Rafterrancho Found!

Indian Creek - a sleepy creek off of the Chesapeake Bay's Fleet's Bay section of the Northern Neck. It's banks are dotted by nice homes of retirees, mostly from the DC area. A big event on the creek is when a grain barge moves fully loaded from the elevators next to the creek's only marina.

Some boats from the Solomon's Table started arriving on Wednesday. But they just moved to the marina. Nothing unusual there.

Then, early in the afternoon on Thursday, Orza came calling. She took up a position between green "11" and red "12." A few smaller boats were keeping station while Orza set her anchor. The locals had no idea what was about to transpire. Stargazer was moving up the river with Talisman just behind. Stargazer moved into take the port position with Orza while Casual Class taking the starboard side. The raft started taking form. Tardis moved in next to Casual Class while the recently arrived Blue Moon tied up next to Stargazer. An hour later, thirteen boats were lashed together. Then a party broke out...go figure.

Brothers from the Chesapeake, Solomon's, Savannah & Sun Coast Tables spent the afternoon swimming, eating and catching up with each others lives. The party finally broke down just before midnight. This disappointed the crew of Bumboo who were hoping to find someone still up when they arrived at 4 AM on Friday morning.

Cruising for the Rafterrancho (Part 2) - 2011

When we last left our cruising couples, they were snugged into Jackson Creekafter a series of storms on Monday. Tuesday, they broke anchor, took on some very expensive fuel at Deltaville Marina and headed north. Winds were heavy from the south. After rounding Stingray Point, the boats decided to head north to the Ingrams Bay area (Cockrell creek, Great Wicomico River & Mill Creek). It was a wing-to-wing downwind run all the way.

Along the way, Hampshire Rose radioed that the were sailing south from Solomon's Island and would be rendezvousing with the others for the evening. With the strong southerly winds, we decided to tuck into Mill Creek for the evening. Rob & Holly showed up a few hours before sunset. Celebration of the Brotherhood and their good fortune followed into the evening until the insects of the night came to the party. Then it was time for bed.

With a hot Wednesday in store, the cruising couples decided a beach day at Foxwell's was the way to spend the day. Ideal SW winds came up just after noon which allowed for an excellent sailing day, tacking south to Fleet's Bay. The beach was deserted so they claimed it in the name of the Brotherhood and set to exploit it for sun, cool water and fun. Pictures were taken to capture the physical prowess of the Brothers and feminine forms of the Captives.

In preparation for possible storms, the three boats moved a few miles into the Antipoison Creek and anchored seperately for the evening. Casual Class reported in from Jackson Creek (a short way as the crow flies but somewhat of a distance for navigating). In the morning everyone would be moving to Indian Creek for the raft-up segment of the Rafterrancho.

Cruising for the Rafterrancho (Part 1) - 2011

The length of the days had been increasing daily for months. It was reaching its annual peak which could only mean one thing: time for the Summer Solstice cruise! Fresh Air and Talisman had been preparing for weeks. Despite some early morning problems getting a tender to Rebel Marina both boats left before noon, headed for Mobjack Bay.

A wonderful late afternoon was spent on the beach adjacent to the New Point Comfort lighthouse before the boats headed to the East River for an evening anchorage. The next day, plans were made to head north up the Bay...getting closer to the location of this year's (third annual?) Rafterrancho in Indian River. With hopes of a close haul up the coast of Virginia's middle peninsula, the two boats were disappointed as the wind clocked around to the northwest right around the time they made the turn around New Point Comfort. Confused and choppy seas made for an uncomfortable and slow slog so they abandoned the sails and motored north. Jackson Creek provided a great anchorage for the storms that developed over night.

Master & Commander Return - Now there are Seven

Two days of preparations had preceded the official return of our "globulaur" brother. The fleet left Rebel Marina late in the morning for a rendezvous with Pappy Jovial at noon at Lambert's Point on the Elizabeth River. There was some wind so Talisman left early to sail down the river in advance of the rest of the welcoming fleet. When the fleet caught up with Talisman, her Captain called for the start of the iron jenny. The response was negative; a problem with the starter motor left the boat with wind power only. The rest of the fleet cruised on by.

Pappy Jovial rendezvoused with the fleet at the appropriate time with the trumpeting of horns and bursts of activity on the marine radio. Some comments were made about Talisman perhaps needing a set of oars. The fleet turned around, headed back to Rebel Marina. Along the way they passed the motor-less Talisman, offering a tow. But, true to form, the crew of Talisman were determined to return to port under the power of the wind.

Once back at its new home, Pappy Jovial brought the number of Brotherhood boats at Rebel Marina to seven.

Master & Commander Return - Part 2

Brothers from the outlying tables arrived throughout the day. Even a random pirate who tried luring some of the ladies away! Everyone gathered for afternoon drinks and appetizers aboard Orza. As the sun started heading for the west, there was a dinner call for the crew. Reservations had been made several miles down the southern shore of the Chesapeake Bay at Captain Groovy's. The cat herd eventually moved down the pier toward the parking lot. Sometime later, everyone found a ride and twenty six people were on their way to dinner.

We arrived safely and the crew was seated. Libations were ordered from the professional wait staff while me

nus were reviewed. Food was ordered and the kitchen did a fine job of delivering a very large order in a timely fashion.

The brothers and captives were pleased with the service.

There was rumor that Papy Jovial had slipped into the area early and was holed up in a Portsmouth marina incognito. This was later confirmed when one of its crew members - Swedish Navigator - showed up at the

restaurant. Gary was welcomed with several sets of open arms and managed to get his order in before the rest finished their meals.

After a fine meal and grog, some of the crew returned to Rebel Marina for a nightcap aboard Orza. Others headed home for some rest before the main event - Brise-Galets return - on Sunday.

Master & Commander Return - Pt. 1

Brise-Galets, our cruising brother had been out for two years, literally cruising our small planet. His return was scheduled for May 1st. In celebration our Table organized a welcome home party. Word had gotten out to the other US tables and several brothers - including the US Captain - decided to come and help welcome the wandering wayfarer home.

It started Friday evening with a small gathering of three brothers - Oso, Rocket Boy and Upwind - and their captives - Marsha, Sherrie and June (respectively) - for a bit of dinner in downtown Norfolk. We met at Rocket Boy's condominium, caught up with each other before heading out for pizza. It was the perfect spring evening.

April 2011 Tip-A-Few

A killer spring storm came through early Saturday evening bringing a beautiful Sunday in its wake. We gathered for the semi-permanent April Tip-A-Few at the condominium of El Maestro and his captive Andrea Jean ("AJ"). The picnic area is accessed by a small bridge that spans a beautiful lake in the back of their complex. Pure blue skies, the bright lime green of early spring and ducks fighting over mating rights provided the backdrop for our gathering. Drinks - including the demon rhum - good food and great desserts provided the sustenance.

Conversation spanned many topics. First and foremost were taxes. Many people had recently finished the annual rite of filing their taxes with the IRS. The relief was palpable. Of course, most of the other conversations centered on boats and the springtime haul-outs thereof: blisters, failed through-hulls, blown out exhaust systems and what bottom paint to use. We also discussed the trials, tribulations and times of our brothers who are still cruising abroad. All are expected back this spring with Bernard's return from a two year, around the world cruise coming up in two weeks! If Rob & Holly stick around a while (before cruising north for the summer), we might have the whole table back together for a brief time before summer arrives.