Monday, March 22nd, 2010
...
Subject: Nutshell (W938) team announces intended Chesapeake Cruise itinerary
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary Hirsch
Cc: Richard Harrington ; Chuck Smith W10245 ; Jim Fletcher W453 ; Kit Wallace W1037 ; Sean and Elise Ring W907 ; Robin Moseley W1445 ; Tom Graefe W9668 ; Alan Asselstine W7346 ; Mary Abel ; Tom Erickson W275 ; Jeff & Fran Kirk (CL ???) ; Bill Harkins W2526 ; Jim & Linda Heffernan W2458 ; Chris Walden W1395 ; Richard Watterson W10423 ; Hans Gottschling W938 ; Tony Krauss W4105/276 ; "André et Monique Girard (W3098)" ; Brandon McClintock W3576 ; Steve Roney (CL1852) ; Pauli Zmolek ; Robert Mosher W3445
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 10:12 AM
Subject: Chesapeake Cruise plans

... My experience from the past two years shows that there have been some differing opinions from the B&B sailors and the BT (boom tent) sailors that always got ironed out in the final analysis.  I am sure it will again this year.  The added number of boats this year will most likely make the different styles much more compatible.  There are enough participants to form more than one fleet for the different venues.  And those of us on the fence are able to pick the one that suits us best.  I hope that at some point we will all end up in the same port to share stories along with whatever else is in the bilge.

What fun!

Gary (W1321)

PS - I think that it would be helpful closer to the date, that each of us commits to a planned ETA to Crisfield.  I remember my first year, arriving first and wondering if I was at the right place.


From: Al Schonborn <uncle-al3854@cogeco.ca>
To: Gary Hirsch
Cc: numerous suspects
Sent: Mon, March 8, 2010 10:12:10 PM

Fine ideas, Gary. In my planning, I have assumed Dick still wants us all to meet at Smith Island on the Wednesday. Thus the Nutshell group - likely to include the Fletchers, Tony and Mary, Hans and Al - plans the following - weather permitting:
 
Sun 30 May: Crisfield for set-up and Marina check-in - Hans and I are booked into the Paddlewheel/Capt. Tyler's


Mon. 31 May: sail to Smith Island - stay at the Marina - W938 (Hans and I) have left message asking Pauli to hold us a room




star marks location of SUN-E-BANKS

Tues 1 June: sail across Bay to Smith Point - Hans and I have reserved the SUN-E-BANK Guest House that can accommodate up to 9 people comfortably: 4 spoken for: Hans, me, the Fletchers
Wed 2 June: as for Tues. back to Smith Is. to meet up with rest of fleet - party time??? BYOB!!!


Thurs 3 June: Smith to Tangier with whole fleet - find B&B accommodations once we know we'll be there


Fri 4 June: sail to Onancock via Watts - beg Gary and his motor to accompany us - W938 booked into the Yellow Room at the Inn and Garden Cafe


Sat 5 June: return to Crisfield - W938 booked into Paddlewheel again - start trip home early Sunday - perhaps leave boat at Rock Hall for US Nats the following week-end
 
Fun thinking about this, isn't it?
 
Best regards,
 
Uncle Al  (W3854)


----- Original Message -----
To: Al Schonborn ; Gary Hirsch
Cc: Chuck Smith W10245 ; Jim Fletcher W453 ; Kit Wallace W1037 ; Sean and Elise Ring W907 ; Robin Moseley W1445 ; Tom Graefe W9668 ; Alan Asselstine W7346 ; Mary Abel ; Tom Erickson W275 ; Jeff & Fran Kirk (CL ???) ; Bill Harkins W2526 ; Jim & Linda Heffernan W2458 ; Chris Walden W1395 ; Richard Watterson W10423 ; Hans Gottschling W938 ; Tony Krauss W4105/276 ; André et Monique Girard (W3098) ; Brandon McClintock W3576 ; Steve Roney (CL1852) ; Pauli Zmolek ; Robert Mosher W3445
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 12:14 PM

Al, Gary, Fletchers:
 
Have you heard from the Fletchers?  I haven't received an answer as to which of the groups they plan to join.
 
Regarding the B&B aspect:  Your plan sounds fine provided the weather holds suitable.  I'm hoping that there will be no delays effecting the R&I group arriving at Smith Is. on Wednesday.  They may have a long sail that day.  Jane and I would also like to sail to Smith Point, as I mentioned when I first introduced the idea.  Whether we can do it or not will depend upon who among the new comers isn't going with the R&I and if I will need to hang around Smith Is.  We would be boat camping. though.  However, I'm not crossing over to the west side in questionable weather, even though it'll only be 12 NM as the crow flies.  I've seen how treacherous the waves can become in the central part of the Bay.  Tony should be ware of that as well.  You and Hans have assured me that in a bind you'll have a boom tent and can sleep on the boat.  All the B&B types need to be able to do the same.  That is all I have to say about it.  The B&B part of the cruise is your responsibility.
 
