Well, me mateys, the time's arrived, and indeed long past to start to plan the Infamous Barnegat Bay Bash 2013. Last year everyone in attendance had the blast of thier lives, as all can and will attest.
JT and I have discussed the weekend of August 10th as a possiblity but July may be open, too. He reminds me that last years Bash was in September. I don't remember exactly- but I think my side still hurts from laughing so much!
So, what say ye, mates?
Bob23
is this event over the weekend, or during the week?
carl
The throngs have typically met on a Friday with the festivities continuing over the weekend.
Bob23
Hi Bob,
Put us on the list for either August or July. We will definitely make an attempt to fit it into the busy summer schedule. I know that the BBB agenda is very casually structured but do you have a rough idea of what the plans might be for the weekend?
We know that as soon as the word gets out you are going to be swamped with requests so we wanted to get our reply in early.
Thanks Bob!
Keep us posted,
Allen & Suzie
bob,
late august or any time in sept we could attend.
carl
I want to come this year. August would be best for me.
To all who don't care about thier reputation and are interested in the BBB 2013:
I'll try to answer most of the questions here. I'm proposing the weekend of 8/10 for the bash. I usually try to get to Tice's Shoals on Friday only because, being self employed, I bribe the boss into giving me off that day. Last year, JT and Marty came over on Saturday morning and we connected up for some swimming in the mighty North Atlantic.
This is important: Allen has noted correctly that the Bash is casually structured. Actually, there is really no structure at all! Just a bunch of Compac-o-nauts getting together on the Jersey Shore to meet one another, eat some, maybe imbib some (although last year we had the time of our lives and NO ALCOHOL WAS CONSUMED!) and weave a few yarns.
A word about the venue: Tice's Shoals is in the Barnegat Bay on Island Beach State Park. For me, living in such a highly regulated state of NJ, it's a breath of fresh air. No life guards, beach fires are allowed even dogs are allowed on the beach. The ocean swimming is great and there are public bathrooms within walking distance. Basically, we anchor in the bay, south of most of the yahoos, then row, splash or walk our way to the small dock and walkover boardwalk that leads to the ocean. NOTE: There are no restaurants, wineries, boat shops, marinas or much of anything else at Tice's. Just nearly pristine sand dunes and bay side wildlife, probably much the same as 100 years ago, with the exception of the 2 lane road that is used by cars who enter the park as landlubbers. We are pretty much on our own. For more info, it would be a good idea to search here at the site for Barnegat Bay Bash 2012. You would be responsible for your own water, food and drink...and safety. It would be nice to raft up for a attendee-wide meal or two.
So, now that you know most of the scoop, what say ye, mates?
Bob23
...and another thing: If this date doesn't work for someone, because this is such a relaxed event, why not have more than one? It's a 3 hour sail for me and I don't need much excuse to sail to meet fellow Compac-o-nauts!
Bob23
Bob,
I'm still very interested but the plans are still in progress. What would your recommendation be for a launch site? I would not object to using a marina where my car and trailer would be safe for a night or two. I know some of the public launches are often vague about leaving your vehicle overnight. I don't believe Suzie will be able to make it but I have a friend that I can con into going along.
This will be the Madame's first taste of salt and I am looking forward to the new experience myself. Plus the fact that I will be amongst "seasoned sailors" is a real bonus.
Allen
You may want to meet us before you say we're seasoned sailors! Nontheless, I'll get some launch ramp info together and post it here. Hope you can make it. Last year it was just Marty and JT but we had the time of our lives!
Bob23
hmmm seasoned sailors.. you must be talking about bob! it sure would be fun to have you and a friend along although it will be a shame not to have Suzie there... let's keep our fingers crossed for nice weather.. I think that swimming last year was the best swimming that i have ever had at the shore.. of course, I am referring the swimming on the ocean side as opposed to the bay side following the famous capsize :) jt
JT:
Do you think we can fit 5 into the dingy? More details will unfold as we get closer to the date.
Bob23
The BBB sounds like a good time. I do not think I can make it this year but hopefully next year when I get a little more experience with the cp19 plus I am in the middle of refurbing my trailer.
I have many fond memories of Tices. My family spent our weekends there during the summer. We would sail all day anchor off go to the ocean and back to the boat for the night. Good times. This was in the late 80's I wonder how much has changed since then
Wow Matt:
Nice to hear of your memories of Tice's. It hasn't changed all that much except now there are 10 times more yahoos than when you were there. It can get loud so we anchor south of the main walkover to the beach. Still a nice place depending on who you anchor neighbors are.
Bob23
Count me in, Bob! But, you knew that already. Pegasus really wants to go. JT, if Adagio can't bring you, you're welcome to crew on Pegasus if you want to rough it. I consider CP16's a copy of a Gemini spacecraft (a bit slower, of course).
And, without exaggeration, last year was a blast. Good, clean fun and a couple of thrills as well. Great company. Pray for similar weather... it was absolutely fantastic. Steady breeze (a little too much for that row back to Adagio! JT, won't forget to put the ladder over!). Temps in the 80's. 6' - 7' waves on the Atlantic and enough bright stars to almost read by.
Marty K.
thanks Marty.. looking like Adagio will be there.. ready as ever.. maybe i will ask to borrow my friends dinghy to bring along :) jt
The "Madame" is chomping at the (bowsprit) to taste the salt. My buddy has agreed to join us so that means there will be one person there with less sailing experience than me. He is a power boater from SW FL but we won't hold that against him. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and your boats.
Allen
Wow, sounds like a great time!
I'm seriously thinking about coming and trailering my new Legacy from Delaware. I may even get my nephew to come along with his new (to him) CP16. However, I've got a few questions.... without knowing much about the Barnegat Bay, and the prevailing winds, etc., I'm not sure where a good public boat launch may be. My nephew typically launches from Barnegat township, about 9 miles south of Tice's, but that may be too far to go home directly into the wind on the return leg from the south. Do the winds typically come from the south in the bay?
Also, I see Tice's shoal on the nautical chart, but was not sure exactly where you guys were going to land to walk across Long Beach Island to meet. I see a potential landing spot on Google maps satellite view, but there are a few possiblities. My guess is that you were talking about a lone beach boardwalk located at GPS coords 39.833718, -74.091497, as found by right clicking on Google Maps and choosing "what's here" (It give you GPS coords)? You can cut and paste the GPS coords into the Google maps bar, and it will show you where I'm talking about.
If not correct, can you direct me to the beach landing or gathering spot? There's a potential spot to the North, but it looks like a massive parking lot probably with lots of landlubber beachgoers? If that's the place, I don't know how we're going to find each other?
Thanks a bunch.
Mike 2013 Legacy "Santosha"
wow.. this is beginning to sound like it may be even more fun than last year! It is great to hear that a number of folks are interested.. looking forward to meeting all of you! jt
"If that's the place, I don't know how we're going to find each other?"
Mike,
I don't think you'll have much trouble finding the CPYOA'ers... just look for the masts! The vast majority of boaters there will probably be in powerboats (cough, cough).
Looking forward to a fun weekend.
