Double barrel Tip-a-Few

The "Statsraad Lehmkuhl", no stranger to the US brotherhood, was in town for a short visit. This also brought to town brother Dogwaes and brother Swedish Navigator.

The captain of the Norvegian Tall Ship, brother Marcus Seidl, had invited the table to join a function held on the ship, and the whole table, as usual only short of those who were out of town, turned up at 8:00 p.m. sharp at the ship's gangway.

After drinks on deck, to get us started, brother and ship's captain Marcus took us to the officers quarters where e could meet as brothers. A set of brotherhood shot glasses was presented to brother Marcus by our table captain brother Rocket Boy. After that, we were taken on a brief tour of the ship before heading below deck for a norvegian buffet (salmon and whale among other things) with the other guests and the cadets and permanent crew of the Statsraal Lehmkuhl. To help the food go down smoothly, we were treated to a norvegian shanty by the cadets.

This was certainly an extraordinary Tip a Few and a memorable experience. This might only be one episode in the relationship of our table with that wonderful training vessel.

The next day, since brothers Dogwaes and Swedish Navigator were still in town, table captain Rocket Boy invited all of us to a spaghetti dinner. Again, most of us were able to make it and we enjoyed a friendly and pleasant evening with no shortage of excellent food and wine.

Until next time, you can still check the photo album of the table.

October-ween / Hallo-fest Tip-A-Few. . . .

The Chesapeake Bay Table wrapped up a very busy month of October with their traditional monthly Tip-A-Few gathering - this time hosted by Brother Blue Stache and Sook Diana on the deck of Ocean Marine Yacht Center in Portsmouth. With a perfectly timed break in the rainy weather of the past 4 days, Brothers came by sea, land vehicle and foot to share in the festivities featuring grilled bratwurst, beans, potato salad, super dessert cakes and, of course, that demon RUM!!!

After a month of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, the Virginia Wine Festival, and more, the Table took this time to just catch up with each other and enjoy a level of comraderie – celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, pretty new vehicles, etc. Unfortunately, Brother Limey and Sook Holly and Brother Piper were not able to join us since Limey was anchored off the Wacamaw River in South Carolina on their way south for the winter and Piper was participating in his annual re-enactment camping trip.

The Table was very fortunate to have Brother Felix (Paul Anderson) and Captive Erika from the Gold Coast Table join in the event as they were passing through Norfolk on the motor vessel Magic – heading south from the far reaches of the Canadian provinces. They have visited this fair Table many times in the past and it is always a pleasure to have them here on the Chesapeake.

Another great event shared in the great traditions of the Brotherhood of the Coast.


PS : As always, more pictures on the photo album of the Chesapeake Bay table

The work was in the Galley. . . . .

The Chesapeake Bay Table gathered in the far reaches of the waterways of Mathews County – Put-In Creek off the East River in Mobjack Bay – for a 4th consecutive Labor Day weekend to honor all those working folks, trying to get by!! This annual Tip-A-Few was at the direction of Brothers Pilot and Upwind. The thing that can be said with certainty is the work done over this 3 day raft-up of 8 vessels; 9 Brothers; 1 Engage with partner; 9 Sooks; 4 guests; 24 folks total, was done in the galleys of these gathered vessels.

The raft began forming Saturday afternoon with Party Central, ORZA, as the anchor vessel. Soon, Hampshire Rose (returning from 4+ weeks up north), Talisman, Casual Class, Blue Moon, Fresh Air, and Cat Nap joined in with the announcement, Dinner at 7:00!! The vessel Shanty joined us on Sunday. The rest of the weekend was more of the same – some of the best meal combinations for every meal - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, desserts, WOW!! That’s really saying a lot since we are used to good food. From the coconut shrimp to the superb beef and pork, right on down to the ‘parsnips’ – it was really great!!

The weather was terrific, winds were gentle and the company beyond reproach so dinghy adventures (shopping and trash runs), boat projects, ‘12 ounce curls’, cannon fire (although a very polite local shore side resident requested this activity stop at dusk on Sunday – request honored – shaking his living room window was probably not the best idea) and Andanadas ensued throughout. Just swinging on the hook with the tides – how bad can it get?