DICK


----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:36 PM

Hi, Dick:
 
Had a long and enjoyable phone conversation with Jim (Fletcher) yesterday who plans to be part of the Island Group. Everything you say sounds great to me!! And I liked the summary you sent today!!
 
Best regards,
 
Uncle Al  (W3854)


Subject: mid-March Chesapeake Cruise update from Commodore Dick (W887) Blue Mist
----- Original Message -----
To: Brandon McClintock W7221 ; Mary Abel ; Alan Asselstine ; Jim Fletcher ; Andre Girard ; Tom Graefe ; William D. Harkins ; Jim Heffernan ; Gary Hirsch ; Jeff Kirk ; Tony Krauss ; Robin Moseley ; Robert Mosher ; Rick Nelson ; Al Schonborn ; Chuck Smith ; Steve Roney ; Kit Wallace W1037 ; Chris Walden ; Richard Watterson ; Jason Whitlow
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:07 PM
Subject: Chesapeake Cruise up-date

Hi All,
 
This is just a quick up-date.
 
As far as I know, everyone except for Jane and me, are planning to arrive in Crisfield on Sunday, May 30th.  We will get there as early as possible on Monday morning.  From Monday through Wednesday we will be split into two groups - the 'River & Islands' (R&I) group and the 'Islands' group. 
 

The R&I group will spend Monday and Tuesday exploring and boat camping on the Manokin and Wicomico Rivers.  Then on Wednesday they will sail to, and join up with the Island group at Ewell, on Smith Island (lower right in map above).  From there we will all sail together.  Thursday we'll sail to Tangier.  On Friday, assuming all is still going to schedule, there will be two options: a) Sail to Watts Island and then back to Tangier, or, b) Continue on from Watts I. to Onancock with Al Schonborn and company.  On Saturday everyone will return to Crisfield.  Note:  It is a very long sail back from Onancock to Crisfield.
 
The 'Islands' group will be staying in marinas and sleeping in their boats.  I will lead this group.  Al Schonborn and Hans will be staying in B&Bs or motels.  Others planning to do this should coordinate with Al.  The plan is to sail together to Ewell, on Smith Is., Monday.  If conditions are favorable on Tuesday we will cross the Bay to Smith Point, overnight in a marina, and then return to Ewell, Wednesday.
 
R&I group participants:
  1. Jeff & Fran Kirk - Connecticut - newcomers
  2. André Girard - Ottawa (solo)
  3. Gary Hirsch - Michigan  + Steve Roney - Kingston?, ON
  4. Richard Watterson - PA (expects crew)
  5. Robert Mosher (probable) - Michigan (solo) 
  6. Kit & Mark Wallace - Toronto & CA - Kit is an old-timer but new to this cruise, son Mark is new
  7. Rick Nelson - Indiana (solo?) - a newcomer
Unfortunately Chris Walden (Georgia) had to cancel out.

To summarize: The R&I group looks to be 11 people, including one female, sailing in 7 boats.
 Islands group participants:
  1. Al Schonborn & Hans Gotschling - Toronto
  2. Tony & Mary Krauss - Michigan
  3. Jim & Maribeth Fletcher - Michigan - newcomers 
  4. Chuck & Cathy Smith - Tulsa, Oklahoma - newcomers
  5. Jason Whitlow & fiancée - Sperry, Oklahoma - newcomers
  6. Dick Harrington & Jane Korver - Geneva, OH
Summary:  The total number of participants (both groups) is 23, six being female, sailing in 13 boats.

Corrections to the above are welcome.
Jane and I will be away starting March 17th through March 28th.  If any of you have questions, contact me before then.  Otherwise, I'll be back in touch when we return.

Wishing everyone many happy thoughts.  As Al says, half of the fun is the excitement of getting ready.

