Mother Nature was unusually cooperative with mild temperatures and no rain. Conditions were perfect, even if the waterways were restricted due to the air show and many roads were closed for the marathons, which made navigation a bit difficult at times. The Blue Angels did not disappoint. GEICO also participated in the air show and on the water. The GEICO Skytypers created an American flag and tributes to the military by flying five abreast with synchronized skywriting. The newest Miss GEICO racing catamaran—over 3000 horsepower with top speed unknown—also treated spectators to its maneuvers as part of the show. Several Corinthians were able to see this magnificent set of piston-blower engines up close and personal at the Tidewater Yacht Center.
All in all, a great weekend to be outside and enjoy the final mild days of early fall before the haul outs and runs south.... by Susan Theuns
A Shortened, Yet Memorable Fall Cruise
Taking full advantage of what promised to be crisp fall sailing weather, 50 Corinthians members and guests aboard 17 boats assembled at Lankford Creek Marina on the afternoon of Saturday September 24 under the direction of cruise chairman John Pasley to kick off the traditional Chesapeake Bay Fall Cruise. The plan was for a full week of cruising, going as far north as Havre de Grace with various stops and events along the way before returning for a closing dinner at Gibson Island Yacht Club in the Magothy River.
Monday morning dawned fair but reports of less than favorable weather for the coming week were starting to appear. The fleet stuck with the planned schedule and sailed out of the Chester River as the wind began to freshen in time for a second informal race en route to Rock Hall in which Bob and Ann Whitcomb’s Pinnacle took first place. That evening the whole group assembled ashore at Haven Harbour Marina in Swan Creek for adult beverages and a boisterous pizza party.
That evening also saw the first serious cracks in the cruise plan begin to appear. The forecast was for strong winds overnight Monday into Tuesday and heavy widespread rain moving in for the later part of the week. We made the decision to take a lay day and remain in Swan Creek over Tuesday night, prudently cancelling what had been planned as a night rafted at anchor. A further impromptu party took place that evening in Haven Harbour including a fiercely fought appetizer competition in which Linda Pasley and Vicky Shea tied for first place, winning (guess what): a bottle of wine.
With the weather on Wednesday closing in for a long spell of heavy rain, the fleet dispersed by mutual agreement but planned to regroup at Gibson Island Yacht Club on Saturday night for a final dinner. As planned, a damp but enthusiastic band of Corithians reassembled in the yacht club boat house facility for cocktails and a catered buffet dinner. New members and guests were afforded a traditional Corinthian welcome by Master of the Corinthians, Lee Seaver. Racing trophies were awarded by John and Linda Pasley, both of whom were applauded and thanked for organizing the event. corinthians.org
