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CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE BAYS NEWS

10 June 2010

2010 Smithfield Olden Days Festival

Note: Boaters should check with Smithfield Station about marina accomodations.


2010 Smithfield Olden Days Festival
Opening Concert: Friday, June 25
Activities All Day: Saturday, June 26
Closing Concert: Sunday, June 27

Wednesday, June 09, 2010, Smithfield, Virginia

Smithfield & Isle of Wight County are pleased to announce that Smithfield Olden Days will return for its 19th (non-consecutive) year the last weekend of June. This popular festival has something for everyone!

The event kicks off on Friday night with a free concert at the Smithfield Times Square Gazebo with music by the Rhondels and an antique car show featuring "Street Rods" and D.J. Tom Norris.
This year, our second, we will feature a "Paula Deen & Captain Michael Look-Alike Contest." Last year this popular event drew seven contestants of all shapes and sizes...including a puppet!

We're pleased to offer an exciting new addition to Olden Days this year! "Skirmish at Mackie's Hill" Revolutionary War Reenactment will take place at Smithfield's newest attraction Windsor Castle Park. Camps will be open all day Saturday and Sunday with costumed interpreters presenting militia drill demonstrations, small arms and artillery firing demonstrations, The Battle Reenactment, a Colonial Fashion Show and a Church Service "in the field." Windsor Castle Park is a 209 acre park located right in the heart of downtown Smithfield along Cypress Creek. The park includes a dog park, over 4 miles of walking trails, a mountain bike trail and a state-of-the-art kayak/canoe launch. The park is easily accessible for downtown or Smithfield Station.

Saturday's festivities will begin, as always, with the "Kids, Bike & Pet Parade," and for the second year, we're pleased to welcome back the Smithfield HAMmer Fest 2-Man Bicycle Team Time Trial. Registration for this very popular biking event ends on June 24th and can be completed online.

Saturday's activities will also include free music concerts all day at the Smithfield Times Gazebo. Olden Days will also feature: antique cars, military vehicles and the Hampton Roads Studebaker Club along Main Street, a dunk tank, crafters, artisans, the Olde Towne Curb Market, Ghost Walks (advance tickets highly recommended!), pony rides, games and activities for the kids, as well as lots of great food! And of course, everyone's favorite, the popular 4th Ever Re-Inaugural Pagan River Raft Race will return! Watch this much-contested challenge from the shore of the beautiful Pagan River at Smithfield Station as home-made rafts race to the finish...if they don't sink first!

Most of the festivities end on Saturday, but the Reenactment Camps will remain open on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with the Battle reenacted at 2:00 p.m.
And to close out the weekend, "The Peninsula Concert Band" will present a free closing concert on Sunday at Windsor Castle Park. This is a much anticipated return to the lovely natural amphitheatre overlooking Cypress Creek that used to close out Olden Days years ago. Folks are encouraged to bring a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and lawn chairs!

Be sure to take a break sometime during the day to stop by the Visitor Center - located in the heart of downtown Smithfield at 319 Main Street. The Center is also home to the Arts Center @ 319, so in addition to visitor information you can peruse the gallery and gift shop or visit with resident artists in their "natural habitat." Public restrooms, water and a bicycle stand are also available at the Visitor Center. We'll even loan you a courtesy lock to keep your bike secure while you take advantage of all the shopping and dining opportunities in charming downtown Smithfield. Be sure to ask for your "Passport to Savings" card for discounts at our downtown merchants.

If you're planning an overnight stay for Olden Days, whether you're looking for an elegant B&B, or beautiful waterfront setting, our docents can help you find accommodations to make you say, "Ahhhh". The downtown area also offers a variety of dining choices from a Gourmet Bakery, International Tea Shop and old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor to a historic restaurant and tavern and waterfront eating establishment.

So wear your hoop skirt, put on your bobby socks and saddle shoes or just come as you are to join us in Smithfield for some old fashioned fun for the entire family! Whether your passion is...antique and classic cars, arts and crafts, produce and fresh farm products or great music, festival food, celebrity look-a-likes or racing rafts-Smithfield Olden Days is sure to "float your boat"! Come early, stay late and don't miss a single moment of the grills, thrills, spills and chills (don't forget the ghost walk!) of this small town tradition!