Marty K.
This is looking to be one of the years premier sailing get-togethers. I'm also looking forward to seeing JT and Marty- two of last years survivors and also new faces!
Mike:
Barnegat Township public ramp is not a bad place to launch from. I spoke to the head honchos there a few years ago about over night parking and they said it would be no problem. I'll stop there again in the next few days to reconfirm.
Typically, afternoon winds are from the S SE. I've tacked back from Tice's into those winds with no problems. Actually, I've sailed back from Tices to Surf City motorless against the SSE winds. Great tacking practice especially in the narrow channels. But from Tice's to the Barnegat ramp, its all deep water- you are not restricted to the channels.
We usually gather a bit to the south of the main walkover ramp. Somewhere around 39* 49.657' N x 074* 05.737" W. As Marty mentioned, just look for the masts. Around 90% of the boats are stinkpots, plenty of yahoos, some other sailboats and then there's us. I usually try to arrive early to stake out a spot. My 23 is easy to spot: I fly a big American flag from the backstay really high and a steadying sail lower.
I'm not doubting your nephew but I don't think it's 9 miles from the ramp to Tices. But even so, that's a short sail!
Bob23
Excellent! Thanks for the info Bob.
It looks like we will have 2 boats definitely going--my Legacy and my nephews CP16 for a total of about 6 people and a dog. I found a couple of boat ramps near Forked River that are closer than Barnegat, so we should be fine.
I have no idea what time we will be there, but my guess is it will probably be mid day Saturday after rigging, launching and sailing to Tices'. I hope you guys are still there! Hope to see you on the beach...
Mike
Quote from: Bob23 on July 08, 2013, 07:32:37 PM
and NO ALCOHOL WAS CONSUMED!
Bob23
If I spend many hours prepping (which I've already done) , spend several hundred dollars on new trailer tires (which I'm about to do) , drive 4 hours, set up, launch, and sail to find you guys, I'm at the very least drinking some beer. In fact, I'm prolly going to have a cocktail or two.....
I agree, Ron. Make no mistake: I came fully equipted with cold beer, rum and all the makings for Dark and Stormys. But the way things went last year, we never go around to having any drinks. Good thing, too. If you'd been there to see the "3 men in a tub" rowing hilariarity, which was completely sober, there was no way it could have been improved upon. There is a video which, having the right technological equiptment, could be shown at the BBB 2013!
Mike:
Last year the throng (JT and Marty) arrived around mid morning on Saturday and we met up at Tice's. I arrive on Friday just because I can.
I guess at this point we should compile a list of boats/ skippers so I'll start:
Bob23 and "Koinoina" (1985 23/2)
JT and "Adagio" (1983 23)
Marty and "Pegasus" (1981 16)
Mike and "Santosha" (2013 Legacy)
Allen and "Madame Z" (2006 Eclipse)
Bob and "Nauti" (1982 16)
Is that correct so far? We should probably exchange shoe phone numbers just in case of really bad weather which could cancel this years event. Last year remember that 2012BBB version 1 was cancelled because of really bad lightening which threatened, and did indeed happen.
My cell is 609 seven oh nine thirty seven ten. My email is in my profile.
I'm thinking of giving Jimmy Buffet a call about the BBB 2013.
Later,
Bob23
We are still in, Bob. At this point I am going to try to leave Friday a.m. and arrive at Tice's in the afternoon also. Is the August 10th date still locked in?
Google maps say it will be about 3-1/2 hr. drive to the Barnegat Launch, so towing the trailer will be a bit more. Can we tow a trailer on the Garden State Parkway or should I find another route?
I will email my cell # to you.
Thanks,
Allen
Aaarrg!! Me name be Marty and da boot be a 81. ::)
Thanks for fixing the post, Bob. Now I don't have to run to the drug store for testosterone pills! ;D
Marty:
Aaarrgg, indeed. Sorry about that...my typo's been corrected.
Allen:
You can tow a trailer on the GSP but, true to NJ form- they charge you up the wazoo! The price one has to pay to travel in my wonderful state.
Yes, weekend of 8/10 looks to be a go. I would try to arrive by noon on Friday and sorta secure an area where we're away from most of the yahoos. I try to anchor in relatively shallow water so we can walk from boat to boat and to the beach.
All:
Allen noted in a email that he's contacted the Marina at Southwinds on the Forked River, NJ. That is closer than the Barnegat ramp so it's worth a look into. I have not personally checked this out but I do know the area. Allen, do you have more info that you can post here?
Also please note that I've added Bob Becker to the list. He's a fellow NJ Compac-o-naut and plans to arrive early Saturday sailing his 1982 16 "Nauti".
Bob23
I was just getting familiar with the area on goggle maps and noticed the Marina at Southwinds.
http://marinaatsouthwinds.com/home.php
The website indicated that they have a boat launch and on site parking so I gave them a call. The gal on the phone said that the launch fee was $10 in and $10 out. When I asked about leaving the car and trailer overnight she said that it was ok but they would specify where to park so we were out of the way and there was no fee for the parking. I have no idea what the ramp looks like but she did indicate that it could accommodate sailboats our size. Looking at the charts it appears to be about 3 miles from the mouth of the Forked River to Tice's.
Bob, I did the fee calculator for the Garden State and I come up with about $8 worth of tolls if I avoid some of the northern sections. That is not too bad since NYS will be charging me about that for the thruway.
A small price to pay for such a great adventure.......
Allen
Ahoy, Mates:
This is coming together nicely. And thanks to everyone who is sharing some of the legwork. I'll try to stop up at Southwinds to personally check out the ramp but this sounds pretty good for all the trailer guys. I've motored and sailed out and in of the Forked River a few times. A friend keeps his Morgan 30 at the State Marina which is at the head of Forked River where it goes under State Highway nine. If I remembers correctly, it's about 1 1/2 miles out to the bay.
Bob23
I was just curious about the trailer restrictions so I checked online.
Any tow vehicle with a commercial registration may get you in trouble. The boat trailer seems to count as a non-commercial trailer being towed by a passenger vehicle. Anything with gross vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) over 7,000 lbs is prohibited, which includes most large pickups and latge SUV, though this is alegedly rarely enforced. Size limits for vehicle and trailers are 13'6" high, 8 feet wide, and 55' length. The height is strictly enforced by underpasses. There were some reports of getting tickets for exceeding the width or length limit, but more reports of not being bothered.
The load on the trailer isn't supposed to extend more than 4 feet behind the trailer, but I doubt your rudder is going to give you a ticket. Might want a flag on it though and don't trailer with it kicked up. As always, removing the outboard is best.
19:9-1.9(a)4 specifically prohibits "Vehicles drawn by animals" so leave the horses and oxen at home.
Curtis
Thanks, Curtis:
I once was stopped for having our pet African Grey parrot towing my CP 23 on the parkway. I let the parrot do the talking which confused the officer. He didn't know who to ticket, me or the bird!
I'm sure we are all violating one law or another. Here in NJ, the State Police have so much to think about that I doubt that they care if the tow vehicle is commercial or not. Heck, I'm in violation everyday I drive to work: my truck has passenger plates but is lettered for my business.
