Liquid Sunshine and the New Cat - July 20-22, 2012

New crew and renewing crew visited “Kelly IV” and CaptMurph last weekend. Unlike the many hot, humid days experienced much of the previous summer days, this weekend was just plain wet. Experienced crew Guy Stewart, Bill & Sarah Paviol introduced new crew Ed and Meredith Stewart to “Kelly IV” and Capt Murph. Due to the long drive from Pittsburgh and St. Mary's, PA, the weekend crew didn't arrive until after 11pm, but that was just in time to fire up the galley stove for some late night burgers and munchies. Once hunger was sated, the crew, new and old, toured the new catamaran that is a major yacht in the Moorings fleet in Annapolis. Once the appropriate oohs and aahs were expressed, it was finally late enough for everyone to return to “Kelly” and crash in their bunks for the night.

Sarah, Ed and Meredith

The next day continued with unceasing liquid sunshine, so the sea trial of the new powercat was cancelled. Breakfast was still a grand success which is always the case when this crew is running the show on board “Kelly.” Bill was the primary chef, but had significant assists from Guy and Ed. Murph, Sarah and Meredith merely enjoyed the fruits of their labors.

Murph had to attend to his broker's duties, so the crew hit the town of Annapolis for a day of touring enjoyment, visiting the shops, walking the thoroughfares, and ducking between the raindrops.

Sarah at CaptMurph's office

That evening, the crew put together another grand meal, proving that we never starve and usually eat much too well on board “Kelly IV.” The evening downpours maintained the damp atmosphere, so “Kelly's” crew shrugged it off and played 500 through the evening until sack time.

Sarah and Meredith aboard "Sylvester"

The next day was still cloudy, but the indomitable crew sallied forth on board the new catamaran, “Sylvester.” The slick new yacht was soon operated by Meredith and Sarah (under CaptMurph's watchful eye) and they did a great job steering “Sylvester” towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, northeast of Annapolis.

Dads, Ed & Bill, enjoy the sail as their daughters steer

A mild breeze filled in for a time so the boat drifted under sail for about an hour and a half, covering about about a mile and a half. Not fast, but it was a lazy, comfortable day to be out on the water.

"Sylvester", Leopard 39 sailing catamaran

Crossing under the bridge was both the turning point to head south for Thomas Point Lighthouse as well as breaking out the fixins for a terrific lunch. The little breeze we had was now nearly nonexistent, so the engines were fired up for a motorsail south. As we passed one yacht after another, at least one crew member was heard to be asking those on a nearby yacht, “might you have any Grey Poupon?”

Thomas Point Lighthouse is the only screw-pilelighthouse in the bay which stands at its original site. Others exist at museums and are great to visit, but sailing past the light at Thomas Point always seems special. “Sylvester” took the “Kelly” crew nearby for photos, then returned everyone safely to the docks at Annapolis Landing Marina in time for the long trip home.