Judy Hare Winslow, Director of Tourism, jwinslow@isleofwightus.net
Terry Thompson, Special Event Coordinator, tthompso@isleofwightus.net
Lois M. Chapman, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, lchapman@isleofwightus.net

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23 May 2010

MD: Annapolis, Harness Creek, great anchorage

We had an order waiting for us at the Annapolis West Marine. After deliberating about whether to anchor in Back Creek or what, since all we wanted to do was get the order and leave, we decided a mooring in Spa Creek would be the easiest. When the weather turned bad on us we ducked into South River and anchored in Church Creek - quiet and pretty. The next night we stayed in Harness Creek in the pool right in front of the kayak rental office. When we dinghyed in, the gal nicely asked us to tie up inside the fire extinguisher to either a cleat or the rail. She was most helpful, telling us about good lunch places (Main Ingredient) and answering questions. No problem leaving our dinghy there. It's about a mile walk to the park entrance, right across from West Marine! It's an easy and beautiful walk - Azaleas, dogwood, honeysuckle, etc in bloom. Right around the corner from West Marine is Fawcetts, a popular chandlery that recently moved from Ego Alley. There's also a large grocery store across from McDonalds. Between Fawcetts and McDonalds is a bus stop - the schedule is on the internet under Annapolis Transit. It was beautiful in the anchorage; gorgeous houses and the swallows put on quite a show as they went after the mayflies that were thick.
So, if you need a stop in Annapolis, try Harness Creek and take the bus to the city center for the day and return to a gorgeous, quiet and well protected anchorage.
John & Ellie
ADIOS

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20 April 2010

MD: New Maryland law requires children under 13 to wear PFD's, under 16 to have boating certificate

Governor Martin O'Malley has signed a bill into law to strengthen protection of children on Maryland waterways. Under the new Maryland law, effective immediately, any child under the age of 13 is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while aboard a vessel that is underway. The law will also require children under the age of 16 to possess a certificate of boating safety education before they can operate a vessel unless they are supervised by an adult or someone 16 or older who has a boating safety certificate, effective Oct. 1.

"As a State, nothing we do is more important than protecting the lives of our children," said Governor O'Malley. "By raising the age at which a child is required to wear a life vest and improving boating safety education, this legislation will do just that."

Formerly, any child under the age of seven had to wear a PFD on a recreational boat 21 feet or smaller, unless the boat is moored or anchored or the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin.

"We firmly believe this new legislation will help us prevent boating fatalities," said DNR Secretary John Griffin. "Even one boating-related death is unacceptable. We are doing everything we can to keep our boaters - and our children - safe."

The State averages 12 boating related fatalities a year. In 2009, Maryland had 17 boating related fatalities;16 of the victims were not wearing PFDs.

"A life jacket is the single most important piece of safety equipment, but it doesn't work unless you wear it," said NRP Superintendent Colonel George Johnson. "This law will provide an added measure of safety for our children boating on Maryland waters. "

Raising the age requirement puts Maryland in line with federal regulations and 34 states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, DC. The federal regulations do not supersede the state, but the National Transportation Safety Board strongly encourages states to update their PFD requirements.

The legislation was supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board, Safe Kids USA, National Boating Federation, National Safe Boating Council, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the Marine Retailers Association of America.

Existing Maryland law requires that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in order to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters. NRP offers both in-person and on-line boating safety courses to receive that certificate. For more information go to http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/basiccourse.html

The full bill can be viewed at http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/sb/sb0092t.pdf

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18 March 2010

Seasonal Weather Buoys deployed in Chesapeake Bay

The Coast Guard along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted seasonal buoy replacements Monday in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin, a 175-foot coastal buoy tender homeported in Baltimore, maintains approximately 375 aids to navigation and conducts fall and spring buoy replacements annually.

