The day started at 8:00 am with some much needed breakfast at the City Dock in Annapolis. We then gathered as a team in the cockpit for team positions on the boat and a debriefing of the days plans. The plan was to sail about 30 nautical miles to the historical town of St. Micheals on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. After a look at the chart, we were off! We motored to the head of Severn River where we raised our sails in moderate breeze. As the group took turns steering and controlling the two sails, we made our way down the bay passing the beautiful Thomas Point Light House. About 5 miles later we reached the head of the Miles River. Just as we rounded Bloody Point Lighthouse the wind picked up and it was time to test the newly acquired skills of the crew. Everyone took their positions and on the count of 3 we began pointing the boat up the river. The crew simultaneously cranked in the two sails as the boat began to heel and pick up speed! It was amazing seeing everyone work as a team, and the work paid off as we screamed toward our next channel marker. Two of the crew successfully used the GPS to navigate the boat to a bend in the river just 7 miles from our location. Just as we turned the boat, the wind eased off and the crew ate a well deserved lunch. I will never forget sailing down the river and taking turns playing songs on guitar while everyone sang along. At about 3 pm, we arrived tied up at the docks of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. The group grabbed some cold drinks and explored the museum. We also went into the small quaint town checking out quirky shops. My favorite part of being in town was getting frozen smoothies! What an awesome summer day on the Chesapeake!
By Joel Bays
