Departing Chesapeake

Greets all, especially those of you in the Bay. Please accept my apologies for not being in touch nor finding the time to tell lies of adventures past and present. However since we got down here, (Chris & Chris) its been a steady push to get the boat ready, thanks to Chris B. Due to the weather over the weekend we are leaving port for Chesapeake City to sit out the thundershowers and then make our way down to Cape May most likely in two hops. from there its up the Jersey Coast to Atlantic City, Brielle, Sandy Hook and then NYC where we will reprovision and set the boat up for the next leg up the Hudson. The good news (all in one week) - engine serviced and all fuel components replaced and cleaned - water intake system cleaned and hoses replaced as needed -new plugs installed, engine runs like a top now. - AC system is now fully operational with an addition house battery, so one cranking, two house, with all DC loads on the house bank and new battery charger installed and tested. - all deck fittings checked and refastened, every single accessible bolt/screw, cotter pin or O ring (1550 miles to go) - dink repaired and tested, she's a little wet but should get us out of trouble if needed. - com check completed and radio's functional - gps systems checked and functional - two sets of electronic charts and paper charts thanks to Chris B, and two computers. - radar reflector installed. - rope from shaft drive removed (thanks chris) ....its one of those dont ask me why issues, but it was rather funny. - all lights checked and functional - all standing rigging checked and cleared - all running rigging checked and all, pullies, whinched etc, lubed - sail slide lubed and new "preventer" put in place (a simple piece of rope) as that darn clip always wants to come undone when you bring down the main. - new used 35lbs CQR storm anchor (100 bucks off craigslist) arrived, tested and installed on foredeck - tanks filled and flushed and refilled. - fuel guage remains off line, but not an issue. 11 gallon tank, hr meter works and we run 1gal/hr so we are good and we are carrying 2x5gal spare tanks so lots of fuel. -sail check complete and main pre-set to first reef point, all lines marked and preset so its a simple pull, pull, pull and your off the deck in less then 2-3 minutes. -anchor sail checked and functional. - new mountain climbing loop purchased from REI to make preset bridle for anchor rode, slip it on, wrap twice through itself, then push down with boat pole, and tie off with standard 3 strand braid on opposite cleat to bring rode to center line of boat. The entire system can be preset. (got this trick off cruisersforum) - cabin denuded, truck loaded and put into storage so I can come back to pick it up in five weeks. - little chance for "strewnage' on the boat while underway. The best news: HS/Customs is Baltimore, Ms Betty is simply amazing. Provided me with an export permit for 19US, meaning that I am cleared all the way to Kingston ON Canada, with no check in required with HS. Supper nice woman and knows her stuff, and will assist to make life simple and easy. My hat is off to this woman. The not so good news: OWL anchor light from Fiji did not make it in time. No time to "yarn" with all of you in the Bay, so pls accept my apologies as this is something I was really looking forward too. We are actually leaving Rock Hall......that sucks. Nice place, good people, uncomplicated, leaving behind lots of friends and characters. Hope to be back in the summer of 2011 as the boat is going home to Picton ON (google that one as its a pretty harbour) where she will be rebuild and outfitted for proper voyageing. Things that need to be addressed include: - haul out and bottom redone - ports replaced with lexan - electrical reone and relocated - bow rollers installed - propane locker build and propane dickerson heater installed - 80 watt solar panel and rig installed - all deck fitting removed and rebedded with all existing holes redrilled, expoxied and redrilled - chainplates refasted - interior cabinetry mods to accommodate dry storage Most of the work will be done in the winter in Port Credit Marina where folks on Lake ON winter over. Nice setting as its a burb of Toronto so you have access to everything by bicycle, sub-way or car. Cost is 1700 for the season inclusive of 30AMP power. Here the boat will be shrink wrapped over a jig (mast up boom down) at 8 ft on deck, to 1 foot above the water line, the trick being its clear, so the boat basically becomes a green house. This will also be the time to figure out and test a proper insulation system. Thats about it from the Bay and Rock Hall. Will update the list on progress north, if desired, as internet access becomes available. We will try to do this trip on the hook as much as possible to test out systems and practise and improve skills. In other words, trial and error with marina's as backup and warmup as needed. Only planned marina access is for fuel and water. All for now, and thanks for understanding. Keep well all. this is one jewel of an area and one where folks treat you real well. My best -- /ch

