Ken Johnson and WindSong – a 2003 Bavaria 36
My wife Jackie, another couple, and I sailed WindSong on a 5-day short cruise on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA this past week. This was our first extended outing on our (still new) 2003 Bavaria 36.
Day 1 – Monday
After making all last minute preparations and provisions, we set out from our home port in Rock Hall, MD just after lunch. The weather forecast was for hot, no-wind, and afternoon thunderstorms (hey – this IS the Chesapeake Bay!). We found moderate breeze out of the south/southeast, and sailed out into the Bay, under the bridges, and all the way to our first port of call – the Bay Bridge Marina. Dinner was at Hemmingway’s on the Bay with great views of the promised storm.
WindSong’s sails are full on Day 1 across the
Chesapeake
WindSong at the fuel dock in Bay Bridge Marina
A Thundersorm approaches – watching from
Hemmingway’s deck
Day 2
– Tuesday
We left
mid morning, after breakfast on-board, for Herring Bay.
Again, an uncooperative forecast, but, again, a great sail
– close hauled in 10-15 kts out of the south. Along
the way, we watched a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter move up and
down the bay, hailing every commercial vessel insight.
US Coast Guard patrolling the Bay
We also
saw the restored Sultana yacht, out of Chestertown, MD
– but, alas, she was motoring.
The Sultana outside of Annapolis
Arrived
in Herring Bay, and stayed at Herrington Harbour-South.
This relatively large marina looks and feels like a
tropical island, and is nicely set up for transients.
Dinner (and drinks) in the Marina, after a swim in their
pool.
The Crew in Herrington Harbour (from the left: Jackie, Ken,
Helen, and Scott)
Day 3
– Wednesday
A land
trip to North Beach (just south of Herring bay) preceded
our departure, and we dallied around until approx 1:00pm.
We had observed that the winds are much better after
2:00pm, and we weren’t interested in motoring (if we
didn’t have to).
The town of North Beach on a side trip
We had a
fabulous sail across the bay, into Eastern Bay, and into
Saint Michaels, MD on the Miles River. During the last
stretch, we were beating into 17 kts of wind! Another boat
captain, who had made that part of the trip early in the
day, reported no wind – motored all the way in. We
picked up another sailboat as we rounded the last navaid
before the final stretch, and let WindSong loose. We easily
passed the other (lesser) vessel, well before the end of
the 3-mile leg. I’m quite happy with the performance
of the Bavaria.
We toured St Michaels on foot, and ate in a great
restaurant right on the water.
Day 4 -
Thursday
A long
day planned, so a reasonably early start – but still
didn’t want to get out ahead of the wind. We sailed
back up the Miles River, through Eastern Bay and through
the Kent Island Narrows channels, and drawbridge without
incident, then turned up the Chester River for our
destination anchorage in the Corsica River. After a cooling
swim in the river, we enjoyed a steak dinner with fine wine
on board WindSong. Another great sailing day – this
time mostly running, or reaching.; a little close-hauled
jaunt near the end of the trip. Again, the forecast rain
did not occur.
Safely through the draw bridge at Kent Island Narrows
I left
the gps on overnight – it plotted our movement at
anchor. I was amazed at the pattern of motion as we sailed
around our anchor all night (about a 5-10 kt breeze).
Our gorgeous anchorage in the Corsica River
Day 5
– Friday
We woke
up to the forecast cloudy, windy weather. This day we would
have to motor for at least some of our trip because
we’d be traveling with the wind directly behind us on
the Chester River.
But, as the river made a turn to the west, the skies
cleared and the wind settled down at 10-15 kts (again).
With the wind on our beam, we (quickly) reached across the
Chester, finally turning north into our last leg (and into
a run). The boat flattened out, so out came a few beverages
and snacks. Near the end, in 2-ft following seas, we did
bounce a little so the food went away. Just after noon, we
finished our journey back in Rock Hall.
WindSong’s crew – back at Rock Hall
Overall
The trip
was approximately 120 nautical miles – and we only
ran the diesel a total of 10 hours! The boat handled all
the weather, and all the sailing and motoring very well
– very stable, controlled, and yet responsive!
We’re looking forward to the next one!!