Talks had begun about a naval assault upon Tangier Island by the Compac Navy. There is definite interest and, with this crowd, it reminds me of Capt. Morgan's taking of Panama.
Memorial Day could be crazy and a lot of other people thought that it would be a BAD idea to go into Tangier during this time. The weekend before Memorial Day is booked for a few more. What about a Wednesday May 25 meeting at Tangier Island. We could meet on Tuesday, May 24, at the Great Wicomico River and go over on Wednesday.
It would be a good time, mid-week and getting a slip at Parks Marina shouldn't be a problem. They don't take reservations last I heard.
http://www.tangierisland-va.com/marina/
I have been into Parks Marina twice. It is a legendary place on the bay because of location and the owner (Mr. Parks). There is a VERY strong current that runs just outside of the slips so you have to plan for that when you enter the slips. They do have a shower and bathroom facility too. You would have to do dinner aboard because I believe the restaurants are closed in the evening (there was a bed and breakfast that did do a dinner that was open to everyone at one time but it was for sale last year so I don't know the status on that). Also, if someone was so inclined, they could probably get lodging at a B&B on Tangier if they don't want to sleep on the boat.
My Bay strategy is to leave early, around 7, and go straight there. As most know this is a West to East sail and you can loose sight of land briefly. It is best to have a GPS and a VHF. The good news about the West to East is that most the times the wind is out of the North or the South (North West or South East). Going East West is usually a reach.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ingram+Bay+Marina/@37.8187866,-76.3129781,5758m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ba03072d692151:0xf59c99b46876053d!6m1!1e1
Here is a few thoughts:
1. It would be good to know of a marina near the Great Wicomico River where someone could trailer in and leave their rig for a few days while we plunder Tangier Island. Some of you guys near Deltaville could probably point another member in the right direction.
2. There are a lot of anchorages in this area. That being said, I stress a lot of Very Good areas. We would have to decide on an anchorage and meet on Tuesday night (or the night we choose).
I will be out cruising for quite sometime during this period. Hopefully wind and weather will cooperate with plans and I will meet up with everyone. If I got a monkey wrench, I could meet at Tangier Island, if possible. Still, it would be an even better idea to have a back-up plan just in case the weather gets nasty and we can't cross the bay.
Let's see how this goes and see what feedback we get.
Hmmm. This sounds interesting. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.
Bob23
Bob23, are you planning on making your Chesapeake run around that time? It seems like a potential destination.
For me, it looks like about 63 miles (a really long day). I will have to do some work to be ready, and have ordered a hook and anchor light so at least I have relevant equipment for it.
I also scoped out the NOAA maps required for such a trek, assuming I'm not using an electronic device:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rS8uJRi5ojNG3D03-cf4ccYcksz8dwzkHhdpEjIIae5qqIqv4ZsWtFurnyMU6X_OOM9ANNEVba73OtjmMedZww8ySwQC9eFIQjzASDZ-sgEhejFzI4xGg5j5JwcnX3xys4OMrVY0Wskx8DozYzI9ATYscf4sFumv-MiFMI-tLS_NqbtFY77KAP0R5hjVjKnYMONJelwkePQ4NcPhUJvLSOSLQj-YhYxjNhAeOiCdx0Yk-vKJHpnfB596vblVWuKIcDJrxbDCt5Ihpin5OD-ZIb4mmv18itQkpwdsNsrvPrgYAsFUC9nuhYR_18hrUWSL7TH7hveVQlONHnKXJFvx6AuEdKnnEYQsqvEurgn8GIr23jj7PPSjKHU93WkRIhEdY1N9Yn5zimGl0WHfHOTbqAmMhFLEOzl5bBo_iACaONOAlrKTPxWuDq1rPN_2TLAqdcscNdp_7EDu3UDzt_37ozMmQaLRbbdVxCoQuTm38CBNx74UvFMhvaREJ0T7RGed7NbU7T0KUrR4ZYKb0n8EL6lOFcbRB89ty5qa3gUWSuvrYQbIjWLP6HQqHUurR4NF3IssAA=w878-h658-no)
If you are coming from Tilman Island, break the trip into legs.
