Re: [Cal_Boats] insane to move to the chesapeake? (reggie)

Reggie - I don't know what your sailing season is in Montanna but I can't imagine it being longer than here on the Chesapeake as you can sail year round most of the time depending on your stamina. My wife and I have spent the night on our boat as late as the first week in November without a heater. I have heard that some people actually haul their boat in August to do work on it as the winds are generally light, too hot and humid to spend the night comfortably, the yards are empty, everything dries quickly (bottom paint, varnish, etc) and then splash again in September for the start of the Fall winds. I forget how many miles of shoreline we have but suffice to say you could cruise the Bay for quite some time before seeing it all. As far as costs go, the Eastern shore is generally cheaper and less crowded than the Western shore. I actually just got my slip rental fee in the mail today for the City of Cambrdige and it is $1938 and payable in 2 installments Feb 1 and May 1. This is for a brand new 40' slip as the marina was just expanded 2 years ago. I hauled out at Yacht Maintenance Co. in Cambridge for $1000 and dry storage from Nov to April (powerwash and blocking included). I mention the blocking being included as a buddy of mine in New York had to buy his own stands! As mentioned, you do not have to haul your boat in the winter but we always do because I don't want to have to worry about it and use the winter time to catch up on crap that I put off all summer to go sailing ;-). There are other intangibles too . . . if you want to move up to a bigger boat there is nothing stopping you. If you want to sail in the ocean we are connected, the National Sailing Hall of Fame is going to be built in Annapolis. Annapolis has been a stop over for the Volvo Ocean Race a couple of times. You can race grass roots or against the best in the world or you can try your hand at overnight races. There is also a ton of history in this area if that kind of thing interests you. I took the shots below for one of our club races in late October and yes, that light house is at an angle (assuming these shots come thru). Basically we try to launch in mid to late April and haul out mid to late November as we are more warm weather sailors. If you want to come out sometime and get a feel for the area and see it at its best, I'd suggest coming out Columbus Day weekend for the Annapolis Boat Show and try to get a ride on one of the boats in the Good ole Boat Regatta. Let us know how we can help - Paul West Adventure Kwest '80 Cal 39 In a message dated 1/6/2010 3:23:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, my… [at] hotmail.com writes: recent weather events in the Chesapeake as reported by chris and commented upon by many have led us to ask the question: Are we insane to consider moving our boat to the chesapeake? Potentially abismal winter weather at a time when we might like to escape same in MT, is sounding less and less appealing. Also, substantial dock fees, plus hauling, storing, etc. each year. Sounda like a sailing season which parallels our sailing season in MT, which we wnjoy and would hate to miss. no place prettier than here in the summer sailing season. What am I missing? We are beginning to wonder about alternatives. Reggie