Weather buoys collect data and report real-time environmental information including wind speed, temperature and wave height. The buoys also serve as interpretive buoys that mark the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail that runs throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

"The weather buoys provide valuable weather information during peak recreational boating seasons," said Lt. Dave Lewald, the commanding officer of the Rankin. "The buoys also provide historical data which can benefit researchers collecting information on how to clean up the bay."

For more information visit www.ndbc.noaa.gov or http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/651/498815/

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05 March 2010

MD: State Legislature to consider bay No Discharge Zone - update

The following is from the BoatUS Government Affairs web site.

March 5, 2010

Hearings on the proposed legislation are schedule as follows:

Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee Hearing
Tuesday March 16, 1 pm.
(Senate Bill 513)
2 West Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/hearsch/0304_ehe.htm

House Environmental Matters Committee Hearing
Friday March 19, 1 pm.
(House Bill 1257)
Room 250, House Office Building, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010RS/hearsch/0304_comm.htm#env

These hearings are opportunities for the legislators to listen to comments and concerns about the bill's merits from their colleagues and from the general public before voting on the bill.

The time and place of the hearing can change up until the last minute, so check the state website again before driving to Annapolis!

March 1, 2010

The BoatUS Government Affairs team would like to make you aware of legislative activity that may affect Maryland boaters. We encourage you to share your personal point of view with your elected representatives. We have included appropriate contact information below.

Here is what is being proposed:
Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler has introduced legislation that would establish a "No Discharge Zone" for all Maryland waters. This means there would be no discharge of boat sewage - treated or untreated - from any vessels into Maryland waters. Currently, treated sewage from Type I and II Marine Sanitation Devices (like a LectraSan) can be discharged. It is already illegal in all U.S. waters to discharge untreated sewage from boat toilets (black water).

House Bill 1257 and Senate Bill 513, which are identical, would change Maryland law to prohibit the discharge of treated sewage from Type I and II MSD's in all boats and ships in Maryland.

Please note:
• The bills would take effect June 1, 2010 (or after approval from the federal EPA).
• If passed, the Dept. of Natural Resources must proceed to authorize routine inspections of sewage equipment (in all boats) and periodic dye flush tests of your boat's head(s).
• The bills would create a $10,000 fine per occurrence for a violation.

Speak Up!
Many BoatUS members have indicated they have strong opinions on this topic. We encourage you to:
• Call or email your state representatives - especially those who are cosponsors of these bills (see list below).
• To contact your Representatives, click here: http://mlis.state.md.us/mgaweb/mail32.aspx
• You may also attend and speak at the Senate Committee Hearing on March 16. (This is an opportunity for the legislators to listen to comments and concerns about the bill's merits from their colleagues and from the general public before voting on the bill.)
• Hearing Details: Tuesday March 16, 1 pm
2 West Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 http://mlis.state.md.us/2010RS/hearsch/0225_ehe.htm
The time and place of the hearing can change up until the last minute, so check the state website again before driving to Annapolis!

For Full Text of the Bills:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb1257.htm

Proposed No Discharge Zone

February 3, 2010

Legislation that would implement a No Discharge Zone of both treated and untreated sewage from all vessels in Maryland waters has been introduced in the Maryland State Senate. The bill number is SB513.

Particulars to note:

This does not include grey water (sinks/showers). It covers black water from installed toilets.
The proposed fine for a violation is $10,000, while the state's fine for manslaughter is $500 or bribing a voter is $500.
This is no grandfather clause for current owners of Type I or Type II MSD's.

Additional information and the text of the legislation can be found at the following link:

http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0513.htm

To contact your legislator:

http://mlis.state.md.us/mgaweb/mail32.aspx

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27 February 2010

MD: Port of Salisbury Marina gets $130 thousand worth of renovations

Chesapeake Bay Magazine reports that the 86 slip Salisbury Marina, now under city management, has added a fuel dock and applied a face lift to the restrooms, showers and laundry room. Also added is a fenced in exercise area for dogs.

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26 February 2010

National Sailing Hall of Fame to be built in Annapolis

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Maryland state Board of Public Works has approved a plan allowing for construction of the National Sailing Hall of Fame on the Annapolis waterfront.

