When I used to sail year-round out of Dana Point, California, I would exit the harbor, set the sails, and cruise into the steady wind across the Pacific, with my fingertips on the tiller and my feet on the cockpit combing. After awhile, I’d set the tiller pilot, grab a book, and sail off into the sunset. There was no fear of grounding, no ships running me down, no fishing boat skippers scowling at me, no idiots on PWC’s or jerks on powerboats plowing past too close, for no other reason than to be idiots and jerks.
Also, there was no fear of running out of ocean.
I would sail for houuurrs, totally relaxed, and marvel at my wonderful boat and her fast, easy sailing. The dolphins would come and say hello on most days, and ride the bow wave for all it was worth. Even the occasional whale would come to investigate, or they would be blowing nearby. The boat would ride the rolling swells, and track towards the horizon with no regrets. I would come in after dark, easily finding the harbor entrance, and docking in the well-lit harbor with it's floating docks.
This was how I fell in love with sailing.
That boat is gone, and I now live in Northern Virginia. I have a different boat, which is better in many ways and more challenging in others. I think she would be a much better boat, if she weren’t stuck trying to sail on Chesapeake Bay.
The boat is docked in Annapolis, which is deemed “The Sailing Capitol of America”. I guess most Americans have never sailed out of So Cal. I’ve been here 2 years, and have had about 7 good weekend sailing days, with good and consistent wind and reasonable weather. Also, we’re in a nice harbor with a dockside restaurant and bar, which makes for good non-sailing time.
Yet the overall sailing experience falls far short of “Capitol” status. I’ll make a list of stoppages:
The weather is either too damn hot or too feckin’ cold, or raining, or stormy, or worst of all; no wind. The boat sails well in light wind, but in the summer, there are times when there is no wind at all.
I don’t like the restriction of shallow water. Especially after I grounded the boat the 2nd time outShe only draws 4.5, but I missed a bouy marker in unfamiliar territory, in an unfamiliar bay. It all looked like open water. This was my error, and could have and should have been avoided. However, the best way to avoid snakes is to stay out of the pit. I’ve since purchased the correct paper and GPS charts that show soundings and contours, and steer clear. I’ve also purchased towing insurance, because the Tow Boat US inflatable boat captain who spent 8 minutes getting me out of the mud robbed me of $650.
If the wind is out of the north or south (or variation), I can only sail for about 45 minutes before it’s time to turn around. Sometimes the wind is out of the east or west which is better. Sometimes it’s just plain shifty. I usually like to cruise on a close or beam reach, and follow the wind not the shoreline. I’ll do a close-hauled run if the wind is too light and boring, just to get her speed up and take her reins for awhile.
During the on season, there are 4 million boats out there. Many are fishing boats towing lines or strange boxes that are outboard about 30 yards in both directions. These fishing boat skippers sneer at you or even whistle or yell if they perceive they’re getting too close to you. I always try to give trollers some room if I can, but for them to demand it is rude. Remember, these are not trawlers, they’re trollers. They’re still powerboats with the ability to maneuver and stop, and must give way to a sailboat under sail in a crossing. I always give in if they don’t, because I don’t want the grief, or the lure in my rudder. Hopefully, there won’t be a day when I don’t have a path of wind and water for giving in.
On one occasion 2 weeks ago, a center-console boat roared past me about 20 yards to my port, as I sailed south. I was just sailing, and looking at a nearby lighthouse. Finally an enjoyable moment. Well, the drunk beers-in-hand occupants decided it would be good manners to flip me off and yell, “Fu$! you!” numerous times. The skipper also steered the boat nearer to mine. Then they sped off. I’ve never seen this type of behavior unprovoked, not since an encounter with insane gang members a couple of decades ago. I suddenly felt unsafe, not for the boat, other boats, weather, whatever. But for being attacked. I’ve never felt as though I were about to be boarded.
If it’s not the fishing boats that constantly need dodging, it’s the hideous danger of cargo and cruise ships, or tugs towing barges. Thankfully, I have AIS and have keened up my senses regarding. There are ships in So Cal too, but you can see them coming for an hour, and there’s a whole ocean to avoid them.
There are also usually about half a dozen giant ships anchored in the middle of the bay at Annapolis, which require altered courses.
Navigating in the dark or fog is dangerous, as even with GPS, finding the buoys lining the narrow dredged channel to the harbor entrance is nearly impossible without a spotlight. Bad weather makes accomplishing this task somewhat amazing. Therefore, I try to make the harbor before sunset.
Still, I would rather be sailing in bad weather, and avoiding boats, ships, shallow water, shorelines, and nasty people than doing anything else. I just never should have moved from the Pacific.
I have a suggestion....change your port. I sailed for many years...until my husband died...and never felt too comfortable around the congestion of Annapolis. There are many marinas not too far away where it is less crowded.
You will get used to the shallowness of the bay and especially with your draft...you will be able to go many places and be close to the sights on land.
I have sailed many places...Belize, Baja, the Grenadines, The Virgins.... to name just a few...........and I can attest that there is no finer sailing and great anchorages than the good old Chesapeake Bay.
Jo Ann
