OK, it was Father's Day!  My daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter came down for the weekend.  I had to work all day Saturday so sailing was out. But Father's Day you would think that it would be a nice gesture to go sailing... no lunch with other family and then a dash to the airport.  So at 4:45 after dropping the fam off at the airport the wife and I headed for the boat to squeeze in a few hours sail time.  Lat time I was sailing the sail slides were hard to pull up the mast so I had picked up some "dry lube" spray.  I sprayed on a gentle coating and off we went. We backed out of the slip at 4:30.  But for some strange reason I couldn't make the turn into the wind, so I backed around until I could power out. (I realized the engine which is supposed to be securely locked in line was a bit off kilter and left to its own devices it would make nice gentle turns to port.  Note to self to check this before backing out every time.  Then up with the main.  But I couldn't pull it all the way up! I looked and nothing was jammed that I could see. I went up on deck and behind the Bimini was a sail tie.  When I tried a 3rd time to raise the sail (sail tie now off), the sail flew up, but as I checked ALL the sail slugs were off the mast!  Another trip to the mast to investigate was made.  It seems that some of my dry lube made its way to the screwed metal lug just above the mast slot and the lug was now sitting just above the boom and just below the slot.  After re-inserting all the slugs I raised the screw and tightened it down and we were off like a heard of turtles.  I looked like a rookie tonight in spite of 30+ years sailing the same waters.  Then we set out of the river in a light breeze (8 knots).  We ran out wing & wing for an hour. Then we turned and tacked back in another hour.  Considering the earlier disasters it was a nice evening.  We drove off with smiles.  It turned out to be a nice Father's Day after all.

Joe McCAry

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

So many balls juggling in the air ... I have in my hands the new lazy jacks and the new tiller.  As I noted earlier, the new traveler is on order.  So much to do and so little time to do it all in.  All I really want to do is go sailing. 

My next boat project is to add the lazy jacks.  but how to do it... do I use a Bosin's chair or as others have suggested a ladder?  If I do the ladder it could be an easier project, but a ladder on a boat seems crazy.

The wife finishes school this week so maybe next week we can make some trips to the boat and actually go sailing.

Joe

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

I have been busy with work and busy dealing with sailing, as opposed to actual sailing.  One of the things the wife wanted on the new boat was a Bimini.  I got one and went to install it but was disapointed at where it would have to be. I was constrained by the winches and the end boom main sheets.  I ended up not installing it but rather just placing it and securing it the best I could. It worked fine for that first weekend but I realized that I needed to move the sheets from end boom to mid boom and that meant a new, and costly, traveler.  Today I ordered one from catalina Direct in CA.  It takes 4-6 weeks to arrive so it won't be here to install unitl after July 4th and maybe not until the end of July.  But I am excited just o have made the decision.  When installed my main sheets will be from the cabin top. But the different part is the sheets will double ended, meaning that I will be able sheet the main from either side of the cabin.

And I also ordered a set of Lazy Jacks. They came in yesterday so now I need to get ready to install these. And my dinner plates I had ordered came in too.  The boat is getting set, I need to do some sailing soon!

I worked all weekend so no sailing for Joe.  Next weekend is open but the wife seems to have plans, she is a teacher changing schools this summer so she needs end of the year help and I am the likely slug to do the lifting.  But I have to remember that she is the one who gave permission for the new boat and these upgrades.  So maybe I can go sailing middle of the week next week...

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

In the USA, Memorial Day weekend (Last 3 day weekend in May) has become the official start of summer.  Most all work stops for 3 days and people flock to the beach by the car load. It is also the start of the real summer sailing season on The Chesapeake Bay.

With a new boat my wife and I had planned a first overnight on Aeolus II, our first.  I spent weeks going over charts and reading cruising guides.  But in the end I decided we would be more conservative, just in case.  We got up early (5:30am) on Saturday but by the time we loaded and had breakfast and made a stop by the cemetery (hey it is memorial day) it was just after noon on Saturday.  So we made a quick decision to stay close to home.  We opted for sailing to the next river, South River.  We had planned on staying at harness Creek but when looking at the charts I had a hankering for the next creek West, Crab Creek.  So Crab Creek it was to be.  South River is big on big power boats, and with those go monster wakes.  The winds were light but we sailed most all the way (about 10 miles) and averaged about 3.5 knots.  When we sailed past Harness Creek I couldn't help but noticed that it was over crowded with power boats.  Crab Creek had just a few boats and they were all sailboats.  We sailed in the tricky entrance and anchored about half way back.  Closest to us was a small raft with a catamaran.  We had grilled salmon and corn.  It was great.  As night fell we put in the bug netting and were not bothered at all.  But it was hot and humid.  We turned in early, nineish and tossed and turned until about midnight.  We learned we need another fan and I learned that the port bunk is not for me, I later moved to the starboard quarter birth and slept well.  The wife did not have as good a night.

We awoke about 7:30 but lounged in bed until almost nine!  We got up and I prepared to slip the anchor and get under way while Mary fixed breakfast, Bagels Lox and Cream Cheese and grapefruit juice.  We motored out of the tricky creek and headed for the Bay.  After passing the second mark the wind arrived and we cut the motor and sailed out the remainder of the river and across the Bay.  Just as we approached Thomas Point we crossed paths with a 30-32 foot boat, Jactar, and the two of us informally raced for the next hour.  We stayed anywhere from 150 yards to about 30 yards.  While I didn't beat him I didn't embarrass myself either.  It was a good hour or so.  But when I approached the Eastern Shore I gibed and set course toward West River.  When I looked over my shoulder there was Jactar.  So again we sailed, this time I led, for another hour or so and again the distance varied 30-150 yards.  And again, I felt good about my boat speed.