Bob23
Curtis,
When trailering a small boat (CP16), do you know how EZPass may be affected? I've pulled through EZPass lanes a couple of times and have never gotten a "letter". I assume that they ignore small single-axle trailers behind non-commercial vehicles (in my case a Volvo SW).
And I second "and don't trailer with it kicked up". Aside from the danger to following vehicles, it probably puts a heck of a strain on the transom.
Marty K.
EZpass cannot determine if you are towing a trailer or not. However, if the toll road you at traveling on charges more for a trailer in tow, you are still supposed to be paying the rate for the vehicle and trailer. Some roads, like the Pa turnpike charge you by weight, when you drive thru the toll booth you cross a small set of scales, but others charge by the number of axles. You will only get in trouble if your ezpass tag doesn't register correctly with the sensors, then they use photos of your vehicle and its license plates to verify your ezpass account and bill you accordingly. My wife received a ticket on the Garden State Parkway for the license plates not matching the account after we bought a new car, we called and updated the account and they dropped the ticket and billed us the $.50 we owed them. Long story short, you should be fine! I am going to try and make it this year hopefully!
The restrictions on commercial to GSP north of exit 105 (Tinton Falls). There is no good alternative south of there. No one wants commercial trucks taking Route 35 any longer than they have to to deliver to shore communities. North of there Route 1 & 9 is a viable alternative for large commercial trucks.
Like I said, I was just curious as to what the regulations were and how the enforcement differs. I have only done the GSP one way after I bought my CP23 and towed her out of NJ. I used EZ-Pass and wasn't sure if I would get a ticket later. I didn't get a ticket.
Again, parroting what I read on the Internet. Some have got tickets but seemed to have pushed too far over the length or width limit. Could be an issue for a CP27, but I don't know. Anyone with direct experience?
Curtis
Ps- These days I only trailer 3.5 miles (one way) and never leave town and do that twice a season to launch and retrieve.
Curtis and Smier- Thanks for your feedback on EZPass. I wasn't really concerned and figured that worst case scenario would be an additional charge on my account. Life is too short to worry about EZPass tolls anyway. 99% of the time, I'm not pulling the trailer. About a year ago, returning from Barnegat Bay, I decided to bypass the tolls on the Route 1 bridge over the Delaware in Trenton, NJ. I towed the boat through Morrisville, PA and the road was so bad (a main road at that) that I broke the trailer's axle (the axle wasn't great to begin with, but...). The road still hasn't been fixed. The axle could now support a Sherman Tank! ;)
Marty K.
I've towed several boats on the southern portion of the GSP. Before the 20 foot Horizon, I towed my 28 foot Telstar trimaran and a Catalina 250. Both rigs were substantially heavier than what is apparently allowed. The Telstar and trailer weigh about 6500 pounds and the wing keel C250 with trailer was over 7,000. A 6300+ pound Avalanche (with Florida plates) was the tow vehicle, bringing my combined GVW up to around 13,000. The 20 foot Avalanche pulling 38+ feet of trailer and boat (Telstar) is also supposedly over the limit. Note that both of these boat/trailer combo's are 8 1/2 feet wide, also an issue. Never had a problem. The unusual folded trimaran almost always gets a very long look by the troopers, but I think they're trying to figure out what it actually is -
(http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq88/CaptRon400/P5070009c_zpse5700854.jpg) (http://s436.photobucket.com/user/CaptRon400/media/P5070009c_zpse5700854.jpg.html)
Well fellow Bash-ites, we're less than 2 weeks away from this stellar Compac event so I hope you're gettin' ready! The trailering discussion below is interesting. I recently towed my Force 5 up to Red Bank to the new owners house. While size/weight obviously wasn't an issue, a normally 75 cent toll cost me $2.25 for the truck and very little single axle trailer! I think the $1.50 toll was $4.50! For a boat that I could put on the roof of my truck! Oh well....
There seems to be 6 boats on my list below but I've had more inquirys than that so.... anyone additional care to sign in here on the Official Barnegat Bay Bash 2013 Roll Call so we know who's coming:
Fortunately because this is such a loosely scheduled event, there is not much planning to be done on my part. It might be fun to host a race but seeing how there's no dock to return to, it might be tricky determining a winner. Of course, if we all departed the same time on Sunday, that would most certainly turn into a race.
If any of you guys bring dingys or kayaks, Tice's is a great place to explore. A very rustic bayside shoreline exists and the powers that be seem to want to keep the place quite natural, As JT and Marty can attest. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. If you haven't gotten your shoe phone # to me, you might want to just in case of last minute changes. The last update you'll see here will probably be Friday morning August 09 as I plan to arrive sometime around mid-day Friday to secure a quiet and deep enough location.
Till then mates, Ciao!
Bob23
Thanks for the update, Bob.
When you went through the tolls did you use the EZ-Pass or did you do the cash pay?
I will plan on leaving upstate NY very early on Friday. My friend may not be able to go along so it is possible I will be single-handing this trip.
Looking forward to the adventure!!
Allen
Allen:
I don't have Sleezy-pass. Cash only. Here in NJ they had a lot of techno problems with Sleezy-pass when they first implemented it. I decided I didn't want any more government intrusion into my life in even the least way. They have since improved it but I'll stand my ground. I don't use the toll roads all that often.
Bob23
Weather update:
About now I start looking at the long range forecast even though I know darn well that it's unreliable this far out. But that being said, it's looking to be a great weekend with Accuweather giving us plenty of sun on Saturday and Sunday. We'll see just how Accurate Accuweather really is!
Bob23
Fingers are crossed. Rain gods should be appeased as of today. Just drove down from Rutherford to Trenton, a submarine would have been more suitable. ;D Going sailing Saturday. Should be a good trial run for next week's BBB-2013.
Marty K.
Weather for Saturday (the 3rd) didn't pan out very well. Sunday promises to be real nice... unfortunately, no crew for Sunday. Bummer. But, next weekend should be great, can't wait! Looks like I'll be soloing. Anybody need a ride?
Looks like it should be some nice sailing according to the wind forecast.
http://www.windmapper.com/forecast/Barnagat_light
Hey thanks for that site, Smier. I never knew about it but I'll add it to my weather favorites! I like that North wind for Sunday...and easy sail back to my home port. But because we are so close to Barnegat Inlet, the local conditions can vary greatly. Sometimes they seem to thumb thier nose to the weather forecasts and do what they darn well please.
A nice plus to the Tice's Shoals location is no mosquitos! It's strange because there is salt march located not to far away. Maybe it flushes out with the tide before the critters can hatch off.
Bob23
Bob, thanks for the boat listing and scouting the ramp at Southwinds marina. If the weather holds up, sounds like there's going to be a good turnout!
In addition to my Legacy, my nephew Tim will be sailing there in his new (to him) 1980-something CP16. Sorry, I don't even know his boat's name!
So our group will consist of 4 people and a little dog.
