CSR Northeast Flotilla 2018 (Heading to Chesapeake Bay)

I updated the list of participants on the first page. If any info needs to be corrected, please let me know.

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'll need a bit more time to review them and see how it all fits to our itinerary. Keep your suggestions coming...
 
I have that week scheduled off but have commitments for most of it. I'll shoot to catch up with you all somewhere along your travels. Maybe an overnight.

I can't add much more then what the other locals have added. I'll mention that your final weekend is Pirate Weekend in Rock Hill. Finding a slip or mooring there now is really too late, it fills up quick! I would hit there early on your trip if you want to stop there.

As for Bmore, since I'm a published expert. LOL

https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/voyaging/25-best-boating-destinations

While BMC properties are plentiful and can certainly handle the crowd, for my money I like Inner Harbor East for location. Easy walk to the Harbor and Fells Point.

Once you have an itinerary firmed up post it up!
 
+1 on Inner Harbor East as a marina in Baltimore. It's a great neighborhood and walkable to Little Italy, Fels Point or the Inner Harbor. They have a party pavilion in the middle of the marina that they will let you use if you bring enough boats. Ask for Millie.
 
Greetings to all,

The spring is finally here, it’s time to start planning our flotilla trip.

Over the years we’ve covered lots of beautiful ports NE has to offer. During our 2016 trip, we’ve made an attempt to visit Martha’s Vineyard, but the weather Gods had a different plan for us. We took it as a “hint” and after tossing around few ideas, we made the decision on doing two weeks trip to Chesapeake Bay area.

WHEN:
2 weeks July 28th to August 12th


ITINERARY:
Considering that it's a huge area with lots of ports, the idea is to focus on NW section of the bay, which we would enter and exit via C&D canal. Based on preliminary research, we’ve identified the following is the list of ports (AC and Cape May are primary midway overnight stops):

AC,
Cape May,
Chesapeake City,
Havre de Grace,
Baltimore,
Rock Hall,
Annapolis,
Kent Island,
St. Michaels,
Still Pond,
Fairly Creek

Nothing is set in stone in regards to the itinerary. In fact, we’d like to hear feedback and suggestion from folks with local knowledge. The primary goal is to do a mix of ports providing different experience. Even though we prefer being rafted in nice and quiet anchorages, we’re looking to stay in marinas where it makes sense (e.g. Annapolis, Baltimore, etc.).

To bring back some great memories, here are the links to our previous Flotilla and rendezvous:

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/csr-northeast-flotilla-2017.82198/
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/csr-northeast-flotilla-2016.76231/
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/csr-northeast-flotilla-2015.71232/
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/csr-northeast-flotilla-2014.64375/
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/csr-northeast-flotilla-2013.57225/
LI Rendezvous - 2012
LI Rendezvous - 2011
LI Rendezvous 2010


Who's signing up for our official CSR Northeast Flotilla 2018?

List of Participants for the Flotilla:
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From]


Traveling From NE (NY tri-state area)
List of Participants for the Flotilla:
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From]
1. "Alex F": Alex and Jelena, Michelle(21), Daniel(13), "Inspiration" 420DB, LIS
2. "Greg": Greg and Colleen, Tiffany(20), Ashley(15), Zachary(15), "Lady TAZ" 480DB, Hudson River
3. "Havana Shamrock" Joe and Martha, kids TBD, Dublin (Kerry blue Terrier), "MOJO" 500DB, LIS
4. "Larry": Larry and Melina, Greg (15), "Miss Melina" 420DA, LIS
5. “Vise Aversa”: Vinny and Robin, Vincent (17), Michael (16), “Vise Aversa” 520DB, GSB

6. “swaterhouse”: Scott and Roseann, Jenna(5), “Daddys Toy” 44DA, Buzzards Bay
7. ?

Joining in Chesapeake Bay Area
1. "ImportMonkey": Toby, Jen, Madelyn and Lydia, "NeverLand" 44DA, Middle River
2. "Gimme Time": John and Amy, "Gimme Time II" 520DB, Chesapeake Bay South
3. ?