We decided to anchor in Rhode River, an old friend.  So, in the early afternoon we dropped hook in the anchorage area just past the green #7.  It was a nice afternoon watching the parade of boats come in.  Then we again grilled dinner, this time we had steaks.  After dinner I turned on the radio to learn that a big line of thunder storms was approaching. I thought we were not in the best place for possible 60 knots of wind as they said was possible.  I thought we might be better if we moved. So I hoisted anchor and powered out of the Rhode and out to West River.  Looking up to the sky I realized we would not make the slip so I went to a secluded area that would offer some degree of protection and anchored.  The storm passed through a few minutes later, the wind didn't seem as bad as predicted but I was glad to securely hooked to the bottom.  While we were anchored we listened to the marine VHF and watched the GPS show us swing back and forth.  On the VHF the CG said a 35' boat capsized 3 rivers North.  We were safe.

About 9:30 we decided to head to the slip, so we motored in.  We were tired and it was buggy so we decided to spend the night in a hotel.  Oh that shower was a god send.  In the morning we had a quick breakfast and went back and cleaned up the boat in a windless morning. 

While some might think the end of the weekend was a bust, we had a good time and that's what counts.  Tomorrow I am taking my good friend Joe Goodman out for the afternoon.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

No sailing today and none tonight. But I have been planning the Memorial Day weekend coming in just over 3 days. I have pored over chart books and the Cruising Guide to The Bay I have decided not to be too ambitious in my planed destinations.  That is for 2 reasons: first, historically the weather on Memorial Day weekend turns bad at the last minute. And second, this is still a new boat for me and the wife. So, I am planning on taking it easy.  My plans are weather dependant. If on Saturday we have North/South winds I will go across the Bay and anchor somewhere on Eastern Bay, maybe Crab Alley Creek, about 20 miles from Galesville.  If the winds are East/West I will head North and stop maybe at Mill Creek (outer edge of the Severn River, not far from Annapolis), 13.5 miles or maybe a bit further to the Magothy River, 22 miles away.  The second night in either case is planned for Harness Creek, a dear old friend.  Harness Creek is just 8.5 miles from Galesville so if the weather is bad on Monday we can slog that out without much pain and if the weather is glorious then we can make an all day sail of the return trip. 

So far the only wrinkle in the plans is I had ordered a Forespar Mini Galley (small propane single burner stove) that has yet to arrive after over 2 weeks.  Sure the boat has a 2 burner alcohol stove, but for a quick cup of coffee or some soup that seems a bit much. Today I called the marine store to inquire about the delivery and was assured that it has been shipped and "should" arrive. I am beginning to doubt that it will.  My other project is to install the Bimini top before the weekend.  If I can manage a few hours tomorrow I may attempt installation, but of course Murphy's law says if I succeed that guarantees that we will have rotten weather all weekend. The Grill is all in order and the head seems to be working just fine.  Goods news, my earlier problems with the engine tilt "system" seems to be fixed by changing how I release the tilt lever.  Its complicated but in the past 2 weeks it has worked flawlessly thanks mostly to the efforts of my brother Mike having been lowered head first down to where he could get to the lever and affect repair. 

I notice that we have had many visitors to this site, if you haven't noticed there is a "cluster map" that shows where the visitors are hailing from.  Take a moment and drop me a note if you would, I would appreciate any comments.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

Mary's car is in for service so I was fortunate to drive her to and from work.  When I picked her up she suggested we go for a sail.  As one who NEVER argues with the one in power, I agreed.  By the time we slogged our way through the Beltway's rush hour traffic is was about 5:30pm when we arrived at the boat.  It took maybe 15 minutes to get the sail cover off, halyard attached to the main, engine started and dock lines off.  The wind was just barely blowing, maybe 4-7 knots.  But we sailed out of West River and on to The Bay reaching a top speed of 4.3 knots!  But there was nearly no one else out and those who out seemed to all be returning.  We were the only sailboat going out.  We pressed on.  By 7:30 we were well past the Red number 2 marker for West River and heading out toward the Green Can 1A.  A the wind settled we turnaround and started back.  Neither Mary or I was complaining, this was a beautiful evening and we were really enjoying it.  I furled sails as Mary drove us toward the dock.  We arrived just as it was starting to get dark.  A quick check of the lines and off we went, it was now approaching 9pm.  We settled for a wonderful dinner at Pirates Cove. She had fried Oysters and I had Broiled Crab Cakes.  Of course it was a late drive home but both of us were a peaceful tired.  Sailing on a gentle evening in our home waters, this was a night for the memory books.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

The Chesapeake Bay

Sunday, May 20, 2007
Life is not always sailing ... today I did some payback to my good friend (and slip landlord) Joe Matera. I assisted him as comittee for the WRSC big boat/Solo races.  But the weather predictions were not so great (small craft advisories and on and off rain) so only 2 boats raced.  But the committee still reports and does their job (putting out finish marks and starting and finishing the racers.  It wasn't a total bust of a day, I did spend it on the water and I did get to watch other sailboats ;-(  

It is not that I hate racing, but it is more of a "I've done that" feeling. I raced with Joe Matera on his Tartan 33 for several seasons and have raced with him on his Melges 24 on occasion. So it is not that I dislike racing.

But for me, my life is already filled with race here and do this and send it to me now and then race there and sent that to me sooner. 

When I am "On my boat" I want to relax and take time to smell the salt air. 

Later this week I plan to ready the boat for the first cruise of the year, Memorial Day Weekend (3 days).

