The Chesapeake Bristol Club (CBC) sponsored the fourth annual Bristol Rendezvous and Chili Raftup, October 3-5. The Raftup brought an impressive fleet of 12 sailboats to Harness Creek for a weekend of sunshine, good food, and camaraderie.
Bristol sailboats and others too.
The raftup included 10 Bristols ranging from 29.9 to 43.3 feet including four B43.3s (only 25 were ever built) and two B40s. The other two were a Moody 40 and Gulfstar 43. These 12 boats carried 35 avid sailors and young future sailors for the weekend. Not all sailed in; five drove to Quiet Waters Park and hailed the “CBC dinghy taxi.”
Saturday afternoon featured great company and an impressive spread of red, white, and vegan chili, cornbread, and lots of delicious appetizers and desserts. Special thanks to the four members who cooked chili and to all those who contributed to the feast.
After a Sunday morning of dog walks and discussion and expression of joy at the glorious weather, the raft departed in batches with several boats leaving late in the morning and a second batch in the afternoon following walks in the park. Happily, the wind had built up, and our cruisers were able to sail to destinations north, south, east, and west.
About the Chesapeake Bristol Club
The CBC is a social and sailing club with no clubhouse and a year-round calendar of events. Membership is open to all who enjoy sailing; you don’t have to own a Bristol (or any boat). Cruise to cbclub.info to join, inquire, or RSVP to any event during the year. Use the email link on the “Joining” page to reach membership director Rebecca Burka.
By Marty Suydam