VHF Communication:
69- primary channel to communicate with the group.
72- backup channel if we get too much noise on 69.
16 - is always on. This will be the channel to use in case if we don't get response on 69 or 72. Once the communication is established with a vessel we'll ask to switch to 69 or 72, whichever will be the better option at the time.
13 – Scanning for bridges and commercial traffic communication


NOTE: This page will periodically get updated with important information. Please check here once in a while.

FAQ (this is mostly for new people who didn’t have a chance to join us in the past)

Q1: How do I sign up?
A1: Simply post in this thread or PM me stating that you wish to participate. We'll need the following basic info, which will be placed on the first page in the list of the participants (table offerings can be left alone for now, as it will be addressed much closer to the Flotilla date):
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From]

Example:
"Alex F": Alex and Jelena, kids Michelle(20), Daniel(12), "Inspiration" 420DB, LIS area


Q2: How’s a Flotilla different from a regular Rendezvous?
A2: The group will not just meet up at a marina, but we will travel from port to port as a group and our destinations will be mixed between marinas, mooring and/or just anchorage in a beautiful cove or designated anchorage area.

Q3: Am I obligated to stay with the flotilla the duration of the entire trip?
A3: Absolutely not. Anyone should feel free to join the flotilla and take off anytime they desire, or their schedule allows. We perfectly understand that you have other commitments/obligations.

Q4: Do we have to travel together from port to port?
A4: No. It’s obviously a lot more fun (and not to mention safer) to travel as one caravan, but if you wish to run on your own schedule (e.g. arrive to a destination earlier or later), feel free to do so and we’ll see you there.

Q5: What we do (activities wise) once settle in a port?
A5: We always try to come up with a list of fun activities that might interest most people. But, don’t forget that this is your vacation time and if you wish to do something totally different, by all means, we’ll sea ya later.

Q6: How’s dining arranged for the rest of the trip (after the official feast)?
A6: In the course of the whole week we’ll have mixed ways of dining. There are nights when we just want to have BBQ party (either on the rafted boats or a marina), but for the most part we’ll dine out as a group in fine local restaurants that will be able to accommodate our group. Thus, advanced reservations will be necessary. But, as always, if you’d like to have your own arrangement, feel free to do so. No hard feelings.

Those are just few that came from the top of my head. Have more questions? Feel free to ask.

Cheers,
Alex.
 
Alex, we are trying to work out the dates to Join the flotilla, Art and Joy Maurice , 2006 44 Sedan Bridge, Mystic Ct. We should know in a week or so.
 
Mark,

Just an FYI, I added your info on the first page. If you wish to change/update anything, let me know.
 
Alex, we are trying to work out the dates to Join the flotilla, Art and Joy Maurice , 2006 44 Sedan Bridge, Mystic Ct. We should know in a week or so.

Hey Art,

I didn't see this post. The site notifications don't work.

Let me know what you decided.
 
We still have the time blocked off but need to be making reservations and do not know the final stops, marina or anchor schedule! Going to be become tougher to get slips in any quantity if we don’t book them pretty soon IMHO ?

Our yacht club (VYC) has 27 boats here at Tidewater Marina for this weekend’s Harborfest 2018 and the marina had 40+ boats wanting to get in. The VYC is heading Up the Chesapeake Bay 8/11-8/18 and reservations have already been made for sometime by most as the trips are planned out typically 6-8 months in advance to get the space needed these days as boating is back on the rise
 
I hear you, John. We're wrapping things up and should be posting the itinerary soon.
 
I called some marina's in Annapolis and Baltimore earlier this week, so far we have options - but I am full agreement we need to get moving QUICK!
 
We finally got the float plan summary finalized in regards to the ports and the dates.

Working on marinas now....

upload_2018-6-9_16-2-38.png


Quick note:
We plan on stopping in Cape May on the way back. As far as how long we're staying there and when and where heading thereafter is yet TBD. Those who has to get back home sooner, will probably use Sat/Sun (8/11-12) as their travel days, others will play it by ear.
 
