CRUISING ASSOCIATION
|
TOP OF THE BAY
CRUISING ASSOCIATION |
North East, Maryland
DOCKLINE - July 2000
FROM THE COMMODORE:
This report is written with deep sorrow. The past month has been tough in that we have lost two of our finest members to their battle with cancer.
On June 18, Bill Hales passed away. Only six days later on June 24, Dutch Hildebrand succumbed to his illness.
Speaking on behalf of all members, I'd like to extend heartfelt condolences to their wives and families. They will be greatly missed, as their personalities and characters have made this club a better one.
We recently returned from our vacation cruise to Williamsburg, Virginia. Thanks to the families that braved the journey. The weather was superb. Pat and I had a great time as well as having the opportunity to explore new ports and destinations.
We still have plenty planned for the remainder of the season. Let's see your face at the place!
Last month's meeting at Inner Harbor Marina was well attended. Hopefully, we'll be able to say the same this month when we meet in St Michaels. Come by land or sea.
Deposits are now being accepted for our frost bite cruise to Inner Harbor Marina. Those wishing to reserve slips are required to make a $30 check payable to Inner Harbor Marina and forward to Jane Wiertel. There are 12 slips reserved, when they are taken there are no more. Please note, the raft up is being moved to Fairlee Creek from Hart Miller by popular demand. Same date. Another note, the cruise to Tolchester Marina is now going to Worton Creek Marina. Same date.
The Bush River Hydroplane races are coming up soon on our agenda. Need to know who's attending, space is limited.
Our next cruise is to St Michael's Harbor Inn Marina. All reservations have been sent in. Anyone else wishing to attend can call the marina for reservations.
The cruise to Delaware City and the cruise boat to Fort Delaware is August 4-6. Reservations are in, there may be room if you hurry.
Let me know.
GREETINGS FROM THE REAR:
As I look over the last month's activities, I see some highlights that would be best shared.
At the "Tall Ships" in Inner Harbor, Bill Cousins took a boat load of us out at night to get a closer look at the tall ships. We were in his 21 foot and there were 8 of us. (Maximum capacity 10 @150 lbs.) Well...we played "musical chairs" until we found the best way to balance the boat, but good fun was had by all.
As for the vacation cruise, "Hardy Boater" award goes to George and Carolyn Eney. They had a fuel pump problem with one engine cutting out and refusing to restart every time they slowed the boat to dock, making them dock with one engine. This problem reared its head the first day of vacation and continued. I GIVE YOU FULL CREDIT! I would have quit. Yet, they continued every leg of the journey, until Saturday, July 8, when the engine would not start.
One of our highlights was the "community breakfast," the last day of the trip, Sunday, July 9. Unfortunately, we were only two boats by then, the Vera Jean and Epicurean. However, we had a great meal.
A special thank you to Jack and Candy Varnes for arranging the games for along the cruise.
Congratulations to David and Karen Kent who took top honors on the scavenger hunt, and to Carol Faulkner who won the poker game.
Thanks to all of you that went on the vacation cruise. It was the participation of the members that made it a great TOBCA event.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
The Crew's Cruise
Laurie & Luigi Toto (SEA RAIDER)
It was our first 10 day cruise with Top Of The Bay. What a great time we had! Out of 7 days, only ONE day of bad seas. Windmill Point is a beautiful marina. We met Bill, the dock master. He still has his southern charm. We started our poker game there, a card a day for a dollar. The lucky lady was Carol from Robin's Nest. King's Mill was great, went to a lot of places. We had to try Captain George famous Seafood Buffet. Our friends from the camp ground came over. We also met them at Cape Charles where we had a crab feast on Vera. From there we cruised up the Onancock River, where Jerry & Judy joined us by car.
On our way back, we stopped for fuel at the Solomans and decided to stay at Spring Cove. Bout Time stayed too because this was the day the wind came from the north.
Day 9 we met Pat & Dave at Tolchester. We can't wait until the next trip, everyone was great. For us it was 3 new marinas, met new people, discovered new towns, went 490 miles, 33 Hours running time (a good guess) We missed the friends that could not be with us we're sure their spirts were with us.
Don & Vera (VERA JEAN)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!