Memorial Day Raft-up - 2009

It wasn't an official event. The Memorial Day Raft-up was just an ad-hoc group of Brothers from the Table that wanted to get away on their boats for the holiday weekend. We discussed the location on Friday night, after appropriate libations, and determined that Schoolhouse Point, in the Severn River, off of Mobjack Bay, would be the best bet for a weekend.

Saturday turned out to be as good as the weathermen had said it would: deep blue skies, some high clouds with lower clouds appearing over land. The wind swung from the SW to the SE in the early afternoon and filled in nicely, propelling the sailboats to their northern destination. Cat Nap had left the day before and called down the Bay when the rest of the Brotherhood fleet got within radio range. He was in Mobjack's East River and requested our company in his own unique way. Word was passed down the line so everyone knew of the new location.

As Talisman arrived, Tardis was rafted with Orza. Blue Moon was a mile behind us and Bumboo a mile further. Soon the raft was formed, along with Mortar Offer, a friend of Cruz and Floater. Libations flowed while friends got reacquainted and the evening meal was prepared. Dancing and singing started to an "oldies" playlist Upwind had created. At one point, the ladies formed a chorus line for a rousing accompanyment of Johnny River's, The Poor Side of Town. The summer cruising season was underway.

We stayed rafted all day on Sunday with many dinghy trips to various parts of the river. The ladies kept everyone fed and the second day of the holiday weekend was declared a success. The exuberance of the previous evening couldn't be matched as everyone retired early. On Monday, the raft disbanded just before noon. With no appreciable wind, the sailboats motored south across Mobjack Bay. Later in the day, a breeze established itself from the southeast. The motors were turned off and the sailboats made their way home via wind power.

Once back at Rebel Marina, the raft up continued as most of the Chesapeake Brothers keep their boats there now. El Maestro and AJ, who couldn't make the trip, were on their boat when the fleet came in. They were able to join their Brothers on the final day of the holiday weekend.