Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial beginning of the summer sailing season. What better way to start getting outdoors than with a weekend sailing trip on the Chesapeake that includes a good old-fashioned barbeque with all the trimmings?

The weekend begins with pre-boarding the evening of Friday, May 22^nd. We have three deluxe modern cruising boats waiting for us at Annapolis Bay Charters, located on the south side of Back Creek, less than a mile walk from the center of town. Annapolis has lots to offer, and Memorial Day Weekend is always exciting, as it marks the end of Commissioning Week at the Academy. You might want to arrive early and stroll through the red brick downtown, and have a bite at one of the many mid-Atlantic style seafood restaurants.

Saturday morning begins with an hour of instructed yoga in the marina’s covered pavilion. This annual tradition puts us in touch with our physical presence in the moment while stretching and flexing our bodies for the day on board to come. Bring your own yoga mat or borrow one for the session, and dress in comfortable, flexible clothes. After breakfast, we depart for a full day on the water as we head for an anchorage somewhere in the Choptank River. Each boat can choose to go through Knapps Narrows or opt for a longer sail around Tilghman Island. At day’s end we will raft up for a progressive hors d’oeuvres dinner. Each crew will provide a spread of hot and cold nibbles, drinks, and sweets to share with all the others.

On Sunday morning we will conduct the annual Memorial Day Weekend “Church of The Chesapeake.” Those who wish to participate in the open service may share a poem, prayer, reading, story, song, or musical interlude. Look to the joys of nature and fellowship for inspiration and guidance in your choice. After the “service” we will set sail for our ultimate destination – Oxford. Depending on the weather and how much sailing we crave, each boat can choose to head directly to the marina or choose to sail on the Choptank into the afternoon. Sailors beware - the marina will beckon with its sparkling blue swimming pool and its inexpensive bike rentals for anyone who wants to explore Oxford.

Come evening we’ll fire up the marina’s shore-side grills. Each crew will bring something to contribute to the group effort along with personal favorites to make up a great summer feast. After twilight descends, it’s back to the boats where shore power will provide unlimited music for dancing, and even movies or television.

We’ll conclude the weekend with a great long sail back to Annapolis -- approximately thirty-five miles – arriving home fully charged for the summer months to come.

The cost of the trip is $470.00 per person (skippers – $250.00). The price includes charter fees, one night’s slip fees, yoga instructor, and insurance. Food, fuel and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew. A $200 deposit is required if made prior to the March 27 Annual Meeting (with the balance due by April 10, 2009). Otherwise, Full Payment is due at sign-up. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation form, to Theresa Petras at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 10, 2009 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first served basis.

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.

Trip Leader

Assistant Trip Leader