By late morning Monday, everyone was heading south (yes the winds had come southerly instead of the northerlies of trip up), back to the real ‘labor days’ waiting in the home ports. Another classic Brotherhood weekend in the Chesapeake.

Road Trip / Solomons . . . expanding on the Bay!!

One if by land, two if by . . . . oh that’s a different story. This adventure of the Chesapeake Bay Table / Norfolk involves a rally to boucan with the passenjeros of the soon to be Chesapeake Bay Table / Solomons. Five Brothers and Sooks and one Engage and partner arrived by land and three Brothers and Sooks arrived by sea at the summer home of Snapper King of the Keys Table IN MASS on Saturday, August 4, 2007. As could be expected of this group, a gathering at the infamous Tiki Bar on the Solomons waterfront including two by sea – ORZA & Upwind by jet ski for some liquid libation and discussion prior to the invasion. We were missing two couples that were already assisting Bernie & Margie at the homestead.

The Doves were exemplary in their Southern Maryland hospitality – providing lodging for those not on ORZA, Talisman and Hampshire Rose (10 folks), pool, libations, etc. We are honored to share in this great company. The Sooks and passenjero partners soon had the appetizers flowing, the pool filled up, and the passenjeros began to arrive.

This ‘road trip’ was a first for the National Brotherhood to provide a meeting of the identified passenjeros of a potential new US Table. Questions were asked and discussed one-on-one and in mass. The eight passenjeros in attendance were formally introduced to our Brothers and Sooks by Snapper King, Margie Dove the introduced the passenjero partners and the first meeting of the group was conducted by Pete Chabot – identified as the Captain for this new Table. The Chesapeake Bay Table / Norfolk is glad to have been able to implement this important process. We’re sure there will be more on the future of Solomons distributed soon.

Amid several Broadsides with appropriate Orza’s, the superb dinner was unfolding with more side dishes than can be remembered and featuring freshly caught Rockfish provided by several of the passenjeros along with grilled chicken.

The foodfest resumed early on Sunday morning with a great continental spread with most folks being on the road or waterways by 10:30. Another great event – what can only be termed as a resoundingly Great Time!!

And as always, more pictures on the table photo album.

Together again – Back on the Water!!

The Chesapeake Bay Table gathered the weekend of July 20-22 for a celebration of sorts – a celebration of just relaxing and being together again, celebration of beautiful (almost fall-like) weather and celebration of continued Table growth.

The strong winds terminated the planned raft-up for Friday evening so the party started on the deck of Casual Class at the docks of Rebel Marina. This made it possible for those who would not be able join the festivities on Saturday to share in the experience. Good food, tasty beverages, sea stories, and a generally good time was shared by all.

Saturday found 7 vessels rafted to perfect balance with the ‘traveling Table clubhouse’, Orza, picking up the Willoughby Bay mooring. Cannon fire, sailboat races (on the stern – on the bow), breeze – actually wind (unusual for late July), snacks, beverage, a spectacular dinner, and the elevation of the status of John Williams to that of Table Engage. John & better half, Susan, have been participating with us for sometime – he will look great in the rust-orange Engage official dress.

Saturday was such a good time, that Sunday started with a delicious and plentiful breakfast, followed by beverage and boat tasks, etc., followed by late lunch assorted snacks, delaying the breakup of the raft until 4:00pm. This was after a seamanship lesson in saving two wayward dinghy sailors from capsize and general total frustration. Another one for the record books.

And as always, there are more photos on the album of the table.

Until next time!!!

Chesapeake Bay Table – South / Norfolk

Share the loot get together

On Monday June 18, the table got together again, this time to share the loot left from the Zaf. In fact, this was another excuse to meet again. And this time again, all the brothers that were not prevented from showing up by work or travel were there, at our new captain's home.
Until next time . . . . .

