, there aren’t many big waves, and you’re really high off the water. In a lot of ways, it’s more of a floating classroom.”

Paddling programs include canoe or kayak day camps, public paddles for adults, and overnight kayak camps that range from three to seven days. The average day includes paddling to a beach, swimming,

using the seine net, fishing, and identifying the birds, fish, and other wildlife the group stumbles upon.

Marcus Goldman, associate director of paddling programs, says his goal for every camper is to have a positive experience in nature that pushes them to try something new: “It’s different for everyone. Some of those experiences might be paddling for an hour, catching a fish, holding it, and maybe even kissing that fish.”

School partnerships allow Sultana to enhance schools’ curriculum by providing hands-on learning opportunities.

“We really try to work with our local Eastern Shore schools, where there’s a lot of poverty. A lot of these kids might live blocks from the Chester River, but when they come on Sultana, it’s their first time setting foot on a boat of any kind,” says Cerino.

# Photo courtesy of the Sultana Education Foundation

Jackie Doerr, director of science programs, often sees the same students through multiple grade levels, “We get to see the same kids over time and how they mature and grow. They not only learn about the environment, but also build their own confidence.”

Doerr mainly works with pre-K through seventh grade which means her lessons do not focus on climate change and environmental issues, but she sees her work as making a difference.

“I think the most important thing you can do, from that young age especially, is get them to fall in love with nature and with being outside. Anything you can do to make them care from a young age is going to be incredibly powerful.”

My experience with Sultana reminded me that my love of the natural world is rooted in the opportunities I had as a child to get out into nature. Despite the numerous issues facing the Bay, I shared beautiful moments on its shores as a child and witnessed campers do the same this summer. The experience emphasized the importance of understanding our place in the ecosystems we call home and our place in the Chesapeake’s history. The work was an opportunity to give back in hopes of cultivating future stewards of the Chesapeake.

To learn more, visit sultanaeducation.org.

C HESTERTOWN B ECOMES A F ESTIVAL T OWN IN O CTOBER !

Sultana Downrigging Festival takes place October 27 – 29 in Chestertown, MD, and features tall ship sails, tours, live bluegrass music, family activities, food, and more. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s environmental literacy programs and the other nonprofits participating in the festival. For more information visit: downrigging.org

Photo by David Sites

# Sultana under sail in the Chester River. Photo by Chris Cerino

Stories of the Century

SpinSheet Century Club Members Logging 100 Days

Since 2014, the SpinSheet Century Club has challenged readers to log 100 days on the water, in any type of vessel, within the calendar year. At print time, we had 30 confirmed Century Club members. We anticipate 100plus readers to reach their goals by December 31. The 2023 class of SpinSheet Century Club members will be our 10th!

If you’re just learning about our inclusive club, here’s what you need to know:

• We count even a short ride on a boat as a “day” on the water.

• We include all boaters: sailors, powerboaters, anglers, and paddlers.

• We have some fun exceptions to help boaters reach their goals. You may count 10 land-based boat-work days, or 10 days fishing from a pier, or 10 days remote control boating. You may choose to use a combination of those 10 days, but you don’t get more than 10 of them.

• The goal is to get more boats off the dock and more people on the water!

• Our club is free and open to all who register and log their days at spinsheet. com/century-club. You must log all of your days by December 31 to be included in our 2023 class.

• 2023 SpinSheet Century Club members will be invited to a celebration with beer and cake with our sponsor Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies in the early part of next year.

• Send questions any time to editor@ spinsheet.com.

This month’s photos represent the Century Club members who are almost there. We expect them to hit 100 on-water days by November!

# Karen Wood (91 days).

# Aidan Gray (91 days).

# Ben Clark (93 days).

Shaken Knot Stirred joined Mystic in Meredith Creek

# Wayne Cassady (86 days).

# Rob Marino (96 days).

# Albert Chatard (97 days).

Ann A liese Tu TT le: Conquering the Marine industry

By Chelsea Co

Hailing from Queenstown, MD, Annaliese Tuttle was introduced to the marine industry through a humble position in a marine parts room, but she has shown herself to be a true force to be reckoned with. Tuttle now operates the Travelift at Cedar Point Marina on the Eastern Shore of Maryland while living aboard her Islander 30, with her Chesapeake retriever, Goose, all at the age of 21.

How did you first get involved with the marine industry?

I grew up on the water, crabbing in canoes, fishing, and water skiing in the Wye River. Any opportunity I had to be on the water, I took. My family had a 15-foot Whaler that we would work on together, and the more I worked on it, the more rewarding taking those simple boat rides became.

My first marine-related job was in high school working at Bridges (Restaurant) as a dockhand. Shortly after that, I had a chance to start at Bosun’s Marine as a service coordinator. I was service writing, answering phones, doing parts, and learning all about boats. I found myself drawn to working in the boat yard, moving and hauling boats, more so than being behind a desk.

What is your current position within the marine industry?

I am now the Travelift operator at Cedar Point Marina, where I keep track of the vehicle maintenance, forklifts, Travelifts, anything in the yard. I run a crew of four guys, haul boats, powerwash, and bottom paint… we do it all! I point my team in the right direction and assist where I’m needed in the yard, and I also detail on the side with Bunker Marine.

What do you love about your job?

I like the adrenaline rush of it. When it’s all hectic, there’s nothing else quite like a boat yard… we are all a big family. We all have a mutual understanding of what we’re all doing. The Boulays, the owners of the marina, have been a big resource for me learning how to run the Travelift. They are extremely supportive. There have been a lot of people who have helped me in my journey in the marine industry.

What are the challenging aspects of working in the marine industry?

In summer, it’s the heat! Otherwise, it’s picking up old boats, because you need to pick them up in the right spot. There are different points and different stringers on each boat, so you need to know how it was designed and built. We are working with high-class boats that people have worked really hard for, and we don’t want to damage them.

Dealing with the “old salt dogs” has also been a challenge. I was competing against men trying to get this job, and at the end of the day, I got it. I really had to work for it and earn my spot. I had guys asking me, “Are you sure you know how to run that?” But now I run the marina and live solo on my own boat. Working in the boat yard is very hard work, but I want to climb the ladder as much as I can. I want to know how everything works in a marina and boatyard and I want to learn every nitty gritty detail that I can, so that one day I can have my own marina.

What has your experience been as a woman working in a boat yard?

There are not many of us in the marine industry. In fact, I have never met another

woman who runs a Travelift. Running a Travelift for me is a step in the right direction because it’s very empowering. I’m currently in the process of becoming an apprentice for boat surveying (as there are) only a few female marine surveyors across the world. I also want to get into yacht sales.

What made you decide to buy a sailboat and become a liveaboard?

I have had a wild ride since I was 18. I figured out that I don’t want to be dependent on anyone or anything. The housing market is insane on Kent Island, so even though I don’t know how to sail, after a year of thinking on it, I decided I was going to buy a sailboat, a 1979 Islander 32, named Sloop du Jour

I renovated the inside, and I’m still working on the wiring. I renamed the sailboat Destination Unknown, because (it) is a metaphor for my life. I go where the wind takes me. I really love it so far, but it’s very cold during the winter and the condensation is insane. Other than that, it’s given me a whole new level of freedom that I love. It’s a big learning and growing experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Do you ever have time to get out on the water for fun?

I find a way to get out any way I can on anyone’s boat! My neighbor, who is a liveaboard as well, goes on adventures with me all the time. My happy place is being on the water— fishing? Yes, I’m in. Tubing? I’m in. Need me to drive the boat? I’m in.

Tell me about Goose!

The main reason I wanted to get a dog was because I wanted something to protect me and one that loves to swim, because I’m on the water all the time. I grew up with Chesapeake Bay retrievers all my life. There’s no better water dog! He has lived his whole life on a sailboat, and he just turned one. If he’s not at work with me, he’s fishing with my neighbor. He sits on the bow of the boat, his ears flopping. He goes swimming every day. Honestly, I cannot get him out of the water.

Any future aspirations to share?

In the next year I’m looking to get involved with a surveying apprenticeship, so after I become a certified marine surveyor, I want to hop down the coast, do some solo trips with my dog, and spend some time in South Carolina and come back to Maryland when I’m ready. P

SpinSheet Reader Photos

SpinSheet readers shared some of their favorite moments of the sailing season 2023 thus far. We accept such photos all year long, so feel free to send your top shots to editor@spinsheet.com.

# Photo courtesy of Elliott Peterson # Photo by Cindy Wallach

# Photo by Chris Price

# Photo by Jeff Thompson

# Photo by Alain Molimard

# Photo by Steven Birchfield

# Photo courtesy of Pamela Tenner Kellett

# Photo by John Rock

# Photo courtesy of Suzanne Carter, SpinSheet Century Club and Racing Team member

# Photo by Shannon Talbott

# Photo by Larry Elkin

Welcome to the Annapolis Sailboat Show R

eady to have some fun and shop boats, sails, gear, and equipment? Head to the Annapolis Sailboat Show! In these pages we’ve got you covered with all the information you will need to make the most of your time inside the show gates. While there, find Team SpinSheet at booth 19A. Please stop by and say “hello.” Under the tents and on the floating docks showgoers will experience a joyful barrage of all things sailing. You may need a break (whew!) at some point, so be sure to read our insider’s guide of what to do and see in downtown Annapolis on page 93. Find show details at annapolisboatshows.com.

Dates:

Thursday, October 12 to Saturday, October 14: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday October 15: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No show Monday.

Tickets:

Everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time at annapolisboatshows.com, where a one-day general admission ticket may be purchased for $25. The same ticket will cost you $30 at the gate. Children ages six and younger are free; tickets for youth ages seven to 15 are $10. Preview Day, Thursday, is for the serious boat buyer and is generally less crowded. Preview Day tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the gate; children ages seven to 15 pay full price on Preview Day. Sunday is Military Personnel Day; those who qualify pay $20, but they must buy their ticket at the gate and present a valid ID. Two-day passes are available. For details and tickets go to annapolisboatshows.com

The VIP Experience:

Presented by La Victoire Finance, the VIP Experience is for those who want to escape the crowds. The experience includes access to a lounge with comfortable seating and light breakfast with a mimosa and a bloody Mary bar. There will also be appetizers throughout the day, lunch, and a full bar opening at noon. Must be 21 years or older to enter the VIP lounge. Ticket price is $250.

continued on page 76

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

# Photo by Nic Bailey

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Live Your Best (Boat Show) Life

Bring the Kids

Lifejackets for children may be borrowed from the BoatUS booth found on the BoatUS bridge across Ego Alley. Since strollers are not permitted, baby front packs and toddler backpacks are popular choices. To keep older kids engaged participate in the EWE Spirit scavenger hunt. Details at booth 19.

What To Wear

In October, the weather in Annapolis can vary greatly. Plan for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, sun, and rain. We recommend dressing in layers with a water-resistant top layer. For footwear, ironically, boat shoes may not be the best choice. Go for a pair with good support and traction that are easy to slip off and on. Ready to upgrade your foulies? Look for special boat show pricing on foul weather gear.

Snap a Pic

At the show you’ll find many experts with good advice. Be prepared. Before you leave home, take a picture of your boat, your boat project, and that little ‘thingy’ you need to replace. Inside the show, snap images of the products that interest you. You may want to make purchases later in the day, so you don’t have to carry purchases, but you won’t want to forget the cool stuff you found early in the day.

# Shoes that slip on and off are good for boarding boats.

# Bring a photo of your boat project. At the show snap a photo of your dream boat.

TECHNICAL SAILING GEAR, SINCE ‘99. BRITISH DESIGNED, GLOBALLY ENJOYED.

Born from the passion of sailors, dedicated to inspiring participation to enjoy the freedom of getting out in the elements. Our range of sailing clothing and boat hardware has been meticulously designed and tested by seasoned sailors, ensuring durability, comfort, and top performance.

COME VISIT US AT ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW STAND NUMBER 36

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Go Green!

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is riding the waves of sustainability. You’ll find water refill stations near the Yacht Basin and Dock Street gates, another centrally located in the show, and one in the VIP tent for those with a VIP ticket. Reusable bags provided by LaVictoire

Finance will be offered at the Dock Street gate. At the SpinSheet booth we’ll also have branded reusable bags (while supplies last) and stickers for your water bottle. Recycling bins will be located throughout the show.

Parking

Show-goers are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the free shuttle bus to the show. Cost for parking is $20 ahead of time and $25 the day of; $40/$50 for oversized vehicles. Reserve parking by using the Park Mobile app. You’ll find a link on the boat show website. Purchase same-day parking at stadium gate 2. No cash accepted. Another option is to park in an Annapolis City parking garage and take the free Annapolis downtown shuttle to the waterfront. The closest garage, Hillman, which was closed due to construction last year, is now open. Enter off Duke of Gloucester Street. The Eastport Elementary School has in past years offered parking at a reasonable rate, and it’s a pleasant walk or water taxi ride across Spa Creek to the show.

# Reusable bags can be found at the Dock Street gate and SpinSheet booth. Photo by Nic Bailey

Annapolis Sailboat Show

New and Premiering Boats

Don’t miss these amazing new boats expected to be at the show. Find even more new boats at annapolisboatshows.com/sailboat-show/new-premiering-boats.

Aventura 37

This sailing catamaran is making its North American debut. It offers an outside saloon with a staircase giving access to the roof and a double-seat helm, which is purposely situated close to the sundeck. The standard version has three cabins, and the owner’s suite includes an office area. LOA is nearly 36 feet. aventura-catamarans.com

Dock A

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

Notice the absence of a backstay, which was successfully used on the 30.1 and 34.1. Only the halyards are grouped around the coach roof. The rest of the rigging goes back to two aft winches. This monohull has a folddown swim platform and dual wheels. beneteau.com Dock F2

Hanse 510

The spacious cockpit and modern interior design of this 51-foot monohull strike the balance between socializing and privacy. This boat offers the largest tender garage in its class and carefully placed chine edges to ensure ideal water drainage. hanseyachtsag.com Dock F2

# Photo courtesy of HanseYachts AG

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

U.S. SparS

modern dinghy with a durable rotomolded polyethene hull. Great for families and sailing

It can hold up to seven crew. This boat has a reefable mainsail, asymmetric spinnaker, and an optional outboard. rssailing.com Land space 20.

Annapolis Sailboat Show

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

Fountaine Pajot Aura 51

Debuting in North America, this 51-foot cat makes cruising a pleasure with easy communication between the saloon and cockpit. The large flybridge has a lounge and sunbathing area. The large surface area for solar panels generates more solar energy than other yachts with such panels. catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com/en Dock B

Xquisite 30 Sportcat

Making its world debut, the lightweight Xquisite 30 Sportcat is trailerable and designed for fast, fun sailing. Sailors will find the mini keels useful when navigating shallow waters. Harken sailing hardware comes standard. Daggerboards are optional. This boat is a 2024 Sail Magazine Top 10 Best Boat nominee. xquisiteyachts.com Dock B

# Photo courtesy of Fountain Pajot, © Jean-Marie LIOT/jmliot.com

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows

New and cool Products

These are just some of the new and/or cool products expected to be at the Annapolis show. Find more at annapolisboatshows. com/sailboat-show/highlights/new-products.

Tower in a Box Arch from Atlantic Towers

The “Tower in a Box” Arch is designed to mount to the deck, transom, hull sides, or a combination. The approximate 30-degree angle clears most existing biminis, back stays, and pushpits. The Arch has the appearance and strength of a custom welded unit when installed on your boat. It weighs less than 100 pounds and is strong enough to support the weight of two people for the installation of equipment. Everything is included for complete installation on most boats, even backing plates along with instructions and a video detailing all the steps. Atlantic Towers, Tent YB-14, -15, and -16, and Land 83.

maxeon 470w Solar Panel

The Maxeon 470-watt solar panels are built with the highest efficiency solar cells which means more power in less space— which is pretty important when “roof space” is a premium aboard. The panels have a silver frame and white backsheet and are rated at 77.6 volts; perfect for a 48V battery bank. Sun Powered Yachts, Tent O-16 and 17.

# Courtesy of the Annapolis Boat Shows

# Courtesy of Atlantic Towers

Facnor FXE4500 and 7000 Electric code Sail Furlers: This range of furlers can now handle sails up to 2690 square feet, which puts the ease of electric code sail furling into the hands of owners of boats from 38 to 65 feet. Code sails have grown in popularity over the past years, but they can be difficult for a solo sailor or short-handed crew to handle. The introduction of the code furlers has helped more sailors utilize this powerful sail. The Facnor FXE can furl from the safety of your cockpit in as little as 45 seconds just by pushing a button. This system is designed for simple installation in either a new application or simply replacing an existing continuous loop code furler drum. The compact design allows for a virtual swap out of the existing manual system. The electric furler is delivered as a complete kit (furling unit with snap shackle attachment, relay box, circuit breaker, deck socket, storage bag, protective cover) and can be easily fitted into the boat’s current electrical system. This product is a collaboration between Facnor and Wichard. wichard, Land X2.

Barton marine Tiller Extensions

These new carbon tiller extensions from Barton Marine are strong, lightweight, colorful, and suitable for all dinghy types. A leap up from previous generations, the new extensions come in a choice of bold florescent colors, with custom options available. The extensions are available in lengths of 975 mm, 1250 mm, and 2500 mm with a standard 22 mm diameter to suit any class of dinghy. They are Laser and ILCA class legal and ideal for Scorpion, RS Aero, Blaze, National 12, Hadron H2, Musto Skiff, 49ers, and almost every other dinghy class. Barton marine, Tent AB-15A.

# Courtesy of the Annapolis Boat Shows

# Courtesy of Facnor

Patagonia Big water Foul weather Kit

The all-new Big Water Foul Weather Jacket and Bibs pull from Patagonia’s most technical outdoor products and are designed to laugh in the face of the toughest weather Mother Nature can throw at it. Patagonia drew inspiration from over 50 years of fly fishing, snow, alpine, and surf designs to create a foul-weather kit that can hold up during the longest open-ocean voyages. Team One Newport, Land 56.

made Plus

The debut offering from Made Plus is the “SKIFF” lifestyle shoe, a loving tribute to Annapolis’ rich boating history, specifically inspired by the small boat that shares its name. The made-to-order SKIFF with UPKNT technology consists of six upcycled plastic water bottles, Azo Free dyes, and upcycled components such as laces, webbing, and support structures. With a blend of 97 percent polyester and three percent stretch spandex, the SKIFF fits fantastically without that brutal break-in window. Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, every pair of Made Plus shoes is made-to-order and crafted with care in the U.S. made Plus, Tent D26.

Set sail in

# Courtesy of Team One Newport

# Courtesy of Made Plus

cyclops Load Sensing Technology

Easy-to-install technology delivers continuous, wireless monitoring of rig and sail loads, empowering sailors to hit fast, repeatable settings and excel in all conditions; widely used by the world’s leading offshore, America’s Cup, and Olympic racing teams, right down to weekend dinghy sailors.

MARINE SERVICE

marlow Ropes, Land X4A.

Raymarine Alpha Series Displays

Raymarine is making a bold addition into the performance sailing market with the launch of the Alpha Series display, new Smart Wind Technology, and performance sailing upgrades to the LightHouse operating system for Axiom chartplotters. This powerful combination of electronic charting, next-generation precision wind monitoring, and touchscreen tactical displays elevates the awareness of skippers through intuitive, dynamic sailing displays on both the chartplotter and the remote Alpha Series display. The newly designed RSW Series Wind sensors are intelligent self-calibrating sensors that deliver ultra-precise wind speed and direction measurements. Sailors can take advantage of advanced wind, speed, and polar calculations to make smarter race and performance sailing decisions when it matters most.

Raymarine, Land 72.

# Photo courtesy of Marlow Ropes

# Courtesy of the Annapolis Boat Shows

Sailboat Show

for Show-Goers

cruisers creating content Booth

Ryan and Sophie Sailing, MJ Sailing, Sailing Catalpa, Sailing Yaba, and many more. You love their sailing videos, now meet them in person. Located in Vacation Basin, the Cruisers

Creating Content booth will host a rotating schedule of cruisers who share their adventures through video.

