Surprise!

Tuesday, 27 May

Yes, it’s true: Steadfast in fact does sail on occasion and when she does, she’s a happy gal!

The forecast didn’t call for much in the way of wind so not much was expected.  After what felt like an up-hill climb–Solomons, motoring across the Bay to the mouth of the Choptank River at not much more than 4 knots but lots of flies–Steadfast turned to a heading of 090 and, whaddaya know – there’s WIND!  Blessed wind!  Woo-Hoo!!

So, all of her Ullman sail set, topping 6 knots at times, she reaches all the way up the Chop to the entrance channel for Cambridge, MD.  Neither the chart nor the cruising guide gives much indication how to enter the recently-built municipal yacht basin but the channel is easy to spot and carries depths of no less than 10-feet all the way in.  The basin is headquarters for Cambridge Yacht Club where a phone call ahead confirmed that reciprocal privileges would be extended to members of Mathews Yacht Club.  Handy.

While everyone at CYC was gracious and friendly, it’s doubtful a better welcoming committee could’ve been planned, the classic skipjack Nathan of Dorchester out to greet us, likewise under full sail.

A classic Chesapeake Bay skipjack heeled to the wind, under full sail, is a lovely sight, indeed!

Once in the roomy basin, Steadfast tied off as assigned and the crew disembarked for a stroll into town.  Streets are lined with impressive century-old homes of granite or brick, Victorians bedecked in gingerbread, surrounded by lovely gardens.  Downtown, of course, like any in the US, is not fully recovered from the setbacks of recent years.  But the effort clearly is being made.  Evidence, for instance, is in the small pedestrian mall along which a long mural-mosaic depicts significant elements of local history.

That looks like it hurts! Confused for an oyster, Kate gets squeezed by a Cambridge waterman who recognizes a “pearl” when he sees one.

So surprise!  Terrific three-hour sail.  Interesting downtown.  What a great day.  Not sure what the weather holds for tomorrow.  Maybe another surprise.

Steadfast out.