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Rock Hall, MD |
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Rock Hall, MD |
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For Club members participating in the Memorial Day weekend trip, we will be remembering those men and women of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, but in particular, those soldiers and sailors of World War II. We will be honoring their memory in a way in which we believe they would approve -- by immersing ourselves in their times, tales, music, dance and food. Our sail back in time begins on Friday evening, May 26, at Haven Charters in Rock Hall. Haven is a growing charter company with a fleet of well-maintained and pristine boats. After we locate our assigned Catalina 36’s, choose our bunks, and stow our abundant rations for the voyage, the troops will rendezvous at Waterman’s Restaurant to get acquainted, get our fingers messy and fill up our bellies. Waterman’s, newly rebuilt after Hurricane Elizabeth in 2002, has long been a favorite to those of our members who like to eat and wear their seafood. After the skippers’ briefing on Saturday morning and breakfast on board, we’ll leave Rock Hall and sail our fleet out into the Chesapeake, constantly on the lookout for enemy mines disguised as crab pots. Our destination is Clements Creek, which is off the Severn River northwest of Annapolis. Our first day will cover 22 nautical miles and take us past the US Naval Academy and their fleet. This time of year is generally a great time to be in the Chesapeake, with plenty of wind for sailing (light on the motoring) and pleasant temperatures. En route, boats may want to drop anchor in some quiet cove for lunch, or else chow down while underway. Once we reach the site of our raft-up and after it has been perfectly executed and passes inspection by Raft Central Command, the Club’s traditional hors d’oeuvre and dessert soiree will begin, but with a slightly different spin. In addition to each vessel setting out a few “traditional” tasty morsels for the fleet to sample, each boat has been ordered by the brass to serve an hors d’oeuvre created with that ubiquitous WWII staple – SPAM! Yes, you heard right, and this is to be taken very seriously, since medals will be awarded for the best-tasting recipe. Afterwards, we’ll sing a slew of WWII songs; don’t worry if you don’t know the words, as the quartermaster will issue song sheets to all crew. It cannot be confirmed as of this writing, but there may be a guest (or should we say “ghost”) appearance by The Andrew Sisters, still looking for that bugle boy. After reveille on Sunday morning and breakfast on board, we’ll conduct fleet maneuvers, taking us to Thomas Point Light and Bloody Point Light before heading back to Annapolis and Port Annapolis Marina on Back Creek. Maneuvers may be cut short if there is a danger of mutiny due to the lack of shore leave for the rowdiest of our crew. The plan is to take a water taxi to Annapolis and look for Naval Academy graduates to harass (they are so wet behind the ears), which will be easy as this is graduation weekend for the midshipmen. Annapolis is a great little town, steeped in history and tradition, with plenty of sights, shops and eateries, including the landmark Middleton Tavern, known for its mouth-watering oyster shooters (and if they’re still only a buck each, get your skipper to spring for a round!). Dinner will be at a popular (and Club favorite) seafood and ribs restaurant, where no one leaves hungry. This time, however, we recommend skipping dessert, to allow room for the wine and cheese party being held in our honor at the Port Annapolis canteen. With the music of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and other Big Bands of the era, we’ll dance the night away under the stars (or at least until we get too tired or too tipsy). Monday morning we will sail back the 18 nautical miles to Rock Hall. During the sail back to base, we’ll feast on “must-go’s” (Club-speak for leftovers), perhaps sing a few more songs “for the boys,” and reflect on the weekend’s adventure back in time, with gratitude to those who had “a rendezvous with destiny.” The cost of the trip is $325.00 per person (Skippers - $169.00). This price covers charter fees, insurance and one night’s slip fees. Food, fuel, and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew. Full payment is required at sign-up, and reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation form, to Larry Sherwood at the address below. A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals, and make travel plans.
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