FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2014
Journey: Triple L Estate – Solomons Yachting Center, Solomons – Kinsale, VA
The Chesapeake Bay was fairly rough with seas with 2 to 3 foot seas. Fortunately we had following seas, otherwise I may have considered turning around and waiting until Saturday to make the run to Kinsale. On our way down the Bay I had to do a careful dance of keeping the RPM above 35 but below 38/39 RPM. At 35 RPM or below it was too slow to overpower the waves. At 38 RPM or above it would be too fast and we would bury the bow.
Going into the Potomac River again posed delicate navigating to reduce the impact of wind and waves pushing against the starboard side. Just as we entered the Potomac River our Lowrance GPS went out, again. Fortunately, I have gotten into the habit of always bringing along my handheld Garmin GPS. This is the third time now that the Lowarance unexpectedly shutdown. When I turn it on it will not recognize/ register my touching the “accept” button and instead remains frozen on the welcome disclaimer screen.
Thankfully we found the Yeocomico River, thanks to the Garmin. I was so very happy when we finally saw the grain elevator situated adjacent to our destination, Kinsale Marina. We first tied up to the end of the pier next to the bridge. We went to Bill and Connie’s house for a relaxing drink. Before having too much relaxation we returned to the marina in order to tie up in a proper slip.
The slip assigned for our use, close to the corner bend of the pier, was a little tricky. It was a tight squeeze maneuvering the bow around while not hitting pilings, or worse, the sterns of other boats. For a sleeping nothing marina there were several people there watching us dock. Fortunately we did a fantastic job.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:20 pm
Engine Hrs: 40.1 – 43.0
Conditions: sunny, windy, waves 2-3 feet
Vessel: Beneteau Barracuda 9
Lori, Sophie and me
25.5 gallons @ 40.6 hrs
$3.72/ gallon