US National Zaf 2007

Brothers and Captives,

I have just returned from Norfolk, VA and am able to report that the Chesapeake Table has lost none of its energy or inventiveness in sponsoring an incredible Zaf. This was the National Zaf for 2007 and there was just short of 100 total participants. From the Sun Coast, our attendees included Blind Mouth (Roger Meyers), Mr. Clean (Jon Frick), Listo (RK Ready), Rumbeaux/Goofy (Bob Hadley) and yours truly, The Crab, plus our lovely captives.

Stu Kauffman and Company outdid themselves at this event, which they had coincide with Virginia Sail 2007, a gathering of 31 "tall ships" in Norfolk harbor.

Thursday evening started with an all-you-can-eat (and drink) "crab fest" at the Norfolk Boat Club, a private venue on the harbor that the Chesapeake Table was able to reserve for the gathering of the brothers and captives. This building was located on the harbor front at the foot of Freemason Street in the historic downtown area. If you were not into hammering crab shells with heavy wooden dowels in an effort to extract the "innards," there was barbecued pork as an alternate entree (or in combination with the crustaceans) along with potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, etc. The kegs of draft beer were from St. George Brewery, a local microbrewery of some distinction, and I found the amber ale (in the British tradition) to be of exceptional quality (from what I can remember). The wine flowed for those adverse to fine ale. A splendid time was had by all.

Friday morning found the attendees of this soiree dispatching themselves to various boats of the brothers who were scheduled to sail in the parade of boats welcoming the Tall Ships. Cruz (Scott Ripley), Piper, (Scott Rogers), Blue Stache (Stu Kauffman), Floater (Eric Mathern), and others from the Chesapeake Table welcomed the visiting brothers and captives aboard for a wonderful day on the water as part of the parade of private yachts welcoming the ocean going sailing vessels from around the world as these impressive tall ships entered Norfolk Harbor. We were fed, given cold libations, and had first class seats for this event. Nothing short of marvelous. And we were all glad we were out on the water with a nice breeze, because it was 96 degrees on land. That made Florida seem cool. After the brothers' boats docked, many of us miraculously found our way to The BOC Hospitality Suite at the downtown Marriott (which was the host hotel) to slake our considerable thirst with a variety of adult beverages. Others found time to brave the heat and humidity and peruse the fair that the city sponsored on the waterfront to welcome the tall ships. This included arts and crafts, live music, more adult libations, etc.

At 6pm on Friday evening, we gathered at Waterside Harbor in the bustling downtown waterfront marina for a 3 hour cruise on American Rover, a schooner rigged sailing vessel. The BOC invasion took over the entire craft. Fortunately, adult beverages of all ilk's (the Rum Runners were particularly tasty) were available, and excellent sandwiches were distributed to all hands to keep our hunger at bay. After the three hour tour (I know you are thinking about the theme song from Gilligan's Island), some of us more hearty souls found our way back to the hospitality suite for more libations, mucho brotherhood, and fine cigars on the pool deck afterward. (It was a tough deal, but somebody had to do it.). By the way, Listo (RK Ready) introduced his new novel (Condemned to be Free) to the BOC in the hospitality suite, signing copies of his tome for the brothers and captives. Allegedly. it is loosely based on the life of Brise-Galets (Bernard Lefevre), but only Bernard and RK know for sure. For those interested in purchasing a copy, please contact RK, who can probably be coaxed into signing his name on your book.

For some of us (Table Captains and our seconds), as well as Ursa Major (National BOC Captain Tom Collier), Deputy Dawg (Frank Sessions) and Monty Python (Monty Rogers), Saturday morning came too fast. However, the National Captains Meeting was convened at 8:30am, despite the fact that there were several participants still trying to remember who had "over-served" them the night before. We also found ourselves competing with a Christian Rock band that was practicing in the next ballroom. Despite that distraction, several of the things that we discussed were as follows:

1) The National Captains Meeting in 2008 will be hosted by the Savannah Table sometime in the spring.

2) The 50th Anniversary Party of the BOC in the US will be hosted by the Houston Table in the spring of 2009.

