Tom Madden Joins 5-21-2010

My workmate Tom, joined us for dinner, sail, and karaoke afterwards, as did Jamie's friend Morgan. We enjoyed some great wind and libations!

Tom at the helm

Morgan, our resident walking encyclopedia was pointing out something

Navios Cielo from Panama

Graduation Weekend 5-15-2010

Our son-in-law Matthew, graduated from Duke University with his Masters of Divinity. Needless to say, we are extremely proud of him and look forward to all that God has in store for him. It was a wonderful ceremony in the Duke Chapel and it was amazing seeing him get hooded. We are blessed to have shared in this milestone in Matthew's education and life. Unfortunately, the only pics that I took in the chapel were blurry beyond recognition as they didn't allow flashes and I wasn't steady enough! So, we will settle for pics of Abby!

Abby is 11 months old now and walking all over the place!

Abby and Leah at the park with Amma behind the camera

We came home early on Sunday and we went out on the bay on a chartered tug boat to sip some champagne and celebrate the life of David Miller. He was a gem of a human being and we are fortunate to have known him. Originally from Rochester, NY, David was a loving husband and dad, an accountant and sailor. We didn't have too much in common! After spreading his ashes at sea, we went to the Miller home for a wonderful brunch. Of course, I didn't get enough time on the water so Eileen and I went for a sail. I took this picture with my blackberry as we didn't have the camera during our sail. Matthew had taken this same picture a few weeks ago, but it had the osprey perched on the rail. The ospry's nest is behind the "3."

Sarah Steele 05-07-2010

Last night, Sarah Steele, originally from Ithaca, now living in Upper Marlboro, MD came out for a sail with us. What a joy it always is to spend time with her. We went out in a stiff breeze (18 kts) under main only. The breeze continued to freshen and was steady at 24-26 knots. That is a lot of wind! We reached across the bay and reached back so it was a relatively comfortable sail.

Eileen and Jamie hanging out boatside as we were waiting for Sarah

Our next door neighbor was out so it was a good opportunity to take a pic of Domingoman with the clubhouse and pool area in the background

Sarah and Jamie enjoying the trip

One of the many bulk carriers anchored out in the deep water. This is the Grand Venetico from Monrovia, Liberia. Built in 1990, she is 820 feet long, 141 feet wide, and draws 56.5 feet! That means the boat must be in at least 57 feet of water or she will run aground. The bay is not really deep so that is probably why they are all anchored out there.

The sun setting over Back Creek on our way back to port. We had to get back because Friday night is Karaoke night at the Ebb Tide. We had too much fun as Jamie was amped up on Cherry Coke...again!

Cinco de Mayo 05-05-10

So it is Cinco de Mayo...but we aren't Spanish, so we had our own party out on the Bay! It was a treat to watch the Wednesday night races around the cans, all one-design races, J/22s, J/105s, J/109s, and J/80s. This past weekend the NOODs (National Offshore One Design) were here, competing in Annapolis. We saw the end of one race on Saturday because we got out too late. Tonight, we headed out to the first windward mark and threw the hook. It really was fun to watch and think about all of the racing that I have done back on Lake Michigan. This was Eileen's first up close and personal experience with racing.

The J/109s just after the start

A very cool spinnaker

Eileen trying to avoid the crab pot mine field

Happy to be sailing

On the way back to Port Annapolis

Work day - 05-01-2010

We spent the late morning/early afternoon working on the boat, like putting up a new flag halyard, servicing the winches, fixing a drain, and swabbing the deck. After the work was done, we went for a quick sail (5 NM). Stellar conditions once again on the Bay!

I hoisted Eileen up the mast in our bosuns chair. Here she is at half-mast stringing the new flag halyard.

PMYC is Poor Man's Yacht Club. Better than Red Neck Yacht Club I guess.

Jamie surfing in the clubhouse

Sailing with the Powells 4-30-2010

We enjoyed a beautiful Friday evening sail with our neighbors Dylan and Elise. Winds were strong at 12-17 knots but steady. Warm temps and a beautiful sunset made this a spectacular night. Thanks for joining us Powels and thank you for the Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide! We will certainly put that to good use during our adventures!!

Dylan and Jamie

Elise and my first mate!

Hang'n out with Jamie


I told you we had a beautiful sunset!!

To cap off the evening, we had to tow a stink pot to Back Creek, not far from our marina. He lost power and needed help. I asked him how much beer he had on board? Eileen said "surrender the booty" and he broke out the Nati Boh's (a Baltimore local brew) which we enjoyed on our way back to Port Annapolis.

Abigail's First Sail 4-23-2010

On a beautiful spring evening, we sailed with Matthew, Leah and Abigail. This is Abby's first time on a boat and I am happy that it was a sailboat! She was a joy to have on board!

Abby in the storage bin on the dinette table while still at dock

Abby getting used to her life jacket

Proud grandparents

Scenic shot in Back Creek

The crew!

Abby learning a proper salute!

Abby is a natural at the helm

Playtime with Amma below deck

Matthew in command

Abby smiling at Uncle Jamie...The cutest picture ever!!