Leg 1: Tilman Island to Solomons Island. Solomons I worth the stop.
Leg 2: Solomins to Smith Island or Smith Creek (Potomac River). You can actually sneak into Point Lookout State Park and anchor there as well. It is about 18 miles from Point Lookout to Smith Point.
Leg 3: Prior location to location of meet-up. You could always meet up at Tangier or meet up the day before in the Great Wicomico River.
Bob23....If just planning a Tangier Island trip I think driving down and launching in Crisfield(Somers Cove) or Onancock might be an idea.
The question is who has a travel lift in these locations seeing Bob's trailer is not self launching friendly, I know mine isn't. :/
Yes, I'm very intrigued by this. I too will be keeping my eye on this thread. Since it's a mid-week trip, I doubt I could spare the 3-4 vacation days I'd need to take the trip. I don't earn extra vacation days until after July--bummer. I'm just dreaming about going right now.
If by some miracle I could attend, while the marinas and boat ramp you picked (Ingram Bay Marina) seem really nice, the drive for me coming from Delaware would be almost 5 hours each way. As I was looking around the nautical charts, I'd probably come from Crisfield MD, across the bay to the NorthEast of Tangier as the drive is about 2 hours less. I've never been to any of these places, so I don't know what I'd be getting into.....but again, I'm only dreaming at this point.
I have done the reverse. Tangier Island to Chrisfield.
There is a descent marina in Chrisfield that could probably lift you.
http://www.somerscovemarina.com/
The depth and markers are really straight forward. It is a shorter distance and you will never leave site of land. If you pay attention to Nav Markers you will do fine. You can enter Tangier on the Eastern Shore side. There is also a Coastguard station in Chrisfield.
Do yourself a favor and don't try to go in the Eastern Shore side of Smith Island. Lots of shoaling and very skinny water. I drug my centerboard there in a Hunter 22 with the board up. It was very tense.
Those of us coming over from the Great Wicomico River will loose site of land. Good charts are necessary along with a compass. A GPS is suggested.
If we can make it we will no doubt head to Horn Harbor first day then to Tangier the next. Sound like fun! Have a music festival the weekend before and wish to be no where near the Bay for Memorial Day weekend!
Everyone keeps talking about the Bay on Memorial Day weekend. Sure, if is busier but it isn't that busy and there is a lot of space. If you are smart and plan things out accordingly it isn't a problem. Hell, if you really want to be away from people on that weekend head over to some of the more desolate places on the Eastern Shore.
I would avoid the big get-aways that weekend like Solomons, Annapolis, Oxford, etc. You are probably safe heading over to Smith Island. Also, there are a ton of other anchorages that you can go into without having to fight for space. Even then, we can just find a shallow anchorage, say about 4 feet, and we will be the only ones there!
None the less, I hope that a few of us can make it over there.
Here is an appetizer for those thinking of the trip: http://www.tangierisland-va.com/
http://www.baydreaming.com/destinations/tangier-island-virginia/
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Virginia/Tangier_Island-890386/TravelGuide-Tangier_Island.html
Seriously, this is a must visit place and it is truly unique. I have my own personal history with Tangier Island. LOL--Long story.
Hard to avoid crowds on big weekends. Roads included. 1500+ boats will come in and out of the marinas around Deltaville that weekend. The bay is a big place but it is even bigger mid week! I don't do weekends in general and certainly will avoid the big ones. Will be on our mountain skiing till Presidents Day weekend then running home! Sounds like we are trying to do it mid week right? Tangier is not an out of the way tourist wise kinda place. We ought to be good midweek. Day over, day there, day back? Is that what you were thinking Heave? Sounds like a good plan. Know there are others out there who wanna do this! Not much night life on Tangier but with this crew who needs it!
Horn Harbor will be a stop only if PeterG is coming and his boat is there otherwise will head up to Great Wicomico first. So PeterG!? Still think ya otta keep her right next to No Mas! Heck you can kayak to her! We gunna get Bob23 here too?! Maybe PBR marker buoys? :)
Gunna not even get out of the teens up on the mountain most of this week with single digits at night. Heck it's not even going to get out of the low thirties during the day on our farm down below. So hard to think about sailing quite yet! Ain't it great though we have such a great forum to keep sailing alive year round.