Chris, impressive list. Sorry we missed you. Bon voyage (or is that Quebec talk?). We'll catch up with you next time. From my end, off to the boat yard again. Hope to have my rehab CAL 25 ready to race the NOODs next week. Also a long list. Cheers Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of chris123 Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 8:22 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [Cal_Boats] Departing Chesapeake Greets all, especially those of you in the Bay. Please accept my apologies for not being in touch nor finding the time to tell lies of adventures past and present. However since we got down here, (Chris & Chris) its been a steady push to get the boat ready, thanks to Chris B. Due to the weather over the weekend we are leaving port for Chesapeake City to sit out the thundershowers and then make our way down to Cape May most likely in two hops. from there its up the Jersey Coast to Atlantic City, Brielle, Sandy Hook and then NYC where we will reprovision and set the boat up for the next leg up the Hudson. The good news (all in one week) - engine serviced and all fuel components replaced and cleaned - water intake system cleaned and hoses replaced as needed -new plugs installed, engine runs like a top now. - AC system is now fully operational with an addition house battery, so one cranking, two house, with all DC loads on the house bank and new battery charger installed and tested. - all deck fittings checked and refastened, every single accessible bolt/screw, cotter pin or O ring (1550 miles to go) - dink repaired and tested, she's a little wet but should get us out of trouble if needed. - com check completed and radio's functional - gps systems checked and functional - two sets of electronic charts and paper charts thanks to Chris B, and two computers. - radar reflector installed. - rope from shaft drive removed (thanks chris) ....its one of those dont ask me why issues, but it was rather funny. - all lights checked and functional - all standing rigging checked and cleared - all running rigging checked and all, pullies, whinched etc, lubed - sail slide lubed and new "preventer" put in place (a simple piece of rope) as that darn clip always wants to come undone when you bring down the main. - new used 35lbs CQR storm anchor (100 bucks off craigslist) arrived, tested and installed on foredeck - tanks filled and flushed and refilled. - fuel guage remains off line, but not an issue. 11 gallon tank, hr meter works and we run 1gal/hr so we are good and we are carrying 2x5gal spare tanks so lots of fuel. -sail check complete and main pre-set to first reef point, all lines marked and preset so its a simple pull, pull, pull and your off the deck in less then 2-3 minutes. -anchor sail checked and functional. - new mountain climbing loop purchased from REI to make preset bridle for anchor rode, slip it on, wrap twice through itself, then push down with boat pole, and tie off with standard 3 strand braid on opposite cleat to bring rode to center line of boat. The entire system can be preset. (got this trick off cruisersforum) - cabin denuded, truck loaded and put into storage so I can come back to pick it up in five weeks. - little chance for "strewnage' on the boat while underway. The best news: HS/Customs is Baltimore, Ms Betty is simply amazing. Provided me with an export permit for 19US, meaning that I am cleared all the way to Kingston ON Canada, with no check in required with HS. Supper nice woman and knows her stuff, and will assist to make life simple and easy. My hat is off to this woman. The not so good news: OWL anchor light from Fiji did not make it in time. No time to "yarn" with all of you in the Bay, so pls accept my apologies as this is something I was really looking forward too. We are actually leaving Rock Hall......that sucks. Nice place, good people, uncomplicated, leaving behind lots of friends and characters. Hope to be back in the summer of 2011 as the boat is going home to Picton ON (google that one as its a pretty harbour) where she will be rebuild and outfitted for proper voyageing. Things that need to be addressed include: - haul out and bottom redone - ports replaced with lexan - electrical reone and relocated - bow rollers installed - propane locker build and propane dickerson heater installed - 80 watt solar panel and rig installed - all deck fitting removed and rebedded with all existing holes redrilled, expoxied and redrilled - chainplates refasted - interior cabinetry mods to accommodate dry storage Most of the work will be done in the winter in Port Credit Marina where folks on Lake ON winter over. Nice setting as its a burb of Toronto so you have access to everything by bicycle, sub-way or car. Cost is 1700 for the season inclusive of 30AMP power. Here the boat will be shrink wrapped over a jig (mast up boom down) at 8 ft on deck, to 1 foot above the water line, the trick being its clear, so the boat basically becomes a green house. This will also be the time to figure out and test a proper insulation system. Thats about it from the Bay and Rock Hall. Will update the list on progress north, if desired, as internet access becomes available. We will try to do this trip on the hook as much as possible to test out systems and practise and improve skills. In other words, trial and error with marina's as backup and warmup as needed. Only planned marina access is for fuel and water. All for now, and thanks for understanding. Keep well all. this is one jewel of an area and one where folks treat you real well. My best -- /ch ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links

There is a great anchorage just past the 231 bridge on the C & D canal just across from Shaeffer's Canal House Restaurant on the south side of the canal. Stay to the left on the way in, but inside water is deep all around.

TKS. much appreciated. Trip reports are all sanitized to keep friends and family unconcerned. Accurate details will follow as time and internet connections allow. Lets just say blasting down Delaware Bay at 9 knots on the engine alone (wind less then 5 knots) outrunning thunder and lightening was a blast. Got in to Hudson Marina just in time to spend a safe night at dockside. River was over 40 feet deep in some places as everything is flooded in Lower Delaware and the river current alone was over 4 knots. At the entrance and heading south you have to be aware and keep a sharp lookout for crab pots that are every where if you stay to the east of the shipping lanes. Water is thin but with the current flood stage, plenty of depth all the way to Cape May. Cape May is interesting, the only really dicey part was the railway bridge as all the water is pinched and there is a wicked current in there. Had to push the engine to the max to get through and then the trani started slipping. Chris and I has to do some trick manouvering to make it through and keep her pointed into the headwaters, slip sliding all the way. Took about 5 to 10 minutes to get through but seemed like an hour. Laid up in Cape May to wait out the weather and see what I can do with the trani. Moyer's A-4 Manual is good. There is an adjusting nut that needs to be tensioned but getting at is the challenge for the day. More later. /ch