-Mike '13 Legacy
Well mates:
This is shaping up very nicely. The long range forecast is not bad, with a chance of t storms on Friday but that won't affect most of us. I'll be sailing on Friday and it will really be a bummer if I get struck. Heck, I'd miss the Bash!!!
Here is the Official As It Gets BBB 2013 Roster: If I've missed anyone, feel free to edit this list.
Bob Bob23 CP 23 Koinonia
JT jthatcher CP 23 Adagio
Marty MLBLK CP 16 Pegasus
Mike keougmi CP Legacy Santosha
Allen eagleeye CP Eclipse Madame Z
Bob ?? CP 16 Nauti
Ron romei CP 16 Salty Dawg (gaff rigged cat boat)
Tim ?? CP 16 ?? (Mike's nephew)
So it looks like 8 wonderful Compacs will converge on Tice's Shoals next weekend. This should really be a bash...pun intended. Stay tuned for more BBB news as it unfolds. I think I mentioned this before but you'll know my 23: It'll have a large American flag flying from the backstay and a white anchoring sail also from the backstay.
Bob23
Hey Bob,
It is looking good with such a variety of Com-Pacs. I had so many things I wanted to get tidied up on the Madame before the weekend but we went sailing instead. Go figure. We had a great sail on Saturday in 20 to 25 in which I learned a few more things. We were rigging along side another sailboat in the morning and learned later that they capsized on the lake during the day. The Sheriff's boat was able to rescue them from what the folks at the marina said.
Anyway, if it is a bit stormy on Friday I will take my time driving down and I will give you a shout when I get to Marina at Southwinds.
Thanks,
Allen
Hi Bob,
looks like you have put together quite an event.. I think that I am going to be able to borrow a dinghy to bring along.. just in case we need an extra.. and, as of now, it is looking like janet will be able to join me.. want to ask Linda if she would like to spend a night at anchor? I think that we will depart toms river early on saturday morning.. not really sure just when we will make it down on friday evening.. I am looking forward to seeing you and to meeting some new friends.. thanks for the effort! jt
JT:
Cool that Janet is coming...we really enjoyed hanging out with you guys at the First Annual Compac Mid-winter Rondayvoo! Linda can't stand camping and overnighting on a boat is camping on water. Besides, we are still baby sitting Linda's mom.
Looknig like 8 boats and thier owners...maybe CaptRon28 can make it too! I'm really looking forward to this epic gathering of East Coast Compac-o-nauts!
Disclaimer to all: Although this appears to be an organized event, nothing could be further from the truth. Besides hanging out, eating, imbibing a bit, weaving a yarn or two and swimming in the mighty Atlantic, there are no planned events. If you show up and have a crummy time, don't say I didn't warn you! But realistically, I think you'll have a blast. And I can guarantee you'll love the rustic seashore that is Tice's.
That being said, looking forward to seeing you all there. Just the chance to meet you all (some for the first time, some old frienships rekindled) will make this the Compac Event of the Year! Yeah, CLR...maybe even rivalling you!
BBB 2013...be there or be square!
Bob23
I think you gotta get a race together at a bare minimum to even consider the idea of rivaling CLR! ;D
Or at least a slushy-mobile, for heavens sake! Oh, and the humanity...extend it out to 5 days and nights...NOW you're TALKING!!!
In all seriously, have a safe and enjoyable time everyone. Drink some Grog for us CLR fools.
We could never hope to rival the famous CLR. Heck, we're just a bunch of East Coaster Compac-o-nauts getting together to enjoy each others company. But I bet a case of grog that none of you came equipped with 4 yes count 'em 4 different rums! Oh yeah: Gosslings, Newfy's Screetch, Krakin and that old standby- Pussers. Top that, ya midwesterners!
I hope we can organize some kind of race. Kinda hard when your'e living on the boat. But maybe we can have a mass start departure on Sunday out to the next marker.
Sure with you and some of the other CLR veterans could make it. We'll pour a bit of grog into the bay in your honor. I hope to take many pictures and somehow post 'em here.
Bob23
Four rums? Including Kraken?!?! :o You win!
A man with his priorities straight. Carry on, Bob23...carry on!
Thanks, Salty. Maybe you and I will hoist a few someday.
Weather update:
The forecast has deteriorated some but all systems are still go. I look at several forecasts, choose the one that I like the most and go with it. Unless they all agree for crappy weather.
Booze update:
Of course the standard Pabst Blue Ribbon will be present at the Bash. Some of the time it could be warm so proper hydration is in order. On the subject of hydration, please bring plenty of water...I'm not sure it's available at Tice's.
Bob23
Dear Bob and All,
Sounds like fun! Our family of 3 also plan to attend(arrive Fri or Sat) and plan to camp on our recently acquired 30+ yr veteran Compac 16. Yes, a little like a Gemini space capsule I guess, but has the advantage of sea breeze vs. tanked oxygen. See you all there along the shores of Island Beach.
JR
OK, Bob.....
Now we are going to need name tags to remember everyone!
This is great. Glad to have you on board, JR.
Allen
looking forward to meeting all of you folks! JR, nice to have you along.. don't feel totally confined to your 16, you will find that you are welcome to visit all of us.. and you and your family will love the beach! I guess it is time to start thinking about what kind of cookies I am going to be baking on thursday.. and how many dozen i will need to go around! jt
I'm hoping to do some kind of mini-raftup so as to enhance the sociality (?) of the event. Forecast is still looking ok. Really looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. If I can, I may bring some firewood...beach fires are allowed on Island Beach State Park. That would be cool....er, no it would be hot!
NOTE: Because I intend to bring 4 kinds of rum and PBR, I don't want to mislead anyone that this is a big boozer event. As I noted earlier, at the BBB 2012 version 2.0 no alcohol was consumed and we had a great time. But I plan to serve Dark and Stormy' to anyone who would like one. Or two. Well, they are kinda Dark and Stormy's. Ginger ale instead of ginger beer. Hope that's ok with everyone.
JR: A hearty welcome to you and yours both here at the site and at the Bash! Are you a local who is familiar with Tice's? I plan to arrive Friday early afternoon or so and anchor south of the main congregation of yahoos where it's a littel quieter and saner. Just look for an old fart on an old CP 23 with a large Old Glory flying from the back stay!
Bob23
Work has been a real zoo this week so I never made it to Southwinds Marina. I hope the info you guys have gotten via email and phone are helpful enough.
Forecast still is iffy for tomorrow morning but I'm determined to sail anyway. Doesn't look like I'll be leaving anytime before noon but that'll put me at Tice's at about 3...good enough. Looking forward to a nice weekend on the boat with no cell phones, tv and maybe even no watch!
Bob23
Okay! Plans are being finalized. Pegasus is ready. Just need to buy food and water and gas up the Volvo. Plan to be at Up-the-Creek Marina in Bayville at 7 am and arrive Tice's at ?? This will be my first solo, although, almost every time I've sailed, technically was solo. I found I could step the mast by myself without disaster... so, here I come!
Looking forward to a fun time. Anxious to meet other Compac-O-Nauts.
See ya Saturday,
Marty K.
