A Blast

Either this nautical stuff is just in my blood or I am too stupid to know any better!

Day Three - Rock Hall to Flag Harbor

Whoa what a day! Started at sunrise heading south. It was absolutely gorgeous! I was out amongst the crab boats and the early arrivals of container ships, tugs, and tankers.

The marina in Rock Hall faced the bay bridge and the first couple of hours of the trip where spent closing on the bridge and gaping in awe as I went under it. Oh...didn't get under it before I had my very first encounter with a MASSIVE container ship. It went very smoothly but seeing that thing up close and manuevuering with it left me a little drop jawed. But what a cool experience. I will always give those babies a wide berth.

Not far after passing under the bridge, I spotted a tall ship, under sail, heading north up the bay. I headed straight for it and got some really cool hot of the ship as we passed. I could totally see myself plying the seas on one of those!

The wind picked up when I hit North Beach, MD, so the last two hours were a bit rough, but confidence in one's craft makes a huge difference. This boat rolls in the chop, but you never feel fearful that its going to capsize. Unlike traveling in the V17 where you felt like an bobbing apple at a kinderrgarten halloween party.

I cooked in the boat for the first time tonight. Gourmet mac and cheese. Oh yeah, that was special, but it was camp food. Will try something more ambitious when I get the boat more organized.

'night!

Oh...BTW...please forgive my typos and such. I am blogging from my Palm...

Day Two - Continued

I am laying here in the settee, looking up through hatch at the perfectly clear sky. The stars are so bright out here. All I can hear is the sound of the water lapping against the hull. Jo really should be here!!

Day Two - HDG to Rock Hall MD

Its was the first day, for me at least, with the boat moving. I was under power all day as the wind was blowing from the due south and, naturally, I was traveling due south. I guess I could have tacked my way down here but I really wanted to make some time.

And time I made... turns out the beast will do 7.5 mph on glassy water and did a respectable 6mph with a pretty strong head wind. All this with a little 6hp motor. I am impressed...

I am having the time of my life. I don't think that I have ever done anything that felt so good and so damn inherent before. In a former life, perhaps I was a pirate. Muuuwwaaahhhaaaaa

Also turns out that my bargain basement boat includes a working autopilot. I took advantage of that all day. What a difference that makes!!!

Having a blast. Tomorrow I hope to get the sails run up! We'll see!

Day One - Havre de Grace

I had originally hope, albeit secretly, that everything was going to go so smoothly with the whole boat transition thing. Alas, not so much. Upon arrival, I had to start the motor and get it going. Since nothing so worthwhile is ever easy, I proceded to spend my day getting the motor started. Although I am soooo not mechanic, I amazed myself with my seemingly instictive knowledge of the four stroke outboard motor. Like Costanza practicing celebecy, I deftly negitiated the guts of my new motor and BAM, it started!

I then set upon getting the cabin cleaned (and disinfected) so that I could sleep devoid of filth. That worked out well but took me the remainder of the daylight hours that I had left.

A few things left to do in the chilly morning hours then tomorrow its off to 'sea'.

I have to say Havre de Grace is a charming little town with very friendly and helpful people. Jo would love it here as there are quaint little shops all over the place here!

Where Man Has Gone Before...

OK...where a lot of men (and women) have gone before.

 

The reason for this is that I am about to embark on a solo traversal of the Chesapeake Bay - From Havre de Grace, MD down to and up the Potomac to Colonial Beach, VA. I will be blogging about the trip and some of you will be getting regular emails when I post to the blog. I wanted to keep a log for the trip and also to allow you to trace my progress. Partially because I think it will be cool to have and partly to let the "OMG are you kidding me!?!?!" folks from losing sleep about me and my safety during this passage.

 

So, I guess I will be writing soon! Tomorrow in fact!

 

 

Macgregor 26D or 26S wanted

Looks like the time for this upgrade is rapidly approaching. I have been in business for myself for the last 5 plus years. I am closing the business, and getting a job. Yep a job. I am going to be one of those working stiff sardine's jammed on the Metro every morning. My reward - a new, but used, boat.

After extensive research, conversations with boat owners and more extensive research, I have decided on a Magregor 26D or 26S. For some reason, I am having a hell of a time finding either of these boats for sale within about 300 miles from DC. So, if you have a boat that you want to sell, please contact me!

I am looking for a boat that is structurally sound with sails and standing rigging in good shape. I will probably replace the running rigging anyway. A little TLC is not a problem, however I would like to avoid needing to make major repairs. Also I would hope that there is some life on the trailer tires, at least enough to pass inspection. No roller furling headsail? No problem! No outboard? No problem! I have a wish list of items that would be nice, but are not neccessary for this transaction to take place:

-Bimini
-Mast raising rig
-Bearing Buddies
-Ida sailor rudder upgrade
-Lines rigged aft

Please don't hesitate to email me if you are even THINKING about selling your 26D or 26S!!!

"We'll we're movin' on up"

Well its only been a season and I think its time to move up. I know, I know.

"How can you succumb to 2-foot-itis in a season?"

I am weak, I admit it. As it turns out, I love my little V17. Its a great little boat. Operative word being "little". But my experiences this past season have led me to conclude that a bigger boat is going to be necessary.

I come from a very German, specifically Pennsylvania Dutch background and was raised in the Lutheran church to boot. Suffering and making due are not just things that occur in life for these two cultures, they ARE life. Well friends, the time has come to bust-forth-with and transcend the barriers of my ancestors. To rise from the bonds of martyrdom, self-sacrifice and a small boat. To boldly buy what no family member has bought before! {Cue theme music}

A Macgregor 26D

Below are the reasons that I have come to this conclusion. Please feel free to interject commentary below and tell me why, perhaps, this is a good or bad idea.

1. Love cruising, not just daysailing.
2. I am 6'4" (what the hell was I thinking in the first place?)
   
3. Want to be able to at least sit up straight in my boat. Don't need to play basketball in it nor even stand straight up, just at least be able to sit up with some level of comfort.
4. Would like for me and my passengers to be able to use the port-a-potti without having to attend regular yoga classes. (Please don't write back about how I just dissed yoga)
5. Would like a place to sleep that allows me to actually roll over if need be.
6. Would like a boat that feels a little less cork-like in the water.
7. Would like to NOT feel like a clay pigeon at a skeet range when out amongst other boats, particularly when out among other boats of the power variety with captains of the drunk persuasion.
8. Would like a boat large enough for a Bimini while sailing. Sun is nice but some days I swear that I am descended from Daedalus.
9. Really want my passengers to ENJOY themselves.
   

Now for the reasons I am looking at the 26D.

1. Really really really like the queen aft berth
2. Really like the pop-top
3. Like that its trailerable
4. Like that its affordable
5. Like the way the boat looks
6. Have read good things about the water ballast
7. Trust Macgregor after my first Macgregor experience

So...after all that, anyone have any thoughts on this or am I just a crazy man? Know anyone near DC selling? They seem to be hard to come by...

Thanks!

Rick