Annapolis almost to Smith Island, then Solomons Island, MD, May 27-28, 2013
After motoring all night to cover the distance from Annapolis and with only ten miles to go, Kelly IV reversed her course to leave Smith Island, the primary destination of the week's cruise, astern.
The breeze had been very light, even non-existent at times through the night and on the nose in any event, so Kelly IV was motor sailing with only the mainsail raised. The crew, Bob, Jack and Murph, had set out from Annapolis the evening before about 8:30pm, expecting a midday arrival at Smith Island, a 66 nautical miles (nm) sail. Jack stood the first watch in the dwindling twilight and piloted Kelly IV out the Severn River past Tolly Point into the Chesapeake Bay. All three of us were in the cockpit as we peered into the darkness to make certain the lights we saw didn't become seaborne obstacles. We noted that the traffic was significantly more than what we'd ever seen plying Lake Erie and the highly populated western shore made identifying a number of the lights rather difficult as the shoreside lights tended to wash out many of the lights on the water. It proved fun and adventuresome as we identified the numerous ships, boats and barges making their way up and down the Chesapeake.
In the wee hours before dawn we noticed a tow boat pulling a barge suddenly was coming back towards us after passing us by a half hour earlier. Just as we were deciding to steer a significant course change away from them, we got a hail on the VHF radio calling for the sailboat motoring near the gas dock. As we were then passing the LNG docks just north of the Patuxent River, and the only vessel near the docks for miles around (excepting the tow and barge) we knew they were calling us. We answered immediately, but got no reply. Our theory is that once they saw that we had changed course to sail away from them, there was no need to spend additional time on the radio.
Dawn broke gradually taking time to decide if the sun would make a full showing or stay behind the clouds. As we closed on the bombing practice grounds and the rusted target hulks settled on the bottom of the bay, the decision was confirmed and the sun was in her full glory, a beautiful day on the water. All the crew were up and about discussing what the curious Smith Island accent might sound like and how good the Smith Island cakes really were. With only 10 nm to go, the engine shut off without warning. When the engine sighed to a stop, it wasn't clear why, as the fuel, water temperature, and oil pressure gauges reported no problems.
The crew immediately unfurled the jib as the breeze had been building through the morning, although directly ahead. With the jib drawing, Kelly was comfortably moving under sail, but downwind away from Smith Island.
The fuel gauge indicated a nearly full starboard tank (the tank we'd been tapped into), but it soon dawned on me that I was guilty of not keeping proper track of our fuel. Kelly IV has two eighteen gallon diesel tanks for a total of 36 gallons. Although Kelly IV's trips to date were short, a certain amount of engine time had been required, but not well-documented. I dashed below and switched fuel tanks. After a few false starts, Kelly's engine fired up and kept running, albeit a bit rough at first. Not knowing a lot about diesel engines, my confidence was low that fuel was the only issue and now resolved. After a bit of discussion it was decided that it would be better to work our way to a port with good diesel facilities rather than risk the uncertain resources at Smith Island. Also, if there proved to be a significant problem and we had to leave the boat, it would be much easier on everyone if we made the western shore.
Although a bit disappointed that we'd not make our destination, the gorgeous day and wonderful breeze made for a terrific sail to Solomons Island, Maryland. Our new port of call has numerous and excellent facilities as well as being located immediately across the river from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. This made for a very positive and enjoyable day of sailing especially as we saw the various aircraft landing and taking off, including fighters, helicopters, cargo planes and even a dirigible.
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| Large prop plane landing at NAS, Patuxent River |
Our sail for this leg of the trip covered 83 nm as we sailed 56nm from Annapolis then 27 nm back north to Solomons. This leg of the sail is the gray course line on the chartlet.
After topping off both tanks with diesel fuel, we dropped anchor and dinghied ashore to enjoy a restaurant meal and get the Calvert Maritime Museum hours. Our plans were to see the museum in the morning before departing to out next destination back up the bay. Of course, all plans are subject to change as we proved with our Smith Island destination. And who knows who we'll meet, even while quietly sitting at anchor. Stay tuned for the next installment.
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