Fair weather November Chesapeake Bay trip: Annapolis, MD to Coan River, VA

[jameswilson29]

Looking for crew to help me sail a new-to-me 1977 Pearson 28 from Annapolis, Maryland, area to Coan River, Virginia, a distance of approximately 75 nautical miles, likely during the first 2 good weather days predicted during the first three weeks of November. I anticipate the trip will take between 15 hours and 25 hours, depending on wind and current. I would prefer a Saturday-Sunday trip, but may start on a Friday or end on a Monday, or take place on 2 weekdays, depending on my schedule and the weather. Will only motor if absolutely necessary - plan to sail as much as possible, day and night, with 4 hour shifts, total of 3-4 onboard. Will delay trip until I see two day weather forecast with little or no chance of precipitation, winds of greater than 5-10 knots, and low temps above mid 40s.

Boat has wheel, bimini, VHF, anchor, PFDs, safety gear, enclosed head, berths and diesel inboard engine. Boat seems to be in good condition, will be surveyed next week to complete purchase.

I have been sailing off and on for 40 years, owned a P26 for 2 years, raced on other people's boats, primarily as bowman/foredeck crew. I circumnavigated Delmarva in the P26 in '93 and have done a lot of solo sailing. (If it were late spring or summer, I would probably sail solo and anchor overnight, but given the short days and colder weather, I would now rather complete the trip as fast as possible and as soon as possible, while still sailing.)

Must be able to steer a compass heading, trim sails, know basic rules of the road, and avoid hitting anything at night. Please let me know if you are limited to a weekend-only sailing trip, or any particular advance notice requirements.

[chuck53]

I made the same trip last year when I bought my Catalina 34, except I was a little bit further. From Rock Hall to Olverson's on the Yeocomico, maybe an extra 15 miles.We did it in one day, leaving Rock Hall at 6 am and getting to Olverson's at 7:30 that evening.
Had a great sail all morning and early afternoon and then the wind started to slow down so we motor sailed for a few hours. Wind then really dropped off and we motored the last 3 hours.
We had 4 on board and my son and I took turns at the helm. It was Memorial day weekend.

[ccher]

I ditto Chuck. (and not potential crew) Brought my new to me C310 from Annapolis to the Great Wicomico in one day in May, probably about the same distance (7 or 8 miles past Smith Point light)-leaving 0630 and arriving at my dock at 1930. However if you've got a south wind and tacking your way down you may need the two days. I motored about half the trip.

[SVAuspicious]

Easy and fun trip. Let me know if you need local support in Annapolis.

[Santiago]

Hello James,

I'm interested in joining as crew for your trip.

I`ve got basic sailing experience, made up primarily of weekend regatta racing aboard J/29s this summer in the Raritan Bay in New Jersey and day-sailing on the Chesapeake. I`m from DC originally.

I've never done an overnight trip, but am confident in my ability to manage risks and stay awake.

Even though you don`t foresee it, I have experience in extreme outdoor experiences (on land.) I have been trapped by a blizzard in the high desert plains of Chile and explored an uninhabited island in Western Patagonia with a future winner of the Rolex Award for Enterprise, among other experiences.

I do have sailing references who can attest to my composure and demeanor aboard the boat as well as my general personality.

I`m a journalist by trade in Newark New Jersey and am looking for sea miles.

If you are interested in talking further my email is tdinges at gmail.com

Thanks
Tomas

[jameswilson29]

Thank you for your response. I will contact you by e-mail.

BTW, I am hoping to avoid an "extreme outdoor experience".

[treilley]

Great choice in boats. I had a P28 for 4 years and we loved it. Sold it to a friend and it is moored across the harbor and we race against her when crewing on my other buddy's boat.

I know there are a couple of really nice P28s in the Chessy.

I would love to help but simply am too busy right now.

I have attached a link to my project website. There is a section on the P28 for some cool stuff I did including a custom 18gal holding tank. There is also a great group of owners over on yahoo groups.

Projects

[BubbleheadMd]

James-

Is return transport to Annapolis the crew's issue or will you be providing that somehow?

Thanks.

[jameswilson29]

I plan to provide food, drink, and return transport.

[BubbleheadMd]

That's a sweet deal.