| 2010 Journal for S/V Links, a Gemini 105Mc Sailing
Catamaran |
| Date |
Departure Port (River/Creek/Anchorage) |
Port O'Call (River/Creek/Anchorage) |
Travel Time (hh:mm) |
Distance Traveled (nautical miles) |
Wind Dir & Speed |
Journal |
| 4/30 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Slaughter Creek; back to Slaughter Creek Marina (Lat 38.28.555,
Lon 076.17.260) |
|
1.0 |
SW 5 |
Launched Links after we cleaned the stain (aka moustache), waxed
the hulls, and painted the boat bottom after spending the winter in Florida.
Motored around Slaughter Creek. Our speed was 6.2 kts at 2650 rpm. It sure is
nice to have a clean boat bottom! |
| 5/21 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Parsons Creek off Little Choptank River (Lat 38.29.813, Lon
076.15.756) |
0:35 |
3.0 |
S 8 |
Anchored in Parsons Creek and MY GEM AN I rafted to LINKS. Bob
and Alice stopped for a visit on their trip north after spending the winter
in the Bahamas. It was great getting together again as we shared cruising
stories and enjoyed appetizers and a delicious dinner together! What a
wonderful evening! |
| 5/22 |
Parsons Creek off Little Choptank River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
1:25 |
6; total trip 9 |
SE 10 - 15 |
Enjoyed breakfast and more good conversation with Bob and Alice.
They were anxious to return home after spending 7 months on their boat. We
pulled anchor and enjoyed a wonderful sail around the Little Choptank River
before returning to our slip. Great start to the season! |
| 5/26 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
|
1.0 |
|
Went for a short ride on Slaughter Creek after getting fuel at
the marina. |
| 5/28 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
PCI docks on Back Creek off Severn River (near Annapolis) (Lat
38.57.473, Lon 076.29.049) |
6:55 |
33.6 |
E 5 - 12, lt & var |
Spent the night in the slip. There were storms overnight and
early morning. Rain stopped and the sun rose as we left on a cool morning
with light east winds. Raised the sails in the Little Choptank River and
started motor sailing. Winds increased so we turned off the engine and sailed
out the mouth of the Little Choptank River into the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoyed a
nice, comfortable sail on a broad reach! Winds along with our speed decreased
abeam of Tilghman Island so we trolled while slowly sailing. Started the
motor when winds and speed decreased below 2 kts. Saw the Blue Angels
overhead. Passed "Bay Cat" and "Kotuku" near Annapolis.
Watched sailboats slowly round a buoy during a race. Entered Severn River and
Back Creek where we saw "Cinderella" in a slip. Saw several Geminis
anchored across from PCI. Tied to the docks behind the slips a little early.
Met new Gemini owners and renewed friendships as more owners arrived at PCI
for the Gemini Owners Rendezvous. Enjoyed delicious appetizers at an
impromptu meet and greet on "Solstice". What a great start to the
holiday weekend! |
| 5/30 |
PCI docks on Back Creek off Severn River (near Annapolis) |
Whitehall Bay off Severn River; back to PCI docks on Back Creek
off Severn River (Lat 38.57.477, Lon 076.28.046) |
2:50 |
9.3 |
NE 5 - 8, 3 - 5 |
5/29: Walked to Giant store, visited with other owners, attended
seminars, and enjoyed a catered dinner. It was a hot, humid, and fun day!
