DRAFT RRYC 2022 Cruise Plan
Happy New Sailing Year—both Racers and Cruisers!
This time we planned the cruise season by committee with input from Tom Wicks, Steve Zukor, Linda Caron and Ollen Richey along with advice from others at the Fall Cruise Wrap-up. With a somewhat newer approach to accommodate both new members new to cruising and other veteran members more experienced but with limited time, we have proposed cruises starting with one night, either at a slip or on the hook, generally increasing in duration as the season progresses to two and more nights as we gain more experience with the boats, the waters and our fellow cruisers. And we are leaning toward more of the “WB” types of trips where we make decisions on destinations based upon “where the wind blows” rather than setting a schedule that forces motoring upwind. Alternate trips are being planned out in parallel as well.
We have considered other club events (and on occasion private events) including BoD mtgs as six members—the C-6--are also cruisers! And we have suggested other cruises that may be organized at optimal times where club boats and others may set sail on an adventure of their own.
We invite all to join in the 2022 program, power and sail, even for only one night or segment and we’ll try to mix it up. Of course, any plans are subject to Mother’s whims, especially as her cyclone season debuts June 1. And details will be posted on the new club web page or in emails as we near each date with a cruise leader to contact for advice or sign-up.
- Blessing of the Fleet--April 16
RRYC grounds, docks, mooring, adjacent waters and nearby storage location. This is the traditional start of the club season and all members are invited to sail their boats to the club for the annual event. Contact Kent early for space, especially if you want to spend that night.
· Shakedown Cruise-- April 30-May 1.
While we may not again be photographed by Google Earth (see Tabb’s Creek, Sunday May 2, 2021), this is a good time to be on your boat and be seen by fellow members at anchor off the Springett’s new dock on Tabb’s Creek, off Fleet’s Bay, north of Windmill Pt. for this traditional overnighter. And you may be treated to a view of their new cruising boat! We do need you to sign up for this delightful spring event—watch for more details.
· Mid-May Rendezvous—May15-16
After the Shakedown, the Spring Regatta, Mother’s Day, the repairs are made, after rum and other provisions are added, perhaps a quick trip to JC—Jackson Creek—notably the Deltaville Tap and Raw Bar at the Deltaville Marina, south around Sting Ray Pt, would be pleasant. Plenty of room to anchor in 10 ft, perhaps a raft-up, and some slips are available. As time permits, a short hop over to the Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant on Milford Haven (MH), anchoring off, enjoying a meal.
· Memorial Weekend Getaway—May 28th-May 30th.
While the cruise fleet has traditionally set this holiday weekend aside for family gatherings, it is an option for all to enjoy a three-day sail, especially if you were unable to go at Mid-May. Try Indian Creek, swimming at Port-O-Call, dining in Kilmarnock,, tasting at Jacey’s Vineyard on Mill Creek. And the Great Wicomico River waterfront eateries are all treats.
· Special Trip in Planning: DelMarVa Cruise—TBD. Between May 16 and May 31.
A special cruise being planned for a convenient time between May 16 and May 31 where experienced sailors will enjoy a multi-night sail around the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia peninsula, starting and returning to your home port. In early planning stages, watch for more details.
· June Supermoon: June 11-15. Tangier/Onancock or Cape Charles.
Let’s get out on the water during the supermoon, peaking on the 14th, allowing many to help with the Typhoon Nationals 4-5th and allowing the C-6 (Cruising Six BoD) to return for their mtg on the 16th and dinner on the 18th. This may be a ”WB” trip where the destination may be Tangier Island/Onancock or Cape Charles, both offering trips with pleasant destination activities. Stepping stones may include JC or MH.
· June Alternates:
o Summer Concerts:
Depending upon whether sites such as St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, MD (lower Potomac River) can host their summer concerts-on-the-beach, this may be a nice alternative where you can anchor just off the beach and enjoy live bands. No schedule yet.
o Downeast?
Some adventurers hope to plan a sailing trip north, up to NY, on to ME as time allows, departing in June. Watch for details.
- July Watch and Go—1-4, 17-23
- Cruise or Snooze. While many avoid cruising the hot weeks of July and August, we had some good weather those weeks last season, so try to be flexible, watch and go.
o Fireworks--July 1, 2, 3 and 4--There's likely some local fireworks to watch while at anchor, check ahead. Last year some enjoyed those on Tabb’s Creek, others on Carter’s Creek.
o July 17th-23--Blow the Scene—A Wind Blows trip. Enjoyable destinations include Great Wicomico and four waterfront restaurants, Solomons Island, or the alternates not tried in June: Tangier, Onancock or Cape Charles.
· August (Watch and Go)-Short Cruises 13-14, 26-28th
o Weekend (13-14) sail to Mathews Yacht Club, stopping with dinner Sat. and Brunch Sunday.
- Weekend (26-28) sail/dine on the Rivah, several choices between Urbanna and Windmill Point.
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- September—Wind Blows Cruises:
- St. Michaels (likely back door), possible stop at Smith Island: 3-9th.
o Depending on St. Mary’s schedule, concert on the beach, TBD.
- October -Classic Fall Club Cruise—to Mile Zero, 5-14
Always a fun trip, we’ll sail via JC (or Hole-in-the-Wall) to East River in Mobjack Bay--where some can take a dinghy ride into Mathews to shop or dine in good restaurants. Then head for Hampton Yacht Club, on to Norfolk past warship row, on to Mile Zero on the Intracoastal to Portsmouth, where we’ll do some sight-seeing and dine at the Commodore Dinner Theatre. Then we’ll reverse, perhaps stopping at Salt Pond, then Mobjack or JC but its possible to sail from Hampton home.