BARNEGAT BAY BASH 2013

[Eagleye]

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

[jthatcher]

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

[ahmch]

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

[Mattlikesbikes]

Sounds like you guys had a great weekend.   If there is one next year I am going to try and make it.

[jthatcher]

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

[Bob23]

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

[MKBLK]

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.

[Bob23]

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!)

[MKBLK]

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.

[Bob23]

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

[Eagleye]

Moved over from:
Re: "Banana Cakes" A 1980 Com Pac 23 I rescued
« Reply #17 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