OH, I am SURE we can make a nightlife on Tangier Island.
I like the idea of a day there and a day back. If we were so inclined we could head over to Smith Island on the middle day and then head back from there. There is also Onancock for those of you out of Deltaville.
Tangier is the big priority and I am out cruising for a while so I will be flexible. If you guys want a whole day there I understand.
BTW...I believe Tangier is dry so BYOB!!!! And this is not meaning Bring You Own Bob.
"BTW...I believe Tangier is dry so BYOB!!!! And this is not meaning Bring You Own Bob. "
Well Tangiers has been dry in the past. don't know about the past few years if anything has changed. They got ice, so BYOB works. Hoping that that means Bob and beer!
I am very much interesting in this trip although I'll admit it's a bit out of my league. But I gotta move up to the majors sometime! Possibly I'd launch near the eastern end of the C&D and head south or more likely, trailer down to where some of you guys are home based and head out from there. It could be fun. For me, that dreaded 4 letter word "work" is always the monkey on my back.
Are you fellers still thinking of memorial day weekend? That would probably be a deal breaker for me. Family commitments here in NJ.
Bob23
"Memorial Day could be crazy and a lot of other people thought that it would be a BAD idea to go into Tangier during this time. The weekend before Memorial Day is booked for a few more. What about a Wednesday May 25 meeting at Tangier Island. We could meet on Tuesday, May 24, at the Great Wicomico River and go over on Wednesday. "
We will get you home on time for your weekend.
We have a festival that we have been attending for the past 30+ years the weekend before but we could get turned around quickly and be on the water by Monday. Will keep those next few days open for Tangier. Bob23, I am sure PeterG will be on board to help with logistics. It is a shame that the "work" thing is a factor since you have been thinking about a Chesapeake cruise for a while and this could be a leg of it!
Again, if you check Active Captain, there is a marina in Chrisfield. There is also a public boat ramp!
http://www.somerscovemarina.com/
If you are coming from the North but want to be on the West side of the Bay there are a few options. Solomons Island has a bunch of Excellent marinas. There is also a boat ramp at Point Lookout State Park (great little place to tuck into if you are looking to get near Point Lookout). You could make Tangier Island from there in a day really easily (if it was a northern wind it could be a fun downwind ride).
So far we are saying that we will meet in Tangier on May 25. We may meet up with other boats in the Great Wicimico on Tuesday, May 24. Either which way we would sail over on May 25 to Tangier and take a slip in Parks Marina.
I need input from others who are interested. So far I have NoMas and Saga going over. Anyone else interested?
Rick: Work does seems to spoil a lot of my fun plans. I would llike to do this trip aboard my own ship or with somene else. I may just stoww away aboard Peter's boat if Becky doesn't go. In any event, I'm totally interested but I have no local knowledge of the area. But I do bring to the table some wonderful rums!
Bob23
Bob, I have plenty of the local knowledge. Someone should be able to point you in the right direction for a marina etc.
We would be glad to have you along!
Quote from: Bob23 on February 15, 2016, 09:28:57 PM
Rick: Work does seems to spoil a lot of my fun plans. I would llike to do this trip aboard my own ship or with somene else. I may just stoww away aboard Peter's boat if Becky doesn't go. In any event, I'm totally interested but I have no local knowledge of the area. But I do bring to the table some wonderful rums!
Bob23
Hey Bob, I am sure we can figure something out. I am also sure that more folks will be chiming in as the spring weather arrives. Right now am up early with power flickering, hoping the truckload of bottles due yesterday makes it early today as we are bottling and will run out well before noon if not. Heave is the one along with
PeterG that have the best knowledge of the lower bay as it has been over two decades since we last had a boat there. Many things have not changed but many have and my old charts are well... old! New chart book on the way, not that I wasn't famous, much to Susan's dismay, for sailing off the chart at times. It was my I wanna be Christopher Columbus kinda thing, well actually he made a 2,500 miles navigational mistake. Anyway got plenty of time to figure this and I certain you will enjoy the lower Bay. Much more remote and unspoiled than the more traveled upper bay.