AGM and Lithium Batteries

# Beau and Brandy Sailing Saoirse is coming to Annapolis!

Photo courtesy of Beau and Brady Sailing Facebook page

Tall ship tour

Pride of Baltimore II, a 105-foot reproduction of a War of 1812-era privateer, will be at the show and open for deck tours for attendees. Pride generally asks that children under age seven wear a lifejacket when aboard. You may find loaners at the BoatUS booth. Kids may wear these lifejackets throughout the show. Find Pride at Dock K3.

See us at Photo:

See us at Our 55 th Year

Bristol 47 Project

Bristol 47 Project

Our rigging department converted this Hood roller furling mast to a new Schaefer Gamma boom on this Bristol 47 that is currently cruising in the BVI’s. Our riggers also built new rod rigging and upgraded all the wiring and new light fixtures to LED. Our sail loft built a new full batten main & code 0 as well as a furling genoa to fit the existing Harken furler. Our extensive experience with off shore cruising boats and furling booms has provided our customers with a greatintegrated system.

Our rigging department converted this Hood roller furling mast new Schaefer Gamma this 47 that is currently BVI’s. Our riggers also built rigging and upgraded wiring and new light to Our sail loft built a new full batten & code 0 as well as a to fit the existing Harken extensive experience with shore cruising boats and booms has provided our customers greatintegrated system.

Our 47th Year

Our 47th Year

# Photo courtesy of Pride of Baltimore II

# Kids loaner lifejackets will be available on the BoatUS bridge.

Annapolis Sailboat Show

10 Things To Do with Kids

If you’re bringing the whole family to the show, here are 10 things to do with kids inside the show and within a short walk from its gates.

1. Stop at the SpinSheet booth for stickers and temporary tattoos.

2. Ride the water taxi.

3. Participate in the EWE Spirit Foundation scavenger hunt.

4. Lie on a catamaran trampoline.

5. Get an ice cream cone.

6. Visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum

7. Go sailing on the Schooner Woodwind

8. Tour the Maryland State House.

9. Visit the playground on the corner of Newman and Comprise Streets.

10. Take a pirate cruise with Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake.

Hands-on sailing courses

Educational opportunities include: Cruisers University, a multi-day, build your own curriculum; Take the Wheel Course with the opportunity to demo two sailboats; Offshore Emergency Medicine (sold-out); and the First Sail Workshop with classroom and on-water experiences. Find details and registration at annapolisboatshows.com

Free seminars

North Sails, in conjunction with Atlantic Cruising Yachts (ACY), will conduct educational seminars at the ACY Business Yacht Ownership Seminar Tent on Dock F1.

Sailmaking 101: Explore the process of creating a modern cruising sail and understanding why it matters. Thursday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m.

Offwind Sail Selection: Learn how different offwind sails unlock the true potential of your boat’s performance. Thursday at 3 p.m., Friday at 4:30 p.m., and Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Daily free seminars presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship and Chesapeake Bay Magazine will cover topics including diesel basics, systems, weather, anchoring, docking, night navigation, and more. Dates and times were not available at print time; check annapolisboatshows.com for updated information.

# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows L EARN m ORE AT ANNAPOLISBOATSHO w S .c O m

Annapolis Sailboat Show

EwE Spirit Gear and Scavenger Hunt

The EWE Spirit Foundation honors the legacy of pro sailor Geoff Ewenson by helping those facing immediate hardship to bridge financial and social support gaps through mentorship, outreach, and financial assistance. At the show, volunteers will accept your donation in exchange for cool EWE gear. Kids can participate in the EWE Spirit scavenger hunt. Find them next to SpinSheet at land space 19.

Party in the ’Port: Boat Show Edition

Party with sailors at Eastport Yacht Club’s public block party on Saturday, October 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. Live classic rock music by A Classic Case. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased at eastportyc.org/party and cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Boat Show Scavenger Hunt

Keep kids busy with the EWE Spirit scavenger hunt! Photo courtesy of EWE Spirit Foundation

In Annapolis, “X” Marks the Spot

By Craig Ligibel

There’s a treasure trove of dining and shopping experiences less than 1000 paces from Annapolis City Dock.

You’ve shivered your timbers with a day or two of Annapolis Sailboat Show booty, and now it’s time to walk the plank and search for grog, gold doubloons, and victuals. What? Your feet are too tired. No excuses, matey, because there are a boatload of restaurants, bars, gift and specialty shops, ice cream shops, coffee bars, and even educational opportunities mere paces from City Dock.

We’ve made it easy for you. Starting at the Alex Haley Memorial across the street from the Annapolis Market House, here’s a treasure map measured out in paces that is sure to satisfy all your cravings as you explore the more than 100 dining and shopping treasures less than 1000 steps from the City Dock.

Just as we were unfolding our map, Annapolis’s two-term mayor Gavin Buckley wandered by and gave us his two cents worth on how great a city Annapolis is. Unabashedly proud, the mayor, an Australian sailor who “washed ashore 30 years ago with $300 in his pocket,” is effusive in his praise of his adopted city.

“I believe this is the closest thing to a European city we have in America,” he says. “It’s an amazing, walkable, beautiful waterfront city with exciting history. I say with pride that we are becoming more of a foodie town, a shopping town, and obviously a great waterfront town. We have one of the most amazing vistas looking down from the top of Main Street; you can’t replicate it. We have the real deal—scale, fabric, 300-year history—I hope you have fun on your treasure hunt. It’s all here for the taking.”

The mayor even got into the spirit of the pirate theme, donning an eyepatch and giving forth with a convincing “Arrgh.”

50-250 Paces…

First stop on our quick tour of Annapolis should be the relatively new Museum of Historic Annapolis at the base of Main Street. It is within sight of the dock and costs only $5 for adults and is free for children. Though small, it gives a great overview of Annapolis history from the town’s first settlement until now.

While still in the dock area, it is worthwhile to take in the Alex Haley Memorial sculpture (some of which is enmeshed with the boat show’s fences, so come back at a quieter time when you can explore it without much foot traffic). The sculpture and plaques along the wall are a tribute to Haley’s book “Roots” and his family’s history. It reminds people of Annapolis’s significant connection to the slave trade of the 18th

# The Alex Haley Memorial on a quiet Tuesday with no boat show in town.

# Captain Cappy and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley with Annapolis treasure map. Photo by Colleen Ligibel

# The Maryland State House Dome, completed in 1794, remains the oldest wooden dome of its kind in North America.

century. If someone wants to learn more about the history of slavery in the area, they can visit the BannekerDouglass Museum on Franklin Street, a short walk up the hill (free entry). Also, in the general area of the dock (Pinckney Street) sits the old Waterfront Warehouse, which now holds a model of the layout of Annapolis in colonial days.

Start your gastronomic treasure hunting at the revamped Annapolis Market House just across the street from the Haley monument. Here, you’ll find a great spot for morning coffee plus an eatery with local flair (raw bar, cocktails) to get your nautical taste buds blooming.

Turn right out of the Market House to explore the shops and dining venues along Dock Street. Pip’s Dock Street Dogs features more than 15 types of grilled sausages and hot dogs including the Almost Chicago Dog and the number one seller, the Coney Island Dog, a simple affair slathered with mustard, chili, cheese, fried onions, and jalapenos for $5.95. (Our dog was served by Pip, Ryan Lamy’s daughter, in whose honor the eatery was named.)

Head back towards Main Street to explore the multitude of restaurants that encircle the Market House. Be sure to have an oyster shooter at the city’s oldest watering hole (since 1750), Middleton Tavern Legend has it that the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin supped at the

Eat and Drink Like a Local

SpinSheet staffers, most of whom live in Annapolis, recommend these bars and restaurants for meals, snacks, or cocktails:

• Tostadas and cocktails at The GOAT on Randall Street

• Tacos and margaritas at Vida Taco Bar on Main Street

• Sushi at Joss Café and Sushi Bar on Main Street

• Farmer’s Market Bowl and spiced shrimp at the Annapolis Market House

• Cocktails and small plates at the Parley Room on State Circle

• Crabcakes and fish sandwich at the Boatyard Bar & Grill in Eastport

• Crab pretzel and gumbo at Davis’ Pub in Eastport

• BBK breakfast sandwich and daily specials at Bread and Butter kitchen in Eastport

• Greek pizza at the Leeward Market in Eastport

• The burger, sandwiches, and specials at the Eastport kitchen

• Locally brewed beer and fish dip at Forward Brewing in Eastport

establishment in the early days of Annapolis’s colonial past.

The Tavern was frequented by members of the Continental Congress meeting in the State House on such historic occasions

as the resignation of General Washington’s commission, December 23, 1783; the ratification of the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War in January 1784; and the Annapolis Convention which laid the groundwork

# A Middleton Tavern oyster shooter consists of a raw oyster and cocktail sauce with a shot of vodka served with a glass of beer. Photo by Colleen Ligibel

# The Parley Room on State Circle facing the State House is a great place for a snack and cocktail.

for the Federal Constitution Convention held the following year in Philadelphia.

The Middleton Oyster shooter is a diabolical concoction that consists of a good-sized Bay oyster swimming in a mixture of a hearty cocktail sauce with a shot of vodka added for good measure.

It is served with a shot glass of beer to wash it all down. Bottom’s up. My wife calls it an acquired taste. Also in the “Market Space” a variety of bars and restaurants, including McGarvey’s Saloon, Federal House, and the Iron Rooster, offer indoor and outdoor

seating (dog friendly) and live music. Right around the corner, the brand-new GOAT Annapolis at Randall and Prince George Streets serves delicious food with a Mexican flair and interesting cocktails. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and tiny, charming patio out back.

250-500 paces

Now it’s time to head up Main Street, a half-mile collection of everything you would want to find in a dynamic waterfront town. As you stroll up Main Street and explore some of the more noteworthy side streets, be aware that your route up towards State Circle is fraught with danger… of the shopping variety. Be sure your credit cards are charged up and your shopping list is well in hand. Here you’ll find an amazing assortment of novelty, clothing, and casual dining spots that are guaranteed to catch your fancy.

Right at the corner of Main Street, stop at Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs for a taste of Maryland

# On State Circle, Harry Browne’s outdoor tables are first-come, first-serve. Those who love to cook will appreciate Welcome Home next door.

See the Bay

Seafood. If it crawls, swims, or floats on the Bay, Buddy’s has it on their extensive menu. Pull up a chair, put on a bib, and prepare for a seafood feast for the whole family (it’s kidfriendly). Oh yes, Buddy’s also does a great job with ribs!

Right up the street you will find Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Creamery, where each and every offering from ice cream delights to specialty donuts are packed with more calories than you can shake a peg leg at! The shop also sells fudge, caramel apples, and pastries.

750 paces…

While you’re strolling, don’t forget to stop into Chick and Ruth’s Delly, the quirky, old-fashioned diner with an attitude that offers up gigantic helpings of food and fun, complete with an all-hands-on-deck reciting of the “Pledge of Allegiance” every weekday around 8:30 a.m. The restaurant is famous for its gigantic portions, several of which are big enough to feed your whole crew. How about a six-pound milkshake or a three-pound corned beef sandwich? Team SpinSheet’s favorite ice cream shop is across the street and up a block: the Red Bean, where they serve ice cream blended with your topping of choice from Heath bars to espresso beans. Homemade ice cream at Annapolis Ice Cream Company is yummy, too.

Noteworthy spots…

Overlooking City Dock and Ego Ally is the upscale Choptank Restaurant, featuring an eclectic menu of local

@keepersvintage

photographed by @schaunchampion

# The view down Main Street from Acqua Al 2.

Stroll the Avenue and Circle

Locals love Maryland Avenue, where you can capture one of the best photos of the Maryland State House and experience a quieter atmosphere than City Dock, which is only a sevenminute walk away. Among Team SpinSheet’s favorites are Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub (corned beef), Annabeth’s of Annapolis (to-go wines and craft beers, snacks, and fun gifts), and the Old Fox Bookstore and Coffeehouse (don’t miss the garden patio out back for quiet coffee spot).

The outdoor tables at Harry Browne’s (on State Circle) are first-come, first-serve, so snag one if you can and enjoy the delicious food and view. Art lovers will appreciate the Circle Gallery, home of the Maryland Federation of Art, and its latest exhibit. While you’re there, take a walk through the Maryland State House, Maryland’s capitol (must have photo ID).

favorites and a killer view from the top deck. Be sure to bring your treasure chest. Like most things bright and shiny, The Choptank’s prices are not for the faint of heart. We like the chicken wings, crab dip, and calamari: apps that are a little easier on the wallet.

Another upscale restaurant, Acqua Al 2, located at the top end of Main Street in an old bank building, features a broad selection of Italian pastas and steaks. Expensive but worth every penny. If you just want a cocktail and a snack, check out the hip speakeasy-style cocktail bar downstairs called Harold Black.

Three destinations that are favorites of Mayor Buckley: The United States Naval Academy, “A world class institution” (open to visitors with a photo ID); St. John’s College, “Third oldest college in the US;” and the walk across the Eastport Bridge

Our treasure hunt from the City Dock up Annapolis’s Main Street took us about 2000 paces to complete round trip. At every step a new adventure beckoned. From high end shopping, souvenir and novelty stores, impressive local history destinations, ice cold beer, buttery oysters, succulent crabs, gallons of ice cream, and pounds of mouth-watering fudge, the 2000 paces described herein will transport you to a pirate’s treasure chest of fun, education, and excitement.

Dyneema Steering

By Dave Kirkpatrick of Edson Marine

One of the questions that we’re often asked is whether uncovered Dyneema makes a good replacement for wire rope in a chain-and-cable steering system. The benefits of replacing wire with Dyneema are a potential increase in helm sensitivity and a decrease in weight that will depend on the length of the steering cables. Some people try to eliminate as much wire and metal from their boats as possible, while others wouldn’t rely on anything else.

Subject to several caveats, it works well. Most of the grand prix race boats I’ve seen use Dyneema instead of wire (the 52s might all have gone to tillers, but the 72s sure haven’t—at least not yet), and more club-level racers are following the trend.

The first caveat is that all Dyneema isn’t created equal. SK99 or its equivalent is profoundly stronger and more creep resistant than lesser grades. The absolute strength doesn’t much matter as far as I’ve seen, since any wheel load that would approach the strength limit of even lesser grades of Dyneema would long since have ripped the wheel clean out of your hands; but the creep resistance is important. Creep is worth its own separate article by someone more expert in it than I am, but for our purposes think of creep as inelastic stretch. Imagine stretching a piece of shock cord a bit and letting it go only to see that it stays at its stretched length. This is an extreme example, but you can see it would be an undesirable characteristic for a steering cable.

The second caveat is that you have to be wildly more precise with your lengths than you do with wire rope. With wire rope, we use wire rope clamps to set the final length. These are very adjustable. You just make the wire too long, clamp it at the needed length, and chop off the excess. Because the splices in a Dyneema cable won’t be adjustable, you need to be exact with your lengths. It’s normal for the above-mentioned grand prix boats to make several adjustments as they get the

cable lengths perfect. Your tolerance for this might be limited. It’s also possible to make a slightly adjustable splice, but this is a relatively advanced rigging technique, and you may not be able to use it in any given situation.

The third caveat is that your cables will have a good bit of initial “stretch.” I put stretch in quotes because it’s unlikely that your cables will be under enough tension to actually stretch, but as you splice and tension a Dyneema cable, the splices will set and the rope itself will set. The rope setting is actually the “tube” of the rope getting smaller as it gets tensioned. Higher tech and more expensive heat set rope avoids much of this, but the disturbed areas around the splices and the splices themselves will still set a small amount. This is enough to induce slop in the steering which you will have to adjust out. Expect to adjust the cable tension initially and again after a few sails.

The fourth caveat is that your sheaves need to be in great shape and wide enough for switching from wire to Dyneema. Any burrs in your sheaves will need to be polished out (a Dremel is your friend in

this project), or in more extensive cases, the sheaves will need to be replaced. Dyneema is pretty tenacious stuff, but continual rubbing over a small burr will wreak havoc on it in short order. Likewise, the connections between chain and cable, and cable and quadrant/radial, need to be smooth. Any sharp edges or snags here will dramatically decrease the lifespan of your cables and increase the risk of catastrophic failure.

The runs between turning points also need to be clear and free of obstruction, and alignment must be spot on. A wire cable will wear the sheave down in a misaligned wire cable system, but Dyneema will get worn down by a misaligned run over time.

Another application for Dyneema in a steering system is in your repair kit. Dyneema is strong and easy to work with. A division winner in the 2022 NewportBermuda Race lashed the remains of a broken chain to their steering cable, losing minimal time in the process (of course if they’d replaced their chain on time, this repair wouldn’t have been necessary). Several feet of two-millimeter lashing cord can get you out of many onboard jams. P

# All Dyneema isn’t created equal. Photo courtesy of Edson Marine

Offshore Rigging Specialists

15 Months, 1500 Miles, and 15 Days

By Cindy Wallach and John Herlig

Two SpinSheet columnists share drinks, ukelele songs, and stories about their very different paths to St. Martin.

Cindy: One fall day, we just left. We’d been making solid plans to leave the Chesapeake for about nine months, but we said nothing. There was no departure date declared on social media, no countdown with updates on our boat projects. We didn’t even really say anything to our closest friends and family. We just decided it was time and started checking off the lists.

I guess the combination of decades aboard our boat, having done this before, and having dozens of friends do this, too, made us a little superstitious. Some of the people we know who made the loudest announcements came back in Coast Guard helicopters. Say nothing; keep working. On a sunny November day in 2021 we untied from our snug Back Creek slip for the last time and glided down the Bay.

John: Annapolis had always been the plan—I would buy a boat and live aboard in Annapolis while I fixed her and learned to sail. Eastport came as a bit of a surprise, the result of an intensive search for a more-livable home base after a year on the South River in Edgewater.

In Eastport I was hidden in plain sight, a resident of a marina that not even folks from Eastport had heard of. Tucked into Back Creek, I enjoyed a walkable community, an improved quality of life, and neighbors who were

serious sailors. And it was in Back Creek that real plans started to form.

I was as green as the meadow in May when I left Annapolis and worked my way down the ICW to Florida where the learn-to-sail part of the equation would come to be. A loop through the Bahamas plus stops in Haiti and Jamaica followed as I expanded my skills.

A homecoming sail brought me up the East Coast and back to Annapolis. My old marina neighbors didn’t seem to have changed, but I had. I had tasted life at sea, and I wanted more.

Soon a new plan was born, to sail offshore from the U.S. to St. Martin, bypassing the perils of the Caribbean’s thorny path and dipping my sailing toes into the pool of solo passagemaking.

Cindy: Leaving wasn’t easy. We had a beautiful life living aboard in Annapolis. It was the best of both worlds with loads of Bay sailing, daily playing on our kayaks and dinghy, and evenings in the cockpit watching the sunset surrounded by friends. We homeschooled our kids, traveled often, had two cars, good jobs, and all of the conveniences of living in Annapolis. We were not escaping from anything.

But when our son turned 16, he looked at us and said, “I’m only going to be here another two years or so. We need to go cruising outside the U.S. before I move out.”

And so, we left. We’d done this before we had kids, but now the journey was to be savored even more. As a wise circumnavigating friend always tells

| Located in Bert Jabins Yacht Yard | www.Myachtservices.net

# The St. Francis 44 catamaran Majestic under way. Photo by Cindy Wallach

me, “Misery is optional.” We went slowly. We stopped to experience as many things as we could along the way, and we had no end goal in mind. The idea has always been to just keep going until we feel like we’re done. Or until we run out of money.

John: I hopped my way down through the familiar waters of the Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk, VA. From there I sailed out around Hatteras and into Beaufort, NC, for provisioning and some last-minute repairs. On February 19 I departed Beaufort with my sights squarely set on St. Martin.

True to expectations, the passage was rather less than comfortable in its early stages. Grey, sunless days piled one atop another. Bitter winds drove rain into every corner of my life. Ave del Mar and I sailed along, sometimes quickly, sometimes not. Gloves hung drying over the stove as I made log entries at the salon table.

“Tuesday morning, 5:15 a.m. Heavy winds all night. Intense squalls at 4:30 a.m. Winds

# Pippin Wallach aboard Majestic.

# John in the saloon of his 30-foot cutter Ave del Mar.

otherwise in the 30s. No knockdowns, but buried the rail a lot. Substantial rain. Everything wet. As the days ticked by the temperature crept slowly up. Took a fabulous hot cockpit shower, read one log entry. All is well.”