The wheels are in motion and despite some challenges we're making good progress. Here's the updated float plan with docking arrangements:

upload_2018-6-10_10-12-2.png


Important note:
Based on the itinerary, we're scheduled to be in Annapolis on a weekend. Although previously suggested marinas couldn't accommodate us, Port Annapolis Marina is being very helpful. However, the space is limited and anyone who's interested on joining us for the weekend, please add yourselves to the list ASAP. At this time, we told them 5 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed boats. If you going to call them directly, tell them you're part of "Club Sea Ray Flotilla". This is probably the most time sensitive port, so don't wait too long in order to make your decision.

I was told that if we bring all 8 boats in, they will let us use their pavilion (covered picnic area) to host a party Sunday night. We'll have option on catering or do some grilling.


More info will be posted as I get it.

P.S.
The site notifications don't work. So, if you're looking for updates, I suggest to subscribe and bookmark this thread and go to the last page directly. When on the main page, clicking on NEW POSTS link should make make this thread available on the list of updated threads.
 
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Update:

Harbor East Marina in Baltimore has been reserved. I'm posting this float plan summary on the first page.

upload_2018-6-10_15-36-9.png
 

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You guys should have a great time on the beautiful Chesapeake. I know it's tough but it's a shame you can't spend more time in your selected ports. As far as Still Pond goes, here is a couple threads in which Tim, AKA Converse48/Festivus posted some helpful info.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/still-pond.1937/#post-19921

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/favorite-destination.1931/#post-19615

There was a post I thought he had made where he talks about tree branches hitting the fly bridge on his 44DB and he knew he was where he wanted/needed to be. Hopefully he will chime in.

I always enjoy reading about your Adventures/Flotillas
Have a great time and safe travels to all
 
Looking at my original post above (damn, that was a long time ago). Not much has changed. Getting back into Still Pond creek proper is still the best bet, but also still the most requiring of local knowledge. And yes, it does involve getting quite close to some tree branches in an unmarked channel. Unless the crew had a "pilot boat" with local knowledge, and/or was willing to wait to high tide, I'd be reluctant to send a fleet of out-of-towners back there. I once was sitting on the Coast Guard spit awaiting high tide, when I saw a friend (not to be named) heading back there... I called him on the radio and gently suggested that he wait for the tide.

$6,000 in bent shafts and prop reconditioning later... Well, you get the point.

There is plenty of room to anchor/raft on the "outside" near the sandbar. It really is a great spot with one caveat. KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER. T-storms in these parts come from the Northwest. If you are anchored there, there is a line of big trees that block the view to the West. If you wait until a thunderhead is visible above those trees, then it's too late. Keep an eye on the radar if storms are predicted. That's because winds in T-storms also come from the NW, which can push everyone in the cove into a big pile on the sandbar. And YOU can be properly anchored, but Bobby Bayliner from (insert neighboring town you hold in low regard here) may not and can/will drag into you.

FYI, most people in this spot will use a bow/stern configuration, act accordingly.

I don't want to be a naysayer, it is one off the prettiest spots in the Bay, and will be one of the few places on your itinerary where you can get in the water free of sea nettles. I just want to paint an accurate picture.

Maybe I'll head up there then and get a spot on the inside sandbar and guide you guys in. And/or I'm sure there are others here (e.g. Aaron) that know there way around. The inside is protected from weather.

Have fun!!!
 
Looking at my original post above (damn, that was a long time ago). Not much has changed. Getting back into Still Pond creek proper is still the best bet, but also still the most requiring of local knowledge. And yes, it does involve getting quite close to some tree branches in an unmarked channel. Unless the crew had a "pilot boat" with local knowledge, and/or was willing to wait to high tide, I'd be reluctant to send a fleet of out-of-towners back there. I once was sitting on the Coast Guard spit awaiting high tide, when I saw a friend (not to be named) heading back there... I called him on the radio and gently suggested that he wait for the tide.