May 5th, 2007 Shadyside, MD, USA Well the day finally came!  Of course the weatherman predicted beautiful weather... and was wrong!  We were supposed to have 70s (f) and clear skies and 6-10 kn of wind. But no, it was in the 50s and windy and raining on and off all day!  But did that deter us? NO, we went ahead with the scheduled renaming party.  We paid proper homage to the appropriate gods of the sea and winds with liberal amounts of libations for all (gods included).  And then we asked my mom to step forward and break the bottle over the bow.  And just as everyone might guess, try as she might, the bottle just bounced off each time.  I should point out that the bottle was a special bottle scored to break easily.  So, after much frustration I took the bottle and in open gentle whack, broke the bottle and named our new boat AEOLUS II.  This was followed by much fun and drink and food for all 20+ people attending.  Not even a scratch on her bow, she is sporting her new name across the stern.  I should also add that the day was also my Son-In-Law's birthday so we celebrated that too.  So, all the official stuff is over, she is named and mostly fitted out, she even has a new radio. We still need to add the bimini top and a small one burner propane stove is on order. So we are ready for the fun of summer and sailing our beloved Chesapeake Bay.

This weekend is reserved for Mother's Day and next weekend I have promised to be the committee for a friend who is racing with the local sailing club. But the following weekend (May 26-28) is Memorial Day weekend in the US and the traditional start of summer.  We are planning a nice 3 day cruise.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

It was one of those picture perfect days... warm (low 70s) and windy (10kn). Clear skies and relatively calm seas... BUT I spent the day readying the boat for the renaming party next weekend...  The guest list is set and the menu is planned and now the boat has old name removed and new name applied and is ready for THE ceremony.  Now what are my chances o THE Queen coming in for the christenings ceremony?  She WILL be in the area (Jamestown for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown). 

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West RIver, Chesapeake Bay MD  USA

OK, so it  a new (to me) boat.  I didn't like the old name, so I will follow the rituals of doing a name change.  Tomorrow is a boat work day. Remove the old name and open bottle of Champagne and pay homage to gods of winds and sea and offer drinks to them to allow us to change the name.  There are a few other tasks before the new name can be placed on her.  But the invitations have been made (see below), printed and mailed. Mostly to family and close friends. The official renaming party is set for May 5th.  And of course champagne all around.  I even have the breakaway bottle sitting here ready for slamming against the bow to do a proper christening.  Of course there will be food and plenty to drink.  Fun and games for the kids.  Lets hope the weather cooperates.  I wish I could take credit for the drawing, but a friend on the Cat 27 email list did the work and emailed it to me. 

So, assuming all goes well for the party next Saturday, May 5th 2007, the following weekend may see us back in the cockpit for a day of sailing, weather permitting.  And the same for the following weekend. But I am reserving Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, as our first "Cruise".  I am excited and already looking at the possible places we can venture off to.  A new boat is such fun.  Why didn’t I do this years ago?

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

"THE" day has finally come!  The weather was glorious!  The wind was about 8-10kn (until it died about 3:30pm).  We sailed our new boat for a wonderful and peaceful sail. She is all we had hoped for; easy to sail and forgiving.  I can't wait for the next time...

The renaming party is scheduled for May 5th, the new name graphic is in hand and we are ready. The details for the party are being worked out. I can only hope for as good weather as we had today!

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

Well, spring is still fighting coming to the Chesapeake Bay.  But my 6 month old granddaughter came down for a weekend visit and was introduced to our new family boat.  Of course she can't talk yet, but she was very interested. It moved, and that was good, and it had strange but pleasant sounds and that too was good.  Maybe next time we can actually go out on the boat for an afternoon sail, that is IF spring ever comes.
 
On a second note, I received my used Bimini yesterday from Louisiana.  It seems to be in fair condition and I am hoping to get a few seasons use out of it before we need to replace it.  Even if I haven't been sailing yet on her, she is shaping up.  Next project is to make the outboard tilt release easier operating.

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA

Ok, so I am better, sickness seems to be gone. I have returned from the trip to the UK and am now home and want to spend time on my new boat. But it is still cold out there.  When I arrived home on Saturday it was in the 30s, and snow flurries.  Then Sunday (Easter) was the coldest Easter in over 20 years!  So just where is global warming when you need it?  I want to go sailing and it is either too cold or raining. The weather prediction for this weekend is 70 and rain!

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD

We have been under the weather so as soon as we moved the boat we have been unable to even visit it.  In a couple days we head to the UK for a 10 day trip with friends and 40 high school theatre students from my wife's drama club.  They will be performing Seussical the Musical the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough April 3rd & 4th. If you are in the area, come on over and take in a pretty good show.

We return April 7th, so maybe then we can get in some sailing!

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD

Finally it's spring here.  Oh yea the weather still has very cold days, it even snowed last Friday night. But the calendar shows it is spring and well, warm sailing days are close at hand, I hope.

On a personal note, I have been suffering from a late winter cold that is very humbling.  I cough non stop and basically feel like crap. But it's Spring and it will get better and I will get well.

In a week I leave for a 10 day trip to the UK.  The wife's high school theatre group is taking Seussical The Musical to Wellingborough to perform and have a good time in general.  So, I have to be better to get on that plane for the 8 hour flight.

Joe McCary

Aeolus

West River, MD USA

This is our (my wife Mary & my) new boat!  The deal was done today and everything inspected and is working and the check has been written ... As the old saying goes the 2 happiest days in a sailor's life: The day he buys her and the day he sells her!  I know I am happy today and look forward to spending many, many, happy days sailing on my Chesapeake Bay.  The previous owner was about to cry by day's end.

I will post more as we explore The Bay together...

Well, another day and I am still waiting to hear from the broker about when the final inspection will be ... this is starting to try my nerves. But it is also very cold outside and very windy so at least I am not loosing any sailing time! 