DICK & JANE
..
Subject: the 2010 Chesapeake Cruise - final plans overview and reminders
----- Original Message -----
To: Brandon McClintock W7221 ; Mary Abel ; Alan Asselstine ; Jim Fletcher ; Wes Gabriel ; André Girard ; Tom Graefe ; William D. Harkins ; Jim Heffernan ; Gary Hirsch ; Jeff Kirk ; Tony Krauss ; Robin Moseley ; Robert Mosher ; Rick Nelson ; Al Schonborn ; Chuck Smith ; Steve Roney ; Kit Wallace W1037 ; Chris Walden ; Richard Watterson ; Jason Whitlow
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 1:46 PM
Subject: More Info Re: Chesapeake Cruise

"Dick,  For me, being a newcomer to all this, I'd welcome a big rambling dissertation of key points and issues. What maps do I get? VHF radio?  I'm getting excited for the trip, and I don't want to be a burden on anyone because I didn't do something I should have done.   jim fletcher W453"
 
Jim is right.  I was trying to shirk my responsibilities.  I'm happy to oblige, but will try not to ramble too much.
 
To begin, here is the updated list of participants.  There have been a few changes.
 
R&I group participants:
  1. Jeff & Fran Kirk - Connecticut - newcomers who own a CL-16.
  2. André Girard - Ottawa (solo)
  3. Gary Hirsch & Steve Roney - Michigan & Toronto, respectively - Steve sails a CL-16 but is leaving it home.
  4. Kit & Mark Wallace - Toronto & CA - Kit is an old-timer but new to this cruise; Mark is a newcomer.
  5. Rick Nelson - Indiana (solo?) - a newcomer.

I haven't heard from Bob Mosher and assume that he's not attending.

To summarize: The R&I group looks to be 8 people, including one female; sailing 5 boats.

 

Islands group participants:

  1. Al Schonborn & Hans Gottschling - Oakville & Mississauga, ON, respectively.
  2. Tony & Mary Krauss - Walled Lake, Michigan
  3. Jim & Maribeth Fletcher - Lansing, Michigan - newcomers. 
  4. Chuck & Cathy Smith - Tulsa, Oklahoma - newcomers.
  5. Jason Whitlow & Stephanie Corbet - Sperry, Oklahoma - newcomers.
  6. Dick Harrington & Jane Korver - Geneva, OH
  7. Richard Watterson - PA & Wes Gabriel - (?)

Summary:  The total number of participants (both groups) is 22, six being female; sailing 12 boats.

 
Jim Fletcher asks about Charts.
The waters to be sailed by the I&R group are covered by NOAA charts: 12228; 12231; 12261.  For the Islands group they are: 12228; 12231; 12233.  You can down load from the Internet 8-1/2 X 11 chart segments free.  These are okay for planning purposes but not suitable for navigation, in my opinion.  I have a very nice, sturdy and waterproof, chart book made by ADC Maps - www.adcmap.com - 1-800-ADC-MAPS.  Bt the time you buy NOAA charts and waterproof cases the cost differential isn't that great.

Planned itinerary: 

Sunday.  Crisfield. Pass the sign to the Small Boat Harbor, on the right, and continue in town to the left turn to Somers Cove Marina.  As I've suggested, one of the 'old hands' should to stop by the marina office before launching.  To get to the launch ramps, continue around the marina (bearing right).  It is just past the Coast Guard Station.  The old hands are Al/Hans, Tony/Mary, Gary/Steve, Richard W. and André.  They will be planning a dinner get-together at a restaurant (probably within walking distance of the marina).  If one of the old hands thinks of it, please let the marina office know that I'll be arriving Monday morning.  I'll be glad to pay for a slip even though I won't be using it.

Monday - 5/31.  Make sure you've got all the beer, wine and booze you'll need for the week on board.  The I&R group should try to get going by 10:00 AM if possible.  I also suggest the others go ahead and start for Smith Is.  Don't wait for Jane and me.  We'll play catch up.  We are expecting see the I&R group at Pauli's on Smith Is. some time Wednesday.  (I have sent an email to Pauli and am waiting for a response.)  If for some reason you are held up, the rest of us may go on to Tangier and you can meet us there.  (I don't expect there will be normal cell phone coverage once we have left  Crisfield.)

Tuesday - 6/1.  Weather permitting, the six Island group boats will depart Pauli's for Smith Point on the west shore and overnight at Smith Point Marina.  This crossing is about 12 NM.  I haven't been there before, but the facilities sound okay from the web site.  I have sent them an email and am awaiting a response.  We will return to Pauli's Wednesday.

Wednesday - 6/2.  Everyone (12 Wayfarers) will arrive at Pauli's.  Docking will be crowded.  We'll work things out as long as everyone is considerate and cooperative.  So far only one person has expressed an interest in steamed crabs.  If more are interested, I will see if Pauli can do something for us.  We can depend upon only one small restaurant being available on Smith.  The second caters to tour boats and doesn't open if things are slow.  Last year Pauli made us breakfast, but with this size group that may be iffy.  Bring some breakfast items with you on board, just in case.  The R&I folks should be able to boil some water for those w/o stoves.

