for the pampered A4

[hanleyclifford]

http://www.cyberdynegauges.net/ Bringing the A4 into the technocracy

[ndutton]

I dunno, going that way might reduce me to domestic beer. Gotta draw the line somewhere.

[hanleyclifford]

But Neil, the yachties will be so impressed they'll want to invite us to their club and THEY will buy the beer!

[ndutton]

Yachties? Phooey.

Unless they've got calloused hands and grease under their fingernails they can keep their white slacks, blue blazers, ascots, captain's hats and their beer (do they drink beer?). Again, gotta draw the line somewhere.

What's the saying? Something about sinking to your own level? Well, that's my case and it's a Helluvalotta fun down here.

[hanleyclifford]

On this coast they wear pink slacks and signal flag belts. Folks like us are known as "floaters". (in your case a "calloused, greasy floater") - me too.

[Administrator]

In this neck of the woods (the Eastern Shore of Maryland), dressing up means a clean tee-shirt, and scrungy old baseball caps are worn 24 hours a day, indoors and out, being removed only when the American flag passes by in the 4th of July parade. Some indication of service in the armed forces, John Deere and various brands of seed/feed or maybe a dog or hunting scene are the preferred logos.

Labs sit in the passenger seat up front, with the wife in the back. It is generally acknowledged that there are more labs than people in Kent County, where Don and I live.

Nine miles away as the crow flies, on the other side of The Bay, there's Annapolis (the western shore [intentionally lower case]), whose residents refer to themselves as Annapolitans. That should tell you all you need to know. The pastors say it's only a quarter to call heaven from here - it's a local call, you see.

Bill

[ndutton]

[Way off topic but what the H?]

Many years ago when I was between boats, a husband and wife approached me to help make the dream of sailboat ownership happen for them. We looked at boats, closed the deal on one, taught them to use it safely and maintain it.

They planned a two week trip up the coast including the Channel Islands and said they were interested in joining their local yacht club to benefit from reciprocity regarding slips. I suggested they reconsider. If they're hanging out at yacht clubs, chances are they'd be in the constant company of A$$ #oles. Why not stay in transient slips next to people who were really out there voyaging?

They heeded my advice and after the trip admitted to meeting a very interesting cross section of people. That was over 15 years ago and they've never felt the urge to hobnob with the yachties since.

The Eastern Shore of Maryland (did I capitalize it properly?) sounds like my kind of place.

[sastanley]

It's pretty flat Neil. I can sail there in one day (OK, maybe two)

[ndutton]

Sorry Shawn, I didn't get it.

What's that other saying?
I'd never join a club who'd have me as a member.

[Mo]

I hang in Shearwater YC...on a Military Base. No one wears the yachties gear. We help each other; we can work on our own boats in the yard; most drink except the boys on the wagon; you will get away with the odd swear word and there is a bible in the corner for the newcomers; bartender thinks we are pirates; the first crewman / or woman to come aboard for a sail is the "Cabin Bi&ch" ..gender doesn't matter...he will do the grog runs below.

At times a few more "refined" individuals show up. Typically, they find it is a good spot to come and let your hair down and adjust....or they "move on". The rest of the clubs "tolerate" us.

Now, our club is not perfect, but she has the best shelter / ocean access combination in the area and that's what counts.

[hanleyclifford]

Maurice - Yeah, I checked out your location and you do have a great spot including excellent protection - what is the tidal range in that harbor? Hanley

[Mo]

Hi Hanley,

Tidal range is usually between four and six feet. No current to speak of except tide change coming through the Eastern Passage. I usually go out through the passage, head out a ways, then in on the Western side (main channel).

Traffic is busy at times, however, we are permitted to be in the traffic lanes as long as we are in contact with the ingoing and outgoing. It is really good sailing, great winds, and only a few areas where we have to look out for rocks.

I can pull my boat with the truck at any tide. I made a special rig to do that...works slick. On Oct 29th I made a decision at 1230 (after my sail) to pull her out. I called a friend and he showed at 1pm. At 1:2o she was up on the hard; stick still in and staying up this year for early launch.

[Jesse Delanoy]

Annapolis?

It's a little drinking town with a serious sailing problem.

[hanleyclifford]

Annapolis

Great stop for the snow birds. The first really convenient spot after the C&D with all the amenities. One of these days, though, I'm going to do Baltimore and I guess that will be a new adventure. But Annapolis is in a great position to make Solomons an easy one day shot. Yes, the drinking is good in Annapolis!

[sastanley]

Neil, yeah..after I typed it I realized I was making a joke no one would get...I just drove thru Don & Bill's area over T-giving weekend on the way to Philadelphia & was reminded of the topography. Once you pass thru Annapolis (Naptown ) and over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Eastern Shore is very flat and has acres of agriculture & farms. My "side" of the Bay (western shore) is still pretty flat (relatively speaking), but is not quite so rural, and is only one day's sail away...but probably two, since it is a little farther away than Annapolis.

Hanley, Delivering race boats from Solomons to Annapolis isn't so bad. It is 43.xx miles port to port. When cruising, that is a pretty long haul. At least for me it is, because #1, I like to take my time getting moving and underway in the morning, and #2, I like to be anchored, tied up and into cocktail hour when the sun is still up.