My wife went with me to see the boat today.  It was very windy and cold (high 30s f) and felt like below freezing.  But inspite of her bad kneee, she braved the weather and jumped on the boat and took a full look around.  She asked many questions and we talked.  I think, assuming all is well with the final inspection, the boat is ours!

Next step is meeting with the owner and inspecting the boat and engine and lastly, having the boat pulled and the bottom inspected for problems.

So, what did I do ... I went down to look at the prospective boat again!  I am still in love!  The seller took off the awning so I get a good look at the cockpit and a feel for its size.  This is just a Catalina 27 (Jaguar 27 to those in UK), but it is an upgrade for me, so I am excited.  The deal has been agreed on by both parties and we are waiting for the maintence on the outboard to be completed and the boat to get hauled so I can do a check of the bottom. Oh, I still have to write the check...

A bit about my crusing grounds, The Chesapeake Bay is a protected estuary and while the storms (summer squalls in particular) can be fierce, it is not open ocean sailing.  In the 30+ years I have only had one storm that was dangerous.  In that storm (July '79) another boat near by sunk and several people drowned (I didn't know at the time).  The Bay is also very skinny water, with an average depth of just 15' and 4,000+ miles of shoreline and 30+ rivers and countless creeks the possibilities are almost limitless.  I tell you this about my Bay because you will understand why I opted for a light weight (6850 lbs displacement) boat.  In the heat of the summer we get light winds and I hate t motor.  So I am hoping the Catalina 27 will be well suited for sailing the Bay.  It has a 4' draft so so many anchorages are open to me, I have been poring over charts and guide books all winter.  Spring is fast approaching.  Everything is coming together right on schedule.

Ok, the deal is ready, just 2 last checks to make it final... the first is to pull the boat so I can see the hull and underwater stuff.  The second check will be mine as I pay the bill!  I will keep you posted!  When the deal is complete I will post a photo or 2!

Ok, so many folks think I am nuts. But I have been out searching for a boat (see earlier entries).  Remember the old saying, "The early Bird gets the worm!" Yesterday I looked at what may end up as THE boat.  Its a "newish" Catalina 27, a 1981 model.  It has an outboard and as the broker told me before I went down to see it, it IS a cream puff.  All the important stuff is new or recent; things like sails and engine and electrics.  I made an offer and his counter offer as fairly generous.  The price is fine IF all that extra stuff works, stuff like the VHF and the stereo and the one I am most worried about, the alcohol stove. And of course I am having the boat pulled by the local yard for a look-see at the bottom to check for blisters. 

This owner knows how to show a boat.  After checking the cockpit and deck I slid back the hatch and was kissed by a wave of warm air. He had a heater inside!  That is smart when the temps have been running freezing and below. What better way to make the potential buyer feel good then to greet him with warmth.

So, in a few days I will meet the current owner and have another look and he will show me all the stuff and we will most likely strike a deal!  I feel good!

Its winter here on The Chesapeake Bay!  Much of the Bay is frozen, ice surrounds many boats.  This is not common here. But it is an OK time to search for a boat... I have been looking, mostly on weekends. I have seen some good ones and some not so good. 

I looked at a 1971 Contest 30.   I am torn about that boat, it is very reasonable in price, but needs painting to fill the gel coat crazing that is all over. And the boat is just very dirty.  I have to wonder if this is more boat than I need/want for the casual cursing I do here on the Chesapeake Bay.  I wonder what the cost of repairs will be over a long time...

The Bay is the largest estuary with over 4,000 miles of shore line and 30+ major rivers all in "protected" waters.  It is "thin" water with depths ranging from 60+ feet in many of the main shipping channels to just a few feet in the small creeks and small craft channels that make such excellent cursing grounds. 

I have been looking for no more than a 5' draft.  The boat I have concentrated my search on, the Catalina 27 has a 4' draft. 

I have looked at many other under 30' boats too, a Seafarer 29 that was just too old and tired.. A US Yacht 27 That looks like a real prospect, but sadly the company is out of business, one of the features I have come to regard as important. 

My current boat Seafarer 22, is an "orphan" with no company for support or to even ask simple questions.  So, I would like to find a boat with the MFG company still in business.  The boat does not need to be still in production, but having someone to ask questions and a way to locate parts is a real plus.  The Catalina 27 is a such a boat.  The other criteria I have for a boat is standing headroom in the cabin and an enclosed head.  All the boats I am seeking have met these criteria.

I looked at one Catalina 27 that had an outboard.  I learned that it had originally had inboard, probably an Atomic 4 gas engine.  I was told it was removed and everything relating to it removed and plugged.  When I went down to see the boat on a cold February day I found the boat hard in the ice.  When I made the jump to the boat, a risky maneuver, I found a very clean and well kept boat. I thought I found my boat.  The interior of the boat was in great shape.  Cushions were all fairly new. I looked in the storage area under the cockpit, I saw a real mess. With wires hanging down and grease and oil all over the place, it looked like the engine had been yanked out just before I arrived.  And worse yet, the area was dark, and I didn't have a flashlight. But I did have my camera with a flash, so I stuck it in the opening and made a picture. I  saw, much to my dismay, the end of the shaft!  The prop shaft, and I guess, the prop was still in place!  My heart sank.  I left having decided it wasn't the boat for me.  When I returned home the owner had emailed me asking what I thought.  I told him and his reply was that he was putting it on eBay the next day.  It sold a week later for just $3,101.00!  A steal of a deal except for what still needed to be done and the eBay buyer has no idea about these problems.