Bob,
The Madame is about ready also. I'll finish up some last minute details and make my way down to your area tomorrow. Whether I launch on Friday will depends on the weather. I may spend the night on the trailer and launch early Saturday morning. In any event, it is going to be a great weekend.
Allen
Woke up to a rainy morning after heavy rain all night here in northeast PA.. great time to do some baking.. the house smells like snickerdoodles :) we will be headed down to jersey this afternoon and hope to be on our way to Tice's Shoals early tomorrow morning.. safe travels to all involved.. see you soon ( with the cookies ) jt
snickerdoodles :D!!!!
I can smell them from here!!
The forcasts up here aren't looking good today either so i decided to leave early tomorrow morning and should arrive at Forked River around 8:00.
-Allen
...And Tim and my boats probably won't launch from Barnegat Pier (or Southwinds marina?) until 11AM or so on Saturday after the longish drive from Delaware.
Hope to see you guys sometime after noon, if you're not passed out from all the Snickerdoodles!
Mike
Question: What do work, lightening storms and Nissan outboards have in common?
Answer: All three have conspired to prevent me from attending the Bash. First, work ran long...big surprise- I have taken over a major renovation project and this is our first week.
Second, I don't sail in electrical storms, period. But I made an exception this afternoon thinking I could dodge the bullet until a nearby bolt reminded me maybe not a great idea. I turned around to find that I've got a major problem with Miss Nissan. Oh she runs and looks great but I've got a problem with forward gear. Like it's sorta missing. That's three!
Too bad...there was a honkin' SSW wind today and it would've been a great run to Tice's. A shift to NNW is forecast for tomorrow which means it'll be on the nose. I plan to leave before daybreak and tack, tack, tack my way to Tice's engineless. I've done it before but it takes a while which means that instead of arriving first, I'll probably be last. Save a Snickerdoodle for me, mates!
Bob23
I will attend the Bash even if I have to row my guideboat! If you see and old fart rowing a beautiful Burgundy Guideboat, that's me!
I had to put my best friend down yesterday. I'm an emotional wreck. I won't be coming tomorrow. RIP Sky Blue.
(http://ronmeinsler.com/plain/minigal/photos/sky/sky12.jpg)
Ron...so sorry to hear this news. We will miss you but I understand 100%! Last December I thought we were facing the same decision and I found myself quite unprepared to make such a decision. Fortunatley, she has recovered but at 14 1/2, we're past the upper limit for this breed.
You won't believe this but our Scarlet and your Sky Blue could be cousins! Ours is a 14 1/2 year old Red Siberian Husky with blue eyes. We rescued her when she was about 1 1/2 years old and she has been the best dog anyone could hope for; full of personality and mind of her own.
Again, sorry to hear this sad news. They truely make better people than most humans.
Bob23
So sorry.......................remember your best friend is fine without pain or troubles and will waiting for you as always.....................nies
I so understand, Ron. I was a blubbering mess when I had to put my lab (12 years) down. He grew up with my children. Sky Blue will forever hear your call......
We will raise a toast to Sky Blue and your family.
Allen
Saturday our 2 little boats launched from the Barnegat ramp, and we headed towards Tice's Shoal about 7 miles away. We were sailing together until the wind died down, and my nephew in his CP16 tried going around an island towards the Barnegat light thinking there was more wind over there. I was looking at my GPS that hinted staying more to the mainland up until Forked River was the more prudent thing to do, so our boats split up. I couldn't get him to follow me. Since, he was a "local" who lives in Barnegat and I was not, I thought he would be OK.
When the wind died to almost zero, I fired up the engine, and was about a half mile away from Tices-- so close I thought I could smell the Snickerdoodles. Just then I got a call from my nephew on his CP16. It seems that he got hung up on the massive shoals around Barnegat light, and even worse, his 25 year old motor would not start.
So I was very disappointed to have to turn around, and motor back about 3 miles to where he was anchored near an extremely narrow and shallow channel north of the Barnegat inlet. At first I thought it was the Garden State Parkway with all the fast boat traffic! It was a very crazy ride having a 16 foot legacy with a 4HP motor towing a 16 foot CP16 through a narrow channel with about a hundred huge motor boats steaming by at 15 knots. I thought we were going to roll a few times.
One huge cabin cruiser created such a wave that my boat fell down the back side of a wave, turned 90 degrees, and we wound up having to do a 360 degree turn across a busy channel, creating a lot of angry powerboaters in the process >:(. During the channel towing, we saw another CP16 checking up on us. I'm sorry, I can't remember the boat name, but it may have been Bob's "Nauti"? Anyway, thanks for looking after us as guardian angels.
I towed him most of the way back to the Barnegat ramp, until the wind shifted and picked up again, and we both had a nice sail back to the ramp. I'm sorry we never quite made it to the Bash--I really did want to meet all you, and check out your boats, especially Allan and Suzie's Eclipse, as it seems like an interesting design and size for a trailer sailer. Oh well, the whole ordeal makes for a good story, and at least I know what to get my nephew for Christmas this year-- a set of Nautical charts of the Bay! And maybe his dad can spring for a new engine for next years Bash???
For those of you that did make it, I hope you had a great time. I definitely want to try again next year!!
Mike and Cathay and our sailing dog Sophie.
Mike and Cathay and Sophie- This is Bob (Nauti), and it wasn't me, but I was in the area. I think you may have seen John Roberts' boat.
I "tried" making it from Forked River with a 2 hp kicker and two gallons of gas. The Forked River "Highway" is almost charming, and once I got out into the Bay, the "Big Boys" really open up. With no wind and conserving gas for the planned trip back, I felt like a cork, particulary when facing wakes on both sides at the same time.
I got within a mile of Tices (looked like wall to wall boats), and it started to rain. I headed back to Southwinds Marina (more wakes) and started thinking about adjustments for next year.
We really missed all who couldn't make it. But, take heart: there are already some plans being made for a BBB 2013 version 2.0 in September. I'll post more later about the Bash but I just came from dinner and with 3 Margaritas, I'm more fit to hit the sack than post a lengthy account of the Bash.
Mike: Tell your nephew to get a chart. The north side of the Oyster Creek Channel is really shallow...I've seen some big sailboats hard aground there! Coming from Barnegat, one has to swing kind of an arc around that shallow area and then head ENE toward Tice's. But as the man sings: "If you ain't been aground, you ain't been around."
Best to all!