Cindy: Hurricane season number one was spent in the Dominican Republic, a place that suited us in every way. It’s a super safe harbor in a friendly, off-beat town with no tourists yet lots of fellow cruisers and a big, gorgeous country to explore. After hurricane season, we pointed our bows away from DR and continued the Thorny Path, clawing along each mile. We were still savoring the journey, but also feeling ready to sail our sailboat again and be done with upwind work and touristy, rolly anchorages.

John: It was at 4:15 a.m. in the morning on Monday, March 6, while sail-adjusting my way in and out of squalls, that I saw the first glimmer of St. Martin’s lights on the southern horizon. I squealed (quite literally)—not because I was excited for the passage to end but because I was eager to have succeeded.

“Congratulations,” wrote my editor as I approached landfall, “It looks like you’ve made it! You know, Cindy Wallach is there. You guys should meet up.”

Cindy: We pulled into Saint Martin the day before my birthday. It was the first stop in a long time with real food. If there is one thing I have learned in 25 years aboard, it’s that real food makes a huge difference in crew morale. Fresh baguettes, cheap French wine, so many cheeses, and affordable groceries from all over the world. We anchored in the protected inner lagoon and stayed for about a month, living easy in this incredibly cruiser-friendly country.

I saw on a friend’s Instagram account that a fellow Annapolitan was heading offshore to Saint Martin. I realized it was fellow SpinSheet writer John Herlig. Once he arrived and got settled, we invited him over. John and I marveled at how we both had spent so much time living on Back Creek, and so many years writing for SpinSheet, yet we somehow had never met.

John: And so it was that I was fetched one evening and whisked away to s/v Majestic for drinks and ukulele time. And it was in the cockpit of Majestic, feeling immediately bonded to this delightful sailing family, that the stories started to flow.

I spoke of days. Cindy and her husband Doug spoke of months. I recounted hours hove-to, and they recounted weeks in an anchorage. Our stories were so similar, yet our paths were so different.

I asked where their journey had started. “Annapolis,” Cindy replied, “in a marina on Back Creek.” I don’t know that I could be happier to have traveled so far to make new friends who had lived so close so long ago.

Cindy: It was truly kismet. Sometimes you can sail the same path as a fellow cruiser for a year or more and still feel like there are walls. And sometimes you meet someone, and an hour later you feel like they’re family. It took John 15 days, and us 15 months, to cruise 1500 miles to meet on a small rock in the middle of the Caribbean and become instant, lifelong friends.  P

About the Authors: At print time, Cindy Wallach and her family were in Grenada on their St. Francis 44 catamaran Majestic, hatching plans, as the food and easy living on the French islands beckoned. John Herlig’s 30-foot cutter Ave del Mar was in West Palm, FL, as he visited family and pondered his future cruising plans, possibly back home to the Chesapeake for awhile.

# Cindy and John at the Holi Festival in Sint Maarten.

# Ave del Mar spies St. Martin.

# Naia Wallach shares bread with her new friend, John.

The exotic array of tropical marine wildlife and stunning coral reefs of the Caribbean form a delicate ecosystem that is as fragile as it is beautiful. Coral reefs have been facing adversity in recent years due to the effects of climate change and human impact. As sailors, we are responsible for respecting the reef by practicing techniques that protect and preserve the environment, as well as your boat and safety.

Often misunderstood to be rocks or plants, corals are actually animals. They are Cnidarians, like sea anemones

in the

Coral Conscious Caribbean

By Chelsea Co

and jellyfish. Coral reefs are an essential component of our marine ecosystems, producing half of the oxygen in the planet’s atmosphere and providing a habitat for about a third of marine fish species, even though they cover only 0.0025 percent of the earth’s surface.

The danger of running aground on reefs might be common knowledge for boaters, but there are other important aspects of sailing that can endanger the reef. Read on for initiatives that you can practice to help sustain coral reefs.

Sunscreen

Take the initiative to utilize mineralbased sunscreens that use active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. You can also don long sleeved sun shirts and pants with SPF that can drastically reduce the amount of sunscreen entering the water, while still shielding you from the sun.

Sunscreens that contain active ingredients of axybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octocrylene are not considered reef safe. There are

# Snorkelers and elkhorn coral. John Brooks, National Park Service photographer

Reef-Safe Sunscreens

• Blue Lizard

• Harken Derm

• HeadHunter

• Raw Elements

• Waxhead

several companies that incorrectly label their products as reef safe while still containing these harmful chemicals. Research proved that the effects of some of these ingredients leaves coral more susceptible to bleaching and DNA damage.

Senior coral scientist at The Reef Institute, David Gross, says, “Just because the bottle says ‘reef safe’ doesn’t mean that it is reef safe. Those chemical sunscreens are not only unsafe for corals, but also they’re not safe for humans. They’re endocrine disruptors.”

Ocean awareness

Sailors typically have a close eye on the weather, but maintaining a keen awareness about the weather conditions is essential when venturing out for a snorkel or dive. It’s important to be aware of shifting tides and unforgiving currents in the area, as even the strongest of swimmers can be swept away by a rip tide. Big swells can mean turbulent seas and limited visibility from churned up sand and debris, which wouldn’t make it an enjoyable snorkeling experience anyway. Strong winds are capable of stirring waves that can make snorkeling difficult and toss you around like a tiny rubber duck.

Any of these conditions can also lead to you being unintentionally dragged into coral. Coming into contact with coral can leave you with stings and abrasions while also harming the coral. Breaking pieces of coral, grasping them, or standing on them can cause severe damage and even death for the corals.

Anchoring and mooring awareness

Navigating the reef is important for your vessel’s well-being, but it is just as important for the integrity of coral. Utilize your navigation, tide, and weather instruments to follow sand channels and use mooring buoys to keep anchors, chain, and line off the seafloor.

Ensuring that your equipment won’t interfere with any coral or seagrass beds is crucial for the longevity of environments that host a variety of species. Even if your anchor is placed in a sandy area, maintain awareness of where your boat might shift and drag your line across sensitive areas. It is also important to be aware when tied to a mooring, as lines and chains can falter and lead you to drifting on to the reef.  You can also reach out to resources at the local marina or dive shops who will have experienced and accurate knowledge regarding boating in the area.

Leave only bubbles

Though it can be tempting to bring home souvenirs from your experience in the Caribbean, it is considered good marine etiquette to leave any shells or coral formations untouched, as many shells are home to marine animals such as hermit crabs and sea snails.

Not only could you be removing a potential residence, you could be extracting a whole animal too! The cone snail has especially attractive shells, but be warned, a sting from certain species of cone snail can result in extreme pain and potentially even death. Leave cone shells where they lie to avoid any dangerous encounters.  While you shouldn’t take anything from the reef, do not leave any trace or visible footprint. Plastic bags, fishing lines, and other debris can kill wildlife through ingestion, strangulation, or suffocation. Keep trash onboard, and extend a helping hand by retrieving any pollution you come across on your snorkel or sail, such as fishing gear, balloons, or plastic. Learn

# Taken in the Soufriere area of St. Lucia. Photo by Lauretta Burke, World Resources Institute, 2007

Eat Better and Spend Less on Charter

Provisioning for a boat outing is an art, and the skill it takes to do it right shouldn’t be underestimated. Lists and meal planning will help, but you’ll also need to make smart individual choices to eat well for less on charter. Let’s see what works best.

Yogurt vs. milk

For a healthy breakfast or snack, you can’t beat yogurt which can also substitute for milk in cereal. Choose large tubs rather than single-serving containers that pile up in the trash. If you do need milk for your coffee, choose the long-life version. It may not taste quite like fresh milk, but it keeps well and is much cheaper in other countries.

By Zuzana Prochazka

Cabbage vs. lettuce

Cabbage is more versatile and hardy than lettuce. You can use it in salads or make coleslaw, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, and it will last a week even in the tropics.

Apples and oranges vs. delicate fruit

Choose fruit that can take a voyage. Apples and oranges are great for snacking or happy hour. They keep at least a week without refrigeration unlike berries or peaches that will rot quickly.

Fruit juice vs. soda

Fruit juice works hard on charter as a breakfast beverage and cocktail mixer. Juice in vacuum-sealed boxes doesn’t have to be refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. It also stores well in small spaces and is less expensive than soda or tonic.

Local vs. imported

Be adventurous, and try local brands to save money. Local yogurt, tuna, cereal, and cheese are often delicious and cost a lot less than imported versions.

continued on page 108

# Drinking like a local is cheaper than drinking imported beer.

Photo by Eva Hill

# Local foods, such as this delicious French spread, are less expensive than imported foods. Photo by Eva Hill

Charter Notes

Happy hour fare vs. big dinner tabs

Stock up on cheese, salami, crackers, and veggies such as carrots and cucumber that all work for both lunches and happy hour food. A hearty happy hour aboard before going out to dinner will save you money at the bar and restaurant later. Sometimes a heavy happy hour turns into dinner, and it’s a meal that makes everyone happy.

Alcohol

Two ways to save on your onboard bar bill are to: 1) stock up on dutyfree alcohol during your flight, and 2) drink like a local. Choose rum in the Caribbean, tequila in Mexico, wine in Europe and Tahiti, and so forth. Every country has a brand of beer (sometimes two), so unless you have a particularly discerning crowd, opt for local Tahitian Hinano over imported Sam Adams, and you’ll save a bundle.

Skip bananas and grapefruit

Here are two items you may want to leave off the vessel. If you’re at all superstitious, leave bananas off the boat because they

presumably bring bad luck. Even if you don’t subscribe to this way of thinking, bananas often ripen at the same time and attract fruit flies before the crew can consume them.

Grapefruit is wonderful to eat and to juice as a cocktail mixer, but many people take medications that don’t mix well with this fruit; so unless you know your crew’s dietary needs inside out, skip the grapefruit.

Sundries

Think beyond food and make a list of non-edible necessities for the week. Charter companies usually have a starter pack of goodies like dish soap, matches, toilet paper, trash bags; and so on. It’s best to supplement with the following:

• More paper towels which can be used for cleanup as well as napkins.

• More tall trash bags because double bagging is necessary–really.

• Small trash bags for toilet paper that doesn’t get flushed down the head.

• Aluminum foil that works in the oven, on the grill, and in the fridge for leftovers.

• Grill lighter because the supplied matches usually don’t work and are just about useless for the BBQ.

• Kitchen sponge that will work on pots and pans which is almost never found on a provisioning list.

• Cable ties (ZipTies) that work on everything from a broken oven door latch to attaching a flag.

• Electrical tape which can be used to fix wiring, tools, gear, or even shoes that are coming apart.

Unless your cruising grounds are really remote, don’t provision for every meal at the start. First, your crew will be tempted to try local eateries, so you’ll have lots left over. Second, you’ll want to shop where you stop for a day—especially in Europe. When you shop small and often, the food is fresher, the choices are more interesting, and you won’t need to refrigerate as much at one time.

If all this sounds daunting, appoint a chief provisioning officer (CPO) whose sole focus will be to feed everyone well and affordably while arriving back at the dock with as little as possible. Bon appétit! P

These sailboat charter companies specialize in sailing destinations such as the Chesapeake Bay, Northeast United States, Northwest United States, South America, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and South Pacific. Contact them and book your charter dream vacation today!

Attention Chesapeake Bay sailing clubs: share your club news and events in SpinSheet’s Club Notes section by sending a 350-word write-up and one or more clear photos of smiling faces or pretty boats to beth@spinsheet.com. Thanks to Club Notes section sponsor, YaZu Yachting! Find them at yazuyachting.com and on Facebook.

Calling All Women Racers!

North Point Sailing Association (NPSA) will host its annual Women at the Helm Race on Saturday, October 28. All vessels must be skippered by a female captain. Crew can be both male and female. An Oktoberfest luncheon will follow immediately after at Young’s Boat Yard in Sparrow’s Point.

Suzanne Carter, who raced in last year’s event, says. “I sailed my first Women at the Helm race last year upon an invitation from a NPSA club member to sail his boat. We loaded his boat with an all-woman crew, plus him, the boat owner, and raced on a glorious October afternoon. The temperature was 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and we had eight- to nine-knot winds. Like the name of the race states, a woman must be at the helm, but the crew may be co-ed. I loved that format because it alleviated my fears of taking

someone else’s boat out and all that goes with that! Plus, the start was a pursuit start, so I didn’t have to worry about other boats on the line while sailing

more fun! It was such an empowering and supportive day for women on the water!”

If you are a female experienced skipper or a crewmember interested in participating but don’t have a boat, please reach out to the NPSA commodores, Charlie Wright (wrigct@gmail.com) or Aaron Jones, (jones.aaron.g@ gmail.com) for assistance in matching female sailors and boats.

someone else’s boat. We had a great day sailing, then retired to the free afterparty at the NPSA clubhouse at Young’s Boat Yard where we had boatloads of

While there is no entry fee to join the race and no charge for the party afterward, donations are being collected for the Downtown Sailing Center’s Women on the Water program. The suggested donation is $50, though no minimum donation is required, and all donations are greatly appreciated. Last year, nearly $1000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For this year’s event, register by October 20. Find more information and the registeration page at npsaweb.com.

Cruising Club Notes presented by Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA

Parklawn Sailing Explores the Lower Chesapeake

Members of Parklawn Sailing Association sailed one of its Catalina 34s for two weeks to explore the lower Chesapeake Bay. Generally, club members cruise the Middle Chesapeake on one of the club’s three vessels, convenient to its home port of Galesville, MD, on the West River. On several occasions, they have circumnavigated the DelMarVa Peninsula but have overnighted in only a few anchorages in Virginia waters. This cruise allowed them the time to focus on the numerous bays and rivers along the Western Shore between the Potomac River and Norfolk.

On the way south, the crew navigated through Smith Island to anchor in and tour Crisfield, MD. They then cruised through Tangier Island on the way back to the Western Shore. Several days were spent in areas recommended in the July SpinSheet article on cruising the Chesapeake. These included Mill Creek off the Great Wicomico River and Indian, Dymer, and Dividing Creek flowing into Fleets Bay. Mill Creek was the least developed of these tributaries and offered a number of peaceful anchorages. Since the crew had previously been to Reedville on one of the DelMarVa circumnavigations, they skipped Cockrell Creek although were reminded of it by the constant procession of the menhaden fleet across Fleets Bay (and the odor wafting south from the processing plant!).

After a partial crew change in Norfolk, the way north included stops in Yorktown, where the crew took a trolley ride around town and visited the Watermen’s Museum. The next stop was Deltaville with visits to the Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park. The latter boasts a replica of a shallop similar to John Smith’s and a 100-year-old buyboat. The trip was such a success that the crew is planning another similar cruise next year, bringing along the other Catalina 34 so more members can participate. If this is the type of cruising you are interested in, check out our website parklawnsailingassociation.org

Club Bareboat Charters in San Juan

With nine boats chartered through San Juan Sailing in Bellingham, WA, and more than 50 members of Singles on Sailboats (SOS) skippering

By Janet Gonski

and crewing those boats, SOS members enjoyed a week of sailing in the Pacific Northwest among island views and surrounding mountain vistas.

Navigating currents, tides, and winds that shifted around each island corner, as well as rocks rearing up from the depths of water, our skills were challenged and enhanced as we sought views of sea otters, seals, and the potential ‘blow’ of an orca pod.

Some boats chose to pull into marinas for a night or two to sample the flavors of local cuisine; others anchored overnight in beautiful bays and harbors to enjoy the serenity and beauty of a sunset. Each crew had planned in advance to meet the interests and desires of those sailing together.

After a late winter bareboat to La Paz on the Baja Peninsula and this early fall sail to the San Juan Islands, we are grateful to our bareboat committee

for the planning and opportunities they gave us in 2023. The club looks forward to a winter charter in the British Virgin Islands, and a late summer charter in Mallorca, Spain for 2024.

In the meantime, we will finish this sailing season with day sails through the Chesapeake, weekend sails to some of our favorite coves (for our Chili Cruise Contest) and to St. Michaels for the Oyster Fest. Once we furl our sails and winterize our boats (with the assistance of members who are ‘boat helpers’) we will enjoy winter companionship in members’ homes with Fireside Chats, and at monthly brunches with interesting guest speakers. In SOS, there are gatherings, friendships, and events all year around. Come join us! For more information, visit singlesonsailboats.org and click on the link for our Newsletter. Check out photos of prior events, and the fleet exercises lists of upcoming opportunities.

# Parklawn Sailing’s Catalina 34 anchored in Mill Creek.

# Carrie Will raising the club burgee on bareboat charterboat Fresh Aire in the San Juan Islands. Photo by Karl Scible

Busy Season for Seafarers

The Seafarers Yacht Club (SYC) of Annapolis, under the leadership of Commodore Bennie McCottry, has set and exceeded high bars in every aspect of our activities.

With Zoom meetings now replaced by hybrid ones, most members have become more skilled at both accessing the meetings and silencing their microphones. Renewing face-to-face encounters and sharing “spirits” with others has been invigorating. The SYC has become re-invigorated by new members, who have become involved in both traditional, core projects and new initiatives, which, with our partners, we plan to expand and extend. Our new bridge includes Rear Commodore A. Joyce Price-Jones, the first woman elected to that position.

After the Seafarers Foundation, led by MG Erroll Schwartz, suspended its two-week Summer Youth Program during Covid, vice commodore Derrick Cogburn’s

pilot curriculum was implemented in 2022, then refined and fully reinstated by its Founding Director, Capt. Alice Mahan, this summer. While it remains focused on drowning prevention and improving swimming skills, the full curriculum ensures participants have fun. Following the Summer Youth Program, the SYC’s inaugural Sail and Powerboating Class was completed by eight participants.

Since BSA and BoatUS selected Sea Scout Ship 1959, “Seafarers Commitment” as the National Flagship for 2021, the Ship has grown in membership, partnerships, and activities. After holding an open house, Scouts prepared their vessels for the boating season. Two Scout classes completed scuba training last year, and all members learn and demonstrate leadership by managing the Ship’s meetings and activities.

This year SYC activities included: several Paint-and-Sip parties; a Chili Cookoff; a successful cruise schedule; another

well-attended “White Party” at Harbor East Marina in Baltimore; a Boating Safety Course taught by USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 24-09; training SYC members in Marlinspike Seamanship and Automatic External Defibrillator operation; and working with members of the Eastport Yacht Club to ensure the success of our second Annual Regatta September 23.

The highlight of the year was our Mardi Gras, attended by 550 participants, which completely overshadowed our “coming out of the pandemic year” celebration attended by 355 people. Learn more about SYC at seafarersyc.com.

# Summer Youth Program

Cruising Club Notes presented by

Bi-Annual Crab Feast on Mill Creek

The Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club (CBTSC) September highlight was the semi-annual Crab Feast at the Shields’ house on Mill Creek just north of the Solomons bridge. Mother Nature cooperated in many ways this year. Hurricane Idalia took a hard right and went out to sea. Mysteriously the jellyfish left the creek (cannon balls, here we come!). There was wind (for some), and the crabs were plentiful. So what if it was a little hot? We had 26 members who arrived on 11 boats and three land yachts.

It was calm enough that four boats rafted off the dock while the rest dropped the hook nearby. The lineup was as follows: Something Special (Fortes); Phoenix (Hofbergs); Braveheart (Swifts); Scot Free (McClures); Rendezvous (Harboms); Quetzal (Mininsohns/Marks); Rum Runner (Nachreiner/Whitman); Corianna (Robberts); Selkie (Macphersons); Seeker

Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA

(Titgemeyer); AltaBird (Shields); Noyes; Reynolds; and McFarlands. Friday’s schedule was to arrive early and have dinner on your own. Saturday was the official beginning with a barbeque carryout and delicious donated sides and desserts. Sunday was the Crab Feast. We cooked live crabs and again had delicious, donated sides and desserts. Monday, those who didn’t leave at daybreak, enjoyed breakfast. Everyone pitched in which made the setup and cleanup a ‘breeze.’ The Crab

Feast is every other year, so we’ll plan on seeing sailors again in 2025 like returning ospreys!