I looked at another Catalina 27 in Baltimore, it was also an outboard model.  It also had been an inboard model (I seem to have found a trend).  This one had all the work done properly. the old engine compartment was the cleanest part of the boat!  The rest was a mess.  The boat was a bit expensive and the owner was firm on his price.  I told him I would keep looking and keep him informed.

When I saw the US 27 next it was also bitterly cold. It was a scary walk to the boat on the ice covered walkway .  The boat was much better. the owner and his wife were there and had shoveled all the ice/snow off the boat (we had just had a snow/ice storm).  I was very pleased wit the boat but am still looking. For now his boat is first in my line.

This week I will be looking at a more expensive Catalina 27, but it seems to have everything except it did not have a wheel (my wife wants a wheel if possible). But it does have roller furling and a bimini, to things on my list of wants.  The broker for the boat has described it as a cream puff, we shall see!

This has been an exciting time. I am sure I will find the right boat in good condition; it is just a matter of time.

Ok, so my new boat time is fast approaching. The holidays are alomst behind me...I am still thinking late winter/earl spring and I am still looking at Catalina 27 boats. 

But I wanted to take a few minutes to wish my fellow bloggers the very best this time of year.  Fair winds and following seas to all.

In case you haven't noticed, I have added a web counter to the bottom of my blog here.  The interesting part is it is NOT the run of the mill number counter. It is a "Cluster Map"  Ok, so you don't know about Cluster Maps.  They not only show how many hits I get here; but they also show where in the world they are from!  So as people view my site the counter gets incrimented and a red dot shows on the map.  Just move all the way to the bottom of the page here and have a look.  And tomorrow it will show your location!  Who would have thought that someone in Australia would have been interested in what I was saying here, but they have atleast looked! 

The Cluster maps are free, so add one to your site and enjoy the red dots as they mount up.

The sailing season here on The Chesapeake bay is over or almost so. Maybe if the weather gods look favorably upon us we can squeeze a couple afternoons sailing over the next few weeks.  Aeolus has stayed in the water most winters without incident, so she will remain there this winter as well. 

But that doesn't mean my dreams are stifled.  No, I am looking hard for a new boat.  I have settled my mind to get something in the 26'-30' range with strong leanings to a Catalina 27 (Jaguar 27 in UK).  It is a production boat and the prices are very reasonable and there will be plenty of spares, not a situation I am familiar with a Seafarer who had a short run and has been out of business longer than they were in business.  I have looked at several Catalina 27 boats and varying degrees of condition from barely floating to well cared for.  Obviously want the best boat for the money and I am not looking to take over someone else's problems.  I would prefer to find a boat with an outboard just to have a simplified maintenance.  Engines are a big issue on The Chesapeake, my slip in Galesville MD in just a couple minutes away from sails up most days and a 27' boat would be no different.  Galesville must have gotten its name from the wind that blows there often so while an auxiliary is needed it is not a big deal.  The outboard looks to be the simplest solution, when it doesn't run; you haul it to the repair shop.  If the bill is too steep buy a new one.  Life is too short to wrestle with mechanical; problems.

Anyway I have been looking at boats within several hundred miles from my home port.  Even as far North ar Connecticut (Long Island Sound) I think is a reasonable sail in good weather next spring.  I am a patient guy and I am willing to wait ffor fair weather to sail her down if the right boat at the right price happens to hail from that far away.  Of course, I am looking at many possibilities here on The Bay as well.  In 3-5 months I will have made a decision and be off on a new adventure.  It will be an exciting time.

Pardon the side step from sailing for a few minutes...

It happened to me, and my family, just 10 days ago, on the morning of October 19th 2006. I became a Grand Father! 

My daughter, Jessie, and her husband Frank became the proud parents of Claire Elizabeth, a happy and if I do say so myself, beautiful, 7lb girl. 

  
Claire Elizabeth

That small act made me a grand father for the first time. I can't explain how that feels; if you aren't one then you can't know. 

Now I have a new person to teach sailing and pass on the love of my Chesapeake Bay.   How could she be anything but a sailor?

Ok, back to sailing (next time).

Fall is here.  The Chesapeake Bay has had some glorious weather! But I have been busy with work.  On a recent Sunday I was working on Annapolis.  When I had a couple hours to waste I drove down to Mayo MD to have a first hand look at a Catalina 27 being offered.  The boat was in surprisingly good shape.  It only had a few "MUST" do things to be ready for another sailing season.  One major item is replacement of one of the bulkheads that support the chainplates.  And the other is to replace the delaminating tiller.  Both important, but neither is a deal breaker or difficult.  I was pleased with the room below, wow standing headroom!  My beloved Seafarer while a good sailing boat lacks standing headroom.  So an upgrade to a Catalina 27 would mean some weekend crusing we have missed.

So, I talked to the broker manager, Greg, and he told me that now that Fall was here the boat was likly to be there over the winter.  I am looking of purchasing in late winter/early spring.  That's good news, I can move forward with my plans.  The boat is reasonably priced and think unless something else comes along or unless someone else comes along I will end up with this boat.  She has all the features I want.  Seperate head, standing headroom, tradiotional cabin layout (not dinette) and has an outboard.  OK, I know outboards are not as powerful a inboards but in my searching for a boat I have seen too many with engine problems.  The outboard would be eaiser to maintain or replace.

The Annapolis boat show is coming soon, and I will go look at the xpensive boats but also I will see what replacement items can locate.  I am excited.  While not new, it will be new to me.  More as the situation cahnges.