3) The International Zaf scheduled for 2010 will be held in Australia as previously announced, and it will probably be sometime in March

While the "leadership" of the BOC met, the rest of the attendees were free to do as they pleased. This usually took people to the waterfront to browse among the tent booths that had been set us as part of the festivities, tour the tall ships, or visit the USS Wisconsin (one of four vessels of the Iowa class of battleships built during WW II), which is "in ordinary" (Navy lingo for mothballed), but is still on the vessel roster of the US Navy, though moored to the Nauticus Exhibit in the inner harbor.

After lunch, some of us found our way to ORZA, Cruz's (Scott Ripley) beautiful custom 58' Power Catamaran which was docked for the weekend at The Waterside Marina, right in the heart of the activities. We were welcomed aboard with the familiar refrain from Cruz, "Come on now, here is something to quench your thirst. I'm not going to hurt you too bad. If this stuff was bad for you, the government wouldn't allow it to be sold." Famous last words.

Considering that a Saturday night banquet was planned for us back at The Marriott starting with a cocktail hour at 6pm, with dinner following at 7pm, some of us had to remain (relatively) sober. The Saturday evening soirée was fabulous consisting of a buffet of considerable variety, and a bottle of rum on each table with special BOC shot glasses to celebrate the various toasts that always seem to accompany our functions. Stunningly, Blue Stache is stepping down from his "captain for life" position and Rocket Boy (Preston Carraway) is now the Table Captain of this Chesapeake "band of brothers." After dinner, an extraordinary 30 minute fireworks display took place over the harbor which many of us witnessed from the 6th floor pool deck of the Marriott. Of course, the Hospitality Suite was again the destination after the fireworks ceased.

A "good bye" brunch was held the following morning at The Marriott to wish everyone safe travels back to their destinations. Several brothers took Snapper King (Bernie Dove) up on his invitation to drive to his house in Solomon Island, MD and be his and captive Margie's guests for a few days following the Zaf., Mr Clean and Blind Mouth decided to take Snapper King up on that offer. Rumbeaux/Goofy and Marge arrived via land yacht (new 40' RV motorhome), so they will take their time returning to the Sun Coast (on the way to the Zaf, they were waylaid by Joczka (Joe Horvath) and his captive Maureen of the Savannah Table, and one wonders if the Hadleys can make it home without further damage to their livers in BOC meeting opportunities).

In addition to the splendid hospitality demonstrated by the Chesapeake Table, Country Boy (Mike Monteith), Piper (Scott Rogers) and El Maestro (Mark Eller) recorded a CD (I kid you not) called "Another Brotherhood Day" which was engineered by Upwind (Peter Dennert), containing the original title tune by Country Boy, as well as several covers of familiar (ie, Jimmy Buffet) tunes. Each attendee was provided with a copy of this CD and it makes a wonderful sonic background for consuming vast quantities of rum and other combustible substances. Accolades to Scott, Mark, Mike and Peter for this fine effort and innovative gift in the welcoming bag of goodies. The Chesapeake Table certainly sets the bar high on Zafs, and hopefully they will spur other Tables to new heights of Zafdom (I do not know if that's a word) in the future.

So that's a thumbnail sketch of the Chesapeake Bay Table National Zaf. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures to share with you because I did not have a camera, though I believe my captive was so equipped. I will have to find out where she has hidden that device.

Those that attended the Zaf had a wonderful time. The Sun Coast was well represented with 5 brothers and their captives. I strongly encourage anyone who has the time (and money) to make every effort to attend out-of-table functions. This is where we have the opportunity to experience the true spirit of the BOC and meet our brothers and captives from other areas, while having a most memorable time.

The pictures for this event are available on the Zaf photo album which will be updated regularly in the coming weeks. Keep checking !

ORZA,
The Crab a.k.a. John D.

Memorable memorial day raft up !

GROWTH. . . is good!!

Memorial Day is a day for remembering our veterans, both present and past, but for the Chesapeake Bay Table, it is also a day to add memories to the Table history by adding another long time Engage to the fraternity of Brothers. In 2006, Brother Boats was inducted the Table, and 2007 was no different, just the names were changed.