The rest of September kept club members tossing their lines onto the docks. We had a rendezvous at the Eastport Oyster Boys concert; the annual T34C gathering; and a Scotch Tasting and Kayak event in St. Michaels. Coming up in October will be the Annapolis Boat Show Lunch; the CBTSC Annual Meeting; and a TBD Oyster Fest. Check out cbtsc.org for details.

Hunter Club Events Continue Into Fall

Hunter Sailing Association Station #1 (HSA-1) members enjoyed a host of events this summer and are looking forward to fall sailing.

In addition to the big June Hunter Rendezvous: Celebrating 50 Years of Hunter Sailing at the Harbor East Marina in Baltimore, HSA-1 members have been very busy. Following the rendezvous some club members cruised around the Northern Bay and celebrated the Summer Sailstice at anchor in Reed Creek.

We enjoyed sailing to St. Michaels, Oxford, and Cambridge, MD, to watch each town’s Independence Day fireworks celebrations. Club members also enjoyed potluck and barbeque celebrations at each port of call. Also in July, the club members enjoyed a wonderful pool party posted by vice commodore Celeste Streger and her husband Mark Streger at their home on Duvall Creek.

During August, club members met in Rock Hall, MD, for the town’s annual Pirate and Wenches Weekend. We enjoyed the festivities and met at Haven Harbor South’s beach for a costumed happy hour. One of the highlights of the weekend was attending the Buccaneer Ball and watching the live performance by Wheelhouse.

Finally, the club wrapped up the summer on Solomons Island. We enjoyed happy hour and dinners at both Safe Harbor Zanhizers and Spring Cove marinas. Several club members also enjoyed the live performance of The Reagan Years at the Tiki’s Bar.

This fall the club is looking forward to our annual crab fest on the Severn River, the Annapolis Sailboat Show, and our Annual Meeting and Chili Cookoff on Wye Island.

If you have a Hunter in the mid-Chesapeake Bay and are not a member, please check out our club at hsa1.org or email commodore@hsa1. org to learn more about the benefits of membership, which includes access to all club cruises and events and a direct connection to a network of Bay Hunter owners.

Enjoyable Raftup in Bodkin Creek

On Labor Day weekend, members of America’s Boating Club Wilmington, aka the Wilmington Sail and Power Squadron, enjoyed a wonderful weekend raftup in lovely Bodkin Creek on the Patapsco River. Moderate winds brought the sailboats across the Bay from North Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD.

Though the entrance to Bodkin Creek can be challenging, no one ran aground! The gathering included eight boating club members aboard four sailboats and two seaworthy Ragdoll kitties named Loki and Skadi. Everyone enjoyed heavy appetizers shared aboard Mystic Star, a 46-foot Outbound, prior to setting up the grills for burgers. We were treated

By Carol Hanson

to cooler breezes, a beautiful Bay sunset, and the rise of the spectacular Super Blue Moon that evening. Mother Nature smiled upon the group, and Sunday brought comfortable winds of eight to 10 knots. We were delighted by a lovely sail back across the Bay to Rock Hall. Thanks again to Bill Zimmerman, aboard Mystic Star, for his planning and support of the Labor Day weekend raftup!

During the summer, ABCW members enjoy

The Season Isn’t Over Yet!

This season Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay (CB2) has completed weekend sails, extended cruising trips, and on-land training seminars. The club’s most recent gathering was the annual Commodore’s Crab Fest held at Lankford Bay Marina during the first weekend of August. The crabs were exceptionally good, and the comradery shared was even better. The marina’s pavilion offers wonderful views of Lankford Creek.

After sailing North on the Chester River, Club Beneteau arrived at Lankford Bay Marina, a hidden gem, at the mouth of Davis Creek off Lankford Creek. The marina lies in a quiet protected harbor,

and it is the perfect location where you can enjoy the tranquility of the Eastern Shore. The deep-water approach provides easy access from the great sailing waters of the lower Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay. Transients always receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff.

The marina owner, Mike Sipala, was enthusiastic about hosting CB2 again and is making improvements to the docks. This is also the home of Sipala Spars, a complete custom-built rigging and repair shop that can accommodate any size project. The staff have more than one hundred years of marine service experience and are ready to support your vessel’s service and maintenance requirements.

monthly weekend raftups or cookouts. Winter activities feature boating education and monthly social events with interesting speakers. Visit us at abc-wilmington.com or contact us at wspsboaters@gmail.com.

The club has more events to come during the 2023 season, and there is already talk of exciting possibilities for the 2024 schedule. The club promotes enjoyment of the sport of sailing and provides a program of family sailboat cruising. Members enjoy a forum of good fellowship and an arena of the exchange of sailing knowledge providing educational opportunities about topics of interest to sailors.

If you are a Beneteau or Lagoon sailboat owner and you would like to join a fantastic sailing club, please visit CB2.org for more details. Your membership will enhance your sailing enjoyment. Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay looks forward to seeing you at upcoming events.

Cruising Club Notes presented by Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA

# SCC boats anchored in San Domingo Creek. Labor Day weekend Sailing Club of the Chesapeake members explored the Choptank River through the lens of James Michener’s classic novel, “Chesapeake.”

# Three generations of America’s Boating Club Wilmington members: the Bart and Bev Wilson Family on Bodkin Creek. Photo by Terry Butler

# JSO members at the Marlett’s Rendezvous in September.

# Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club boats rafted on Mill Creek for the club’s bi-annual crab feast.

Photo by Michael Mininsohn

# Hunter Sailing Association-1 members at Pirates and Wenches Fantasy Weekend.

Cruise to Baltimore and Marlett’s Rendezvous

Submitted by Nancie Merritt

Jeanneau Sailboat Owners (JSO) held successful events in August and September.

August 19-20 members met at the Anchorage Marina in Baltimore, home port to the hosts for this social, Jeff Porter and Mary (MJ) Church (Gypsy). Saturday evening kicked off with a wine tasting contest in the marina’s boaters’ lounge. Members happily swapped stories of the summer’s boating adventures. Don Frick was the winner of the wine tasting contest by identifying five of the 11 wines provided by members and rewarded with some JSO swag. The wine tasting was followed by a fantastic cookout including hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by host Jeff Porter on C dock’s Sun Deck. Live music was played by Rick Olaguer and The Post. Sunday, everyone gathered for an awesome brunch at Cowboy Row in town. After brunch attendees departed for home ports or sailed to other adventures.

The highlight of the boating season is the gathering at Ralph and Margaret Marlett’s home on Bodkin Creek with its wide, wide deck overlooking the waterway. This year a sizable tent saved the party from being swamped when thunderstorms moved through. Saturday, boats began arriving in midafternoon and either rafted at the Marlett’s dock or anchored separately and dinghied ashore. A grill was available for guests to grill their own dinner. A bartender offered Margaritas or mojitos. The Marlett’s daughter Susan handed out T-shirts with her own design for the occasion: Marlett’s Rendezvous 2023.

Find your per F ect Chesapeake Bay Marina

Sunday morning, we enjoyed coffee on the deck and had fun with a quiz on the origins of many boating

Looking for a slip for your sailboat?

terms. A lot of laughs made the morning enjoyable. Attendees were entertained by Rik Raphael climbing the mast of Shibumi with the help of a few fellow members along with Susan Marlett. As a result, he accomplished his goal of repairing the wind vane.

We are a loosely formed group of Jeanneau owners who enjoy boating and socializing together. We welcome new members! Please contact Paul and Karen Novak at svopiebea@gmail.com. See our website at groups.io/g/JSOChesapeakeBay.

# JSO members at Cowboy Row.

Autumn Awesomeness for Chesapeake Racers

Warm water and great fall breezes on the Chesapeake blend perfectly for sailboat racing from the summery short-sleeve days—even barefoot sailing days—of October through those for which we pile on layers and foulies. Around here in October, racing sailors expect a busy calendar of competitions and the op-

portunity to wear all the gear in their kit by the month’s end.

As this issue comes out, the Northern Bay PHRF Championship will be under way September 30–October 1. The same weekend down on the “Rap,” the Rappahannock River Yacht Club will host its annual Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta, one of the most

well-attended regattas and successful fundraisers in the Southern Bay.

Many sailing and yacht clubs host fall series and other popular annual events, such as the Annapolis Yacht Club Fall Series (September 30 –October 1 and October 7-8), Tred Avon Yacht Club (TAYC) Fall Star Wind Up (October 7-8), Potapskut Sailing Association’s Race to Rock Hall (October 14), TAYC Shields Fall Series (October 15, 29), Baltimore City Yacht Association Harbor Cup (October 21), West River Sailing Club Carl Miller Regatta for 505s (October 21-22), and Eastport Yacht Club J/70 Fall Brawl (October 28-29).

Among championship regattas slated for this month in Annapolis are the J/22 and J/24 East Coast Championships (October 20-22), Snipe North American Championships (October 20-22), and the J/105 Chesapeake Bay Championships (October 21-22). Hampton Yacht Club in Virginia will host the Waszp National Championships (October 18-22).

Find more in our calendar on page 54. Find race results and analysis in the November and December issues of SpinSheet and race photos at spinsheet.com/photos

# Racers rounding Balitmore Light for a spectacular BCYA Harbor Cup in 2022. This year’s event unfolds October 21.

Photo by Will Keyworth

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Reason To Celebrate at the CRAB Cup

More than 650 sailors and supporters of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) celebrated a successful CRAB Cup pursuit race with 88 sailboats registered and seven powerboats in the poker pursuit on Saturday, August 19. Guests arriving at the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) were welcomed by the CAISO Steel Drum Band and danced into the night to the music of the “best cover band” in Maryland, Misspent Youth.

CRAB chair Jim Nolan presented the Honorary Guest Vice Admiral Sean Buck with an engraved brass bell plaque in recognition of his leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2019-2023 and his enduring support for CRAB and the Recovering Warrior Sailing Regatta. The regatta will be renewed with the USNA Sailing Team after a three-year hiatus following Covid. EYC Mark Jones presented CRAB with a Sailors for the Sea Platinum award, their highest award for a clean regatta.

The CRAB Cup premier sponsor was Engel & Volkers for the fourth

year in a row. Koons Ford Mobility and Braun Ability sponsored the first-ever spectator cruise for CRAB Guests and families to see the action from CRAB’s adaptive power catamaran, Dream Catcher. Volvo Cars Annapolis was well represented at the party. Many thanks to long-time sponsors Mount Gay for the world-famous red hats that are celebrating 40 years of supporting sailboat racing.

The EYC Race Committee did a remarkable job orchestrating the start of the pursuit race. More than 80 boats were on the starting line at various times. Congratulations to all of the class winners and to Deep State skipper

Walt Pletcher, who finished first in the overall pursuit race by 20 seconds. He was closely followed by John Dodge on Kobayashi Maura, and in third place, Jamie Wright on Katsu. On-the-water photography was provided by wellknown and recognized SpinSheet racing photographer, Will Keyworth.

This year’s Poker Pursuit for powerboats, which involves traveling to landmarks on the Bay and submitting a photograph in return for a playing card enjoyed its usual dedicated following.

Congratulations to Champion and CRAB guest Lydia Deckman for her win in the Poker Pursuit.

Honorable mention goes to “Worst Hand” Jim Whitcomb and “The Colonel’s Hand.”

The Skippers Challenge continues a record of success with over $77,891 raised and still more coming in. Kudos and warmest appreciation to the 36 teams raising funds this year. The live auction, raffle, and CRAB swag store raised more than $10,000 at the party. CRAB wishes to thank everyone for their generous support and safe participation in The CRAB Cup and looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2024 on the water and at the best party in town!

Find racing photos for purchase at spinsheet.com/photos

# Winning skipper of Beneteau First 22A class, Tim McGee on Club Mac.

Photos by Will Keyworth

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Crab CUP Top Three Results by Class

CRCA (7 Boats)

1. Legacy, Philip Maiese

2. Winsome Ride, Mark Lister

3. Curlew, David Densmore

Harbor 20 (Full Crew) (9 Boats)

1. Killer Rabbit, Jon Forst

2. Riptide, Holger Hinsch

3. New Tricks, Timothy Bloomfield

Harbor 20 (Singlehanded) (7 Boats)

1. Sugar, Garth Hichens

2. Velella, Marino diMarzo

3. Endurance, John Heintz

Beneteau First 22A (6 Boats)

1. CRAB - Club Mac, Tim McGee

2. CRAB - Little Bit, Steve Ritterbush

3. CRAB - Lainie, Justin Disboroug

PHRF A0/A1 (4 Boats)

1. KATSU, Jamie Wright

2. Pointless, Johnathan Schlossberg

3. Moxie, Patrick Hylant

PHRF B (3 Boats)

1. Incommunicado, Tracey/Polk

2. Rosalita, Tom Lloyd

3. Breezy Girl, Tim Layne

PHRF C (3 Boats)

1. Committed, Warren/Tracey Richter

2. Sogochi II, Gregory Urban

3. Gringo, Brian McEwing

PHRF N (7 Boats)

1. AfterSchock, Paul Susie

2. Orion, Jon Opert

3. Rhea, Stephen Grimm

PHRF Cruiser - Spinnaker (4 Boats)

1. Tranquility, Jonathan Adams

2. Cloud Nine, Paul Kaladas

3. Belican, William (Bill) Ball

PHRF Cruiser - Non-Spinnaker (5 Boats)

1. Alice, Nicholas Iliff

2. Skimmer, Jack Detweiler

3. Ingenuity, Joe Lombardo

Crab - Spinnaker (7 Boats)

1. Snowstorm, Anthony Flake

2. Phoenix, Peter Firey

3. ROO, Bradford Young

Crab - Non-Spinnaker (7 Boats)

1. Cricket, Matt White

2. Owl Moon, John Butler

3. NautiGirl, Michael Falk

Cal 25 (Non-Spinnaker) (6 Boats)

1. Fahrvergnugen, Alisa Finney

2. White Cap, Dan Buan

3. Arctic Tern, H. Marie Harkenrider

J/105 (7 Boats)

1. Kobayashi Maura, John Dodge

2. Syndicate, Claire Ward

3. Breakaway, Richard Hinds

Viper 640 (6 Boats)

1. Deep State, Walt Pletcher

2. Thing 3, Peter Cook

3. Evil Hiss, Mary Ewenson

# Claire Ward on Syndicate placed second in the J/105 class. John Dodge on Kobayashi Maura placed first.

Annapolis Labor Day Regatta Welcomes Fall

Fifty racing teams were at the start for the one-day Annapolis Labor Day Regatta September 2. Sunny skies and moderate breezes made for a terrific start to the fall season. This annual event is cohosted by Eastport and Annapolis Yacht Clubs. Find full results at yachtscoring.com and photos for purchase at spinsheet.com/photos

Top Three Results

Cal 25 (6 Boats)

1. Fahrvergnugen, Alisa Finney

2. White Cap, Dan Buan

3. Harlequin, Leo Surla

J/30 (6 Boats)

1. Avenger, David Johnson

2. Shamrock, Bruce Irvin

3. Avita, Dan Watson

Viper 640 (6 Boats)

1. Weather Permitting, Robert and Becky Ranzenbach

2. Deep State, Walt and Tricia Pletcher

3. Evil Hiss, Mary Ewenson

J/105 (14 Boats)

1. Good Trade, Peter Bowe

2. Mirage, Cedric Lewis/ Fredrik Salvesen

3. Velvet Hammer, Kristen Robinson

ORC Open 1 (4 Boats)

1. Ma’m’selle, Ed and Cindy Hartman

2. Tenacious, David Bond

3. ZUUL, Benedict Capuco

ORC Open 2 (6 Boats)

1. MI 2, Jack McGuire

2. Aunt Jean, James Sagerholm/ AJ Syndicate

3. Abientot, Roger Lant

PHRF A (5 Boats)

1. Defiance, MIDN 1/C Javier Jimenez Kane

2. Gallant, MIDN 1/C Renee Bonner

3. Tenacious, MIDN 1/C Phil Pacheco

# Peter Bowe’s Good Trade topped the J/105 class.

# Ed and Cindy Hartman’s Ma’m’selle placed first in ORC Open 1.

# Robert and Becky Ranzenbach’s winning Viper 640 Weather Permitting (center) in action. Photos by Will Keyworth

the 11 Commandments of sailing Like

1. I will commit to making sailing better for everyone.

2. I will mentor young sailors and help them gain access to big boat sailing.

3. I will help people in the boat park and on the dock.

4. I will welcome new boat owners to the fleet, introduce them to other owners, and help them learn the fleet culture and how to make their new boats go better.

5. I will learn the racing rules of sailing.

6. I will put safety first and wear my lifejacket when I should.

7. I will make time to connect with anyone I got into it on the racecourse with and shake their hand, buy them a beer, etc. Even if we are headed for the room, I will remember we are all out there for the same thing—to have fun—and that we just saw things differently.

8. I will thank the race committee, volunteers and sponsors and will go to the regatta party to interact with them and other sailors.

9. I will fly the EWE flag (or sport other EWE gear) to show that I sail like EWE did, and I will always be watching, ready to catch others sailing like EWE did. When I do, I’ll thank them.

10. I will support the mission of the EWE Spirit Foundation on and off the water.

11. I will not forget how lucky I am to be able to sail like EWE did.

Dress Like EWE!

A Fun Run at the A2C Lighthouse Challenge

By Capt. Steven Toole

Mild temperatures and clear skies set the stage for the start of this year’s 30-mile Annapolis to Cambridge aka A2C Lighthouse Challenge, co-hosted by Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) and Cambridge Yacht Club (CYC) on Saturday, August 26. Wind at the start near buoy “SR” by Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was light from the north, making it a downwind start for all eight classes registered for the race down the Bay and up the Choptank River to Cambridge, MD.

Building winds into the mid-upper teens made it a fun run, with colorful spinnakers in every direction for the first 16.4 nautical miles to G “9” at the mouth of the Choptank, which served as the takedown mark. Turning 58 degrees to port gave racers a beam reach for the next 7.7 nm upriver before bearing off to starboard at R “14” for the final 6.7 nm downwind again to the finish at CYC.

Near the finish line, shallow water kept at least three racers from the finish they had hoped to achieve that day.

Top Three Results

ORC Open (6 Boats)

1. Blaze Star, Pat and Amy Teeling

2. USA38, John and Kevin White

3. Elvis, Tony/Celia Moynagh

ORC Racer/Cruiser (4 Boats)

1. Whatshername, Dave Sossamon

2. Snow Day, Richard Snow

3. Miles To Go, Erik Halverson

PHRF A2 (6 Boats)

1. Mama Tried, Andrew Noel

2. Blur, Trevor Carouge

3. Muskrat, Nick Iliff

PHRF B/C (3 Boats)

1. Gabrielle, Branden Spear

2. Bennu, Julianne DeGraw Fettus

CHESSS - Spinnaker (1 Boats)

1. Coyote, Richard Griner

Multihull (3 Boats)

1. Cheshire Cat, John Enderle

2. OrgaZmatron, Josh Colwell

3. Flipper, John Wayshner

CRCA (9 Boats)

1. Lucky Eights, Keith Cole

2. AnnaMae, Robert Michaelson

3. Hot Pepper, Steven Toole

Ranging in severity from a minor bump on the bottom, to an hour-plus tow rescue, the grounded racers served as a cautionary tale for the rest of the fleet gybing their way down to the finish line.

CRCA had the largest fleet in the race, with nine boats starting out of the 32 boats registered for the race. Remarkably, AnnaMae, Hot Pepper, and Wildfire finished within just 33 seconds of each other, corrected time, to take second,

# Andrew Noel’s Mama Tried (purple hull) placed first in PHRF A2. Photos by Will Keyworth

# Dave Sossamon’s Whatshername topped ORC Racer/Cruiser.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

third, and fourth places after the winning entry, Lucky Eights.

CYC welcomed racers with assistance docking in complimentary slips and a live band performing great music all afternoon. The club served Dark ‘n

Stormies, draft beer, and raw oysters to help stave off racers’ appetites and thirst after the day’s five-plus-hour race.

Overall, it was a spectacular day of great, mostly downwind racing. During the post-race gathering, crew from

Mama Tried were overheard claiming that they completed the entire race with a total of just three gybes all day to take first place in PHRF A2. If you missed it this year, this is definitely one to add to your race schedule in 2024.