Ok, Ernesto came last Friday and Saturday it rained much of the day.  Sunday had fmaily comitments.  Here in the USA this is a holiday weekend, it has evolved into the traditional end of summer.  It is Labor Day weekend, originally designed to celebrate the labor force and what it has done for the USA.  But what it is now is the last gaspe of summer fun in the sun.  Ernesto put a damper on 2/3 of that.  So Monday September 4th was my chance to go sailing.  Oh, yes, I needed to check the boat to make sure it didn't suffer any damage from Ernesto.  So we got up and drove the 75 miles to the boat.  There she was floating high and dry, not even any more water than normal in the bilge.  So, after a quick pumping we went sailing. 

What a glorious day!  5-8 knots of even, gentle breeze and NO waves.  My boat was so much fun.  I sailed for several hours out into The Bay and around then a pleasant sail back to the dock as the skies clouded over.  No rain, so it was a near perfect day.  Did I mention it was 70°-73° (F)?  Glorious sailing!

So how does one end such a wonderful day?  Well, we stopped by Pirates Cove and had dinner.  We had skipped lunch so we were hungry.  We started off with a nice cold draft Sam Adams and a cup of their signature Cream of Crab soup.  Ah what a taste!  Then we had their crab cakes with baked potatoes and green beans.  We finished with a slice of Key Lime pie and coffee.  Summer is Over!

Did I say Fall Sailing is great!  More to come... Oh, next weekend the Son-In-Law is coming down to go fishing.  My three brothers and my nephew and my son-in-law are chartering a boat for the day, Rockfish should be ware!

Its Saturday, September 2, 06. And here in The Chesapeake Bay it seems we now are in the “clear.”  It is still overcast and patches of rain still falling. But, TS Ernesto has moved on up north…

I went to check my boat yesterday at noon and this is what I found.  My Seafarer is docked on a private dock, not a marina.  My landlord/friend keeps his 3 boats, an old Tartan 33R with a dead engine and in need of some restoration, a 24’ power boat with a 90hp outboard to zip around the river and his Melges 24 race boat that he keeps an electric lift so his bottom stays clean.  There are no buildings other than a small barn/shed for sails and other boat stuff and lawnmower to keep the grass down and a 500w generator so he can operate his electric lift. 

The wind was blowing about 25-30 knots out of the NE.  The water was up almost to the bottom of the finger pier.  My boat, Aeolus, was bobbing nicely and  didn’t touch her lines (no reason to spoil a good thing).  His Melges’s lift was dangerously close to the rising water! He doesn’t tie his Melges down, it just sits on the lift.  So, I dragged down the power cable and started the generator and raised the lifts about 6 inches.

When I was done, in spite of the foul weather jacket, I was drenched, so after a 20 minute drive I rewarded myself with lunch at Pirates Cove Restruant across the river. Lunch was a Soft Shell Crab sandwich (with fries and coleslaw) a cup of Maryland Crab Soup (the red kind) and a Sam Adams.  Ah, this checking boats is hard work…

Maybe by Monday the weather will clear enough to have a sail.

Ok, it is August and while we had a very pleasant cool spell a few weeks back, it has been August like with hot days and high humidity.  So I haven't been sailing in a while.

But, now we have a problem... Ernesto.  It has been churning away south of Florida.  The predictions have wavered from full and powerful hurricane to a tropical storm.  Of course weather "science" (I have always thought that they have nerve calling it science... and how would you feel if your family doctor were no more accurate then your local weatherman?) being what it is, the course of Ernesto has changed too.  It originally was aimed for New Orleans, but that changed and put Tampa Florida in its target, then it brushed against Haiti and their mountains sucked all the power out of the storm and then if that weren’t enough it slammed into Cuba.  After exiting Cuba shores it took aim on South Florida.  Now the "forecast" says up the Florida coast for a few days then a short jump in the Atlantic, then it will make landfall in South Carolina (I bet they still remember Hugo).  It is slated to meander up through SC and into North Carolina and continue on into Virginia and then Maryland, home.  It is slated to be just a mere tropical depression, but there is a history of named storms that peter out in NC and VA only to reform with vigor on my Chesapeake Bay.  We just have to recall the names of Hazel and Agnes and Isabel to recall just 3. So, I will be keeping a close watch on this nothing storm as it makes its way North and into my home cruising waters.  I hope it stays well to the West.  If you are in harm's way with Ernesto my thoughts are with you!

Oh, I need a reality check!  This is the 12th of August and yet the weather on The Bay is like the 12th of October!  The skies were crystal clear and the wind was 8-10 kts and the temps were in the upper 70s range! 

My wife, same one who was not feeling well last weekend and went sailing today for one of those once in a lifetime afternoons.  We sailed out of West River about 1:30 and tacked out under main and #1. 

We were thinking we had too much sail up, but once we rounded the point from the Galesville red #4 the wind was great! 

Later we tacked into the Rhodes River and sailed all the way past Camp Letts.  We haven't been there in a couple years and were surprised to see that High Island (there are three listed, High, Little and Big) was gone!  Just a danger maker and some brush sticking above water are all that remains.  We sailed around and then tacked out, opening into a reach out of the river.  As we turnd west we were running wing & wing for 20 minutes back to the red #4 where we turned and broad reached into Galesville and our slip just 5 hours after leaving. 

After packing up the boat we went to Pirates Cove restruant for Maryland Crab Cakes dinner!  You haven't lived till you have eaten crab Cakes!  Some of the best on The Bay.  After a wonderful dinner, we drove the 55 miles home in the setting sun. Truley a wonderful day!

Ok, vacation is over and then the week of VERY HOT temps have come and past and then the extra weekend work  (as a photographer you don't tend to turn down fll day's work shooting at an NFL team summer game).  Sunday comes and the temps are in the mid 80s. So, Sunday afternoon finds my wife and I down on The Bay sailing on our favorite West River.  The water was flat, the breeze was ESE at 5-8 knots. The sailing was GLORIOUS! Long tacks and no waves. My wife was a great sport, she wasn't feeling too great but we sailed on for a few hours before "suggesting" we turn back.  We did and were just in time to beat the bugs. 