Rick: Whatcha bottling?
Some damn Norwegian sa da fra foam an bitter la.
Snicker
Quote from: Tim Gardner on February 16, 2016, 10:03:42 PM
Some damn Norwegian sa da fra foam an bitter la.
Snicker
Well Heave may have to weigh in on Norwegian brews as he has the Nordic ancestry! As far as our little brewery we make beer sometimes but that is just for us. We brew a fermented product known as Kombucha. Goggle, Mountain Culture Kombucha if interested. Bottles made it, all 10,000 of them!
Been hiding up on the mountain for the past week. Catching the Alpine sports before spring arrives and i get distracted by this boat thing! :)
You are bringing some to Tangier, I assume!
Working out the details on installing taps with gimbaled kegs!
I'm sure you'll figure out the solution to this most crucial of details.
Maybe instead of towing a dinghy i should construct a floating beer barge!
He could always empty out the water tank and fill it with beer, or rum, or something good!
It would be nice to have a few of us going over to Tangier.
If some of you all could get more time off we could always run up to Smith Island too!
Restarting this a bit: Matt: How long do you envision this excursion will last? I would need to schedule time off from work. Are we talking about hanging out there for a while before sailing back? Where would we be starting from? I'm to the point that I'd like to do this but I do need to work it around other things that could interfere.
Bob23
Bob, I am hoping some of the Deltaville Folks chime in for locations in the area of Deltaville.
I was talking with meeting them in the Great Wicimico River the day before we head over and maybe raft up. After that we would head over to Tangier Island. This isn't a super long sail so we should get there mid-day. I think the others were talking about staying the rest of that day and the next day in Tangier.
I am open for heading over to Smith Island as a possibility after Tangier.
You could also elect to launch out of Chrisfield, MD. There are good marinas there and it is a short trip over to Tangier Island. Heck, depending on how the wind blows me on my trip I could up over there at some point.
So far the plans is to meet in Tangier on May 25. We would be gathering in the area May 24.
If anyone wants to weigh in on this one I would throw out there the possibility of hitting Smith Island on May 26.
It depends on how you want to schedule it and plan it. I will be drifting around the Chesapeake for 2-3 weeks during that time period so you want to spend longer time out there you can always follow along.
This is a potentially a difficult week for me to get away. Most of our projects here in LBI revolve around Memorial Day weekend deadlines and there could be lots of down to the wire issues that final week. But I would like to plan on being there if the project completions will allow it.
Bob23
I am sure hoping that you can join in. It will be a good one.
I am debating on bring my folding bike. I love it when I am in port but it is a pain in the ass to move around in the cabin when I am not using it. It could be fun to ride around Tangier Island though. There is some nice beaches there that I haven't been to.
I was gonna have a canvas bag made for my Dahon so I could store it on deck. I'd ask the guy who made the winter cover for the boat...Fisher Canvas Products. His canvas covers are famous around here...I've seen 'em last 20 years. A really nice oiled canvas.
Bob23
Bikes huh? Well my only dry land transportation is gunna be my legs! Easy to store, always (well mostly) ready to go! Those of us without bikes will make sure no beer gets warm while your out gallivanting!
Bob23, PeterG, who know has determined that he likes himself better drinking beer than not, will i m sure help supervise the beer. Jus saying....
I have a storage bag that I keep the bike in. It makes it handy to load on and off of the boat. Still, keeping it on deck could be nice but it would have to be a very water proof bag.
Hey, you have to have some entertainment, NoMas...you can't drink all day.
The island would be a good place to ride. Bring longer dock lines, also, because I remember the slips being long and high. Bring your bug screens as well!!
I am making plans to bring my C16/2 and son for an assault of Tangier Island. We will do a river cruise if the weather seems too much in the Bay for a 16.
Great plan. Urbanna is a beautiful and it is a good place to cruise to if the bay is nasty. We will see how it goes but I promise you Tangier doesn't disappoint. It is so different than anything else you have ever seen and the way of life goes way back.
