Day 7 - End of the Shakedown Cruise

The  quick journey from Norfolk, VA to Annapolis, MD was over last night. Today we attend to the true purpose of the trip.

We are having Distant Horizon hauled out. It will be about a month before we can return to the boat. So, while out of the water, we will have some professional services performed. The new decal will be also be installed. So, no more confusion with the name and pictures after this.

When we rose in the morning, I could see the Yacht Yard right across the creek. It was getting too dark last night to actually find the yard. So, we anchored in a safe location. It was a pleasant surprise to know we only had to move the boat a few hundred feet.

I called the Yacht Yard to see when it would be convenient for me to bring the boat for it's haul out. I had made a previous appointment, which simply identifies my planned day of arrival. They are very accommodating. They said to call when we were ready and the Dock Master would wave us in.

When I called him, he said I'll see all the boats are stern in (backed in). He told me to come in bow first because he knows this boat will not turn when in reverse... it was a nice confirmation of my experience over the past week. One they were ready, they turned her around by hand.

Distant Horizon waiting to be hauled

Being carried by the Travel Lift

Distant Horizon, once again "on the hard".

I'd have to say, this is the most impressive yard I have ever seen. They work in teams like a well-oiled machine; handing off lines from one man to another and never a word spoken.

Wait until you see the re-launch. I don't want to give anything away, but that process was simply amazing!

This trip was a bit rushed. We had to move the boat everyday... except that one day in Mobjack. In the future, we hope to have more leisure time. Therefore, there should be many more pictures... and since you know most of us now, there should be less text too. Check back in a month or so for our new adventures.

Day 6 - Annapolis

As usual when get up in the morning, we listen to NOAA Weather Radio. All week, there has been a mention of a cold front coming through and bringing with it thunderstorms. Yesterday was out hottest, most humid day of the week, and today a cold front was moving in. A perfect formula for thunderstorms. Along with the winds, waves, and especially lightning, thunderstorms are not the favored conditions of sailors. I think it has something to do with a large aluminum pole reaching 55 feet skyward.

The boat owner next to us said he heard reports of 4 foot waves in the Chesapeake. I checked the weather buoys, which reported 0-1 foot waves. There was a small craft warning for the eastern side of the Chesapeake, but we are on the western shore and are definitely not a small craft. My primary concern was the safety and comfort of Linda, Matt and myself.

Annapolis was 43 miles away. There were some nice beaches, but not many harbors along the route. There was Knapp Narrows. It didn't sound all that inviting with the report of its tidal currents, which immediately brought back memories of moving 3 knots sideways at Tangier Island; but it would have to do as an alternate destination.

This could be our most strenuous day. So, Linda and I walked to a plaza and had breakfast while Matt slept in. We brought breakfast back for him an hour later. Then, we prepared the boat for the trip; settled up with the Dock Master; and were on our way to Annapolis.

... and we were not alone. Shortly after reaching the Chesapeake's main channel, we saw this Canadian sailboat headed in the same direction. With the bluffs along the beach, this picture could have been taken on Lake Ontario. That's the wake from a power yacht between us.

A Canadian sailboat headed north too.

The Chesapeake was busy today, or so it seemed. The main channel is narrower through here, and so we were closer to the shipping lanes.

Container ship headed for Baltimore

This tug boat was heading south with a large barge in tow. They stayed close to the western side away from the main shipping lanes. Many of these barges are carrying coal for the power plants.

A tugboat towing a barge

Through the progression of these three pictures you can see the calm water building to small waves. This means we have wind, and luckily for us it was from a favorable position. It was too light to simply sail. However, we had a great boost with the staysail.

Staysail? ...Oh, Distant Horizon is a cutter. Most notably there can be two sails in front of the mast. The forward most is a jib, then one closer to the mast is a staysail. When motorsailing, the staysail worked best on this boat. We could get half a knot or more boost even with winds less than 5 knots. Today, we were getting almost a 1.5 knot boost!

The sky to the north of us was turning black. NOAA weather radio was announced the storm was moving at 40 mph and producing 60 mph winds with higher gusts, hail and lightning strikes in areas I was not familiar with (inland, west of Washington).