So, what is next?  August is notorious for HOT Humid days and Thunder Storms that have plagued Bay Sailors since Captain John Smith...  Fall, my favorite time of year isn't far off... Fair Winds to you all.

OK, vacation is over.  We had a grand time at the beach, in Avon, North Carolina. Our house was so special; it was a beach front house with a grand view. This year was a special treat. Our daughter and her new husband joined my wife and I as well as my mom and my youngest brother.  My other 2 brothers and their families had houses near by. This was the first time we all, that was 17 McCarys, vacationed at the same place at the same time.  Of course I have uploaded a family portrait. 

Now I am back working, meetings and more National Archives work.  Sailing will resume as soon as the heat abates.

OK, US Happy 230th birthday!  Today is a beautiful blue sky day.  The weather forecast promises to bring T'storms but hey, it's summer!  We are planning on a  trip to our beloved Aeolus and will have some legendary Chesapeake Bay crabs(fresh from Molly's in St Mary's County near Point Lookout on the Bay, thanks Dave). These are unlike any other crabs anywhere else in the world.  Ours will be steamed and the picked.  Of course we will have some nice locally grown Silver Queen corn. And did I say beer?  My dock owner and long time friend, Joe Matera is hosting the party and we are providing a bushel of crabs and the corn, some wine and a bundle of family guests.  My brother and his family (Mike, Barbara and sons Chris and David and daughter Laura and my mom Joy will be in attendance.  And then there will be fireworks just around the corner in Galesville harbor.  If those T'Storms hold off it will be a wonderful day!  If they don't, it will still be a wonderful day but just a bit wetter.  Sailing, well maybe we can squeeze in a couple hours, I hope!

For the past couple years, we have had a drought here in the mid Atlantic region of the US.  But as of this past weekend all that is behind us. We had 7.5" in the afternoon, local intersections are flooded and cars by the hundreds are swamped.  I am thinking of dropping my small family sailboat and getting an ARC!

There have ben some sad days here on the Chesapeake Bay.  Several days ago, a local publisher, Philip Merrill, was sailing on his 42' sailboat.  The day was blustry with winds in the 25k+ range.  But Merrill was, by all reports, an experienced single hander.  He had been sailing The Bay since he was 7 years old.  There were small craft advisories out but he was experienced and his boat was more than capable.  So out he went.  He was to sail a loop of about 17 miles.  Somewhere in that loop tradgey struck.  Merrill either fell off his boat or was knocked off by the boom.  Either way, he ended up in the chilly 62 ° water, that was on Saturday June 10th.  Later that evening his boat was found drifting in the shallows with no one aboard.  A exhausting search was mounted.  When I went sailing on Sunday the 11th I saw the large US Coast Guard C-130 Hercules, usually reserved for long range search and rescue, this plane was searching my small corner of The Bay.  In my 30+ years of sailing these waters, I have never seen such a search.  And of course there were countless small craft searching at the same time.  On Monday the 12th the search and rescue was changed to a search and ecovery as he was presumed dead.  A week later his body was found floating near Popluar Island, a small island chain just a few miles from my own West River and 11½ miles form where his boat was discovered. 

So, why do I take the time to report this information about a fellow sailor I did not know and never even met or even saw?  Because first, it was a tradgidy on the sea and as sailors it hurts us all when one of us is taken.  But more to the point I am writing to help remind my fellow sailors around the world not to be complacement.  Mr Merrill was not wearing a life jacket (PFD here in the US).  And he obviously did not have a tether either.  Both might have saved him and both should have been 2nd nature for a solor sailor.  When his boat was found the Coast Guard investigated his boat the first thing they checked was his GPS, which was NOT on.  The CG was interested in his GPS to see if there was a drastic change in course and a possible place for the incident.  So, as a third precaution, turn on that GPS to help locate you if you do fall off. And lastly, his portable, Handheld VHF was in the cabin.  If he had it on his belt when he went over the sid he could have used it to summon help.

We all love sailing and it is a relatively safe sport, but when we get lazy and not viligant, we may pay the ultimate price as did Mr Merril.  I know that some will say it may be a romantic way to go, persuing your life passion, but I think it is better to live to sail another day.

Joe McCary

Aeolus

West River, MD

An Update.  After writing and posting the above, the news in our area announced that Merrill's death was a suicide.  It seems he tied a small anchor around his feet and then shot himself in the head with a shotgun!

So, my last line seems even more fitting, live to sail another day!

Great days of sailing on West River near the Red #2 for the river.  There can be such solitude or over crowded. I prefer the solitude and even in near calm waters I have a great time, just me and my Aeolus.