Quote from: HeaveToo on March 19, 2016, 02:30:07 AM
I have a storage bag that I keep the bike in. It makes it handy to load on and off of the boat. Still, keeping it on deck could be nice but it would have to be a very water proof bag.
Hey, you have to have some entertainment, NoMas...you can't drink all day.
The island would be a good place to ride. Bring longer dock lines, also, because I remember the slips being long and high. Bring your bug screens as well!!
Oh we won't be drinking all day! Just while you all are gone bike riding so we can provide beer security. In all seriousness we will not be bringing two bikes! Don't have em and not gunna try to store two if we did. Maybe some are for rent on the island. If not, a good walking tour will ensue!
Just finished the last day of skiing this year this past Saturday and part of the last day was a water event, pond skimming. Over 80 folks trying to cross 70 feet of cold water on skis and boards. Costume required, antifreeze mandatory! All this in a mid March late season snow. Time for the boat now. Parts coming in this week, installing them next, rig the following, clean, get hull painted after that, then splash! Well this is the current timeline though the previous ones have eluded me so far!
Hell, you can rent a golf card to drive around the island!
I carry the bikes when I cruise for many reasons. A big thing for me is getting groceries when I am on a trip so a bike helps get to the store and get the bags home.
I do hope that Bob doesn't get the last dark beer again, that was rather discouraging. And to think that I missed out because I didn't want to start drinking before noon! LOL
If anyone wants to hang around and sail to some other places after Tangier I am game. I have no other plans other than to do a lot of sailing for that time since I will be out cruising.
Matt:
I may be making another roadtrip down that way to scope out the marina that I'd launch from. Because I'm not familiar with the area, I'll pic your brain. Plus I want to see Smith Point in person as a possible launch spot for the row to Tangier. I'll pm you my cell. Maybe we can talk before I head down. I don't have that much free time available to hang out on the Chesapeake for too long. Still have this work monkey on my back.
Yeah, I felt bad for weeks drinking that last beer. I was ridden with guilt! For about 5 minutes!!!! Hahaha!!!
Bob23
Hey Heave, I'm sure having bikes are a good thing! I just don't see how we could have two people on board with our personal gear, supplies for a cruise, and still have room for two bikes. Maybe i'll get one of hose redesigned hover boards! Golf carts huh....has been over two decades since I've been to Tangier. Guess even that isolation has not permitted them to escape the golf cart invasion of all the beach locations. Makes sense though for such isolated areas with essentially no road system. Maybe will bring a club or two! Hear the sand traps there are wicked!
Well, Bob23, lemeno when you are coming this way as well. Maybe we can engineer a gathering.
Hrm...A Spring Gathering, or an Assault briefing sounds like an idea.
We may have the FLOAT this idea around the other Compac owners in the area!
You know, it would be nice to put together an information packet. Maybe information on a few marinas (pamphlets etc) in the area with ramps and some information on Parks marina.
I have to tell you guys, if you aren't on it already, Active Captain is a wealth of information. It has charts of everything, marina information, reviews, anchorages, anchorage reviews, etc.
I've never quoted myself before! Was trying to move the quote from Vernal Equinox thread.Anyway would love to have an excuse to try to get a reunion of the CBMWG folks, the question before we turn this over to an appropriate thread is are we looking to be on the water or up here in the center of the known universe. Maybe we should just have to do both. Smiley What do you guys think? Lemeno and will get a thread going. Will make sure Heave knows too, though my guess is he may already know something is afoot. You there Heave?
I have been at work and it is crazy out here. What in the world is going on with people? Last night I watched a guy hit a parked car. I stopped him and sure enough, he was D.U.I. He was actually three times the legal limit!
I am around. This is crunch time in many ways. I am off the week of April 18-24. My goal is to splash Saga around the 20th and refinish her woodwork during the next few days. I also need to clean the cabin badly! I am hoping to get this done quickly and then go out for a short shakedown overnight cruise.
Let me know what you are guys planning. Dates and times help!
Have fun! Spring is here and it is crunch time.