Before construction can begin the museum must raise $30 million to fund the construction, and a five year operating and maintenance plan.

To read the Sun article, click here.

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17 February 2010

Snow destroys boat shed at Georgetown Yacht Basin

The weight of the snow from last weeks big storm caused the roof of boat shed on "J" Dock at Georgetown Yacht Basin on the Sassafrass River to collapse. Mary Hall, president of the company, said that 14 boats were trapped under the structure. The amount of damage to the vessels has not been determined. 

Pictures of Annapolis snow which closed Waterway Guide offices

Waterway Guide's Annapolis offices were closed for several days the week of February 7th due to the big snow storm that blanketed the city. Below are pictures taken by Waterway Guide ad sales rep Patty Mann from her house.

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03 February 2010

VA: Major fire at Tiffany Yachts destroys main building and several boats

A major fire has destroyed parts of Tiffany Yachts in Glebe Pt. on The Great Wicomico River. Fire officials say the main building and several boats inside were destroyed, but several other small buildings were not burned. Chief Phillip Keyser of the Fairfield Fire dept says workers at the business reported the fire Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was diverted in the area as firefighters from nearly every fire department in the area responded including Fairfield Callao, Lancaster, Upper Lancaster, White Stone, Copal District, and Richmond County. Keyser praised the departments for working together, and says there no injuries due to the fire. Fire fighters were still on the scene early this morning. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

To read an article on Fredericksburg.com click here.

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17 December 2009

Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis moving from "Ego Alley"

USA. Fawcett Boat Supplies, Inc. to move to new location
Thursday, 17 December 2009

Fawcett Boat Supplies announced today that it will be moving from its downtown Annapolis Store to a new location at 919 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis. The new location on Bay Ridge Avenue is across the street from the Giant Supermarket near the intersection of Edgewood Road. The move is scheduled to take place in January 2010 and the business anticipates being closed for 1 week to complete the move. At just over 12,000 square feet, the new property is larger than the current downtown location and includes additional space for offices, outboard engine service and inflatable boat repair.

Founded in Eastport in 1948, the move marks the fourth change in location in the company's 61-year history. "We believe this is a great opportunity for us to position Fawcett for further growth, and have more control over our future. Our service business has been growing steadily over the last 3 years, and in the last year we have added the capabilities of the e-commerce site Pyacht.com and Chesapeake Marine Fasteners. The new building offers us greater capacity for those parts of our business as well as new retail space. With its close proximity to boat yards, waterfront communities and frontage on a major thoroughfare, this new location also offers greater convenience for our wholesale and retail customers," said Stephen Ripley, President of Fawcett Boat Supplies.

"We are focused on making this transition as smooth as possible for our customers and suppliers. To that end we will be working hard to minimize the time that the business will be closed and will be focused on ensuring we continue to provide the best selection and highest quality service that our customers expect." said Ripley.

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12 December 2009

MD: Coast Guard Firearms Question

It has been reported recently that on several occasions the U.S.
Coast Guard in New Jersey and in Maryland have boarded recreational
vessels for safety checks and fined boaters who had "not reported"
Flare Guns aboard.

The Coast Guard officer asked the vessel captain if they had any fire
arms aboard. The captains' replied No. The next question asked was
to see their Visual Distress Signals. When shown a kit which
contained a flare gun, the vessel owner was cited / fined because
they "lied" to the CG officer!!!

Note, that there is nothing illegal with having a flare gun aboard a
U.S. vessel -- it is in fact part of the required / approved USCG
safety equipment.

So, if boarded by a USCG officer and asked whether you have any fire
arms, always answer that YES you have a Flare Gun as part of our
Visual Distress Signal Kit. No problem as long as you are truthful
and understand that your "flare gun" is considered a "fire arm" in
New Jersey, Maryland or wherever.

It should be noted here that a a 12 guage flare gun will also
discharge a 12 guage pumpkin ball (deer hunting slug) or a double ott
buckshot shell -- also a standard flare will do a great deal of
damage to or kill a person when fired at them, even from a medium range.

Note: This is another reason to have a USPS / USCGAux. Vessel Safety
Check preformed on you boat every year!