# Eric Richardson’s Blinding Fury team.

# Amy and Pat Teeling and their furry friend aboard Blaze Star placed first in ORC Open.

Annapolis J/105 Women’s Regatta

Excellent Competition and Camaraderie

The sailing sisterhood was out in force on Labor Day weekend in Annapolis for the second Fleet 3 J/105 Women’s Regatta. Host Sailing Club of the Chesapeake welcomed 97 sailors ranging in age from college students to retirees, and experience running the gamut from college sailors and Olympic campaigners to international champions and weekend warriors. Over 30 spectator boats gathered to watch the competitive racing.

After a two-hour delay on shore to allow the southerly to fill, PRO Sandy Grosvenor was able to get three races in. The one-day regatta featured consistent eight- to 12-knot southerly breezes, 14 boats, well-known sailors, and close competition, with three different boats each winning a race. Grosvenor pointed out that “Two finishes in race one were so tight that we had to review them in video to figure out which boat beat the other.”

Ashley Love skippered Mayhem to victory, starting off strong with a win in the first race. Megan Ploch drove Velvet Hammer, dialing in to win the last race and placing second overall. Alexandra Clary on Champagne Puppy was one point behind to finish in third, an overall finish she also claimed in the 2022 edition of the regatta. Sara Morgan Watters on Crash finished fourth overall with a win in the second race.

Grosvenor’s Race Committee was “excited and impressed by how good the

Top Five Results

1. Mayhem, Ashley Love

2. Velvet Hammer, Maddy Ploch

3. Champagne Puppy, Alexandra Wardell Clary

competition was and how close the racing was, especially given that most crews do not normally sail together and many of the drivers, while experienced sailors, were not necessarily that experienced with the J/105.”

Love has recently led several teams to the podium at the Corinthian Yacht Club’s National Women’s Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy. Love had Marie Crump, who skippered the winning entry in 2022, calling tactics. Crump has had an illustrious sailing career in world match racing, an Olympic Yngling campaign in 2004, and was part of the winning J/80 Championship team in 2013 and 2021.

Love said, “The starting lines were competitive in big current, the short legs kept mark roundings condensed, and skilled boat-handling had the fleet crossing the finish line overlapped. There was never a dull moment, and our team stayed dialed in and fighting for every inch.”

Maddy Ploch, who organized the crew for Velvet Hammer, had her sister Megan drive for the regatta. Megan Ploch’s resume is peppered with wins, including the 2017 edition of the reincarnated International Women’s Keelboat Regatta in J/70s.

According to Maddy, a “Firstie” senior on the US Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team, “The regatta is a great time. Everyone is supportive and competitive at the same time which makes for an amazing environment to race in.”

4. Crash, Sara Morgan Watters

5. Mirage, Molly Hughes Wilmer

Alexandra Wardell Clary, originally from Canada, had Stephanie Bacon, commodore of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in British Columbia, and a former member of the Canadian Sailing Team, trimming main. Bacon and Clary reunited after sailing 470s together “years ago.” Clary enjoyed the “high level of competition and first-class race management.”

Sara Morgan Watters, who has been making sailing headlines since her AllAmerican career at St. Mary’s College, has been part of Love’s winning match racing team for the Thayer Cup and won the inaugural Susan Widmann Sinclair Women’s Championship at Noroton Yacht Club in June.

She says, “The talent and ability of the crew at the regatta were impressive. Women filled their roles with confidence and competence, which must have been fun, but not surprising, for the many supporters and spectators that came out to watch.”

J/105 Fleet 3 is one of the largest fleets in the J/105 class, and one of the biggest amateur one-design fleets in Annapolis. This women’s regatta is part of an overall J/105 class initiative to get more women involved. Multiple J/105 women’s events have been held in 2023, including in Toronto, San Francisco, Seattle, Galveston Bay, and Charleston.

# Ashley Love’s winning Mayhem team (red spin), with Alexandra Wardell Crary’s Champagne Puppy (green), and Claire Ward’s Syndicate. Photos by Will Keyworth

20th Anniversary Leo Wardrup Memorial Cape Charles Cup

By Al Brazzi, Event Chair

We enjoyed a very nice weekend for the 20th running of the Leo Wardrup Memorial Cape Charles Cup, hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association August 19-20.

Friday’s skippers meeting at the East Beach Club has turned into a nice new tradition for our race. Saturday’s first day race was for those bold enough to carry the lay line way out, a one-tack affair in moderate, unsea-

sonable northerly winds. This made for a comfortable, cool evening at the beautiful Oyster Farm at King’s Creek Marina for socializing and first day awards.

Sailing back Sunday with lighter winds at the start of the race resulted in a shortened course, which allowed for a much better finish ratio over Saturday’s race, especially in the cruising classes.

Overall, it was nice to have two days of racing. Prevailing winds in August have often conspired to prevent racing home on Sunday. Please consider joining us in the future for this flagship destination race to Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Learn more at broadbaysailing.org

Saturday’s victors receiving the first day winner’s pennant:

Cruising

Puff Card, Walter Boatright

PHRF

Remedy, Will and Mary Roberts

Sundays winners:

Cruising

Amara, Kent and Kim Utley

PHRF

Remedy, Will and Mary Roberts

Overall Winners memorialized on the Cape Charles Cup Trophy (Results corrected for both days)

Cruising

Puff Card, Walter Boatright

PHRF

Remedy, Will and Mary Roberts

# Photo by Donna DeSteph

# Team Remedy. Photo by Eric Brinsfield

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

The Rescue Regatta Debuts in Deltaville

Thirty-five race crews converged at the start of the inaugural Rescue Regatta to support Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad on August 19-20 in Deltaville, VA. The event was hosted by Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC), Stingray Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC), and Safe Harbor Stingray Point.

Friday’s fundraising event hosted by Safe Harbor Stingray Point and SHYC Club boasted nearly 200 in attendance. Midnight Coal Company played some great rock and roll, and Dave Rockafellow of SHYC emceed and kept the audience engaged. Kendall Webre of Norton Yacht Sales was seen behind the bar mixing up our new signature drink, the “Rescue Me” along with Dark ‘n’ Stormies.

When it came to racing on Saturday, Rick Klein, the principal race officer from FBYC, said 35 on the water “was a great number of boats, including 15 in the cruiser class.”

Craig Wright of FBYC took first place on Afterthought. Klein admitted that the “wind Gods were not in our favor, but it was a testament to the rescue squad that the sailing community showed up with such support.”

And support they did. The awards dinner was held at the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad station house. Dinner was lovingly served by the MCVRS Auxiliary, and as always, it was delicious and plentiful. Nearly 200 were in attendance. Items were auctioned, donations were made, and some very good times were had as Beth Justice and Lee Fenical of

Justice Goldstar kept it real and soulful.

Apart from the dinners and the race, there were other numerous side stories to tell, not the least of which was how the community came together on such late notice. In May, the planning committee was still uncertain that our regatta was going to come together. But it did. After we lost our initial photographers, people such as Paul Almany of FBYC, Bob Waldrop, as well as Whitney Law from River Realm and her crew Meghan Hall and Mark Smithson with TB Marketing came out to shoot photographs with barely a day’s notice.

Other things came together, with a day or two to spare: a big trailer to use as a stage from the Oyster Festival Committee and a big tent from the band RipTide. Old sails from Norton’s hung in the ambulance bay as decorations and a functioning Opti Class sailboat to ice down all the beer. In addition to our signature sponsorship from Norton’s Yacht Sales, so many stepped up to support us including the Urbanna and Deltaville Hometown IGA, the Moose Lodge, as well as numerous local businesses and individuals.

In some cases, registered skippers and their crew collectively donated. After listening to our testimonials on Friday evening a couple of members of Midnight Coal Company stepped forward to donate a portion of their fee back to the Squad. Beth Justice and Lee Fenical of Justice Goldstar essentially played for expenses.

As of this writing we exceeded our goal of $20,000 by several thousand, at least. We expect more than $.95 of every

dollar will go directly to the Rescue Squad towards a new ambulance or to support the new Station House in Urbanna.

I heard from sailors and spectators alike that the chatter on the water was an emphatic, “Yes Rescue Regatta!” and “We’ll be back next year!” Commodores of the two involved yacht clubs, Mark Wensell of FBYC and Lisa Wright of SHYC, seemed more than willing to be a part of the Rescue Regatta next year.

By every measure this was a huge success from the money we raised, to the interest and awareness we generated. The RR Planning Committee wants to keep our momentum going. The importance of our success must not be overshadowed by the exhilaration of crossing the finish line (several rescue squad members were in the race) or pulling off a multi-day event without a road map. The important thing is keeping our Rescue Squad doing what it does best. We might rest today, but we are already beginning to plan next year, including the hunt for 2024 sponsors.

And here is why it is so important that we stay focused: When most Middlesex County residents you know need to go to the doctor, they get in their car and go, or a family member takes them. But more residents in this County call 911 just to receive any type of medical care, regardless of the urgency, because being seen by the Rescue Squad or transported to the emergency room is their only option.

Stay tuned for information on the 2024 event. Visit fbyc.net for results on the events page.

# Photos by Paul Almany

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Celebrating Labor Day at Stingray Point

Forty-one racing teams were at the start for the popular Stingray Point Regatta at Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) in Deltaville, VA, September 1-3. The regatta began on Friday for the (optional) 18-mile distance race in shifty, varying winds from eight to 12 knots.

Racing on both Saturday and Sunday proved to be tricky for the racers and race committee, as those conditions held, starting the race days with an eight-knot breeze and diminishing. After waiting for wind for an hour each day the RC managed to get in additional races in a 10-knot sea breeze. Find full results at fbyc.net.

Top Three Results

PHRF A1

1. One Trick Pony, David and Jacki Meiser

2. Wild Horses, Hawk Caldwell and Clarke McKinney

3. Bogey, Steven Hendrickson

PHRF A2

1. Afterthought, Craig Wright

2. Voodoo 2, Thomas Lissenden

3. Excitation, Mayo Tabb

PHRF B

1. Goin’, Dennis Hannick

2. Mad Hatter, Bob Fleck

3. Shenanigan, Miles Booth

PHRF C

1. Cheeky Monkey, Paul Wash

2. Schiehallion, Brad Miller

3. Wendas, James Sturdy

Cruising 1

1. Dauntless, James and Jody Keen

2. Perseverance, David Hinckle

3. Reveille, George and Lyons Burke

Cruising 2

1. Dianthus, David Tabor

2. Annalise, Paul Cole

3. Femme De La Mer, Lee Fisher

# Dave and Jacki Meiser’s One Trick Pony from Solomons placed first in PHRF A.

Photos by Paul Almany

# Dennis Hannick’s Goin topped PHRF B.

# Tabb Mayo’s Excitation team placed third in PHRF A2.

Slow Race… Until the End Navy Sailing Fall Oxford Race

Ninety-four teams met at the start line for the Navy Sailing Race to Oxford on Saturday, September 9 off Annapolis. After a light- to no-air race, a front blew through at the end. Excitement ensued.

Tim Lyons, skipper of the multihull Triple Threat, says, “Things got better as we approached the Choptank. Once we turned into the river and had chutes up, things were more fun, but the front was

approaching from behind us. The big decision was ‘how long do we risk carrying the chute?’ We carried it most of the way down the river and doused it just in time. (Others were not so lucky.) We just took off as the wind built to 35 knots.”

The skipper reports 25 knots of boat speed aboard Triple Threat. “We were probably two miles from the turn to the finish when it hit us. We were one of the lead boats at that point, so most of

the fleet got hit farther up the river. We gybed at the lighthouse and had a fast run to the finish line. Most boats reduced sail area and waited out the storm. Some were not willing to gybe, so they sailed past the turning mark and waited for winds to drop. It was an exciting, fun finish to an otherwise slow race.”

Find full results at yachtscoring.com. Find photos for purchase at spinsheet.com/photos

# New meets old. Marty Roesch’s Class 40 Velocity at the 1874 Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse.

# David Conlon’s Victorine won the day in PHRF A.

# MIDN 2/C Ulysses Buzan and team aboard Constellation topped the six-boat J/105 class. Photos by Ted Morgan

Navy Sailing Fall Oxford Race Top Three Results

Alberg 30 (5 Boats)

1. Firestorm, Raymond Bay

2. Laughing Gull, Patrick Seidel

3. Argo, T.C. Williams

J/30 (7 Boats)

1. Shamrock, Bruce Irvin

2. Avita, Dan Watson

3. Avenger, David Johnson

J/105 (6 Boats)

1. Constellation, MIDN 2/C

Ulysses Buzan

2. Breakaway, Richard Hinds

3. Chessie, John’s Kircher

ORC 1 (7 Boats)

1. Moxie, Patrick Hylant

2. Artemis, Jeffrey Kennedy

3. Aurora, Brett Mastropieri

ORC 2 (13 Boats)

1. USA38, John and Kevin White

2. Nicole, Thomas Campbell

3. Blaze Star, Pat and Amy Teeling

CHESSS Spinnaker (5 Boats)

1. Dianthus, David Tabor

2. Synergy, Jeffrey Halpern

3. Jane Says, Robert Dunigan, Jr.

PHRF A0 (1 Boats)

1. Crocodile, Scott Ward

PHRF A1 (3 Boats)

1. Victorine, David Conlon

2. Cheetah, Marc Briere

3. iSmile, Sheila & Tristan Keen

PHRF A2 (10 Boats)

1. Gale Force, Guy Tawney

2. Mama Tried, Xan Schlegel

3. Defiance, MIDN 1/C Javier Jimenez Kane

PHRF C/D (5 Boats)

1. 3-6-9, Elizabeth Principe

2. She-Wolf , Sarah Freund

PHRF N (7 Boats)

1. Liquid Limit II, David Kozera

2. Orion, Jon Opert

3. Touche, Robert Dickey

CRCA Racer (10 Boats)

1. Incommunicado, Tracey / Polk

2. ReJoyce, Dennis Glackin

3. Starbird, Frank Martien

CRCA Cruiser (4 Boats)

1. AnnaMae, Robert Michaelson

2. Swellville, John Anderson

3. Capricorn, Arsho Sarrafian

Multihull A/B (11 Boats)

1. DualForce, Drew Conboy

2. Silver Star, Robert Gamble

3. Flipper, John Wayshner

# Sarah Freund placed second in PHRF C/D aboard She Wolf.

# Dan Watson’s Avita placed second in the J/30 class, with Bruce Irvin’s Shamrock team in first.

# RJ Bay, sailing solo aboard Firestorm, placed first in the five-boat Alberg 30 class.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

A Picture-Perfect Hospice Cup Breaks Records

Saturday, September 16 dawned bright and breezy with blue skies for the Hospice Cup. The day could not have been better predicted by the signature artwork for the year, Brenda Larson’s “Cool Breeze.” After months of preparations, 94 racing boats, race committees for three different courses, and spectators’ boats all left the dock on a picture-perfect day to spread out across the mouth of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay.

The 2023 edition of the Hospice Cup brought record participants and record fundraising to support the four hospice partners: Capital Caring Health, Luminis Health Gilchrist Life Institute, Montgomery Hospice, and Talbot Hospice.

Annapolis Triple Crown Charity Trophy

Hospice Cup is the final jewel in the Annapolis Triple Crown of Charity Racing. This trophy is a partnership between CRAB Cup, Maryland Cures Cancer Regatta, and Hospice Cup. The trophy, sponsored by Weems & Plath, will be awarded November 3 at CRAB. Learn more at hospicecup.org

The 94 entries represented 13 different classes, from Melges 15s and Snipes to J/105s, 40-footers, and a Reichel-Pugh Aquila 45. The classes divided into three racing areas: an inner course for the smaller one-designs, a pursuit course around government marks for the handicapped classes and the Cal 25s, and a southern course for the J/105s and the Vipers.

The inner course was run by Drew Mutch, PRO for the organizing authority, Sailing Club of the Chesapeake. Mutch was able to get five competitive races off, leveraging the northwest breezes coming out of the river. With 19 entries, the Harbor 20s were the largest class in the regatta.

John Heintz in Endurance fended off tight competition from Bell Carty in Puffin and Margaret Podlich in Skimmer, who ended up tied for second nine points behind Heintz.

At the awards ceremony, Heintz commented, “I was really glad they didn’t get their acts together for the first two races.” In addition to winning the Harbor 20 class, Heintz won the best overall performance in the fleet. “It was my best regatta in the Harbor 20, and I was surprised and thrilled to receive the Van Metre Trophy. A lot of credit goes to Gary Jobson and his tactics.”

Warren and Tracey Richter, racing their J/22 Committed, won easily with a “picket fence” of firsts across all five races. The Richters are one of the teams competing in all three jewels of the Annapolis “Triple Crown of Charity Sailing,” with the racing and fundraising winner to be announced in November.

The southern course was managed by Dick Neville, PRO for the Storm Trysail Club. As forecast, the northwesterly was strong at the beginning of the day. The course location south of Tolly Point was influenced by the Navy 44s who had already started their US Sailing Offshore Championship for the Lloyd Pheonix Trophy.

The first race on the southern course saw lots of shifts and boats in the fleet swapping places quite a bit—the first J/105 around the first windward mark finished eight out of the 13-boat fleet, while the second-to-last-boat around the same windward mark finished second. Angelo Guarino of Crescendo, the winner of the J/105 class, managed to play the shifts successfully throughout the race. “Being to the right paid off on the first upwind leg. We played the shifts on the first downwind leg and were able to fend off attacks from behind on the final downwind leg.”

# Angelo Guarino on Crescendo topped the 13-boat J/105 fleet, winning the Sajak Award for top cruising one design boat.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

According to Neville, “We started on time and had one nice race, but when we started Race #2, the wind suddenly moved 50 degrees on the first beat, so we had to abandon the race.” Over the VHF, Neville told the course, “This is the worst northwesterly I have ever seen.”

On the pursuit course, Arthur Libby, PRO for the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake, sent the 45 boats in seven classes on the 7.92-mile course option. Libby commented, “With an ebb tide and diminishing winds the competitors had a couple of interesting mark roundings. Forty-two boats out of 45 who started finished in under three hours, most under two hours.”

In addition to the racers, race committee, and usual onlookers, special spectator boats were arranged for Hospice Cup sponsors as well as caregivers from some of the hospice partners. They enjoyed the best food and drink of the day.

The awards party celebrated not just the winners on the water, but the fundraising winners off the water. Sean Simmons of Team Katsu began

organizing his fundraising campaign six weeks before the regatta. Simmons has been part of Hospice Cup for years, including during his time racing on Donnybrook, once owned by one of the Hospice Cup founders, Jim Muldoon.

Simmons is motivated in part because both his mother and his motherin-law went through hospice. Due in large part to his efforts, the team fundraising was more competitive and more successful than in past years. Team Katsu was in the lead for individual team donations before race day but was scooped at the end by John Dodge of Team Kabayashu Maru. Dodge’s team is vying for the coveted Triple Crown trophy.

The real winners of the regatta are, of course, the families in hospice care with the Hospice Cup partners. Hospice Cup funds are used to cover expenses not covered by insurance, such as bereavement support.

At print time, the Hospice Cup had raised over $140,000, and donations were still flowing in. Learn how you can get involved at hospicecup.org. Find race results at yachtscoring.com.

Award Winners

Donnybrook-Brendan Trophy

Starbird, Frank Martien

Sajak Family Foundation Trophy

Crescendo, Angelo Guarino

The Van Metre Family Trophy

Endurance, John Heintz

Hank Lawton Trophy for Fundraising

1. Team Katsu, Shawn Simmons

2. Team Mirage, Lewis/Salvesen

3. Team Kobayashi Maru, John Dodge

Geri Manning Memorial Trophy for Fundraising

Team Kobayashi Maru, John Dodge

The Hospice Cup

Mirage, Lewis/Salvesen

Top honor awarded for best three-year performance; it qualifies the winner to compete in the annual Hospice Regattas National Championship against representatives of the many other hospice regattas sailed nationwide, each event patterned on this original hospice regatta.