Storm ahead of us to the north.

Matt had 3G reception. I had none. He checked the weather radar on his phone and came to me with a plan. He pointed out the speed of the storm and direction, which pass between us and Annapolis. There was also another smaller storm cell south of us.

Storm behind us to the south.

We were still in clear skies. Matt suggested we hang around here and let the storms pass ahead and behind us, as there was a large gap between them. I explained that a squall could fill that gap when it reaches the water, but it was still the best plan we had. So, we hedged our bets by heading southwest, which would get us near the entrance for a small harbour on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay. Knapp Narrows was out of the question. We were past it and now on the other side of the Chesapeake. I liked Matt's plan.

We waited out most of the storm passing in relatively nice conditions. It took about 45 minutes to pass. All the while we were motorsailing in the wrong direction. When the worst of the storm had passed, we turned around and headed north again. Just we were doing this, a squall was building right over us.

Squall building right overhead.

We were hit with the down flow winds. Our boat speed, under motor, was cut in half. There were four foot waves shortly after, but probably from the storm.  This was all pretty quick. In 15 minutes we were gaining our speed back  and steering to minimize the effect of the waves. The sky to the north was clearing. We now had a blue sky and rainbow ahead.

Rainbow

We lost a total of two hours, but avoided a pretty nasty storm. The VHF radio had the Coast Guard and several boats looking for people who had gone overboard. That was from the smaller storm cell to the south of us.

Nearing Annapolis,  we reached the Thomas point Shoal Lighthouse close to sunset.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse at sunset

We motored up Back Creek and dropped anchor just as the last scrap of sunlight was dissipating. It was an amazing day! We encountered a little bit of everything and were now safely tucked away for the night.

Day 5 - Solomons Island

We woke to an overcast sky. It wasn't threatening, but the sky remained overcast all day. We need to depart early since we had 45 miles to go today. Early is a relative term. I still had time to take some photos.

This fisherman was returning from setting his crab pots. I'm not sure what time he left, but it was around 7 am when I took this.

Tangier work boat returning early in the morning

After breakfast, I noticed this fisherman was preparing his boat. There were actually two guys working. They have a lot of crab pots to set. Just look at their dock.

This fisherman was preparing his boat for the days work.

Many channel markers form the foundation for Osprey nests. This one marks the entrance to Tangier island. You can see the mother Osprey watching as we went by. It gets shallow quick outside the channel, so I was focused on steering. Matt said he heard the chicks chirping in the nests.

An Osprey keeping an eye on the chicks

Even with the overcast sky we had a little breeze and were able to motorsail for a couple of hours. After that, the wind died completely and we just motored on. I would have bought a trawler if I just wanted to motor. Where is the wind!?

Linda was relaxing with her book in the cockpit. I thought it was a cool picture with the Smith Point Lighthouse approaching.

Linda relaxing as we approach Smith Point Lighthouse

All week the weather was very calm. So, we tried to get as close to the lighthouses as possible for these photo opportunities. Their purpose is to mark dangerous shoals and rocks. Matt and I usually took turns; I would steer while he took photos and then we would switch for me to take photos with the longer lens. In this way, one of us was always fully engaged in safely navigating.

Here's a closer look at Smith Point Lighthouse.

Smith Point Lighthouse

We had just pass Point Nonamed Point, and then to the delight of all onboard... Dolphins! I never knew dolphins were in the Chesapeake. We counted six dolphins in this pod. I've seen them in the rivers around Charleston, SC... but that was just a few miles from the ocean. These were about 60 miles north of the entrance to the Chesapeake.

Dolphins!

Entering Solomons Island, we noticed this house. At first we were impressed at the size of the house on the water. Then, as we came closer, we noticed many windows were boarded up; others had the plywood just hanging there. 

This derelict was probably a very nice house not too long ago.

In contrast to the previous house, I thought this was a yacht club. Matt pointed out the swing set and toys in the yard. Not bad... they have their own private beach. 