Bob23
Alls well that ends well.. I have not heard from Marty or Allen yet, but I am assuming that they made it home safely as we did. It was quite a gathering with friends, old and new.. we were blessed with wonderful weather, good food to share, fun conversation ... another very successful gathering at Tice's Shoals thanks to Bob's planning and organizational skills! I have the complete write up on my blog.. at least from my perspective. I am sure that others will add exciting tidbits of their own!
of course, this is just a devious way of getting more visitors to my blog :)
http://lifeat6mph.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/barnegat-bay-bash-2013/
as usual, I got pretty long winded, but there are some good pics . i hope that you make it through the entire thing... and I hope that more will join us again at the next gathering.. maybe in sept??? for sure next summer.. jt
Thanks for the blog post. I loved it :)
I'm wondering, after reading some of these posts, is a CP16 really big enough for the bay?
hi romel,
on the right day, the 16 is probably very happy on the bay.. I can imagine that there are days out there when it might be a bit challenging - of course I know that the same is true with a 23! For some, the question is more about the accommodations on the 16. I often compare staying on the 23 to sleeping in our 4 person tent.. the 23 is more comfortable.. i guess it depends on what size tent you are used to sleeping in :)
I am sorry that you were unable to join us.. it is never easy to make that trip to the vet. Last year we lost 3 of our 4 cats in a matter of 6 weeks.. we still miss some of them :)
Bob is already floating the idea of meeting again in September. We would love to do it if we can make time in the schedule.. My experience is rather limited, but the time that we have been down there in September has been the nicest! thanks for reading.. jt
Allen and Marty, did you guys make it home yet? we sure enjoyed your company this weekend. I am sorry that the wind was not all that favorable as we headed home on sunday morning.
It is time to start thinking about a winter gathering.. jt
Wow! What a weekend. Sorry to hear that some that planned to partake of the joy of rondevouing (sp?) at Tice's didn't make it. A real adventure all around apparently. Sorry about the loss of your best friend, Ron. I know the pain. Losing a good buddy is good reason to tear up.
I haven't read Jason's story yet, but I'm sure it's a good one (after all, I was there!).
Trailering the CP16 (Pegasus) down from Levittown, PA to Bayville, NJ on Cedar Creek was an easy ride (about 55 miles). Launching from Up-The-Creek Marina was a somewhat different story. The marina's ramp ain't the best, at least not for boats with any kind of keel. It's really short... and then plop! So, I couldn't get deep enough to float off the trailer without losing the Volvo and required some extra muscle power, which, thankfully, was nearby. An important lesson was learned when the mains'l halyard decided to take a hike up to the mast head... really? All that shakin' took its toll. So, I had to drop the mast and retrieve the halyard. Then all the rigging started to catch on anything in sight! Finally, got it up and the forestay secured and wouldn't you know it... the halyard was hanging just out of reach! Really?! After some creative manipulating and near death, I was finally ready to sail.
The trip to Tice's went really well with no problems other than almost being swamped by a zillion power boats. Most of who don't give a darn about little sailboats. Finally found our Com-Pac flotilla and met up with Bob, Jason and Janet, and Allen. My friend Alex showed up in his Bristol 24. He originally was going to sail his Potter 15 but wisely left in home. Why wisely? Because Saturday night was an adventure (for me anyway). The larger boats did just fine, but the wind caused enough wave action that Pegasus tossed and bucked until almost dawn.
But, the camaraderie was worth the pain! Really enjoyed myself and our pleasant chats Saturday evening before turning in. Even got to dip in the beautiful Atlantic Saturday afternoon. Chilly, but it felt real good.
Too soon it was late Sunday morning and time to head back north to Bayville. Not much wind, but was able to make steady progress northward. Allen and I appropriately raced westward under about 4 mph of wind, neck and neck for about 20 minutes then he turned south and I turned north. The wind was out of the SW so I had a decent push, no complaint. Then I mistakenly turned into the wrong channel. Big mistake! When I realized my error, I had already dropped the sails figuring to motor in on the Minnkota. Now I had to get the sails back up and wouldn't you know it... the main twisted. But, I finally got back into the bay and rounded the point into Cedar Creek like I just had a sea battle... and lost! Got back to the marina with about 2 volts left in the battery, but safe. Getting out of the water presented the next challenge. Fortunately, my friend Alex, and our mutual friend Dario (and his friend Bill) were there to provide the needed muscle to drag poor Pegasus onto the hard. I was so exhausted that it took me nearly an hour to get Pegasus ready to roll. Something that usually takes about 20 minutes.
After a pleasant dinner with Alex, we parted ways and I (gratefully) had an uneventful trip home. The CP16 travels real well behind the old '90 Volvo 760T wagon. The air-conditioning felt real good too!
Don't fail to read Jason's report. I didn't want to steal any thunder!
Marty K.
It certainly was a grand event! Meeting new friends, enjoying their company and taking in the beauty of area was a great experience. JT did a great job in his blog and I won't attempt to top that. My 200+ mile trip home to upstate NY was uneventful but very long. I think Madame Z slept the whole way and I get the feeling that she misses Koinonia. The two of them were nuzzling up all weekend.
Thanks to Bob23 for the fantastic job he did organizing the event. And as the newbie there I appreciate how you all took me under your wing. Bob, I took your advice and checked my boat several times that night for those pesky pizza barnacles that can grow on your hull spontaneously. I think there was a bigger risk of catching something driving up the Garden Sate than in the bay.
It was nice meeting Bob and his CP 16 (Nauti) at Southwinds Marina. I knew he was launching right behind me and we were concerned when he didn't show up. I'm glad to here that he and the others didn't have any major incidents that kept them from arriving.
Now for a few pics....enjoy.
-Allen
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great pics, Allen. Janet and I certainly enjoyed getting to know you.. we will let you know the next time that we head north.. I am glad that your trip home was uneventful. You experienced a lot of "firsts" this weekend.. the kayak, the rowboat, salt water. Bob23... good for you! jt
Nice stories about great people! I enjoyed reading about the Bash. Makes me want to move closer to some real water. I really enjoyed "life at 6mph" Nice job!!! Keep up the spirit!
I want to get out and meet you folks some day.....Of course you are welcome to come out west and sail up in the rockies!
CHEERS>
Andrew
Sounds like you guys had a great weekend. If there is one next year I am going to try and make it.
Thanks Andrew.. a trip out west is indeed on our list.. not sure of the timing, however. Two years ago we took a train from PA to CO then rented a car to drive up to the university of Wyoming where my son was spending a semester. That was a memorable trip, but we saw just a limited slice of the country, and it was in March, so no sailing! If you make it out this way before we head your way, be sure to look us up..
Matt, I hope that you are having some fun times on Nockamixon.. have you hooked up with some of the compac folks there? I recall that you were anxious to tackle some projects on your boat. Maybe you will have a productive winter and be ready to move onto the bay next summer! my wife and i spent a day on Nockamixon earlier in the summer, but that was a kayak trip... lots of nostalgia there for me, having grown up in the area.. graduated from Quakertown in 78.. jt
Ah...the BBB 2013...where does one start? The beginning, of course.
Preface: "It's a semi-true story, believe it or not. I made up a few things and there's some I forgot"
Chapter 1.
My plans to start out on Friday were thwarted by work, lightening and engine issues. So, as I noted previously, I started out about 0700 Saturday morning under and already established rising sun. It looked to be a wonderful weekend weatherwise, although only light winds were forecast. Heading out into a NNW wind I could sail northwards closehauled on a port tack macking a whopping 2-3 knots. Finally as I headed toward marker 49 where the ICW takes a more northerly turn, I had to motorsail. Turns out I could use the motor but only at about 10%. The engine itself runs great but there must be some kind of rubber bushing between the prop and prop housing which has worn out somewhat. At about a crack above an idle, Miss Nissan runs fine. Any more than that, and the engine kinda freespins applying no power to the prop. "So be it, Miss Nissan, if that's the game you want to play. I'll not be thwarted in my attempt to attend the Bash."
