Host Raft for trhe cruise
The AYC Cruising season officially began this past weekend in nearby Eagle’s Cove. After having been storm-cancelled in 2024 and encountering a severe thunderstorm, with the host raft dragging through the anchorage last year – surviving intact nevertheless – this year’s cruise enjoyed near perfect conditions. It was however, not lacking in excitement (more on that later).
A total of 25 boats and 50 cruisers were registered for this season opening weekend anchorage. The fleet was divided roughly in half, with 13 boats settled in for both nights and the rest of the fleet spending Saturday afternoon and evening only.
One of the purposes of this cruise is to provide a “shakedown” opportunity at the beginning of the season. As it turned out, four registered boats did not get off the dock or turned back underway with mechanical issues. Others who made it to the rendezvous encountered various boat issues at anchor. Those cruisers were rewarded by finding those problems, and solving many of them, surrounded by and aided by fellow AYC Cruisers.
On Friday, anchored cruisers traveled to a party on the host raft in style aboard the AYC RIB, which Cruise Leaders Bill and Maria Museler carefully towed from AYC behind their new boat that had recently arrived from Washington State. Cruisers enjoyed wonderful hors d’oeuvres and BYOB drinks on a gorgeous evening surrounded by beautiful scenery and just enough boat talk to remind everyone why they own tool kits the size of small suitcases.
Saturday morning began with a kayak exploration for some attendees, while others conserved their energy for the highly anticipated annual Great Torqeedo Race. Saturday also afforded the opportunity for Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron provided USCG Safety Checks for those boats desiring them. This annual execution adds to the “shakedown” nature of the cruise. The Cruising Fleet wants to thank ASPS for their service and dedication to “Safe Boating Through Education”.
Now the excitement! On Saturday afternoon, we got to practice extreme boat handling when the host raft’s anchor broke free due to unexpectedly strong winds. With great effort, the host boat skippers and crews maneuvered the raft to avoid other anchored boats until we could deploy a second rafted boat anchor and heavy chain to arrest the drag.
Lessons learned include “don’t overload and/or unbalance the host raft!”; “if possible, use only a full chain rode for the anchor boat!”; “have at least one rafted boat running an ‘ANCHOR WATCH’ App!” Later discussions on the host raft during the Saturday cocktail party included a plan to consider putting an AYC mooing in Eagle’s Cove.
All in, it was a great kickoff for the AYC 2026 cruising season!