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