After 5 hours and 45 minutes, I arrived at Tice's expecting that others had arrived before me. Through the binocs, I scanned the growing fleet looking for a group of classic looking sailboats and saw Allen's Eclipse anchored next to JT's 23. I like to sail, but I also like to sail as fast as possible but the winds of speed were on vacation that day so I was tired when I first arrived. Sailing up next to Allen, I dropped anchor which set nicely the first time and I began to reorganize my boat from the trip. Funny how when you leave everything is in it's place and when you arrive it looks like a bomb went off.
Soon I was in Little Fellow heading over to Allen who was aboard the Madame Z. We'd never met before but, as with other Compac-o-nauts who hang out here at the site, felt like we'd known each other already. I had brought an ample supply of cold PBR and soon Allen and I were re hydrating well. I'd never been aboard an Eclipse before and am impressed with the room although I think it's because Allen keeps things so neat and orderly...there was no clutter anywhere. "What's with this guy...is he an alien from the planet Neatcon?" Soon JT and Janet joined us and the Bash began to roll. And I agree to with JT on his blog...not quite a bash but a gathering is a better description. With none of us being youngsters, we're all thankfully past the stage where were impressed with a high Bash factor...quite content with a gathering of like minded sailing nuts is just fine, thank you. But Barnegat Bay Bash has a nice ring to it so we'll keep it.
Continuing...with the 4 of us aboard the Madame Z and gabbing, imbibing a bit and munching, we noticed a strange phonomenem. It seemed that Koinonia had developed a strange habit of flirting with the Madame! As we gabbed, I had to push her away from Allen's boat not once but about a dozen times! As there are no strong currents and the winds were practically non existent, it could only mean one thing: true love! Yes, my Koinonia is going after a younger women! They were well behaved, though- they were well aware of being under chaperon.
At this point, we were the only 3 boats at the Bash. We knew that others were in the area and I was hoping that none met with a disaster of the deep. After returning to our respective boats, who comes sailing up but none other than our resident Volvo nut, Marty aboard Pegasus, his trusty 16! He looked a bit disheveled and we later learned that he'd had a tough time raising his mast and the sail over took longer than expected but you already know that because you've read his account. At that point, while I was wondering why Marty was sailing in circles, I heard Janet call out "Fire" the last thing one wants to hear aboard a boat. Not seeing the smoke from JT's boat, I though there was a boat fire. Finally, dense me flew into my dingy and was there in a flash bringing Allen's extinguisher but JT already had it under control. A fire aboard a boat is a very serious matter, as you only have seconds before a situation can get out of control. As it turns out, it was only coincidental that J & J were even aboard at the time. Had that not been, his boat could have been lost. Divine providence or coincidence...take your pick...I've already taken mine! I'm sure we're all thankful that a disaster was averted.
Our attention was now turning East toward the mighty North Atlantic. I was decided to head over for a swim. A note on tenders here. Of course I had the trusty Little Fellow, the not so famous 2nd place racing dingy, JT had a matching Walker Bay borrowed from Adagio's previous owner but Allen had a small green kayak. Now I didn't think Allen was a devious fellow and I ain't either but I did want to video him getting into this dink. With all the waves and boat chop I was sure I'd get some great film footage of 6 foot Allen going into the drink while entering his dink! Wouldn't you know, he took advantage of the fire distraction to climb aboard, knowing full well there was no way I could capture it on camera! What a sneak! Turns out, he did just fine and it would've been a boring movie anyway.
One by one, we went to the beach for a swim, with Marty and I in Little Fellow bringing up the rear. Actually, others were returning when we were just getting there. With the warm bay water, I was surprised to find the ocean cold. But if felt good to be in there and I was already looking forward to the next morning when I take my traditional pre dawn swim and watch the sunrise from the beach.
But more on all this Bash stuff later...Now it's preparing for yet another work day...to be continued....
Bob23
Nice pics, Allen. Boy, Pegasus sure looks small on the open water! But I have to admit, it's one solid boat and even though I had a rough night, I was never concerned for my safety. Next time I'll probably sleep in the cabin rather than higher up on the cockpit. Might be a more comfortable place to be in the rolling seas. I intentionally kept my air mattress soft to help cradle me. I was rather comfortable other than the ceaseless rocking. ::)
Marty K.
Continuing...BBB 2013 part 2:
"There we were, paddling down the Amazon..."
Somehow, and I don't remember where exactly in this tale, but Marty ended up with my dingy. I had to get to his boat and figured I'd just jump in the water and walk over, not calculating the depth correctly. Yup. Off the boarding ladder and over my head! With my Tilley floating, my beloved Hobie sunglasses which I purchased in Walmart at Cabo San Lucas, did not float but remain on the bottom of the bay to this day. Bummer. Anyone who does anything outside knows the value of a good pair of shades.
The famous group dinner plan self-evolved and after everyone cleaned up, we found ourselves aboard Adagio with different offerings for dinner. At this point, the headache I'd had for a few hours began to increase and I found I felt suddenly lousy...really lousy. I rarely get sick and only get a few headaches a year so to have them gang up on me was really very rude. After trying eat some great sausage and peppers that Allen brought, I had to excuse myself and return to my ship. Even the bottle of red wine that Allen brought couldn't cure what was ailing me. I remember Alex repeating that I hadn't drank enough water but I know about the importance of proper hydration. Back on board, all I could do was sleep and sleep I did.
I was up a few times during the night as is my habit while on the boat. I noticed that the wind had switched out of the NE and the boats that were abeam earlier, were either behind or ahead now. Whereas we had just a breath of wind at dusk, now it was blowing nicely. So nicely in fact, that it was discovered that Marty had drug anchor a bit. Seems his boat is very sociable and wanted to meet some new neighbors downwind!
I was awake well before dawn and did indeed take my predawn swim in the mighty North Atlantic and then watched the sunrise. There's something soul cleansing about waiting for the sun to rise. All the hurrying in the world ain't gonna speed it up...you just gotta wait. Back at the boats, there was an informal (what else?) breakfast aboard Adagio where I learned that last nights conversation leaned toward the political. No wonder I was feeling stomach sick! Not enjoying wasting time, I was glad not to have participated in that talk!
Soon it was time to go and everyone wanted to get an early start. The wind that was honkin' was now slowing abit and we all had a ways to go. We bid our farewells and soon were off. I headed off last (I think) with poled out genoa and main wung out on the other side making from 1.5 to 2.5 knots. I was happy with that. All in all, we sailed 32.7 nautical miles in 11 hours and 10 minutes. Yeah, dang slow. It's not really 18 miles to Tice's but there was a lot of tacking against the tide in light winds. Poor Koinonia will only do a bit better than sideways in those conditions.
Before leaving, we discussed BBB 2013 version 2.0. Maybe in September...although I'll be away from 9/13 to 9/22. If anyone is interested, post it here and we'll see what develops.