# Team Mirage won the Hospice Cup for best performance three years in a row.

# John Dodge’s Kobayashi Maru won the Geri Manning Trophy for most funds raised as of the awards ceremony. Photos by Will Keyworth

# John Heintz and Gary Jobson on the winning Harbor 20 Endurance.

# Sean Simmons (at left on rail) started his fundraising early and raised the bar for competitors.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Chesapeake Bay ILCA Masters Championship

By Jon Deutsch

Light rain and approaching thunderstorms limited the 32-boat fleet at the 42nd Chesapeake Bay ILCA Masters Championship at Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC), September 9-10, to two races on Saturday and no racing on Sunday. James Jacob from Severn Sailing Association (SSA) won the overall title for his seventh time, while Dorian Haldeman from SSA won the women’s title for her fifth time.

The weekend started with hot conditions on Friday as sailors arrived, and many elected to hit the pool to cool off, not something this group is used to needing or doing when the event is in October. Those who elected to go out for practice were treated to an awesome afternoon sea breeze from the southsoutheast.

Saturday morning saw light winds in the five- to 10-knot range with partly cloudy skies. After a short postponement on the water and two general recalls, the fleet was off for the first race. Scott Adam would go on to finish first followed by Gavin O’Hare (OBYC) and David Waiting (SSA).

The second race was a little longer and saw a few lead changes as David Waiting and Jon Deutsch (FBYC) would trade places through the race with Dave getting the better of Jon and Luke Shingledecker (SSA) finishing just behind them.

Before another race could be started, the wind dropped out. It became clear there would be a storm system moving into the area. Further racing was abandoned for the day.

After two races Jacob and Waiting were tied for the lead with Scott Adam just two points behind. Shingledecker and O’Hare would round out the top five.

Saturday evening after rain showers rolled through, the fleet and volunteers were treated to another legendary Alain Vincey meal.

On Sunday the wind never materialized, and afternoon storms didn’t give us the chance to wait around for a shot at a sea breeze. The sailors considered whether we should use a sing off, belly flop competition, or paddleboard race to settle the tie for the championship but ultimately elected to stick with the ILCA Master’s scoring rules.

Congratulations to Jacob on another title in two well-sailed and consistent races. Thank you to all the sailors for coming and making this event a part of their fall season. And a special thank you to all who helped make the event possible: race committee—David Lee (PRO), Donna Alvis, Sharon Bauer, Rick Peterson, Peter Dutnell, John Hubbard, Alex Alvis, Catherine Clark, David Clark, Mike Dale, Steve Wirt, Paul Almany, and Becky Dale (special thanks to Rick Klein); and volunteers—Alain Vincey, Jess Deutsch, and Janice Hardin.

Results

1st Overall

James Jacob – Severn Sailing Association (SSA)

1st Woman

Dorian Haldeman – SSA

1st Legend

Rich Parolski – Ocean City Sailing Club

1st Great Grand Master

James Jacob – SSA

2nd Great Grand Master

Bruce Empey – SSA

1st Grand Master

Scott Adam

2nd Grand Master

Gavin O’Hare – OBYC

1st Master

Luke Shingledecker – SSA

2nd Master

Scott Williamson – SSA

1st Apprentice Master

David Waiting – SSA

2nd Apprentice Master

Jon Deutsch – Fishing Bay Yacht Club

We’ll look forward to taking this event back to early October in 2024. Find full results at fbyc.net on the events page.

Terhune at the 6-Metre Worlds

In Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK, Allan Terhune Jr. acted as tactician and main trimmer aboard Scoundrel, skippered by New York Yacht Club member Jamie Hilton in the 2023 International 6 Metre Worlds. With a race to spare, the team proved victorious as the Open 6 Metre World Champions.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Great Kick Off for First Annual DickC Cup Regatta

By Alex Pline

Fifteen teams came out for the inaugural DickC Cup A/B collegestyle regatta on August 19-20 at Severn Sailing Association (SSA). Over the weekend, 18 races were completed in a range of wind conditions that tested new and experienced teams alike. Ultimately, consistency ruled the weekend as is very typical with college-style regattas with many shorter races that do not include a discard.

After 18 races only six points separated the top three spots on the overall scoresheet with the Team “Fill My B” comprised of Arthur Blodgett/ Darby Capellin (A) and Chase Cooper (Sat)/Mike Beasley (Sun)/Chantal Ferraro (B) just edging out Team

“Aqua Wolves” Bradley Adam/Thomas Walker (A) and Charlie Anderson/ Nikki Bruno (B), followed by Team “Flutterbys” Brady Stagg/Gracie McDougall (A) and Owen Hennessey/ Raam Fox (B).

The regatta is to honor Richard C “DickC” Bartlett, an original member of both SSA and the local Snipe Fleet 532 who celebrated his 100th birthday last year just before his passing. According to his son Jonathan (who sailed

with his daughter Annie), DickC was always about getting new sailors into the Snipe and helped build the fleet to become the go-to powerhouse fleet at SSA and nationally in the Snipe Class.

We thought it was appropriate to create an A/B college style event that honored his many years of supporting the Snipe Fleet by bringing the Snipe to both those who are new to the boat as well as to reunite some Snipe “alumni” with the fleet by pairing them with a current Snipe sailor. We could not resist the punny regatta name as well as the retro Dixie Cup themed trophies and accoutrements.

Saturday brought pleasant and uncharacteristically cool morning temperatures for mid-August, but along with it came light and very shifty northwesterly breezes. The courses were set in the Severn River to facilitate ratings between A and B teams making the conditions that much more

Price Wins the IOD Nationals

At the end of August at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead, MA, Tom Price won the 2023 International One Design North American Invitational. The Gibson Island team included Tom Price, Biff Hearn, Paul van Cleve, Murray Leigh, and Saidee Price.

tricky for the competitors and race committee. Two full rotations (each consisting of two for A and two for B) were completed before the breeze and the powerboat chop on this “Chamber of Commerce Day” were such that any more racing became untenable.

Sunday was a more typical Annapolis mid-summer day with warm temperatures and light morning breeze. After a postponement ashore, the breeze picked up and eventually came around to the southerly “sea breeze” direction at 10-12 knots, what we call in Annapolis “Champagne” sailing conditions. While there was considerable pleasure boat traffic in the river, the breeze was strong enough to keep the sailing conditions excellent for the 10 races that were completed (5 A and 5 B) right up until the drop-dead time of 3 p.m.

One of the great things about the A/B rotation is the off-water teams’ ability to socialize onshore allowing new and old Snipe sailors to meet.

In addition to the top placing three teams, we also awarded prizes to the top “Alumni” and “New to the Snipe” Teams. Furthermore, the A division results counted as the SSA Summer Series, and a separate set of trophy glasses were awarded to the top three: Arthur Blodgett/Darby Capellin, Bradley Adam/Thomas Walker, and Gavin and Holly O’Hare, SSA’s newest members and SSA’s new Social Chair! A huge thanks to PRO John White and DRO Barbara Vosbury for the terrific race committee work and to SSA for supporting this first annual DickC Cup.

# Tom Price and teammate and daughter Saidee won the International One Design Nationals in August. Photo Facebook

# Overall First Place: Team Fill My B, Arthur Blodgett/Darby Capellin (A) and Chase Cooper/ Mike Beasley/Chantal Ferraro (not pictured) (B).

Crews That Click

The J/30 Shamrock Team

It’s tough to sail when you can’t see. That’s the situation Bruce Irvin’s J/30

Shamrock’s crew was in one day of last year’s Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series. A no-visibility fog set in over the Bay. But clear communication and adaptability are the crew’s strengths, says Efe Brock (jib and spinnaker trim). The crew pulled out their phones and pinged the finish line, helping them decide to gybe quietly through the mist at the end of the race. While the lead boat sailed into the mist and got lost far below the finish, Shamrock crossed first. Brock says the victory is “one I’ll never forget.”

The core of Shamrock’s crew joined around 2018, supplemented by some off-

By Storrie Kulynych-Irvin

and-on and newer crew members. Most of the crew connected in collegiate racing or through coaching at Annapolis Sailing School. Bowman Nathan Thompson, who Irvin says is “a key member of the team,” sailed collegiately in Maryland, as did Rachel Weitman (jib and spinnaker trim).

Weitman grew up around boating on Long Island. After an injury and in search of a lower-impact sport, she joined her college’s sailing team, which she captained for three years. Weitman has 10 years of experience on Shamrock.

“After sailing with Bruce for so many years, I’ve seen a lot of crew members and have rotated through almost all the roles,” she says.

While coaching a regatta for her alma mater, Weitman met Charlie Carpenter (main trim), another member of the team. Brock also raced against a future crew member in college. Amy Kuhl (pit), another collegiate sailor, started crewing for Shamrock after moving to Annapolis.

Kuhl advises aspiring crew to “start going to places that have a lot of boats and sailing” and to try online crew lists (such as spinsheet.com/crew-finder). She emphasizes that crew should “be open to learning” from their position on the boat and from the skipper.

My uncle Bruce Irvin, Shamrock’s owner and skipper, chose the 1984 J/30 on a friend’s recommendation for its combination of “great one-design racing” and cruising capacity. Irvin has been refurbishing the 39-year-old keelboat for six years to bring it up to design specs, including fairing back the fin keel and rudder.

“With those repairs completed two years ago, we had our top gear,” he says.

Irvin advises new skippers to seek crew through friends, neighbors, and SpinSheet Crew Parties (in spring) and to “take out anyone who is interested and has a good attitude regardless of experience.” He adds that “racing together will develop comradery and your teamwork will grow.”

# Bruce Irvin’s Shamrock crew at the 2023 EYC Boomerang Race start. Photo by Will Keyworth

Shamrock has used that growing team synergy to accrue victories and lots of experience over a decade on the Chesapeake racing circuit. Kuhl says that the crew’s strengths are communication and knowledge: “Most of us have been sailing long enough now that [Irvin] trusts us to do our position and that trust allows him to focus on being the skipper and tactics… versus when that trust was not there.”

The team climbed the CBYRA High Point table from seventh in 2016 to second in 2020 and a first-place ranking last year, when the team took third in the J/30 North American Championship. This year, Shamrock raced to another high, winning the J/30 class at the 2023 Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series Annapolis. The crew also won a drawing to compete in the Caribbean Championship.

“We haven’t always been the winning boat out there, but we’ve always managed to have fun together, learn, and grow as a team,” Weitman says. “I think everyone is very good at keeping the vibe fun and just serious enough.”

The team has weathered some dramatic racing moments. In the early evening hours of the 2016 Eastport Yacht Club Boomerang Race, some of the crew sat on

the starboard rail. They saw the boat behind them go over, with only enough time to let Irvin know before Shamrock’s spinnaker hit the water. My then-10-year-old sister, who was onboard, described a “big puff” and a “lot of commotion” as the boat and its mast flipped completely on its side in a knock-down.

Luckily, Irvin’s son Jack was able to retrieve the spinnaker from his position on the bow. No one went overboard. The hull’s weight helped right the boat, and the team raced on to a second-place finish.

Next fall, Irvin hopes to compete again in the J/30 North American Champion-

ship. This October, the Shamrock team will travel to the British Virgin Islands for the Caribbean Championship, where the winner gets to return to defend the following year. The crew will also race for the CBYRA High Point award this season.

Alongside the four-leaf clover on its spinnaker, Shamrock relies on one other talisman: Irvin always brings peanut M&Ms aboard as a snack. But more likely it is the crew’s commitment that accounts for Shamrock’s rise to the top of the Annapolis J/30 fleet.

Irvin says, “Attitude is vastly more important than skills, as skill can be easily learned.”

# Shamrock rocking a breezy Wednesday night race in Annapolis.

Photo by Will Keyworth

Small Boat Scene

What’s the Shape of the Wind?

Shift happens! As small-boat racing sailors, we know that the wind is what powers our motion—and that changes in the wind affect our speed and direction, as well as how to set up and handle our boats. Tracking the weather forecast for your day of practice or several days of a regatta gives you a good idea of roughly how much wind to expect, where it will be coming from, and how that direction may trend.

But when you get out there on the racecourse—while certainly you keep that big-picture forecast context in mind—you need to rely more closely on what you actually experience. Using what you see, hear, and feel can help you succeed on the racecourse.

The whoooooosh of wind over water lets us know there’s a puff, and if you hear it more loudly in one ear than the other, it can indicate where the breeze is coming from. Oftentimes a spinnaker trimmer, focused solely on watching the shoulder of the kite for that perfect curl, first senses an increase in breeze on the

By Kim Couranz

back or side of their neck, letting them anticipate how that puff will affect the chute. But the most frequent way we talk about puffs and shifts is by communicating about how we see them.

We see areas of increased windspeed by noticing the darker areas on the water, as well as the presence of whitecaps. We can see the effects of wind by noticing how wind affects flags on shore or smoke coming out of smokestacks; how other boats around us are sailing, and if they are heeling more or less (or sometimes capsized!). Other local occurrences tip us off, too. If you sail near an airport, you’ve likely noticed that air traffic patterns change with the wind: Planes generally take off and land into the wind. If they have been taking off in one direction all morning, and they change directions— expect a change in your wind direction, too.

Now wouldn’t everything be nice and easy if the only thing that changed when a puff or lull hit was that the windspeed changed? Instead, when you encounter a

puff (or leave its effect), the wind direction changes too. Wind shifts do keep our game interesting! Anticipating how a puff may bring a shift can help you gain the most out of it.

At the risk of oversimplification, I’d say there are generally two different kinds of puffs that you can see. Both happen in the overall context of that weather forecast—perhaps that the wind will generally be backing or veering over a given time period, or that you’re expecting a fairly consistent direction all day.

One type of puff is a “cat’s paw” puff. I call these cat’s paws not only for their shape—they present on the water as a fan—but because they can surprise you, come at you quickly, and can be a little shocking, much like a crazy cat whacking its paw at you (I’m more of a dog person). Cat’s paw puffs are often the result of air mixing down onto the water. That “down” action (rather than “across” the top of the water) is why the puff, when it hits the water, needs to spread out. And

# So which way will the wind shift in that next puff? Keep your eyes on the shape. Photo by Ted Morgan

that means the wind in this puff moves in different directions. As it moves out in a fan shape, boats to the right of the center will get a leftie, while boats to the left of the center will get a rightie.

Cat’s paw puffs are not as consistent as other puffs—they’re not a puff that you can see and say, “Hey let’s sail 200 more yards to get into this reliable breeze.” But knowing how they work and anticipating a header or lift depending on how you are sailing into the puff can be a big benefit.

The other basic type of puff can be seen as a line—essentially that the leading edge of the increased breeze is a straight line. In these, the wind generally shifts toward the way the puff is coming from. Maybe there’s a relatively straight line of breeze, or a broad arc, coming down the course from the top right of the racing area. In this case, I’d expect the puff to bring a right shift. That right shift is fairly consistent no matter where you enter the puff, unlike the “where you enter it matters” element of a cat’s paw puff.

These line puffs often occur thanks to geography around the racecourse: Are you racing on a river surrounded by high cliffs, so wind funnels down the river? Does a peninsula or island stick out above your racecourse altering wind flow? They can also happen when “cat’s paw” puffs persist for a bit and their leading edge spreads out and broadens across the water.

So which way will the wind shift in that next puff? Keep your eyes on the shape. Communicate with your skipper and the rest of your team. Nobody can presage the direction of a puff 100 percent of the time, but giving the team a heads-up that something will be changing is well over half the battle!

About the Author: SpinSheet Small Boat columnist for more than a dozen years, Kim Couranz has earned several national and world titles in Laser Radials (ILCA 6) and Snipes. She has also raced J/22s, J/24s, and Ynglings on an international level.

# If you sail near an airport, as these boats do at Washington Sailing Marina, you’ve likely noticed that air traffic patterns change with the wind. Photo courtesy of facebook.com/ WashingtonSailingMarina

Sailing Out of Range

By David Flynn of Quantum Sails

In a perfect world (certainly in this sailmaker’s one), we would have a sail for every condition. This would mean a graduated series of headsails with six- to eight-knot optimum wind ranges. Four would be about right to take us up into the low 20s.

Many one-design classes eliminate this option, limiting the number of headsails and controlling sizing in the hopes of keeping costs down. This sometimes backfires since the wear and tear of using one or two primary sails just means they need replacing more often. For handicap sailors it is nice to have a full quiver of sails even if we don’t bring all of them for every race. It is also nice to have a flexible mainsail capable of taking us through the whole range.

Unfortunately, sailboat racing being what it is, it is not always easy to have the right sail up at the right time. Invariably the breeze ends up dropping

or building unexpectedly, and we all know how painful a sail change can be. This is especially true when just as we make the change, things go back to the way they were. There is also a good argument for keeping things simple and light and minimizing the number of sails we drag around. The key is being able to take a sail out of its designed range and make it work. There are a number of tricks to turn that medium/heavy headsail into a light-air sail. We can also turn that sail into a heavy-air headsail if the pressure is on.

Down Range

In modern swept-back-spreader fractional rigs, tuning has a big impact on powering up sails. In one-design classes rig tensions are well defined, but regardless, the principle is always the same. Less overall tension allows the headstay to sag more since the

aft-swept uppers and lowers pull back and tension the forestay. Sag generates power in the headsail. A softer rig may also allow the middle of the rig to sag to leeward. This effectively adds luff curve and power to the mainsail.

Finally, a soft rig allows for more pre-bend which keeps you from having to add backstay to get the mainsail to set up properly. If the mast is too straight, the sail will have a round, knuckled entry. You can go pretty far on many designs in terms of how soft the rig can be. Leeward shrouds should be floppy with the upper just going soft. You have overdone it only if the headstay is so loose that it bounces and makes the headsail unstable. For more traditional masthead rigs with in-line or slightly swept spreaders, you cannot make radical changes to athwartship tuning. You can make sure the backstay is completely off and generate as much headstay sag as possible.

# Hanging on...

Photo by Douglas Wake/Medora Media

For all headsails luff tension should be soft. There should be a hint at least of horizontal wrinkles coming back off the luff perpendicular to the headstay. Ease the halyard until these wrinkles show up. Do not over trim! The sheet will need to be eased from normal position: a little farther off the spreader or out from the middle if using non-overlapping headsails. Since the sheet is eased, the lead will need to go forward (or down if you have athwartship jib leads) to round up the foot and keep the top from twisting off. We need the whole sail. Weight can be relaxed to help with the helm, which also means the headsail trimmer can be in. The sheet should be played constantly in puffs and lulls so that the driver does not have to chase the tell tales.

The mainsail should also be as full and powerful as possible. Outhaul eased. Backstay off. Do not over trim! (Sound familiar?) Ease the mainsheet (make sure the vang is off completely) to allow the top of the mainsail to remain open. Ideally the top telltale will fly. Pull the traveler up so that the boom is at least on the centerline to power up while keeping the top of the mainsail open.

Up Range

In many ways we just need to flip everything we did to power up. If we have adjustable rig settings, we need to go tight to minimize headstay sag. This will also allow us to use maximum backstay without turning the mainsail inside out. The leeward upper shrouds should not go loose even if the lowers and intermediates do. The mast should now be straight with no sag in the middle. For conventional masthead rigs, we need to be able to use maximum backstay without over-bending the mast. Check-stays may be required to prevent over-bend (evidenced by the mainsail developing diagonal wrinkles from clew to midmast).

For headsails, it is time to get rid of horizontal wrinkles, using enough halyard to smooth them out. Do not get too carried away. Avoid a vertical wrinkle up the luff. We can trim harder, but be careful not to close the top leech off.

If the headsail looks perfect and the mainsail is flogging to keep the boat on its feet, we need to change the setup. The first step is easing the lead aft or up, if using athwartship tracks. This will flatten the foot and open the upper leech. Twisting the leech depowers the sail. If you have the luxury of athwartship tracks, it may be as simple as allowing the lead to move outboard.

Ultimately, we want to de-power the mainsail and headsail evenly. Each should be doing some luffing. On smaller boats with high horsepower-to-weight ratios you will need to get even more radical. Play the sheet just as you would the mainsheet. Ease just a little in the puffs and grind back in when things get lighter. This again promotes a balanced shedding of power between the two sails.

The mainsail should be board-flat with maximum outhaul, backstay, and enough luff tension to remove any horizontal wrinkles. The mainsheet and

traveler need to be played aggressively. The traveler will be down to control the overall amount of power. The mainsheet is the quick-release valve. Ease to keep heel under control. Wind on in the lulls.