$6,000 in bent shafts and prop reconditioning later... Well, you get the point.

There is plenty of room to anchor/raft on the "outside" near the sandbar. It really is a great spot with one caveat. KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER. T-storms in these parts come from the Northwest. If you are anchored there, there is a line of big trees that block the view to the West. If you wait until a thunderhead is visible above those trees, then it's too late. Keep an eye on the radar if storms are predicted. That's because winds in T-storms also come from the NW, which can push everyone in the cove into a big pile on the sandbar. And YOU can be properly anchored, but Bobby Bayliner from (insert neighboring town you hold in low regard here) may not and can/will drag into you.

FYI, most people in this spot will use a bow/stern configuration, act accordingly.

I don't want to be a naysayer, it is one off the prettiest spots in the Bay, and will be one of the few places on your itinerary where you can get in the water free of sea nettles. I just want to paint an accurate picture.

Maybe I'll head up there then and get a spot on the inside sandbar and guide you guys in. And/or I'm sure there are others here (e.g. Aaron) that know there way around. The inside is protected from weather.

Have fun!!!

Tim, if not this trip, I'd sure like to connect sometime about getting back there. We anchor at button beach most of the time, but would like to have options.
 
"Button beach" ? Just trying to learn/help.
Button Beach (we always called it Belly Button, but it is marked on charts as Button Beach) is a cove in between Worton and Fairlee. Great beach, but exposed to open Bay so not a great place to spend the night. Awesome sunsets from beach though!
 
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OK here we go. And before anyone yells at me for giving away the cherished local knowledge that keeps this place serene, please note that this chart is direct from Navionics Sonar, and is publicly available!

So basically, follow the red line. Everything is marked (although narrow) up until you get to the turn to starboard. Despite my prior hyperbole, you don't actually want to get close enough to the trees to touch them but you do want to get pretty close. Maybe 20-25'. Don't hold me to it, as I have never measured. The trick is to turn hard to starboard and as quickly as possible get to the line that is about 30' off the end of the row of private docks. The shallowest part is just after you turn (shown on the chart here), so what I like to do is get myself turned toward the docks, give it a toot of forward and drift over the shallow spot. If you drift to far to port you WILL touch down.

After that, proceed to the end of the last private dock, go a little further and turn to port out to deeper water. To maximize the experience, you want to get in a position where your props are in 7' of water but you can stand behind the boat. Boat should be oriented so the stern is facing NW. Beautiful hard sand. No Chesapeake muck here. I don't know how to explain how to position the boat other than it is trial and error. We sometimes use a depth spotter on the swim platform with a boat hook. Put the bow anchor down and start backing up. Have the stern anchor ready. We usually get set with bow and stern anchor, kill the engines and adjust manually (assuming you've left your self enough scope/slack).

There is plenty of room for a big raft there. We had a CSR raft up there a million years ago with at least 20 boats.

There is a ton of current that goes through here at full rip, as such:MAKE SURE YOU USE ENOUGH BOW AND STERN ANCHORS FOR YOUR RAFT. Alex, check with your fleet and make sure you have at least one per every three boats. I'm always shocked by how few people carry one, but then again, anchoring is my thing so I have at least two. Also, make sure you've got enough fenders (again shocked that I even need to say this, but you never know).

Also, anchoring with stern anchor is the only option here unless you go further out into the creek. You will see, this is what everyone does. Arriving on a Sunday is nice because you should be able to scope out the ideal spots as people leave.

To give yourself the best chance of success, go at a slack high. The current around that corner can make you look foolish, even if you have a plan and you know what you're doing! It looks like on July 29, the high high at Worton Creek is at 9:50AM. Add about 45-50 minutes for Still Pond, so it should be around 10:30AM. Low tide at Worton is at 4:54, so figure you'll have a falling tide all day until 5:30. Not ideal.

But don't be intimidated, there's a guy that rocks on up in there in a 65' Berty like a boss.
 

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