Nice house on the water!

We followed the channel to the end. Tonight, we stayed at the Holiday Inn. I heard rumors of a private marina that works with the Holiday Inn. We were not able to contact anyone as we arrived. So, I pulled into the only empty slip. Actually, I backed into the slip. It was a typical Chesapeake slip with pilings. Being at the end of the channel... as in dead end... it was very calm.  We didn't have any trouble. We found the boat backs straight as an arrow.

I went to the desk at the Holiday Inn to inquire about the slip. The girl at the desk told me I would have to talk with the Dock Master. He arrives around 7 am. Then she gave me a key to the showers and gym. So... Rumors confirmed.

Sorry, I can't believe I didn't take any pictures. Obviously, I was getting a little tired from having to move the boat each day.

Day 4 - Tangier Island

We arrived close to sunset last night; pushing my rule to never arrive in the dark. Once we set the anchor, we went below to avoid the expected mosquitoes and no-see-ums. I did get up once during the night to check the anchor. It was fine... and there were, surprisingly, no insects.

When I rose early in the morning, I was able to sit in the cockpit and enjoy the sunrise. This was a beautiful anchorage, just as Dick & Anne from s/v Nati had said.

Mill Creek Anchorage

I was later told, that every place in Virginia has a Mill Creek. So, this is Mill Creek off of Ingram Bay.

After breakfast, we weighed anchor (raised the anchor) and motored back out to the Chesapeake. Today we are headed to Tangier Island. This was just a 20 mile jaunt across the Chesapeake. Tangier Island is an old fishing village where the mainstay is crabbing.

Arriving was a bit of a challenge due to a strong tidal current. Our first, and only attempt to pull into a slip, which is a row of pilings, was thwarted by the current. As soon as out full keeled boat was across the current, we moved sideways faster than we were moving ahead.

Notice, no sailboats. The only chance of getting in would be at slack tide... and who wants to wait two hours for that? Especially when there are other options available.

Typical slips along the Chesapeake

So, we docked on the pier head in front of the marina office.

Park's Marina Office

Distant Horizon tied along the pier head.

One of the notable reasons to visit Tangier Island is to visit with Mr. Park who is in his late 80's. I am told he has as many stories as you have time to listen to. Unfortunately, Mr. Park was unavailable during our visit.

The island sits 12 miles out into the Chesapeake Bay. There is a small airport, but most people arrive by ferry... or their own boat of course. The village of Tangier is a waterman's village. transportation is typically by golf cart or bicycle, but we saw a couple of cars and electric motorbikes were popular with the younger residents.

Local Transportation... Golf Carts

Joshua Pruitt House. One of the oldest on Tangier Island

A newer home. Would love to know what that is on the roof. It looked like an antenna.

One of the many work sheds for the fishermen. Crab pots ready to go.

If you like Blue Crab, this is the place to be! There were two prominent restaurants, but the Fisherman's Corner was closing as we arrived. So, we went across the street to Lorraine's and were not disappointed.

Fisherman's Corner

Lorraine's has excellent crab meals

Tangier was a very interesting little village. Not much has changed over the years. The people were friendly and warm hearted. One man gave me a ride on his golf cart when I was carrying the Diesel Jerry cans. He waited until I had them filled and brought me back to the boat... Literally! He drove is golf cart on the dock and dropped me right at the boat! I have an adventurous spirit, but I have to honest. I was holding my breath watching as the tires rolled along with about an inch on either side. It was more interesting watching him back the cart off the dock.

Their accent was interesting too. Try to imagine a thick Maine accent with a southern drawl.

Day 3 - Moving on...

You can see from the early morning picture below, there really were no worries in regard to the weather. This would be the third day on the boat and I was already wondering if I would ever get to sail the Distant Horizon. I had heard the Chesapeake is calm in the summer, but this was mid-May!

Bow out, we're ready to move on.

There are many nice stops along the Chesapeake and its contributing rivers, but we had just one week to reach Annapolis. The plan for this day was to make a long sail to Reedville, VA; bypassing the typical cruiser's stop in Deltaville. This would be our longest day of the week, logging around 50 miles.