Above all, sail at a constant angle of heel. Forget the headsail telltales. Feather the boat in puffs (let it come up); don’t fight. The ultimate goal is a steady state. We want to avoid vacillating between too much heel and not enough. It’s better to err on the side of speed. It’s much easier to manage puffs when up to speed. They will kill you if you are slow.

You may need to get radical. I’ll never forget suffering through a miserable, slow first beat and accidentally kicking the up-down jib lead out of the cleat at the leeward mark (which let the clew go way up and totally dumped the top of the sail) and taking off. We all just looked at each other and said, “leave it.”

Just a few tips and tricks to turn your headsail into “the headsail.”

# Powering up. Photo by Jarrett Hering

BRO k ERAGE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS

D ONATIONS

DONATE YOUR BOAT

Help a Wounded Veteran 240-750-9899

B RO k ER S ERVICES

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Mike Coe, North Point Yacht Sales

BOATs4HEROEs.ORg

Looking for an upgrade? Spring is the best time to sell your boat, especially in this fast-paced market. Mike Coe at North Point Yacht Sales is an experienced yacht broker who brings outstanding service and dedication to each client. With Mike’s 15 years of experience working as a broker, sailmaker and boatbuilder’s factory representative, he brings technical expertise and broad market reach to each listing. To list your boat, contact Mike today at 410.387-8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

Deanna Sansbury developed her love of the water when she and her husband lived aboard their 40’ catamaran, eventually taking a sabbatical to cruise the Islands. Upon returning, she began selling sailboats for a large brokerage in Annapolis, winning the Beneteau Top Gun award for most new sailboats sold in North America. By focusing on providing exceptional customer service and listening closely to her clients’ needs, she is a top pick for buyers and sellers looking for outstanding results. Cell: 410.629.9186

Deanna@YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com

Jon and Anne Hutchings established YaZu Yachting in Deltaville in 2020. They’ve been Deltaville based ’Dream Merchants’ since 2005. They lived the dream cruising across the Atlantic from South Africa to the Caribbean on their 35’ sailboat. They worked as captain and mate on charter catamarans, before settling on the Southern Chesapeake. They are committed to helping people realize their dreams and establishing relationships that last long after the purchase or sale of a boat. 804.567.0092/3

anne@yazuyachting.com

jon@yazuyachting.com

www.yazuyachting.com

DINGHIES

S&J Yachts, Brokers for Fine Yachts

BOAT SHARING

SAIL CLUB ANNAPOLIS 32’ Hunter Vision Sloop, fully equipped. Annual dues $900. Daily rate $100/day. Contact 434.808.3512 or garudabuss@gmail.com

BOAT WANTED

Wanted – 30’ Shoal Draft Sailboat < 3 feet WTB - shoal draft sailboat, swing or lifting keel w/ less than 3’ draft board up. Beneteau 311, 323 or Island Packet 31 would be ideal. Contact diving-entire-0k@icloud.com

With 10 locations from Maine to Florida, S&J Yachts is one of the largest full-service yacht brokerages on the East Coast. Our extensive reach & marketing helps find top buyers quickly. S&J Yachts has established an outstanding reputation for integrity and service! Our experienced team of brokers is committed to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair practices and complete satisfaction with every deal. Whether sail or power, we’ll help you find the perfect fit! 410.639.2777 info@sjyachts.com www.sjyachts.com

Yacht View Brokerage, LLC announces our new 8% commission, which may include complimentary Annapolis dockage (for yachts above 100K and up to 80’ in length) and 10% co-brokerage listing commission! We will successfully market your yacht from her current East Coast location or arrange delivery to our secure dockage for yachts from 30’-80’ (Power/Sail). Located 20 minutes from BWI airport, our listings are easily inspected and demonstrated to prospective buyers. Targeted print advertising & Yachtworld.com MLS internet exposure with wide angle/high resolution photos and video. 30 yrs proven customer service! Call/text Capt. John Kaiser, Jr. @ 443.223.7864. Email your yacht’s details for a full market appraisal to: john@yachtview.com www.yachtview.com

Bauer 10 Sailing Dinghy Fully rigged, nice shape. $2,500 Please call 410.459.5670

BRAND NEW 2023 Highfield CL 420 Custom RIB 13’ Center console, 60Hp Honda engine. Customized by Lagoon for newer Cats 50’+. 10.5-gallon fuel tank, non-slip/selfdraining EVA Foam deck, 20-degree dead rise, ample seating, electric bilge, and more! $35,000 Call 702.768.7238 SPECS: www.bit.ly/460SpXN

To find more sailboat listings and boat reviews, visit spinsheet.com

Brokerage & Classified SAIL

Sails & Ales Demo Day May

31’ Pearson MkII 1988 Excellent condition. Firm solid deck. New 130% Genoa 2023. Like new fully battened main. Wing keel 3’-11”. Autopilot. Recent Raymarine VHF, depth, and speed. Bimini and dodger. Cozy & clean below decks. Superb solid family cruiser, single hander. Bottom painted March 2023. $29,900 Contact, please text 804.221.7290 or email petert3@outlook.com

1971 Hermann Cat 17 Gaff outboard, Wittholz design. Extensively cruised since 1992, can demonstrate. Teak and bronze trim, alcohol stove, 12V electrics, new running rigging. Needs cosmetics. 6Hp Yachtwin, storage trailer. Local delivery available. $7,500 Call/text 410.729.5305 or mccruder2020@gmail.com

(Ritual) 1974 Carter 33 Two owners, commissioned for offshore racing, hull 5/10, 1985 FWC engine low hours, 1993 double tapered mast, cruiser ready. $6,500 YPM Lancaster, VA. Jeff 804.690.2214. Inventory and photos, visit www.ritual.piwigo.com

37’ Beneteau Oceanis 2009 Shoal draft, conventional main, new sails, canvas, standing-running rigging, engine mounts, bronze thru-hulls. 16k AC-Heat, lithium house bank w/ 100 Amp Alternator, folding prop, Dinghy, 3.5Hp Nissan. $119,000 Call/Text 843.301.2097 or gleasonsails@gmail.com www.bit.ly/3L9LAuP

Sabre 38’ Mark 1 Divorce sale. $10,000 Boat needs work. Sails included. Make this boat your summer/ fall project! Call 410.703.5699 or email 21401naptown@gmail.com

2023 Jeanneau SO 410 3c/2hAvailable NOW! Located in Miami, FL. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

The F101 is the newest, simplest design perfect for first-time foilers to experts. Nearly impossible to capsize, almost guaranteed to foil on your first day, and a blast on the Bay. Mint condition hull w/ Code Zero, Self-tacking Jib and hand dolly. Purchased for $25k, taking best offers, looking for a happy home with an eager foiler! eric@ejkessler.com www.bit.ly/44a5ooZ

O’Day 20 - FREE Project boat. FREE TO GOOD HOME. No trailer. No motor. Decent sails. Contact: Don at 410.320.0140

Hunter 33.5 1989 Excellent condition. Yanmar 2GM20F, North Sails, Doyle Cradle Cover (2019), Hawkeye Depth gauge (2023), and other upgrades. Boat is ready to sail. $25,000 Contact: sbailey128@gmail.com

34’ Hunter ‘86 Perfect for the Bay! New bottom paint, solar panels, new battery monitor. Full canvas cockpit, Raymarine auto pilot. A/C + heater, lazy jacks, furling genny. A solid boat! $26,000 Call 410.336.9912 or email lcpresley@hotmail.com

(No Surrender) 1998 J Boats J120 Offshore ready, J/120, USA 77. Fully equipped and ready for offshore racing. Well maintained and in great shape. Full complement of racing sails. Excellent electronics package. $150,000 Emailricksailscnc@hotmail.com www.bit.ly/3LoMuDF

2020 Lagoon 42 Pre-Owned Model. 4c/4h - Available NOW! $525,000 Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

2023 Lagoon 42 Pre-Owned Model. 4c/4h - Available NOW! Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

1977

Full keel/sailboat,

16hHp diesel - recently serviced, excellent sails, roller furling jib, solar charged batteries, two-burner stove, propane grill, standing headroom, sleeps 4 comfortably.

$12,000 Please call 410.476.3976

C&C 34 1981 2009 Yanmar 2YM, Simrad chartplotter, Rocna anchor, bimini, Harken traveler/blocks, 60” wheel, 2015 standing/running rigging, 2013 mainsail, 100 watt solar. Deltaville Boatyard. $18,500 Text 970.846.1656

(Wings) 2020 J Boats J/121 Fully equipped Racer/Cruiser in pristine condition. Meticulously maintained and boasts exceptional race record. Includes full set of racing sails, newly coated race bottom, water ballast, and Garmin electronics. $395,000 Contact: 718.764.7215 or michaelb@mcmyacht.com www.bit.ly/42OIUZJ

801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

(Celtic Joy) Island Packet 29 Well maintained, nicely outfitted and cared for Island Packet 29. Updated Furuno electronics. Step abord, go cruising condition. $60,000 US Please call 443.480.3618 or email robin@sjyachts.com

(Pau Hana) Beneteau 351 1994

Sleeps 6, roller furling main & genoa, 30Hp Perkins, dodger, bimini, full enclosure, Raymarine chartplotter, wind, speed, depth, autopilot, VHF, 24” flat screen, Jabsco electric head. Ready for cruising!

$22,000 443.354.0781 bdunham2176@yahoo.com

305.390.2999

info@atlasyachtsales.com atlasyachtsales.com

2024 Lagoon 42 Brand new! 3 cabin, owners version. Arriving Fall 2023. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

2023 Jeanneau SO 440 3c/2h - Available NOW! Located in St. Augustine, FL. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

2021 F101 Foiling Trimaran 17’

Cape Dory 28’

Yanmar

Brokerage & Classified

2018 Lagoon 450F Pre-Owned Model. 4c/4h - Available NOW! $575,000 Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

2024 Lagoon 46 Brand new! 3 cabin, owners version. Arriving Fall 2023. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

VOLT 180 ALL ELECTRIC MOTOR!

11 passenger, 5Hp Lithium Ion batteries. Fun, green, low maintenance picnic boat. $25,000 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073 www.bayharborbrokerage.com

(Gitana) 1973 Nautor Swan 44 Sparkman & Stephens Design. Exceptional Pedigree. Reverse cycle heat/air. New B&G Electronics - SAME OWNER LAST 25 YEARS!!! Well kept. Available Immediately. In the water in Hampton, VA. $99,000 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073 www.bayharborbrokerage.com

(Don’t Dream It) 34’ Tartan 345 ’21 Hull #117 - Offshore live aboard equipped. Stern arch, davits, solar, thruster, furling boom, genset, air con. And tons more! Owner loves - switching to power. Asking $340,000 Call Jeff Jordan 410.956.5534 or www.Crusaderyachts.com

2023 Jeanneau SO 490 3c/2hAvailable NOW! Located in Miami, FL. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

(Jeneral’s Lady) 1988 J Boats J37 2012 Furuno Auto pilot/chart plotter, radar. 2 cabin 1 head, new fuel tank 2023, re-powered 2012, good condition. Great racer/cruiser! $52,900 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073 www.bayharborbrokerage.com

(Riptide) 2007 Beneteau 49 Great layout! Very comfortable, 3 cabin, 2 head layout. Bow thruster and 8kw genset. $259,000 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073 www.bayharborbrokerage.com

(Shadow) 34’ Tartan 345 ’21 Hull #115 - Coastal Cruising equipped. Custom interior and deck layouts, air con., thruster, dodger/bimini/connector. Upgraded sails. Ready to cruise! Asking $290,000 Call Mike Titgemeyer 410.703.7986 or www.Crusaderyachts.com

2024 Jeanneau Yachts 55 New model! Available Late Fall 2023. Purchase Incentive Available. Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

(Journey) 2012 MJM 40Z

This gorgeous MJM has 1 cabin, 1 head (electric flush), 6kw genset, 1500-hour service/check performed June 2023. Two 370Hp D6Pod drives IPS500, Cruising/Max Speed: 30 kn/35 kn. $695,000 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073 www.bayharborbrokerage.com

31’ Catalina 309 ’07 Pristine condition. Furling mast, shoal draft, air con., auto-pilot, low hours, gently loved. Asking $79,900 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

34’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 ’24 Amazing Opportunity! Owner had a change in plans after sailing twice. 2 cabins, furling mast, full electronics, bow thruster and more. Asking $270,000 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

2015 Lagoon 560 S2

Pre-Owned Model. 5CAvailable NOW! $1,200,000 Atlas Yacht Sales, 954.253.7445, info@atlasyachtsales.com www.atlasyachtsales.com

(Treasure Chest) 2014 MarlowHunter 40 This is a 2 cabin 2 head cruising boat! LOW ENGINE HOURS!!! Equipped w/ bow thruster, genset and 2 A/C’s. New chart plotter/ radar 2020. She is ready to sail away! $249,900 Bay Harbor Brokerage 757.480.1073

www.bayharborbrokerage.com

31’ Pacific Seacraft 31 - ’88 to ‘07 Four available! Variety of years and cruising equipment. Proven Crealock design. Innovative layout for 31-footer. Schedule an appointment today! Asking $78,000 to $138,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

36’ Bavaria 36 ’05 2 cabin/1 head layout, in-mast furling, stern arch w/ dinghy davit, new engine and saildrive, new air con. Great Chesapeake Bay cruiser. Asking $85,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

To find more used boats, visit spinsheet.com

7078 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis, MD 21403

2019 Vision Marine Technologies

37’ Excess 11 ‘23 Model Year, Boat of the YEAR winner! This new catamaran has won awards around the worldCome see what it’s all about! 37-foot Performance Cruiser! Hull #75 IN STOCK. Reduced $575,000 Call CYS offices and speak w/ your favorite Broker! 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

39’ Excess 12 ‘22 Another Excess Boat of Year Winner! Cruise Ready Excess 12 #29 is ready for delivery NOW! Call CYS offices and speak w/ your favorite Broker! REDUCED $640,000 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

37’ Pacific Seacraft 37 ’03 Extensive recent refit. Full-width forward bunk. Newer canvas and sails. Beautiful teak interior. Asking $178,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

41’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 ‘23 Hull #242 IN STOCK! Very wellequipped! Call your Favorite CYS broker today for more info! Available now! Reduced $430,000 Call 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

a s a buyer i t’s always great to know you are working with someone who has your back and best interests in mind.

- Tim R

b est buying experience i have ever had.

- Adam L

38’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 ‘23 #83 Two Cabin LayoutOne Head, Performance Pack, Laminate sails, Bow Thruster, air con and more! Ready for delivery. $390,000 Call Crusader 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

410 ’21

cabin, one head, ocean electronics, air

Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

t hey made us feel like family. b uying a boat can be very stressful, but d rake was with us literally every step of the way.

- Courtney Z

38’ Sabre 38 Mk II ’88 Classic design. Lightly used, professionally maintained. AC/Heat, windlass and more. Mostly freshwater sailed. Asking $115,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

41’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey

Two

con., stack pack and full canvas, code zero, bow thruster, inverter, 3 blade prop & more! Asking 438,900. Call

42’ Beneteau First 42 ’81 Frers design, cruiser racer. Well maintained, autopilot, refrigeration, hydraulic vang & backstay. Repowered w/ low hours, she has a full compliment of cruising and racing sails. Call

Brokerage & Classified

44’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 ’23 #390 In Stock and Ready for delivery! Loaded - Genset, Air, Thruster, Radar, Freezer and More! Price reduced $620,000 Trades Considered. Call Crusader 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

51’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 519 ‘17 Great equipment list on this late model Jeanneau. All set for coastal or offshore cruising. Blue Hull, Davits, Genset, Thruster, Air Con, Water Maker, Solar and more! 3 Cabin, 2 head layout. Price reduced, asking $395,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

66’ CNB 66 ‘21 Well-equipped for offshore/distance cruising comfort. 4 cabins/4 heads w/ Captain/Crew cabin in bow. Reduced - $2,499,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(Zephyrus) 37’ Irwin ‘74 $19,000 Dan Williams 502.881.7475 d williams@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Footloose) 45’ Cabo Rico 45 ’03 Proven world cruiser, having completed an ARC in the last five years. Meticulously maintained and updated. Offshore equipped and ready to go. Asking $370,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

49’ Excess Catamaran 15 ‘23 Pulse Line Rigged. Loaded w/ cruising gear and elegance not yet seen in family cruising cats! Hull #14 IN STOCK!! Call your favorite CYS Broker for more info! Reduced $1,275,000 Call 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

409 Chester Avenue, Suite A Annapolis, MD 21403 1.855.266.5676 | info@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Anna May) 38’ Wauquiez ‘86 $65,000 Brent Anderson 651.528.4198 brent@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

49’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 ‘23 Performance Cruiser, Furling mast, Air, Gen, Thruster, and more, ready to go cruising! Hull #168 IN STOCK!! Reduced - $725,000 Call today to schedule a showing w/ your favorite CYS Broker! 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

53’

53 ‘11 3 cabin and 3 head layout. Shoal draft, in-mast furling, genset, air con., power winches, inverter, radar, AIS, and mo! Amazingly priced at $280,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(Elf) 35’ George Lawley & Son 1888 $249,000 Fletcher C. Bauman 410.263.2000 fletcher@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Meridian) 38’ Bristol ‘85 $69,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

53’

Catamaran 530 ’19 Superb build quality and offshore capability is just the beginning of this luxury equipped catamaran. Limited time opportunity, contact immediately for showing. Asking $995,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(Confidante) 36’ Vancouver ‘82 $60,000 Dan Williams 502.881.7475 d williams@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Native) 38’ Herreshoff ‘70 $29,900 Lin Earley 757.672.2778 lin@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

54’

and

to cruise. Owner’s plans have changed, and he is switching to power. Asking $725,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(karen Marie) 36’ Union ‘84 $70,000 Dan Williams 502.881.7475 d williams@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Pride)

To find more sailboat listings and boat reviews, visit spinsheet.com

40’ Tartan ‘85 $85,000 Dan Williams 502.881.7475 d williams@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Jeanneau

Royal Cape

Jeanneau Yachts 54 ’20 Lightly used, professionally maintained

ready

(Quetzalcoatl)

2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54 DS Captain’s layout. Full B&G Yacht Electronics. Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@knot10.com

www.knot10.com

7330 Edgewood Road, Suite 1 Annapolis, MD 21403

2003 J Boats J/109 Proven winner. Whether a serious racer or weekend warrior, this boat is a true competitor. Contact Bob Oberg at 410.320.3385 or Bob@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1995 Sabre 362 PRICE CHANGE. Great sailing yacht, very wellmaintained and upgraded. Call today for more information. Contact Bob Oberg at 410.320.3385 or Bob@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

(Artful

2000 J Boats J/120 Carbon fiber mast, new aluminum boom, UBI Major roller furling system, new Volvo D2-40 engine and 130S saildrive, plus many recent upgrades. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1989 Passport 41 A true classic and well kept, comfortable and stable cruiser w/ a serious look. Contact Troy Waller at 804.885.4090 or Troy@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2006 Hunter 41 Deck Salon Very wellmaintained and equipped for cruising w/ recent electronics upgrades and spacious accommodations. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2016 Hanse 415 Very nice performance cruiser, easily sailed shorthanded and comfortable for extended stays on board. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

Leave 10% Brokerage Fees in Your Wake Jay Porterfield • Knot 10 Sail (410) 977-9460 • jay@knot10.com

2001 Lagoon 380 3-stateroom owner version. Generator, ac/heat. Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@knot10.com www.knot10.com

43’ Jouet 1280 Most well-designed motor sailor I have ever seen! Perfect condition. This is a must see! Visit Knot10.com and look at her! Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@knot10.com www.knot10.com

1977 Baltic 42 Newly finished restoration project w/ updated rigging, running rigging, deck hardware, paint, engine, and much more. See it to believe it! Contact Mike Coe at 410.387.8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com

www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2001 J Boats 42 A carbon mast and shoal draft keel makes this a great cruiser w/ racing performance. Wellequipped for new adventures. Contact Bob Oberg at 410.320.3385 or Bob@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

(Chaucer Blue) 41’ Morgan ‘77

$60,000 Justin Lawrence 802.272.5208 jlawrence @curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

45’ Bruce Roberts ‘98 $110,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Dodger) 49’ Hanse ‘11 $289,500 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4500 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Medusa) 53’ Bruce Roberts ‘80

