Tangier Island Cruise/A Wonderful Time!

[Gerry]

Monday 22 Sep 02 at 0830 we sailed out of Upper Machodoc Creek from Dahlgren ,VA down the Potomac for Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. I calculated the distance approximately 55 miles a good two day cruise. Jacklines were rigged and harnesses and tethers were worn as there was a 2-3 ft chop and my crewman very inexperienced(He was reluctant to wear it the first day but soon was convinced it was a safer decision the next day as we entered the Chesapeake Bay). We reefed the main and set the working jib. Winds were fresh out of the northeast 15 knots gusting to 25 placing us on a port broad reach. We were moving at 5.4 knots from navigation buoy to the next on an outgoing tide. The weather was spectacular! Off of Cobb Island we saw an aluminum yacht with self steering gear northbound to the Capitol region who we contacted. He said he said he had departed Washington state last October. They transited the Panama Canal for just a mere $750. We wished him well on his adventures. We continued on down river past St. Clements Island with the large white cross past Ragged and Piney point on to anchor off of Lewisetta in the Glebe River.
The next day at 0730 we set sail for Tangier Island staying within 2 miles of the Virginia shoreline. Picking up the Smith Point light(looks more like a lighthouse) we sailed on a heading of 120 degrees out into the Chesapeake Bay steering more 110 degrees to allow for wind and crosscurrent from the outgoing tide. The wind increased to 20 knots(10 more than forecast)gusting to 25. After a run of an hour we saw the light blue water tower. Then buildings started to appear. A large 42 foot Norseman catamaran came racing up passing us as we were entering the harbor. We tied up at Parks Marina with assistance from the catamaran crew who said they had recently sailed across from Capetown, South Africa. With lines set and spring lines adjusted. we had a sumptuous feast at the Fisherman's restaurant followed by a well appreciated walk of the island. Here we found the people friendly and congenial and driving around the island on golf carts as there are only a few cars or trucks. Most notable were the cemetery plots in the front yards. The next day we woke early for a fine breakfast of ham, bacon, eggs, toast, potatoes, juice, coffee and tea in family style servings at Mrs. Crockett's Restaurant.
Sailing out of the harbor on a heading of 310(320 allowing for wind and current)we headed back towards Point Lookout, Maryland. Smith Point light was seen about 5miles to the south we headed 330 degrees. It was difficult to find the light house behind the buildings and radar dome on the point. After several hours we anchored in Herring Creek across from Tall Timbers Marina.
On Thursday we woke up to a light rain and fog. Off of St Clements Island the visibility went down to about 1/2 mile. I mentioned to keep a sharp lookout for ships and barges. We closely kept an eye on the navigation buoys. As I went below to calculate our position I saw my helmsman change seats and felt as if the boat was on the opposite tack. Before I had entered the cabin the compass heading was 320 degrees as I went back to the cockpit the first thing that I had noticed was the apparent wind had changed. My suspicions arose. I looked at the compass it said 150 degrees. I queeried my helmsman are you on course. He confirmed yes. I asked how can you tell. He said there is the point. I said what point? He had a puzzled look on his face. I said check your compass. We were heading back to Tangier Island! I mentioned that it was very easy to get confused in the rain and fog and to frequently check the compass while steering. He told me that his wife had mentioned if I knew how to navigate. She did not want him getting lost in the Atlantic Ocean. My friend asked if I had a GPS. I had left it at home. I felt very comfortable with my charts and compasses and time pieces and said not to worry. My friend became very concerned that we were navigating in the fog. As he said that our markers for Upper Machodoc Creek came into view about a half a mile away. We followed these in dropped sail and motored to tie up at the slip. It was a great sense of accomplishment. We had a safe trip and had fun. Now to dream about the next adventure.

fair winds,
Gerry
s/v Barracuda CD25
Dahlgren VA

[Will W.]

Congratulations on a successful voyage! It sounds like a terrific time. I had the pleasure of staying in Herring creek earlier this year. I stayed in a slip at Tall Timbers Marina. Nice place.