On Saturday, May 26, the Table’s on the water clubhouse (ORZA of Brother Cruz & Sook Ann) picked up the Willoughby Bay mooring and in less than 15 minutes, the clubhouse had grown appendages – Casual Class, Tardis, Chanty, Blue Moon, Talisman, Cat Nap and Windkist. All Brothers arriving sans vessels were then shortly aboard. The Table then gathered for the joyous occasion of bestowing upon Eric Matherne, the status of Brother. It was another great gathering – although Floater may have been over served since he emptied Tardis’ water tanks overnight – should have named him Faucet.

Shortly after the induction, a consistant Table Passenjero arrived to add another appendange. The remainder of the weekend was filled with casual sailing in gentle breezes under sunny skies. As far as holidays go – it doesn’t get any better than this!!
As always, there are more pictures on the table photo album.

Hooters, Waterside and Magic

It's gradually becoming a full time job to keep up with the get together of the table. This time we were welcoming very very special friends, brother Felix and Erika. Although it was kind of tough to find a date and time suitable for most brothers, we still got a very good attendance.
I personally think that the Hooters waitresses should visit the Y from time to time as their uniform is quite unforgiving. But that's just another silly thought from me.
Out still captain for life kind of unveiled a new table pin but only to a few privileged brothers who happened to get a glance of it. You would have to go to the table photo album to see it.
Another great evening in great company. Brother Felix is co-founder of the Savannah table and Erika's father is the kind of brother that I will keep looking up to. Pity they can't be around for the upcoming Zaf. But they will be back, when it is time to go back south.
So long !
And Orza !

Election day at the Chesapeake Bay table

On May 9th, another brother's only meeting took place. This time it was at O'Sullivan and apart from food, drinks and the joy of getting together again, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new captain and a second, who will take over as captain after 2 years.
The proceedings went smoothly with the help of a used hat and a few pieces of blank scrap paper.
In view of the complexity of the process, the elections committee may take a few weeks to examine the results. However, we have been told that those results might be ready for publication by the time of the upcoming National Zaf. So, be just a little patient.
At last count, we expect 91 participants for the Zaf, including one couple from overseas . . .

New engine on Shanty

Schooner Shanty: 52' LOA, 66,000 lbs.

First Sea trial w/Beta 3800 w/ 22x18 RH propeller and PRM 260 Transmission
2:1

800 RPM - 2.9n kts
1000 RPM - 3.4 kts
1500 RPM - 6.7 kts
1800 RPM - 7.2 kts
2000 RPM - 7.9 knots and beginning to squat
2600 RPM (full throttle)- Awesome(warp speed) (did you say Water skying ?)


A Perkins 4-108 (maybe 40 HP) was replaced w/ Beta 3800 (90 HP). The
Perkins was anemic, to be kind. The boat was designed for a minimum of about
75 HP. When she goes in gear the boat literally leaps forward and quickly
goes to about 3+ knots at idle. Maneuvering is postive and forceful with
surprising control even to stbd and there is no doubt when she goes in
gear....hang on to your beer! Except when pushing against a serious current
or pressing on regardless in a whole gale, I doubt the engine will ever see
much more than 2000 PRM of its 2600 max since she's at hull speed around
1800. The rest is pure reserve. Installer note: We pulled a honkin' cleat
right out of the dock when we first put it in gear expecting it to ease
forward gently.....year right. This engine is a brute.

Look out ORZA! Look out Talisman! Look out Cap Nap! Look Out Tardis! Look
Out All! We can keep up with you (well maybe not ORZA) and if you ever need
a tow home you can count on Shanty now!

Scott, sorry about all the stuff we cut out to get this big engine in the
little biddy hole... you probably need all those "interferences" anyway.