May 24, 2006

Ah Spring is finally here. That means work on the boat.  Last fall my small 5hp outboard 4 Stroke Merc was running rough.  I considered just taking it to a repair shop but decided it would be easier to replace the plug and see what happens. That thing weight 57lbs and I don't want to lift it off the stern,  Anyway this weekend I went to the marine store and bought 2 plugs (one for a backup) and some new fuel.  I took off the cowling and unscrewed the plug. It was Black and looked like I might have found the problem.  Anyway I screwed in the new plug and thought I would see if it would start.  Well, it had been all winter, so it took 3 pulls!  It sprang to life.  I eased in the choke and revved the engine and it roared!  I felt good.  Then, remembering that last fall the engine ran rough when it was under load. I had the bright idea to test it under load, a stroke of genius if I say so myself.  So I cinched up stern lines and slipped it into forward gear.  The water boiled and I boosted the power up.  More thrust and the water boiled off the stern.  I felt good.  But I thought I should let it run for a few minutes to see if my problem was really over or was the engine just happy with new plugs.  I glanced at my watch and sat back... one minute, so far so good, two minutes still running fine... then just before three minutes it sputters to a stop!  Then I figured I forgot to release the pressure release screw on the gas tank.  I open the seat hatch and check the screw.  I re-pump the hose and pull it to life again!  Same routine, slip into gear and rev it up!  Check my watch ... One minute so far so good! ... Two minutes, still purring like a kitten.  Then again just before 3 minutes it sputters to a stop.  Again I check the lines... re-pump the line and again, start the engine.  Same routine...at almost three minutes it stalls.  Now I am thinking long repair in an over worked repair shop.  I stop and check everything... then I realize the gas hose wasn't in the notch but was running over the lip of the compartment and when I sat on the seat it crimped the line, chocking the gas... It was finally fixed!  And except for the time I wasted checking and rechecking and rechecking and checking yet again, it was a good day...

Tomorrow I am heading down again to do some cleaning, all that winter dirt and the droppings from my friendly neighbor Blue Heron who thinks my boat is his private dinner table.

Then some serious sailing, OK, not serious, just some fun!

Its cold and rainy and its a New Year!  I sure wish the best to all my fellow sailors across the globe.  The one saving grace I see is that the days have started to get longer.  Summer is coming! 

Inprovements to my Aeolus... I have so much to do.  I vow this year to have new sails, and to have the boat single handed ready.  I still have to replace my portlights (windows) with some sealed protection that doesn't leak.  And I want to add a new VHF radio.  These don't seem like much, but they are important.

I have considered a new, larger boat, well, not "new" just new to me.  That is still an option but les and less likey.  I would rather keep the boat I know the  venture to some ultimate disaster project boat.  I have had my eye on a Seafarer 29 in the area, but I would have to have it surveyed and close inspection of problem areas.

Have a safe new year and to all my readers, may you have following seas and good weather!

Sailing on West River on the Chesapeake Bay on an Autum afternoon.

This has been a long summer.  I have worked and then just was my traveling wound down, my daughter's wedding arrived.  July 4th was the only time I had in the middle of the summer for sailing.  My daughter and her fiancé were down from Boston for the long weekend and we hosted a party/BBQ for them so our DC friends who were not attending the wedding had a chance to meet Frank (the Groom).  The part was a big success but on Monday the 4th we took Frank sailing on our boat for the first time.  The Chesapeake Bay mustered perhaps the best day possible in the middle of a hot humid summer.  The temps were in the 80s and the wind a gentle 8-10 knts and we sailed four hours gently heeling as Frank and Jessie lounged on the deck.  He "seemed" to enjoy himself, a very positive sign for the future.

August brought THE wedding on Cape Cod.  My wife Mary and I went up the week before along with my mom, Joy.  We found our little 4 bedroom house in Sandwich to be comfortable.  We had a great beginning to the 2 week stay.  Additional family, my wife's family, began to arrive on Wednesday and Thursday saw the bulk of my family arriving.  Of course as Saturday's wedding approached the temps rose so Friday's evening party/picnic was a bit warm and by Saturday, THE wedding day, it was downright HOT, 95°!!  The wedding as a big success and certainly a relief to be over!

The following week found us entertaining the family who remained through Wednesday.  My in-laws had their 58th wedding anniversary on Tuesday so the obligation fell to me to take "everyone" (by then about 8 of us) out to dinner at a nice restaurant.  We opted for the old converted church in town the Belfry, what a grand choice.  Everyone had a blast.

Thursday found our party shrinking to just the wife and I and my Mom and my daughter (her new husband had to be at work on Thursday).  So, since I was on Cape Cod ad it was sailing country, we drove to Wellfleet for an afternoon sailing on a rented 14' Catboat.  My daughter and I sailed all over Wellfleet harbor (about 7 nm North to South). It was glorious and made all the rest of the week's activities slip in to the back of my mind.  This was my first time sailing a Catboat, and I must say I was impressed with how it pointed for a single sail boat.  We tacked easily, in-fact we had to sail in a narrow channel on our return because we were faced with a low tide (14'!) so we sailed past the beaches where people swam on our outbound trip were now walking and driving and claming.  Great fun.

So then it was home.  Did I say I wish I could have called in a nuclear strike on the NJ Turnpike?  What a disaster!

We returned just in time for t wife to head back to school (she is HS English teacher) and me back to my daily grind of photography.  But September has brought cooler and less humid days and some glorious sailing!  Aeolus had a pair of new ST winches installed (about 3 hour task for me) and that "little" addition has made a world of difference to short handed sailing.  Last Tuesday (Sept 13th) I took my dear old friend Joe Goodman for an afternoon and we sailed the entire time, well he was along for the ride, I did the work.  Now I am building a new companionway step so Mary can use the cockpit! Tomorrow promises to be a grand day of fall sailing!  More later

Joe McCary

Aeolus

West River, MD

For the past 28 seasons I have sailed the Chesapeake bay on a small 22' Seafarer named Aeolus. She isn't the fastest or the slowest or the prettiest or ugliest, but she is mine and together we have sailed nearly the length of The Bay. She stays near Galesville, MD on West River (Central Bay, Western shore). I have sailed with my wife, Mary, from there North to the Sassafras river and South to Yorktown, VA. We have sailed in too many of the Bay's legendary squalls. I am in the slow process of a refit for her. That will include new sails, new winches, new lines, a new outboard, and new electrics. Of course I sail her as this progresses.