Will Wheatley (also dreaming of next cruise)
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Chesapeake Beach, MD

Monday 22 Sep 02 at 0830 we sailed out of Upper Machodoc Creek from Dahlgren ,VA down the Potomac for Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. I calculated the distance approximately 55 miles a good two day cruise. Jacklines were rigged and harnesses and tethers were worn as there was a 2-3 ft chop and my crewman very inexperienced(He was reluctant to wear it the first day but soon was convinced it was a safer decision the next day as we entered the Chesapeake Bay). We reefed the main and set the working jib. Winds were fresh out of the northeast 15 knots gusting to 25 placing us on a port broad reach. We were moving at 5.4 knots from navigation buoy to the next on an outgoing tide. The weather was spectacular! Off of Cobb Island we saw an aluminum yacht with self steering gear northbound to the Capitol region who we contacted. He said he said he had departed Washington state last October. They transited the Panama Canal for just a mere $750. We wished him well on his adventures. We continued on down river past St. Clements Island with the large white cross past Ragged and Piney point on to anchor off of Lewisetta in the Glebe River.
The next day at 0730 we set sail for Tangier Island staying within 2 miles of the Virginia shoreline. Picking up the Smith Point light(looks more like a lighthouse) we sailed on a heading of 120 degrees out into the Chesapeake Bay steering more 110 degrees to allow for wind and crosscurrent from the outgoing tide. The wind increased to 20 knots(10 more than forecast)gusting to 25. After a run of an hour we saw the light blue water tower. Then buildings started to appear. A large 42 foot Norseman catamaran came racing up passing us as we were entering the harbor. We tied up at Parks Marina with assistance from the catamaran crew who said they had recently sailed across from Capetown, South Africa. With lines set and spring lines adjusted. we had a sumptuous feast at the Fisherman's restaurant followed by a well appreciated walk of the island. Here we found the people friendly and congenial and driving around the island on golf carts as there are only a few cars or trucks. Most notable were the cemetery plots in the front yards. The next day we woke early for a fine breakfast of ham, bacon, eggs, toast, potatoes, juice, coffee and tea in family style servings at Mrs. Crockett's Restaurant.
Sailing out of the harbor on a heading of 310(320 allowing for wind and current)we headed back towards Point Lookout, Maryland. Smith Point light was seen about 5miles to the south we headed 330 degrees. It was difficult to find the light house behind the buildings and radar dome on the point. After several hours we anchored in Herring Creek across from Tall Timbers Marina.
On Thursday we woke up to a light rain and fog. Off of St Clements Island the visibility went down to about 1/2 mile. I mentioned to keep a sharp lookout for ships and barges. We closely kept an eye on the navigation buoys. As I went below to calculate our position I saw my helmsman change seats and felt as if the boat was on the opposite tack. Before I had entered the cabin the compass heading was 320 degrees as I went back to the cockpit the first thing that I had noticed was the apparent wind had changed. My suspicions arose. I looked at the compass it said 150 degrees. I queeried my helmsman are you on course. He confirmed yes. I asked how can you tell. He said there is the point. I said what point? He had a puzzled look on his face. I said check your compass. We were heading back to Tangier Island! I mentioned that it was very easy to get confused in the rain and fog and to frequently check the compass while steering. He told me that his wife had mentioned if I knew how to navigate. She did not want him getting lost in the Atlantic Ocean. My friend asked if I had a GPS. I had left it at home. I felt very comfortable with my charts and compasses and time pieces and said not to worry. My friend became very concerned that we were navigating in the fog. As he said that our markers for Upper Machodoc Creek came into view about a half a mile away. We followed these in dropped sail and motored to tie up at the slip. It was a great sense of accomplishment. We had a safe trip and had fun. Now to dream about the next adventure.

fair winds,
Gerry
s/v Barracuda CD25
Dahlgren VA

willwheatley@starpower.net

[Dale W.]

Thanks for the story. Coastal Cruising magazine used to talk about 'achievable dreams'. Tangier Island has been on my list for a long time. Your story just helped make it more achievable for me.

Thanks again!



majortest@earthlink.net