2005 Beneteau First 44.7 Impeccably maintained and thoroughly updated. Whether racing or cruising, she is ready for any new adventure. Contact Mike Coe at 410.387.8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2016 Bavaria Cruiser 46 Very well outfitted for cruising w/ comforts aboard for extended stays away from the dock. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2022 Hanse 460 Rare opportunity jump in line on a boat that has over a year wait. She is commissioned and in Annapolis waiting for her next owners. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2011 Beneteau Oceanis 50 Four cabin arrangement w/ two heads, sleek coach roof, long side windows, fully integrated mainsail arch. Contact Troy Waller at 804.885.4090 or Troy@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

Brokers for Fine Yachts Brokers for Fine Yachts

Annapolis, MD 410-571-3605

Rock Hall, MD 410-639-2777

Deltaville, VA 804-776-0604

Charleston, SC 843-872-8080

Palmetto, FL 941-212-6121

www.SJYACHTS.com

Island Packet Yachts 27’-52’ List your Island Packet w/ the Experts! S&J Yachts is the World leader in selling IPs. No team knows these boats better! We have buyers looking now for these excellent cruising yachts. Call S&J now for a free market evaluation. 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Pacific Seacraft 31 ‘19 Nearly new, well-equipped w/ optional equipment, incl. cutter rig, shoal draft keel (4”), bow thruster, anchor windlass, inverter/ charger, reverse cycle AC/heat, and custom hard top dodger. $288,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777

www.sjyachts.com

1987 Island Packet 38 One-owner beauty, well-maintained and upgraded. Enhanced w/ a vinyl ester sheath below the waterline for added strength. New water and fuel tanks, engine mounts, refrigerator, and stove. Ready for new adventures! $112,500 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Bavaria Yachts Quality Performance

Style. Enjoy the expertise of German engineering. C42 & C45 In Stock Now. On order for Spring 2024 deliveryCR34, C38, C42, C45, C46, C50. Thinking of a new boat or wanting to sell your Bavaria? Contact S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Athena 38 1995 Designed and built by Fountaine Pajot. Spacious, bright and airy salon. 4 double cabins, 2 heads. Attractive and performs well. Large cockpit w/ plenty of space on deck. $145,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2005 Caliber 35 LRCSE Discover the rare elegance of the Caliber 35 LRC SE, one of only two ever built. Modern electricals, lavish cabin, upgraded sails, AIS. Ideal for cruising, liveaboard. Spacious, efficient, unique. $142,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777

www.sjyachts.com

1972 Hinckley Bermuda 40 Discover timeless American craftsmanship w/ the iconic Hinckley Bermuda 40. Elegant lines, gleaming varnish, and stainless steel. A symbol of classic design and pride. $149,500 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

(Steveadora) 2003 Island Packet

380 Knowledgeable owner, meticulous maintenance. Ideal for cruising. Spacious deck w/ safety features. Wellequipped nav station. Gourmet galley. Cozy salon. Comfortable staterooms. Spacious head. Loaded w/ extras. $220,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2013 Marlow-Hunter 40 Stunning freshly painted blue hull, new bottom paint, hard bimini, 760 engine hours, bow thruster, clean interior, two cabin layout. Beautifully kept boat! $239,000 Charleston, SC. S&J Yachts 843.872.8080 www.sjyachts.com

just about anywhere!

$499,900 Palmetto, FL. S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

1987 Bristol 43.3 CC Bristol Yachts are truly an American classic! Center cockpit design, keel centerboard hull, makes it the ideal live aboard w/ room to comfortably accommodate family and friends. Recent upgrades: electric primary winches and in-mast furling, bow thruster. $165,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Catalina

draft cruiser, great views & all the options; 3 elec winches, generator, bow thruster, laundry/workshop… great 2 cabin accom’s & centerline fwd berth. $229,000 S&J Yachts 252.864.9111 www.sjyachts.com

1987 Bristol 47.7 Spacious 2cabin/2head, ICW friendly design, comfortably suited for 6 aft cockpit, keel centerboard, A/C, Volvo diesel, plus many sail combinations and modern upgrades. $155,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777

www.sjyachts.com

sail to power? Sit inside in comfort & trim all sails at the push of a button. Enjoy sailing or power like a displacement trawler. Large centerline berth. Spacious galley. Shoal draft. $239,500 S&J Yachts 843.872.8080 www.sjyachts.com

S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2008 Island Packet 465 Located in St. Petersburg, FL – Super clean, center cockpit cruiser, loaded w/ equipment! 2021 electronics, water maker, generator, arch/davits, thruster, and plenty of space/storage. $445,000 S&J Yachts 843.872.8080 www.sjyachts.com

Custom Islander 56 ‘92 Equipped for your adventures! Lloyd’s construction, sailplan options deliver safe, efficient passage-making. Belowdecks, warm, rich cabinetry & luxurious fabrics create elegant social areas. Generous storage. Secure accommodations. Reduced $299,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777

www.sjyachts.com

2019 Blue Jacket 40 Lightly used, nearly new condition & ready for a new owner & new adventures. Solar, arch, A/C, & shoal draft keel make it ideal for fast cruising

41’ Island Packet SP Cruiser ‘08 Switching from

43’ Hans Christian 43T ‘91 Custom design. Modified sail plan, Mark ll interior; forward stateroom, queen pullman berth, Telstar keel w/ cutaway forefoot & skeg hung rudder for improved speed, safety and maneuverability. $135,000

Morgan 440 2005 Superb galley-up Deck Salon shoal

Premier Sailboat Brokerage in the Southern Bay 2012 MJM 40Z Two

1973 Nautor Swan 44 Sparkman & Stephens Design. Well kept. Reverse cycle heat/air. New B&E electronics. $99,000

2019 Vision Marine Technologies VOLT 180 11 passenger, 5Hp Lithium Ion batteries, picnic boat $25,000

1988 J Boats J37 2 cabin, 1 head, new fuel tank 2023, re-powered 2012. $52,900

2014 Marlow-Hunter 40 Equipped w/ bow thruster, genset and 2 A/C’s. LOW ENGINE HOURS!!! $249,900

2007 Beneteau 49 3 cabin, 2 head layout. Bow thruster and 8kw genset. $259,000

Brokerage & Classified

Southerly 57 ‘10 Luxurious Bluewater Performance Cruiser! Raised salon w/ panoramic views. Great cockpit for entertaining. Variable swing keel from 3’ 6” to 10’ 9” at the push of a button. Large transom platform/garage. $998,000 S&J Yachts 410.971.1071 www.sjyachts.com

410.629.9186

WWW.YACHTBROKERSOFANNAPOLIS.COM

32’ 1982 C&C 32 $15,000 Built for sailing and suitable for overnight cruising. Centerboard version, professionally serviced and maintained. She is ready to sail away! Call Allie: 443.534.4952 or Allie@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

36’ 1995 Catalina 36 MkII $71,900

Updated Raymarine electronics, dinghy and outboard on folding davits, and a gorgeous interior w/ new upholstery. Don’t let her age fool youshe’s been very well-maintained w/ recent updates! Call Deanna: 410.629.9186 or Deanna@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

36’ 1996 Sabre 362 $124,900 Turnkey ready! Lots of recent updates made by a knowledgeable owner. New lithium batteries w/ the ability to run the AC off the dock w/out a generator. Call Deanna: 410.629.9186 or Deanna@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

Anne & Jon Hutchings

17218 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA

Anne: 804-567-0092 | Jon: 804-567-0093

www.yazuyachting.com

(Mystic) 167’ Custom 3-Masted Schooner ‘07/’15 Three-masted gaffrigged square topsail schooner. Major refit 2015. Comfortably accommodates 36 passengers/12 crew overnight & 150 passengers for day charters. Great business opportunity. $2,400,000 S&J Yachts 410.971.1071 www.sjyachts.com

32’ 1990 Hunter Vision 32 $25,000 Includes a free-standing rig, easy handling, autopilot, Raymarine electronics, walkthrough transom, and a generous cockpit area. Call Allie: 443.534.4952 or Allie@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

36’ 1993 Catalina 36 $59,000 Top choice in its class! Includes modern upgrades and shoal draft wing keel, air conditioning, ample solar power and inverters setup, new Raymarine axiom MFD, full canvas enclosure, and a clean engine. Call Allie: 443.534.4952 or Allie@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

45’ 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 45 $414,800 Stylish, innovative, a true bluewater cruiser! Shoal draft w/ an ICW furling main, bow thruster, generator, full enclosure, extra fuel and water tanks, tender and outboard. She was not commissioned until 2017! Call Deanna: 410.629.9186 or Deanna@YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnnapolis.com

(Oceana) 42’ Leopard 42 ‘04 Sleek lines and great sailing performance. Oceana is an owner version of the popular Leopard 42. Well-equipped for cruising, bottom stripped, epoxied & painted w/ new boot stripe in 2022. Deltaville, VA. For more information, call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com

www.yazuyachting.com

32’ Custom Tillotson Pearson Pilothouse 1975/1996 A rare offering, meticulously maintained. Fiberglass hull, PVC toe rail, Westerbeke 60Hp engine, mast-lowering onboard, 3’6” draft. Loaded with classic features. $69,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

35’ Catalina 350 ‘04 Lightly used; 345 engine hours, Raymarine Electronics 2021, Sails 2013, Aircon, Electric Windlass. $112,500 Irvington, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

50’ Voyage 500 Catamaran ‘05

Opportunity to acquire a large modern catamaran needs some investment. Four cabins. Office. Spacious galley. Dive compressor. New unused sails. Solar. Dinghy/OB. Needs new engines and saildrives. $249,000 OBO Cardinal, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

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32’ Shuttleworth Shuttlecat 32 ‘00

Performance catamaran - fast and light. Carbon, wing mast, outboard motor, tiller steering, Dyneema rigging, daggerboard & kick up rudders give 18” draft. $94,500 Deltaville, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

42’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS ‘06 New in Fall of 2021, Evolution Mainsail, Canvas, Furlex Genoa furler, VHF w/ AIS, Engine Mounts, Custom Mattress. Refurbed Axiom 9 Chartplotter 2023; New keel bolts 2023; Radar 2019; Phasor 3.5KW Generator. $167,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

Read boat reviews online at spinsheet.com

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VIDEOS  WANTED  WOODWORKING

MAR k ETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS

ACCESSORIES

Boye knives The “Cadillac” of boat knives. Rustproof cobalt blades cut Dyneema fast and clean. Ultimate safety knife for emergencies/everyday use. Rave reviews; artisan made in USA since 1971. www.boyeknives.com

ART

Brenda Larson Art - BrendaLarson.com Winner of the 2023 Hospice Cup poster competition. Acclaimed Annapolis artist Brenda Larson creates contemporary fine art originals and limited edition Giclee prints. Commissions welcome! Please contact info@brendalarson.com www.brendalarson.com

Seaside Treasures Shop for nautical decor, beach decor, and more for your lake cottage or beach home! A family run business since 2001. Use coupon “SPINSHEET10” for 10% off! ContactUs@SeasideTreasures.com www.SeasideTreasures.com

B OO k S

FOR SALE: 75 Classic Sailing Books They are some of the greatest sailing stories that have ever been written. Please email me for a complete copy of the listings: mphsails1@gmail.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

FOR SALE: Sailing School in Havre de Grace, MD Fully equipped and functioning school. Well established with a stellar reputation. High demand for sailing instruction and rentals. Great charter potential. Email inquiries to rickandmike@baysail.net www.baysail.net

CREW

Offshore Passage Opportunities Your Offshore Sailing Network. Celebrating twenty years helping sailors sail offshore for free. Learn by doing. Gain Quality Sea Time! Call 800.4.PASSAGe (800.472.7724). Keep the Dream Alive for the Price of a Good Winch Handle! Since 1993. admin@sailopo.com www.sailopo.com

DELIVERIES

Endurance Yacht Deliveries Local and long distance. Twenty-five years of experience with clean insurance approved resume. Power and sail. Please call Simon Edwards 410.212.9579 or email stredwards@gmail.com www.enduranceyachtdeliveries.com

Marine Dynamics Yacht Delivery 50 years on water experience with Sail & Power. US East Coast and Caribbean. Contact Kip Koolage at 410.241.8468 or email MDYachtDelivery@gmail.com www.marinedynamicsllc.com

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT

For Sale: Carbon Fiber Spinnaker Pole Very good condition w/ only minor scratches. Used on 38’ boat. Total length is 15.92’; 3.5” diameter. $1,000 Please contact dglackin48@gmail.com

WINDPILOT Steering Vane - Pacific Model Excellent condition. 100% complete w/ all parts, instructions, literature, tools. Removed from Southerly 38 after Atlantic crossing. Attending Annapolis Sailboat Show Thursday, Oct. 12 - SAVE ON SHIPPING! $1,800 Text/ Call George 814.594.3400

H ELP WANTED

CBF Seeking Port Isobel Captain/Educator field based in Tangier, Virginia. Required to live on-site from March through early December for education field programs. Minimum 50-ton Master of Inland Waters USCG Captain License w/ FCC certification required to operate & maintain 50-foot USCG inspected vessel that provides educational experiences for participants. Position is fulltime with generous benefits, please email resumes to: employment@cbf.org www.bit.ly/3ZhmTCj

Head Coach, Offshore Sailing – USNA/NAAA The United States Naval Academy Athletic Association is hiring a full-time Head Coach for the Varsity Offshore Sailing (OS) Program. In addition to coaching, individual is responsible for organizing, directing, and administering the program at large: overseeing maintenance infrastructure, supervising assistant and volunteer coaches, and evaluating their performance. For a detailed description, requirements/ qualifications/certifications, and application process, please visit the official NAAA career website: www.bit.ly/48gKzuB

H ELP WANTED

Head Sailing Coach Opportunity St. Mary’s Ryken High School (SMR) is immediately seeking a Head Sailing Coach for the 2023-2024 School Year. For more information and/or to apply, please visit: www.bit.ly/47iSZBs

Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

ARINE S ERVICES

M

M ARINE S ERVICES SAILS SAILS

30’-50’ Deepwater Slips for Sale & Rent Flag Harbor Condo Marina on western shore of Chesapeake in St. Leonard, MD. Slip sales & rentals 410.586.0070/ fhca@flagharbor.com. Storage & Repairs 410.586.1915/ flagboatyard@gmail.com www.flagharbor.com

Boat Slip on Spa Creek: Rent for the Boat Shows! 34’ Long x 12’ Wide x 7’ Deep - October Only: $1000/week, $1600/two weeks. Post-shows: Longterm rental available, 1-year lease required, then month-to-month. Rental AND Sale price negotiable. Call 321.917.6648 or scotteaston99@yahoo.com

Sailor's Wharf Marina on Mill Creek off White Hall Bay, 20-to-45-foot slips with water & 30-amp electric. 1651 Orchard Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. For more information, please call 443.336.3615 or email sailorswharfmarina@gmail.com

S URVEYORS

Welcome To the Team

S&J Yachts welcomes Jeff Nicklason to its Annapolis office team. Jeff, a lifelong Annapolis resident, has a deep connection with the Chesapeake Bay that extends to his childhood. His passion for all things nautical is obvious to anyone he meets, including his many clients. With a background in owning several successful small businesses, Jeff is wellversed in meeting the diverse needs of buyers, sellers, first-time enthusiasts, and seasoned professionals alike. Many years in the high-end sports car and yachting business have also taught him that once a transaction is complete, the relationship with his client is just getting started. To him, repeat and referral business is the highest compliment one can receive in any endeavor. When not working with his clients, Jeff can be found fly fishing the Bay, creating masterful abstract paintings, listening to vinyl, or enthusiastically playing his electric guitar. Allow Jeff to put his expertise to work and help you find the perfect boat or the ideal buyer for your current vessel. Contact Jeff at jeff@sjyachts.com or (410) 3537423. sjyachts.com

Outstanding Achievement

Congratulations to Bob Oberg at North Point Yacht Sales (NPYS) on being awarded one of the Top Five Tiara Yachts Salespeople in the world! NPYS in Annapolis, MD, also secured a spot in the top three for CSI Achievement in customer satisfaction for both sales and service. A big shoutout to the entire team! northpointyachtsales.com Send

Prestigious Recognition

Pocket Yacht Company announces its prestigious recognition as the world’s largest dealer for Ranger Tugs. This esteemed award was presented to Pocket Yacht Company during the dealer meeting held in Seattle, WA. Industry professionals and dealership representatives were brought together as Pocket Yacht Company was acknowledged for its exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding sales and exceptional customer service. “We are incredibly honored to receive this esteemed award,” said Mark Schulstad, owner and managing director of the Pocket Yacht Company. “Our partnership with Fluid Motion Marine has been integral to our success from the beginning, and we are proud to represent all three of their brands including Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats, and Solara Boats. This achievement motivates us to continue delivering exceptional service and providing boaters with memories for years to come.” The recognition of Pocket Yacht Company as the world’s largest dealer of Ranger Tugs is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to serving the boating community with a passion for the water and a commitment to excellence. To accompany this award, Pocket Yacht was also recognized as a top dealer for Cutwater Boats. pocketyacht.com

Sailing Roundtables

Zim Sailing, a subsidiary of Starting Line Sailing Inc., announces the launch of Zim Sailing Regional Roundtables Regional Roundtables are one-day brainstorming and group discussion gatherings, designed to bring together sailing community and industry leaders from particular geographical regions to collaborate on various aspects of the sport. They will serve as a platform for individuals and organizations within the sailing community to connect, network, share concerns and best practices, learn from one another, and ultimately help each other develop solutions focused on their specific region of the country. They will also allow anyone interested in participating to contribute to the growth and development of sailing activities in their area. Zim Sailing is excited to help make collaboration within the sailing community more accessible and cost effective, while introducing new and inventive ways to connect and interact with the stakeholders and volunteers who make the sport run. The Zim Sailing Regional Roundtables schedule is still being developed and finalized. Zim Sailing intends to hold one or two Regional Roundtables on the West Coast this fall and is working on planning winter and spring Roundtable events for other regions of the country. zimsailing.com/ regional-roundtables

European Yacht of the Year

The new Hanse 410, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, has been nominated for the European Yacht of the Year 2024 award. With its unrivalled volume, sophisticated 18 layout variants, and exceptionally large cockpit, the Hanse 410 offers every conceivable comfort in the 40-foot class. The hydrodynamic hull design with chines at the bow and stern, a slim waterline, and a high sporty rig ensure uncompromising performance and ease of sailing. To ensure that most destinations can be reached in a climate-friendly manner even without wind, the Hanse 410 for the first time offers optional electric propulsion with a range of up to 55 nautical miles. Performance sails made from recycled material or a fuel cell and solar panels to power the electrical appliances are further options for even more sustainable sailing. The European Yacht of the Year Award is the world’s most important boatbuilding award for sailing yachts worldwide. hanseyachtsag.com

Thanks to the support of our readers and advertisers, SpinSheet Magazine is able to continually provide FREE coverage of Chesapeake Bay Sailing.

Classic and Wooden Sailboat Race

Photos by Kate Gahs

Mother Nature provided extra gentle breezes and cloudy skies for the 2023 Annapolis Classic and Wooden Sailboat Race September 10, hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club. The 14th annual event was open to sailing yachts with an overall length on deck less than 65 feet, designed before 1970, with hulls built primarily of wood. Vessels designed after 1970 were reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Line honors went to Trout, a Star Class sailboat built in 1924 and owned by Thomas Gahs, one of the organizers of this event since its inception. Trout is the oldest Star in the Chesapeake Bay, was among the first Stars to be delivered to Maryland in 1924, and is one of the 10th oldest Stars in the world.

Top three results by class below:

Day Boat Class

Trout, a Star Class sailboat owned by Thomas Gahs

Lilith, a Buzzards Bay 25 owned by James Emery

Romp, a Luders 16 owned by Alfred Whittle

Cruising Class:

Liberty, a gaff-rigged sloop owned by Christian Cabral

Lacerta, a Concordia Yawl owned by Mark Walter

Myrtea, a CL Bermuda 30 owned by Rob Rowlands

Spirit of Tradition Class:

Woodwind, a 74-foot custom schooner

Woodwind II, a 74-foot custom schooner