So it is almost May and we are still not in the water. It's the new to us old boat needing work and dishing out surprises kinda thing. Stuff still is needing work and the thoughts of sailing are just that only thoughts. If we can get in the water soon then Tangier is doable but if delayed much more I am a little uncomfortable with Tangier being the shakedown cruise as she is new to us and I have yet to learn her ways. Regardless would still love to hook up with folks even if just for food and beverage. Still being hopeful however!
Hey Matt, you should clean the cabin well, not badly😁
I managed to clean the cabin.
I actually got out for a shakedown sail. I shook a few things loose on the way home because of the heavy weather. I posted that somewhere in another thread.
Let me know who is involved and who is coming. If no one can make it then I may just go to Annapolis since I have a lot of time to play around. I really have to stop planning stuff when I cruise and just go where I am going until I get there.
To quote a Jimmy Buffett song " frank bama once said the best navigators are not quite sure
Where they're going until they get there...and then they're still not sure."
Hey Heave, if we get too delayed getting her splashed that we can't get some good shake downs in before we try to venture a multi day sail to Tangier will let you know. Still being hopeful. If not come join us up the Rivah! Our first overnight will more than likely be the Corrotoman. A great anchorage and beach that mid week is all ours. Urbanna just a stones throw and Merrior just across from us. We got a bunch of catching up to do after 25 years away from sailing. The bow is the front of the boat right?
I thought the bow was the knot that keeps shoelaces from coming loose. when the little bunny ears make friendly with each other.
I'm thinking about how I can scale back some work to focus on the important things for being able to sail, and I'm still naively optimistic. A big factor will be the weather that at the time, sailing in nice 10-15kt steady winds, or alternating between doldrums and hurricane strength storms. Any guesses as to the forecast for this event?
You can't predict the winds that far in advance.
Then again it is the Chesapeake Bay so it shouldn't be too bad. If it is we can hang around Deltaville or go to Urbanna. Always have a back-up plan when sailing the Bay.
Most of the time in May you have okay weather and it is before the evening storms get bad.
http://wtvr.com/2016/04/27/tangier-island-uninhabitable/
I hope we can get a few of us to go over there.
Who is in?
Good news: my son changed jobs and will not be going to the green zone in Afghanistan. Bad news: he has no vacation with his new job.
Looks more like I will be on Smith Mountain Lake with "Slow Dancing" my CP16/2.
I know that Bob is a maybe and I am not sure about NoMas. Is that it?
If no one is going to make it I may just go up north to Annapolis. This is all weather depending of course.
Let me know either way!
Well, based on responses, I think that this event is dead in the water. We will have to try again in the future but it seems like no one is really ready.
No worries for me, I plan to head North. The Blue Angles will be in Annapolis around May 24 so I may be in Annapolis around that time. It is a long haul but I have plenty of time.
Love the pun!!! As for me, work is shaping up to be as out of control as ever. With my son (and lead carpenter) out on the disabled list, I'm working mucho hours to pick up the slack so it looks as if I wouldn't make it. But I do plan on a road trip down there soon some weekend and I will row to Tangier this summer or my name ain't Bob23!
The Pun was intended!
It is disappointing but at the same time life happens. It frees up my cruise a bit and gives me the freedom to get to where I get to. Not having a timeline and places to be is the safest way to cruise.
For all of those who do cruise, check out the Active Captain Site.
In my region, the Chesapeake Bay, it has most anchorages, marinas, and other information that you want. It tells you about tides, shoals, boat ramps, etc. The App sucks, don't even bother with it. You are far off using the web page. You can see nautical charts of the area, satellite maps, and reviews as well.
Hey Heave,
Annapolis is a way cool place. We just got back from there last night late. (took the cruising route for cars and skipped all interstate). If you do get there be sure to hit Davis's Pub and The Boatyard Restaurant both in EastPort. It's where the locals hang! Wednesday evening races always bring the post race crowd out as well. It is also a dangerous place as there are sooooo many boats available. Gotta put on the blinders, we made the mistake of peeking!
Will keep you posted about our delayed splash date. This weather has slowed things down and also at least allows us to not feel too bad about missing the early season so far.