5/30: Attended devotions and a potluck brunch in the morning. Linda Schardt
and Walt & Carolyn Schneider joined us on "Links" for a fun
race on Whitehall Bay. The bay was congested so the water was choppy and
winds were light. After tacking and not making much progress toward the buoy
on the 2nd leg, we dropped out of the race and returned to PCI docks. The
race continued with only 2 out of 7 Geminis. We went for a dinghy ride to
visit Dan and Jaye on "Cinderella", and towed a sailboat to their
slip on our way back to PCI. Enjoyed a potluck dinner in the evening. Tim won
a GCOA tote bag for his shrimp and grits at brunch. Visited with other owners
in the evening. Another hot, humid, and fun day! |
| 5/31 |
PCI docks on Back Creek off Severn River (near Annapolis) |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
5:55 |
33.4; total trip 76.3 |
S 5 - 8 |
Visited and said our goodbyes to our friends. Another successful
rendezvous! It was hot, humid, and hazy as we left PCI heading south on the
Chesapeake Bay. Motored into the south wind so the breeze felt good. Saw cow
nose rays near Sharps Island Light. Breeze started to pick up in the
afternoon. Entered Little Choptank River and Slaughter Creek, and tied up in
our slip. Enjoyed a refreshing swim in the pool. What a great weekend!!! |
| 6/9 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Back door to St Michaels - San Domingo Creek off Broad Creek off
Choptank River (Lat 38.46.300, Lon 076.14.064) |
3:50 |
21.5 |
SSW 10 - 20 |
We had several free days and decided to sail to destinations
based on the direction of the wind. It was a cloudy morning with southwest
winds at 10 kts. Raised sails in the Little Choptank River. Favorable current
and winds. Enjoyed a swift, comfortable sail north on the bay! Winds
increased to 20 kts and we saw 8.5 kts on the GPS, so we reefed the sails.
Better to reef early! There were white caps in the Choptank River with 2 - 3'
rolling waves. We were still sailing 7 to 8 kts. Winds continued to gust.
Rolled in the jib and enjoyed a comfortable 6 kts with a reefed main. Broad
Creek was rather rolly. Started engine in the mouth of Edge Creek and lowered
sails. Calmer water as we motored on picturesque San Domingo Creek. Anchored
in the western branch of the creek. It was nice to get anchored in a calm,
protected anchorage. Max winds were 39 kts! Dreary afternoon with light
drizzle throughout the day. Went for a dinghy ride in the evening after the
rain stopped. Sure enjoyed the swift sail up the bay! |
| 6/10 |
Back door to St Michaels - San Domingo Creek off Broad Creek off
Choptank River |
Cambridge - Choptank River (Lat 38.34.330, Lon 076.04.448) |
4:10 |
17.6 |
W 5 - 10 |
Dinghied to the public pier and park. Walked along the Nature
Trail and around St. Michaels before returning to "Links". Motored
out San Domingo Creek and beautiful, wide Broad Creek on a sunny morning with
a light breeze. Raised the mainsail near the mouth of Broad Creek and motor
sailed. As we entered the Choptank River, we pulled out the jib, turned off
the motor, and enjoyed a calm, gentle sail up the Choptank River. Lowered
sails and motored from Hambrooks Bar Light into Cambridge Creek. Tied to the
bulkhead by the county building near the tree for shade. Walked around
Cambridge to the po, marina, and shops in the afternoon and to Sailwinds
Park, Visitors Center, and fishing pier in the evening. Enjoyed seeing and
feeding the ducks. Humid, but very nice day! |
| 6/11 |
Cambridge - Choptank River |
Solomons Island - Mill Creek off Patuxent River (Lat 38.19.717,
Lon 076.27.093) |
7:05 |
36.3 |
NE to E to N 5 - 10 |
Pleasant breeze overnight. Motor sailed out Cambridge Creek and
in Choptank River. Turned off the motor near Howell Point - now under sail
only! Saw skipjack "Rebecca T. Ruark". Pleasant sail in the
Choptank River! Saw lots of rays over the past several days in the rivers and
the bay. Winds decreased. Headed south on the bay, lowered sails after
sailing 11 nautical miles, and motored since the apparent wind was 0 kts.
Started motor sailing north of the gas docks to south of Little Cove Point. Motored
up Patuxent River into Solomons Harbor and The Narrows to the public dock for
a free pumpout and water (1:10 - 1:20). Anchored in our favorite cove on Mill
Creek. Dinghied to the public dock. Walked to JC Lore Oyster House, West
Marine, and Woodburns Market before returning to "Links". Problems
with the dinghy motor, so no more dinghy trips. |
| 6/12 |
Solomons Island - Mill Creek off Patuxent River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
3:40 |
20; total trip 95.4 |
S 8 - 20 |
Sunny and breezy morning as we left Mill Creek. Raised the sails
beyond the flats in the Patuxent River. Chesapeake Bay was rolly at times
with 2 - 3' waves, but settled back to 1' waves as the morning progressed.