Thursday - 6/3.  We all depart for Tangier - distance of 10/12 NM from Ewell.  We have the choice of sailing via the outside or Tangier Sound.  Because we will be returning north to Crisfield by way of Tangier Sound sailing south on the outside is preferable provided the weather is suitable.  In Tangier we will tie up at Parks Marina.  Both Milton Parks and Pauli are very laid back about requiring registering and in collecting the fees.  Just go ahead and do your thing....we'll work out the fee when it's time to depart.
Tangier is a bigger, more organized town, and extremely fascinating.  There are a handful of restaurants that cater to the tour boats and there's a food store.  The seafood is the best on the Bay, but the restaurants run on the tour-boat schedule and close up by 4:00 PM when the last boat departs.  We usually arrange to eat dinner and have breakfast at the Chesapeake House B&B, which stays open for us.  You'll fully enjoy this experience. 

Friday 6/4.  We will depart Tangier for a beach day at the marvelous Watts Is., wildlife sanctuary.  The array of unique wetlands birds will blow your mind.  We always see bald eagles there.  After a swim and picnic lunch we'll return to Tangier for dinner and overnight.  (At one time a couple of boats were talking about extending the cruise and going to Onancock - I'm not sure if this is still on the agenda.) 

Saturday - 6/5.  Return to Crisfield via Tangier Sound.  Expected arrival would be early afternoon.  Retrieve the cars and trailer and pull the boats at the launch site.  By mid to late afternoon most everyone can be on the road home if they wish.
 

General information

  • Waters in close to shore are extremely shallow - don't try to land on a lee shore in rough conditions.  Stay well out.
  • This is a very large group and it will be hard to keep track of all the boats.  Please keep in close proximity to one another.
  • In windy conditions we will set up an hourly - on the hour - radio check (usually channel 68).  Please have your radios fully charged and be ready to respond.
  • Don't turn back from the group w/o notifying the leaders.  If we lose you, we'll be looking for you and so will the Coast Guard.  It could ruin a fine day.
  • Both Smith Is. and Tangier are bisected by thorofares.  The channels are very narrow and the entrances are heavily barred.  If you stray outside the channel markers you are going to bury the CB in the mud, which in windy conditions can result in a capsize.  Especially with regard to Smith, we try to plan the sailing route such that we don't have to beat up the thorofare - which may mean sailing outside and over the top of the island.  The Tangier thorofare typically has a strong tidal current flowing which can make it tricky landing at Parks Marina.
  • Dick's rules:  1) Keep the painter/towline tied to the bow eye at all times.  2) Flake the anchor rode down in a bucket with the anchor on top and ready to go at all times.  3) Stow the foulweather gear, extra fleece, and one set each of warm clothing in a readily assessable waterproof cockpit stowage bag.  4) Have the VHF readily assessable and connected by a tag line to the boat.  5) Tie all important items, bags, buckets, etc., to the boat with tag lines.  6) Have water shoes for wading.

Please let me know if any of you have any further question.

 

DICK 


----- Original Message -----
To: Jason Whitlow ; Richard Watterson ; Chris Walden ; Kit Wallace W1037 ; Steve Roney ; Chuck Smith ; Rick Nelson ; Robert Mosher ; Robin Moseley ; Tony Krauss ; Jeff Kirk ; Gary Hirsch ; Jim Heffernan ; William D. Harkins ; Tom Graefe ; Andre Girard ; Wes Gabriel ; Jim Fletcher ; Alan Asselstine ; Mary Abel ; Brandon McClintock W7221 ; Richard Harrington
Cc: Pauli Zmolek
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 9:42 PM

Hi, Dick et al:
 
Great job!! Just what was needed. Please note the following:
  • I will volunteer Hans and me (who will be sailing W3854 SHADES, freshly painted and varnished courtesy of Hans G and Tom Wharton) to check in with the Marina office before we launch at which time we will also inform them that you and Jane will arrive Monday morning.
  • Hans and I are still committed to going from Tangier to Onancock on the Friday - we'll see you Saturday back at Crisfield where we have reserved one more night at Captain Tyler's motel!! On Sunday, we will head home via Chesterton where we will leave SHADES for Friday's River Race
  • should we set up a buddy system, i.e. two boats responsible for each other while on the water??
  • will it be enough to have a flashlight to shine on the sails on the off chance that we get stuck out on the water after dark??
Best regards,
 
Uncle Al  (W3854)
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