Trip Report
Havre De Grace and Upper Chesapeake
May 24-27, 2003

Memorial Day Trip Rained On (Again)

By Julio Menendez

Sailing out of Havre de Grace on the western shore of Maryland, just north of Baltimore, we were able to muster enough able bodies for 3 boats. A short ride, elongated by a couple of accidents, found most of the skippers at the Tidewater Marina early Friday afternoon. The boats, all around 36 feet, a Catalina and two Hunters, were immaculate. The charter operator was very helpful and thorough with their checkout and no major problems were encountered. Friday evening found most of the participants enjoying seafood in town.

Because of weather and power boat traffic concerns, we decided to change the first night anchorage from Hawks Cove to Fairlee Creek, which is well protected from both concerns. We departed for our destination around noon time Saturday after a very leisurely morning. We had less than 5 knots of wind, so motoring was the order of the day. After an uneventful 5 hours trip and watching a couple of biggies go by, we arrived at Fairlee Creek and formed our raft with 2 anchors down.

Since we arrived precisely at cocktail hour, libations quickly appeared and intelligent conversations began, which gradually deteriorated as the night went on. Delicious hors d'oeuvre were promptly displayed and the “Boatating Ritual” (the act of scavenging for food and drinks on other boats) began. We had three members on their first trip with the club, and they all remarked at what a wonderful experience Boatating was.

Our Sunday destination was Georgetown Yacht Basin Marina on the Sassafras River. After a relaxing breakfast, much “Headtating” (the act of using the head on boats with larger holding tanks by individuals on boats with limited holding tanks), and some playing with anchor lines, we departed Fairlee Creek with, again, less than 5 knots of wind. However, after a while the wind picked up to around 10 knots and we were able to sail for a while. Sadly, but not surprising, the wind was coming directly from the River, so the transit of the river to the marina had to be made under power. After securing the boats in their respective slips, the shuffling for the showers began.

Dinner on Sunday was at the Kitty Knight Inn, a delightful place atop a hill overlooking the marina. We had the entire group together and, although service was a little slow, all went without a hitch and the food was good. After dinner, the less adventurous retired to their boats, while the party animals went to the lounge where an R&B group was playing. The group was very enjoyable and remarkably good. We all made it down the hill in the wee hours without much difficulty.

After listening to the negative weather reports on Monday morning, all skippers decided to return to Havre de Grace instead of going to the Still Pond anchorage scheduled for this night. We left around noon under power. When we arrived at the mouth of the river the wind had picked up to over 12 knots and we were able to sail for several hours before motoring the narrow passage to the marina. Monday night was spent on board by each boat with a little inter-boat socializing after dinner.

Tuesday morning Jack Buckley and his crew decided to go for a day sail. Since there was no wind whatsoever, the other two boats decided to relax and prepare for an early departure with a little shopping thrown in. Jack and his crew had a delightful motoring day with a pleasant lunch while anchored in a lovely cove. The other boats proceeded with the cleaning and removal of food and personal stuff, and an early departure for home.

What made the trip fun were the people who participated in the trip. It was a happy and fun loving group that did not let the weather conditions affect the enjoyment of being on the water, away from worldly issues and with other fun loving sailors. They made the trip a success.