By 9:30 am, we had breakfast; the route programmed into the chartplotter; and the dock lines aboard. The tide was low but rising. Once out on Mobjack Bay, we had a slight breeze from a favorable direction. We continued to motor, but raised the mainsail. This is called motorsailing. Just a slight pressure on the sails from the wind will help boost the boat speed. Alternatively, you can back off on the engine and save fuel without loosing speed. Due to the distance to be traveled during daylight hours, we chose to take the boost.

We continued to motorsail towards the Chesapeake's main channel. Along the way we passed the lighthouse in the photo below. On the chart, this lighthouse is simply listed as abandoned. I later found this is New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Built in 1805, the lighthouse was abandoned in 1963. Early in the 20th century, the Chesapeake went away from the familiar lighthouse towers.

Abandoned Lighthouse

If you look to the right of the the abandoned lighthouse, there is something sticking up on the horizon. That was our first view of the Wolf Trap Lighthouse. The picture below provides a better perspective. This is a more typical Chesapeake styled Lighthouse. 

Wolf Trap Lighthouse

Commercial fishing is alive and well on the Chesapeake! I was really surprised to see how large these ships are. The structure in front of the ship is called a fishtrap. Believe it or not, there are no less than seven fisherman on the fishtrap working the nets... just to give an idea of the scale.

Commercial Fishing on the Chesapeake

Reedville was a disappointment. When we got there, everything was closed except the fish processing plant. The Crabby Crab Restaurant was closed as well as the marina and fuel dock. I was too busy negotiating the shallow water to take pictures.

We left Reedville in favor of Mill Creek, where some friends had told me there are some nice anchorages. So, tonight... we test the ground tackle... that's anchor, chain and all that stuff. We arrived just prior to sunset. I was pleased to discover how simple it was to set the anchor.

We made it... Mill Creek Anchorage... just prior to sunset!

Day 2 - Mobjack, VA

Our first night on the boat was spent in Mobjack, VA along a floating dock. We woke to a beautiful sunny day with mild temperatures. Being just 375 miles south of Syracuse, it was surprising how much warmth the morning sun provides.

Docked at Compass Marina, Mobjack, VA

Distant Horizon's Bowsprit and carved ornament

After breakfast, we walked to the village... it's not really large enough to be a village. Officially, it is listed as the "Community of Mobjack". This community consisted of several captain's house, two churches, the marina, and the Mobjack Nursery... for trees, not children.

Mobjack Church

Typical house in Mobjack

A rocking chair on the porch was common

Remnants of more prosperous times

Here, in front of the old oil company, a man was giving a lecture on the history of Mobjack to a cycling club. It turns out that this was a primary destination for Steamships before World War I. Anyone from this peninsula coming or going to Virginia Beach or Norfolk came through Mobjack. Oysters created a more recent industry, but that has dried up too. 

Lecture on the History of Mobjack

Coincidentally, when Keith the marina owner moved here 8 years ago, there were no oysters. With help from a conservation group, he has been growing oysters in the marina. Each oyster filters about 200 gallons of water a day. He has several floating bins; each containing several dozen oysters. Once they reach a mature state, he releases them around the point in the big Mobjack Bay. Now, you see oysters everywhere at low tide. They are making a comeback.

After our walk, I completed several tasks on the boat: connecting a portion of the new house bank; trouble shooting the AIS; storing items in more permanent locations. Keith also helped me test the AIS transponder. He is a receiving site for AIS. With Keith's help, we were able to receive information and he verified I was transmitting. It would be the last time I was able to confirm I was transmitting.

Oh, AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. It is part of the collision avoidance system big ships use and is optional for us smaller boats. Distant Horizon has a class B (small boat) AIS transponder installed. This means, Distant Horizon sends basic information: boat name, speed, heading (direction). It also receives all AIS information; especially that from big ships.

Before the sun set, we turned the boat around, so the bow pointed out. This would make our departure in the morning much easier.