Looking back, the time went too fast...I never even raised Old Glory...we didn't have our rum tasting, and the swim in the ocean went too fast. I think next time, mates, we should anchor in much shallower water so we can wade from boat to boat and to shore.
I've said it before but it's worth repeating, there is true camaraderie among the Compac-o-nauts! I really enjoyed meeting up with JT and Janet and Marty again and getting to know Allen. Hopefully our courses will converge once again. If not a version 2, maybe a mid-winters gathering...
Bob23
(ps. Koinonia really misses the Madame. All she does is mope around on her mooring!)
Ah, the pleasures of being a trailer sailor! Arrived at the ramp on Cedar Creek in
Bayville at about 1100, low tide!! The original plan was to arrive at about 0700,
high tide. But, somebody likes to sleep late (not me!) and I succumbed, figuring
what's the rush? Wrong! Anyway, I got there with Pegasus obediently in tow without
incident (always a good thing). Got busy prepping Pegasus for the dip and was
ready in about 15 minutes except for loading my gear for the over-night (of course
I packed enuff stuff for about a week!). And in the process, forgot my bunk
mattress. Oh well, I at least had my air mattress for the cockpit (which turned
out to be quite comfortable).
This particular ramp is a tuffie! Short and then a sudden drop-off into muck. Not
where I would want my Volvo's rear wheels to slip into. With a bit of help from
another boater at the marina, finally got Pegasus wet after much shaking and
jiggling (which caused the main sheet halyard to take a hike to the top of the
mast!). After MUCH suffering, finally retreived the halyard and made ready to
sail. Fired? up the MinnKota and a minute later was in the channel. Hoisted sail,
parked the motor, and headed out to Barnegat Bay. Wind was about 2-3 mph, but was
able to make steady progress. Had to cut more powerboat wakes than I care to
remember, so I headed due east across the bay to escape most of the culprits.
Turning south we headed to Tice's Shoals. The trip down the bay was just fine.
Really enjoyed the sail. Unfortunately, the process of launching the boat had
pretty much exhausted me and I couldn't enjoy my lunch. I'm sure the Barnegat
fishes had a tasty meal.
Arriving at Tice's, I aimed for sailboat masts. Turned out they were the wrong
ones and I had to continue further south to find the CPYOA party. Bob, Allen,
Jason and Janet were already there and we headed to J&J's CP23 figuring to raft
up, but there appears to be too much difference in freeboard to be practical, so
decided against it. In the meantime - an acrid odor... and smoke! from Adagio's
stern. A quick yell to Jason and Jason ordered an abandon ship to Janet who leaped
into their dink... quite gracefully, actually! Jason applied his extinguisher and
halted the combustion... phew!
With Bob as the motor, a welcome respite from all the adventure was a row to LBI
and short walk to the wonderful Atlantic. Although a bit chilly, the ocean was
very refreshing and re-energized me (somewhat). Bob was braver and went for full
immersion while I opted for up to the chest wading (brrr).
The rest of the afternoon and evening were not quite so exciting, but resulted in
cementing old friendships (Bob, Jason, Janet) and new friends (Allen and Alex). Of
course after my ordeal at Cedar Creek I wasn't feeling too good. Plus the bay was
now being visited by a pretty stiff breeze (mucho rocking!) which didn't let up
until 0300. I lay down for a while on Bob's Koinonia which provided some relief.
Later, Bob's B-I-L came by on his very nice motor cruiser. Not long after
introductions, I really needed to lie down again. Making my apologies for being so
anti-social, I made it to the bow where I settled into some very nice cushions. As
I was starting to feel better, Bob was going the other way!
After dinner, stayed up with J&J, Allen and Alex and talked conspiracy theories!
'til about 2300. It was fun,... really. Then Jason rowed me back to Pegasus where
I built a tent over the cockpit, raised the cockpit grid to support the air-
mattress and turned in for the night... well, not quite. Little Pegasus (a CP16 remember)
rocked and rolled. First I'd reach for the starboard coaming, then the
port and occaisionly reached up to grab the boom! Such fun! Finally, at about 0300
the wind slacked and I got some shut-eye. Waking at about 0500, I failed see
Koinonia which had been astern of Pegasus when I went to sleep. Then, looking to
starboard... there she was! About 6" away!!! The steady night wind had shoved
Pegasus to socialize with Adagio. Turns out that Adagio had 30' of chain in
her rode, so dragged nowhere. Everybody else headed north for a bit.
After some socializing, it came time to head home. Allen and I headed west about
1100 and I think Alex was still sleeping! The winds had died considerably from the
overnight stiff breeze, but we "raced" at full speed (2-3 knots?) westward. After
about 30 minutes, Allen turned south and I north, back to Bayville. A "tie" was declared,
with the Eclipse and CP16 running neck & neck.
Once I headed north, the wind was coming from the SE, so I was getting a decent
push back. Coming to the big channel marker in the middle of the bay, I followed
the markers back to what I thought was Cedar Creek. Wrong! I had entered the wrong
channel. Apparently, two channels converged on that big marker and I picked the
wrong one. Fighting my way back to the correct channel was no picnic and I had to
resort to the MinnKota. Meanwhile I had dropped the sails, so had to rehoist them.
Wouldn't you know, the mains'l got twisted! But, hey, I was making progress with
that SE wind, so wasn't complaining. Finally made it back to the *&&^% ramp in
Bayville. Long story, short: It took four of us to get Pegasus on the hard! Then
it took one exhausted trailer sailor about an hour to tidy up Pegasus for her trip
home. At least the trip home was uneventful... just what you want after a grueling
(but fun) weekend on Barnegat Bay. Would I do it again? Ask me next August! Nah!
I'm smarter now, of course I'll go. Maybe real soon... like BBB-2013-2 in September?!
Marty K.
Marty:
Great write up. You get my vote for Mr. Perserverence of the 2013 BBB! We could do a BBB version 2.0 but I'll be away from 9/13 to 9/21. The boat will be at a marina right across from Tice's during that time. Anytime after that is fine....stay tuned!
Bob23
Moved over from:
Re: "Banana Cakes" A 1980 Com Pac 23 I rescued
« Reply #17 on: October 27, 2013, 08:06:42 PM »
Quote from: Bob23 on October 27, 2013, 08:06:42 PM
Eric:
Since no one answered your question about my dingy, I may as well fess up. During the Barnegat Bay Bash 2013 this summer, I had rowed over to JT's 23 and we were all gabbing just enjoying each others company. Off in the distance I noticed a Walker Bay 8 dingy that looked just like mine. Hey! it is mine! Seems that in my excitement, I stepped out of the dink and never tied it off! No problemo....I rowed another dink over to retrieve it...no harm done...and not even much roasting here!
Bob23
Awe gee, Bob. We were going to save that one for the next time "someone" tried to extor... I mean levy that HUGE registration fee for the next Barnegat Bay Bash. You are way to sly for us, Bob. Talk about taking the wind out of our sails! :)
(But there may be a photo or two?)
BTW.....Guido just picked up my last installment for last summer's registration.
-Allen