Country Boy

Another Texan is going through town

Brother "Lookout", from the Houston table, and "Swedish Navigator" from the Savannah table were in town after a last voyage aboard "Quivira" (which changed ownership during the trip). There is a possibility that brother "Lookout" will be sailing the Mississipi river in the near future around Memphis, TN. That surely would be interesting to have a table over there.
Anyhow, as usual, it only took a phone call the day before to have the whole table, brothers and sooks, gather at the Key West Grille in Portsmouth on Tuesday May 8th, to greet brothers Lookout and Swedish Navigator. We were only missing brothers Piper (working) and Rocket Boy (who was, where else ! in Houston, TX but was represented by Sherry).
Fresh off his graduation, brother El Maestro was sporting a new hair cut and looked kind of different.
Another great evening. We can't wait to get together again !

Never Too Late

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, several Chesapeake Bay Table Brothers shared in the college graduation of Brother El Maestro – sharing a sky box in the Ted Constant Center on the Old Dominion University campus – with food and beverage of choice!!!

After a successful career in the US Navy, Mark decided the GI Bill was a benefit of his years of service and set out to take full advantage. First graduating from Johnson & Wales as a chef, and then on to getting his BS with honors – the first college graduate in his family. As we understand it, there is still some GI Bill benefit to be used but, for now, the resumes are in circulation. Congratulations Mark (and AJ) – we’re proud to have you among us.

At the Texas Trailer Trash party

YOU GOTTA’ LOVE THOSE TEXANS!!

Two Chesapeake Bay Table Brothers, Rocket Boy and, yours truly, Blue Stache, and their lovely Sooks, Sherry and Diana, were fortunate to share a great Trailer Trash weekend with the Brothers and Captives of the San Antonio Table, Houston Table, Corpus Christi Table, Germany, etc. from April 27 through April 29. The hospitality ranked superb, the activities first rate and the comraderie was top of the line as usual. From the parade through a lovely old section of San Antonio, to the Riverwalk, to the ‘Trailer B-B-Q’, the fairwell breakfast, the sight seeing and wine tasting – the Brothers of the Chesapeake highly recommend you work this event into your schedule. Brother Brise-Galets was right, it’s not your usual Brotherhood party! We had an absolutely great time and will remember this trip for some time to come.

Hello spring !

To All:

Many thanks to Brother El Maestro and Sook AJ for hosting a great Tip-A-Few this afternoon - the location, weather and main course attractions could not have been better for a relaxing gathering of the Table. Thanks also to everyone for the appetizers and desserts - all were delicious. Sorry to have missed Brothers Upwind, Country Boy and Piper but there will always be another time.

Wishes for a great week to all.

ORZA!!!

Blue Stache

In absentia

I was not there so I can't say anything. Actually I was checking with somebody else's keel the depth in the waterway on my way to Norfolk from Freeport in the Bahamas. For a change, I was on the water !
Around April 12 I understand that there was a "brother's only" meeting to discuss some matters having to do with the running of the table. In the meantime, we also had, for the first time I believe, a "sooks only" meeting to see to it that our first mates remain on top of things !
I am still waiting for some pictures and some write up, so consider this as a non posting, just to put on the record that those two meetings took place.
So be it !

Here is what I received from the sooks about their meeting.
The Sisters of the Chesapeake Table met at Brother Limey's home (hosted by Holly) during the same time period the Brothers had their meeting and a number of topics were discussed. Items discussed included such things as preparing for blue-water sailing (the pros and cons of the Sisters participating), refinishing of cabin soles, the upcoming National ZAF, and other "ladies only" items. We had wonderful food and drinks (Holly Sanger - Brother Limey's wife - provided a wonderful new liquor she had made especially for our event - it was a delicious lemon drink that I am sure will be enjoyed for many more "Sisters of the Coast" events). It was agreed by all the Sisters that what takes place at the Sisters Meeting stays at the Sisters' Meeting!!!!! Enough said about that!!!!!!