Day 1 - Shakedown Cruise

We arrived at the boat in Yorktown, VA right on time to meet Maxwell and Jen; the people we bought the boat from. After giving a short tour of the boat to Matt, Brynn, and Linda,  I went with Maxwell and Jen to finalize the paperwork. 

When I returned, everything from the truck had been loaded... including the two new batteries we brought for one of the house banks. With everything aboard, we were not stepping over boxes or containers, even though they were not unpacked. Brynn joked that it was all there and wished me luck in finding anything in particular. However, it was all placed in logical locations. The only box I could not find, turned out to be in the garage. This was confirmed with a phone call to Grace; who was going on a retreat this week and was unable to participate... this time.

I worked on a few tasks. Linda made us lunch, and then we prepared for departure. We didn't do a lot of unpacking. We simply ensured that everything was stowed in a location so it would not get tossed across the boat.

Matt and Brynn having lunch in the cockpit.

Matt and I removing the sail cover from the Mainsail. You can see one of the solar panels and the wind generator.

Linda relaxing at the helm.

We're off!

Finally, it was about 3:30 pm and we were departing. A little later than I would have liked, but we didn't waste any time. Driving the boat between pilings is definitely NOT my favorite thing to do! Especially the very first time. It all went well, though. With a full keel (the long fin hanging down underneath a sailboat), she backed very straight... until the wind hit the bow (front of the boat). I just went with it and turned around going forward.

Later, Brynn would tell me Maxwell and Jen were "very emotional". Jen said she was always on Anastasia and had never seen her from shore before. Brynn said she told them "the boat couldn't be going to a more loving, although crazy owner". The laughter broke the emotional tension. Soon after, they all left.

A few miles into the trip, Matt took the wheel.

Hmmm... I'm sure he's checking the weather!

We had a simple plan. This week would be a shakedown cruise where we plan to test all the boat systems, a little at a time. So we planned to sail to the East River off of Mobjack Bay; just 21 miles and about 4 hours away. With the light wind, it was the first test of the engine. We motored the whole way.

One of my primary rules is to never make landfall in the dark. Especially at a new location. Once we reached the East River there was plenty of daylight. We stopped the boat and had dinner drifting in Mobjack Bay.

Matt's photo near dinner time.

After dinner, we motored up the East River and called Compass Marina via cell phone. The entry is narrow, but it was recently dredged. So, it was plenty deep enough for us. The Marina owner, Keith, stood out on a pier at a point of land waving me closer to the marks. Red marks, which there were none should be on the starboard side (right). I thought I was very close to the green marks (left side). He called back on the phone and told Matt to have me get closer. I swear, we could reach out and slap the poles as we went by, but he knows the channel and I did as he requested.

It was about 8 pm and still daylight. Keith was standing on the floating dock and helped us bring the boat into the slip. With a 22,000 lb boat, I started coasting way before making the turn for the dock. That is the dry weight of the boat... no people, no fuel, no water, no oil in the engine... you get the idea. Keith was happy the way we came in. We have the same rule. "Go as slow as possible and still maintain steerage".

Not being accustomed to the full keel, I turned a bit early... not bad, but earlier than I needed. First day with the new boat, and I learned something new. It was a good day!

The floating dock was low. I mean, it was a good stretch getting down to it from the boat. That would not due for Linda. I grabbed the boarding ladder and attached it to the boat... not knowing how well it would work. It was the first time for attaching that too. It's placement on the hull was perfect. Sailboats do not have flat sides; they have gentle curves. The ladder was folded in half. Without opening it, it was absolutely perfect!

Boarding ladder attached.

I tied a safety line to the ladder... just in case. I did not want to go diving for it. It turned out, that the safety line was a good idea. The following day I was hurrying and stepped rather abruptly on the step, and as my feet hit the dock, I heard a splash. I turned around and the ladder was hanging by its tether. I will change the safety line to something more appropriately sized in the future. We never had another problem with it.

Keith the marina owner was a great help. Although we planned to stay just one night, we ended up staying a second. This gave us time to get the boat in order.

Tomorrow, we'll also take some time and walk through the village of Mobjack, VA.