Enjoyed a wonderful sail north on the bay with a max speed of 8.52 kts on the
calm waters of the Little Choptank River. How awesome! Lowered sails and
motored in Slaughter Creek to the marina. We enjoyed 4 days of great sailing,
and to top it off, we went for a refreshing dip in the pool at the marina.
What a great sailing vacation! |
| 6/29 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Church Creek off Fishing Creek off Little Choptank River (Lat
38.30.913, Lon 076.10.549) |
2:30 |
11.2 |
NW 14 - 18 |
Left our slip with plans to meet Jeff & Suzie at Wye River
for several days. Motored out Slaughter Creek and Little Choptank River.
Pounded into 2 to 3 foot waves and NW 15 kt winds. Not fun! As we got closer
to the Chesapeake Bay, we changed our plans and turned around. Raised the
mainsail, turned off the motor, and sailed in the Little Choptank River with
favorable winds. Very pleasant sail at 6 and 7 kts with reefed jib and full
main! What a difference when you're sailing with the wind versus against the
wind and waves! Sailed wing 'n wing several times as we tacked on Fishing
Creek with its many turns. Sailed into Church Creek. Lowered the sails,
started the motor, and motored to our mooring ball in a cove on Church Creek.
Truly a beautiful anchorage! Dinghied to our water access and walked home in
the heat and humidity of the afternoon to water our garden. Returned to "Links" and did some
maintenance. Enjoyed a dinghy ride in the evening. Nice day! |
| 6/30 |
Church Creek off Fishing Creek off Little Choptank River |
Leadenham Creek off Broad Creek off Choptank River (Lat
38.45.007, Lon 076.16.788) |
4:55 |
24.2 |
N to NW 5 - 10 |
Light rain overnight and cooler temps in the morning. Dinghied
to access, walked home, picked and shared veggies with neighbors, and
returned to "Links". Left mooring ball and motored out picturesque
Church Creek and Fishing Creek. Raised sails, turned off motor, and sailed
out Little Choptank River until we were abeam of Slaughter Creek where we
motored again. Waves were less than a foot - much better than yesterday!
Motored north on the bay. Enjoyed a great sail in and across the Choptank River
to Broad Creek. Motored up Broad Creek and into Leadenham Creek, and anchored
in the cove beyond Caulk Cove. Dinghied to the head of beautiful Leadenham
Creek on a sunny, cool evening. Wonderful day! |
| 7/1 |
Leadenham Creek off Broad Creek off Choptank River |
Edge Creek off Broad Creek off Choptank River (Lat 38.44.248,
Lon 076.11.236) |
2:10 |
5.8 |
NW 10 - 15, gusty winds |
Wonderful breeze overnight. Went for a dinghy ride around our
cove and Caulk Cove. Motored away from anchorage and sailed (no motor) out
Leadenham Creek, across Broad Creek, and into Edge Creek. What a great, swift
sail at times! During a wind gust, our max speed was 7.86 kts. Lowered sails
and started motoring in a narrow channel at low tide. Ran aground at
entrance. Dropped anchor, got in dinghy to check depths, towed
"Links" into deeper water, returned to "Links", and
continued on our way with no problems. Needed to hug the daymarks. Tied to
the pier at Dave & Jackie's house. Enjoyed a wonderful visit and
delicious meal hosted by Dave & Jackie with Bob & Alice and Michael
& Kate. Great day with our friends! |
| 7/2 |
Edge Creek off Broad Creek off Choptank River |
La Trappe Creek off Choptank River (Lat 38.37.999, Lon
076.07.215) |
3:25 |
15.6 |
N to NW 15 - 20, gusty winds |
Left Dave & Jackie's pier and tied to Michael & Kate's
mooring ball for a while. Left mooring ball for the narrow channel. No
problem at high tide when we knew where to find deeper water! Motor sailed
out Edge Creek. Met up with Dave & Jackie on "Sea Nettle" where
we both sailed out Broad Creek and up Choptank River. There were white caps
but with the wind in our favor, it made for a smooth, quick, and comfortable
sail. Our average speed was over 5 kts and max speed was 7.97 kts. Our view
on a beautiful, cool, sunny day was watching sailboats sailing with vibrant
green trees, blue skies, and cotton clouds as the backdrop. So beautiful!