D/Lt John R. Gill, AP
United States Power Squadrons
District 5, Ch/Cruise Planning
Certified VSC Examiner

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22 February 2009

Maryland Cruising and taxes!

I made a post the other day about staying in Maryland waters for more then 3 months if you've paid your own state sales tax. Based on the feedback and a call I made to the Maryland DNR area this is what I found out. You can stay in Maryland water more than 90 days if you've paid the sales tax in your own state. You do not need to re-register or title your boat in Maryland as long as you apply for a 2 year tax decal/sticker. The cost is $10 and like I mentioned it is good for 2 years. The number I called is 410-260-3220 for those that have an interest in doing this. Hope this is helpful.

Jim & Lisa Favors - Kismet
Fathom 40

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13 June 2008

Chesapeake City to New York City, a great ride!

Thursday (May 29) at 04:30 we sailed out of Chesapeake City, MD on the tide, leaving
2 hours before high tide at Reedy Point. There was some wispy fog rising
from the C&D canal, ocasionally heavy, and we met one large fuel barge and
tug. Holding the fair tide nearly all the way down Delaware Bay, we arrived
in Cape May, NJ and anchored at 13:30 just east of the Coast Guard station.
The distance run was 73 sm. Then we napped for a couple of hours to make
ready for an overnight run up the Jersey coast.

Thursday eve at 17:10 we headed out of Cape May, bound for New York harbor.
A sailboat we met coming into the harbor said conditions outside were
uncomfortable, but do-able, so we decided to have a look outside and turn
back if it wasn't comfortable for us. The forecast was for winds SW 10-15
and 2' seas, but we actually saw winds S15 and seas 2-3'. Our initial
heading was 065 degrees magnetic, so the south wind wasn't too bad, but we
wished for the predicted SW instead. After 5 miles, we rounded a small
headland and turned to about 50 degrees, which felt a bit better. Around
midnight, the wind started to ease and clock a bit to the SW then W, so most
of the trip was quite pleasant. We arrived at Sandy Hook around 08:00 and
continued north into Coney Island Creek, where we anchored at 10:00, a run
of 133 sm. This creek is well protected in all directions, but the sides
are littered with rotted barge hulks and demolished docks, and the only
dinghy landing is on a beach in a public park. We went ashore and bought
some fruits, vegetables and meats at small markets near the Brighton Beach
subway (actually elevated) stop. The Coney Island boardwalk and amusement
park looks a bit down at the heels, a big disappointment for me.

Saturday we left at 13:40 on the tide, a distance of 47 sm, anchoring at
Nyack at 18:30. That night a frontal system blew through, with 40 kt winds
and heavy rain with small hail. The Supermax did its job, and we had no
worries. Sunday (today) we departed Nyack at 05:05 to catch the fair tide
up the Hudson. It was a glorious day, mostly sunny with light winds from
the SW, changing later to NW at 10-15 as we anchored in Saugerties at 14:05
after a run of 72 sm.

Tomorrow morning we'll unstep the (hinged) mast, reducing our air draft from
34' to 14', and head on up the Hudson toward Waterford and the start of the
Erie Canal. We've decided to stay on the NY canal system for the summer,
instead of venturing up to Canada and the Trent-Severn waterway, partly in
response to the high fuel prices and partly so we can slow down a bit and
stop more along the way. A season pass on the Erie, Oswego, Seneca and
Champlain canals is only $100, and free town docks and lock walls will be
our summer home. The bicycles will get a good workout.

Mark & Joyce, m/v Winnie the Pooh
46' trawler-that-was-a-sailboat

C & D Canal at dawn

Manhattan

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21 May 2008

Annapolis Spa Creek mooring field, cruisers report

An observation at Annapolis Spa Creek mooring field. We have been in here for a few days now and have observed that the local "water police" do enforce the law with regard to running lights on your dinghy. We have seen them stopping dinghies on three separate evenings.

It is a great town to visit, good restaurants, good public transportation to shopping, a lot of ice cream shops, and everyone is friendly and helpful.

Larry & Theresa Valentine
m/v Lauren Grace