Tip a Few at Boats and Tricia

I won't any more list who was there. It will be easier and much shorter to mention who could not make it.
As far as this Tip a Few is concerned, including engages and pasajero, there was no one missing ! We are used to that.
Brother Boats and Tricia had prepared a wonderful barbecue. Actually, at this level, I wonder if it can still be called a barbecue. But english is not my mother tongue (who would have guessed ?), I am not sure I can properly describe what this was between a banquet and a picnic.
The surprise of the evening was the announcement that brother Limey and Holly had tied the knot in a very private event including themselves (it was required) and the justice of the peace. We were not going to miss this opportunity for a good toast.
A good part of the evening was devoted to get an update of where we stand as far as the upcoming National Zaf is concerned. Captain Blue Stache has everything under control and we already know that it is going to be a hell of a party.
Having so many occasions to celebrate, we also tried our hand at singing (not me, I was the photograph :-) ) with Country Boy as the lead singer and Upwind at the mixing board, or whatever this thing is called. To me it looks like a computer, but it is a lot more than that. In any case, this was a fun experiment even if we don't make it to the top of the charts.
Then it was time for the wedding cake and a few more drinks before the designated drivers would take us home.
Until next time. And as always, there are more pictures on the photo album of the table.

Orza !

Happy Hour at the Sun Coast table

Ventre Jaune (Yellow Belly), captain of the Normandy table in France, was visiting brother Goofy and Marge in Sarasota and they went to the Keys Zaf aboard Charrette with brother Gimbal and Bonnie. Since Charrette was staying in Marathon after the Zaf, I drove them back to Sarasota on Monday. I stayed on so that I could attend the Happy Hour of the Sun Coast table on Tuesday night at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. It is a very relaxed and informal place and an ideal location for a Happy Hour.
During that night, Ventre Jaune was presented with a Florida Brotherhood flag.
Being there gave me the opportunity to meet with brothers I had not seen for a long time and I always cherish those occasions. This is exactly like meeting members of your family that you have missed for so long . . . .
My return journey to Norfolk was as eventful as was the way down to Florida, but that's another story.

President Day Week End Zaf in Marathon

It's never too late to post an entry.
The President Day Week-End Zaf in Marathon lived up to its reputation, with a little challenge weather-wise.
It started in great fashion with dinner at brother Sparky and Lori. Unfortunately (although fortune has nothing to do with it, maybe old age. . . . ) I had again forgotten my camera, so I have no pictures for that memorable evening, memorable not only for the induction of brother White water, but for the incredible quality of the food served. And this is coming from a frenchman !
The Chesapeake Bay table was there "en force" and we probably had the largest delegation, short of the host table, which has grown tremendously since Larry Jones en myself co-founded it back in the 90s. From the Chesapeake, in attendance were brother El Maestro and A.J., brother Piper and Maria, brother Upwind and June, brother Boats and Tricia, brother Cruz and Ann, and brother Brise-Galets and his bike. Brother Brumby and Susan, who are close neighbor from the Potomac table were there too.
On Saturday morning, it was golf, first in short sleeves and shorts, but I had to admit that a sweater was not superfluous. I won't tell you my score. I can only say that I did not slow down my playing companions too much and that I came back to the club house with one more ball than when I left.
Saturday night was the big event at the Cub House of the Golf Club, and again, food, drinks and entertainment (provided by Bobby Holloway) were great. Everybody had a great time and almost everyone paid at least one visit to the dance floor. Cecile, daughter of brother Ventre Jaune (Yellow Belly), captain of the Normandy table in France, took part in the production of the music as a drummer.
Sunday morning was even windier than Saturday and we had more than 35 mph wind, with storms to go with it. This was the time chosen for a bicycle ride with brother Backlash. Interesting ride, but we did not prolong it too much.
This was followed by brunch, with the now traditional Bloody Mary's and the buffet. Although we were by the entrance of the harbor, everybody stayed inside.
In the afternoon, brother Brillo took time to give Cecile her first golf lesson ! Enjoyable and instructive for those present.
That evening, we got back to Lori and Steve to finish all the food that they had prepared for the first night. And believe me, it certainly did not feel like left overs.
Finally, after I had a chance to be on the water on Charrette for a long sail around the corner of the canal, this was a final continental breakfast at Bubbles and Claudia, before departing for Sarasota where Ventre Jaune, Evelyne and daughter Cecile were staying with brother Goofy and Marge.
All in all, a full week-end, lots of fun, and certainly a great Zaf. As always, more pictures can be viewed in my photo album. Looking forward for next year . . .