Anchored beyond the sand spit on La Trappe Creek. Dave & Jackie rafted to
us. We dinghied and walked along the sand spit, ate dinner together, and
played games. What a terrific day! |
| 7/3 |
La Trappe Creek off Choptank River |
Oxford - Town Creek off Tred Avon River off Choptank River (Lat
38.41.628, Lon 076.10.034) |
1:40 |
8.1 |
NW 5 - 10 |
Caught and cooked a dozen crabs. Enjoyed a delicious breakfast
and a nice, long dinghy ride to the head of La Trappe Creek, looking at the
beautiful homes along the creek. "Links" and "Sea Nettle"
left La Trappe Creek and headed to Oxford to watch the fireworks. Passed
"Gone Away" on their way to La Trappe Creek. Nice ride out Choptank
River and Tred Avon River. Rafted to "Sea Nettle" in Town Creek for
a calm anchorage. Spent a wonderful afternoon and evening playing cards,
watching the boats traveling along the channel, eating steamed crabs with
dinner, and watching a great fireworks display together! |
| 7/4 |
Oxford - Town Creek off Tred Avon River off Choptank River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
3:30 |
19.5; total trip 84.4 |
W 5 |
Enjoyed more quality time with Dave and Jackie before heading
home. Motored the whole trip due to light winds on our nose. The apparent
wind felt good since it was hot and humid. Winds were light so Jill docked
"Links" under Tim's directions. Love our headsets! Nice end to an
absolutely wonderful holiday weekend with our friends! |
| 7/17 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Gary Creek off Little Choptank River; back to Slaughter Creek
Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank River (Lat 38.34.685, Lon
076.10.878 for Gary Creek anchorage) |
5:50 |
18.3 |
N 5 - 10 |
7/16: Jeff & Lesa visited for the weekend. We slept at home
instead of on the boat due to the hot and humid weather. 7/17: Enjoyed a nice
sail on the Little Choptank River. Motored up Gary Creek and anchored in
shallow water. Dinghied to head of Gary Creek and walked around grounds of
historic Spocott Windmill. Returned to "Links" and motored back to
the marina on a very hot and humid afternoon. Cooled off in the pool before
heading home to our air conditioned house! |
| 7/18 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
James Island; back to Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek
off Little Choptank River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
7:30 |
15.5; total trip 33.8 |
WSW 5 - 10 |
Motor sailed out Slaughter Creek to the cut between James and
Taylors Islands. Fished and caught small croakers and a cownose ray. Fished
in the bay, but no bites at all. Raised the sails in the bay. Winds were
light, so Jeff and Tim got in the dinghy to take photos while Lesa and Jill
stayed on "Links". Sailed to James Island and anchored by the lower
island. Dinghied to the middle island where we cooled off by wading in the
water. Walked along the sandy beach that gets narrower every year. Another
hot and humid day! Returned to our slip and headed home to our air
conditioned house to eat and play games. Enjoyed a great weekend with Jeff
and Lesa! |
| 7/21 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Oxford - Town Creek off Tred Avon River off Choptank River (Lat
38.41.455, Lon 076.09.777) |
5:15 |
19.8 |
W 2 - 10 |
7/20: Bill & Laurie on "Solstice" anchored in
Slaughter Creek and dinghied to "Links". Enjoyed dinner at our
house before returning to marina for the night. 7/21: There were several rain
showers in the morning. Enjoyed breakfast with Bill & Laurie.
"Links" and "Solstice" headed to Oxford. Saw a bald eagle
perched on a duck blind in Slaughter Creek. Raised sails in the Little
Choptank River. Nice sail in calm water. Wind decreased below 5 kits and our
speed was less than 1 kt, thanks to the current. Lowered jib and motor sailed
with mainsail. Apparent wind was zero since our speed matched the wind speed.
Very still and humid! Decided to go back to sailing again. Sailed right along
at the brisk pace of 3 kts sailing wing 'n wing! Light breeze felt good! When
our speed was below 1 kt, we jumped in the Choptank River to cool off. One of
us stayed on watch while the other jumped in the water. There were no
jellyfish and the water felt so good! Motor sailed in the Choptank River and
Tred Avon River. Anchored in a picturesque cove off Town Creek across from a
cemetary. "Solstice" rafted to "Links". Dinghied to dock
at the end of Market Street and walked around Oxford while eating an ice cream
cone. Returned to our boats and enjoyed a quiet evening together at anchor. |
| 7/22 |
Oxford - Town Creek off Tred Avon River off Choptank River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
4:00 |
19.9; total trip 39.7 |
NW 5 - 10 |
Enjoyed a delicious breakfast with Bill & Laurie. Left our
beautiful anchorage, raised sails, and sailed out Tred Avon River.
"Links" headed to Little Choptank River and "Solstice"
headed to Cambridge. As always, we had a wonderful time with Bill &
Laurie! It was a clear day with a pleasant breeze. Enjoyed a nice sail on
Tred Avon River, Choptank River, and Chesapeake Bay. Motor sailed at times.
Wind decreased below 5 kts, so we motored in the bay and Little Choptank
River to our slip. It's always a joy to be on the water! |
| 7/31 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Chesapeake Bay thru James Island and back to Slaughter Creek
Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon
076.17.260) |
5:05 |
18.9; total trip 18.9 |
S 5 - 10 |
7/30: Jerry's family visited for the weekend. Keith & Laura
stayed with us on the boat in the evenings while Jerry, Cindy, Ryan, Emily,
and Olivia stayed at our house. 7/31: Tim, Keith, Laura, and Jill crabbed
early in the morning and caught 33 nice sized crabs. When the rest of the
family got to the marina, we all went for a ride, stopping to fish at the cut
and various places in the bay - no luck anywhere! It was a calm day and the
tide was high, so we decided to slowly motor between middle and upper James
Islands. Several years ago we walked along the sand bar connecting the
islands, but the islands continue to erode. The channel depth held pretty
good. The wind picked up so we raised the sails and enjoyed a nice sail back
to the channel. After returning to our slip, we cooled off in the pool before
returning home for meals. What a great weekend with our family! |
| 8/12 thru 8/16 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
|
|
|
Buzz on "Dalamar" docked at Slaughter Creek Marina for
several days. Buzz had never caught a crab, so we all got up early Friday
morning and crabbed from the dock and with traps across the creek. In the
evening we were joined by Rich from "Free Enterprise" and Vivian at
our house where we steamed and ate
hard shell and soft shell crabs. What a great day! We spent our evenings on
"Links" in the slip and enjoyed quality time with Buzz and fellow
slip holders throughout the weekend. "Dalamar" headed north early
Monday morning to continue cruising along The Great Loop. Another wonderful
weekend! |
| 8/21 |
Slaughter Creek Marina on Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank
River |
Little Choptank River; back to Slaughter Creek Marina on
Slaughter Creek off Little Choptank River (Lat 38.28.555, Lon 076.17.260) |
2:25 |
10.7; total trip 10.7 |
S 5 - 10 |
A light breeze picked up in the afternoon, so we went for a
short sail around the Little Choptank River joined by Rich from "Free
Enterprise" and Bob and Sue from "Seaquoia". Enjoyed spending
time with our friends on "Links" and again around the pool. Very
nice day! |
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