Return of Euro Trash Girl, Part 1

Charleston SC to Annapolis MD – April 19-24, 2015

In November 2014 I participated in my first blue water passage with the ARC-Bahama from Annapolis MD to Abaco Bahamas aboard JWorld’s J120 s/v Euro Trash Girl. A little personal background- at that time I had taken Basic Keel Boat and Basic Cruising courses from JWorld Annapolis and have skippered bareboat charters for family vacations in the USVI/BVI a few times. The sailing in the islands is great, however, you are always in sight of land. Before the ARC a couple of seasoned sailors, perhaps “salty dogs” is more appropriate, told me to be careful because blue water may start to run through my veins. At the end of that exciting and successful journey I knew that I would need to go off shore again. Months went by and occasionally my day dreams would take me back to that incredible ARC experience. In late February I was contacted by JWorld Captain Tony with an offer to join his crew to bring s/v Euro Trash Girl back from Charleston SC to her home port in East Port Annapolis. I wanted desperately to go but unfortunately the timing coincided with a St Martin trip my wife and I had already scheduled. While on vacation I would look out at the sailboats wondering when I would set sail again. Not long after returning from St Martin I was contacted again by Captain Tony. He informed me that the passage had been delayed until the middle of April and this time the timing was right and I happily agreed to sail with him again! Read more

Thunderstorms courtesy of NOAA

Types of Thunderstorms

Ordinary Cell

As the name implies, there is usually only one cell with this type of thunderstorm. Also called a “pulse” thunderstorm, the ordinary cell consist of a one time updraft and one time downdraft. In the towering cumulus stage, the rising updraft will suspend growing raindrops until the point where the weight of the water is greater than what can be supported.

At which point, drag of air from the falling drops begins to diminish the updraft and, in turn, allow more raindrops to fall. In effect, the falling rain turns the updraft into a downdraft. With rain falling back into the updraft, the supply of rising moist air is cut-off and the life of the single cell thunderstorm is short. Read more

Let’s get GREEN!

I saw this post this morning and it occurred to me how many Happy Birthday balloons I have seen out at sea.  There is a movement among race organizers to create “green” regattas, which is a step in the right direction.  If we all have consideration for what we throw over board it certainly can’t hurt.  Nothing ruins a good picture faster that a floating water bottle.  Be personally responsible, get involved Sailors for the Sea, and spread the word.  Enjoy the video courtesy of the VOR.

Annapolis Junior Keelboat Regatta

On May 25th we hosted the first annual Annapolis Junior Keelboat Regatta held at the Annapolis Spring Boat Show.  Five teams from local high schools; South River, Broadneck, St. Mary’s, Spalding, and Severna Park, competed in 7 races with light and shifty breeze.  At the end of the day South River edged out Broadneck for the victory.  Team pictured here with J World head coach Dave Manheimer.

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ARC Delmarva Rally

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Sailing around the “island” shared by Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (DelMarVa) is often the first big trip for Chesapeake Bay sailors and it is a great way to gain valuable planning and passage making experience. This past weekend our partners at the World Cruising Club hosted an information session on the trials and tribulations of an DelMarVa in preparation for their June event and our own Jahn Tihansky was there to share his experiences on sailing this cruising classic. A copy of his presentation can be found here:  Navigating the Delmarva Peninsula.

J World Annapolis will be sailing this event this year too.  If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming DelMarVa cruising program, please contact us.

Cruise with friends and experience offshore sailing in the Atlantic. ARC DelMarVa is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and gain experience sailing overnight and in the ocean, in the company of friends and with an experienced support staff not far away. The event is unique in the WCC portfolio, as it’s locally focused and organized from WCC USA’s home base in Annapolis by experienced Chesapeake Bay sailors, with the support of the local marine industry.   Read more

ANNAPOLIS KEELBOAT REGATTA

Young sailors will show off their skills next weekend at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

By Peter Crispino | For The Baltimore Sun

Six teams from area high schools will set sail April 25 in the inaugural Annapolis Junior Keelboat Regatta, and crews have been practicing for a chance to not only hoist a trophy but to show off the region’s sailing prowess. The race will pit students from Severn School and Broadneck, South River High, Archbishop Spalding, Severna Park and St. Mary’s high schools against each other at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show. “We’re really excited about it,” said Cole Allsopp, junior director of the Severn Sailing Association, where three of the teams are based. “Having new events,especially of this unique nature, makes it really cool for us to give everyone some more exposure and expand their sailing horizons.”

 

The regatta will present a challenge to the young sailors as they compete on five-person keelboats instead of the speedier two-person dinghies they’re accustomed to. Some racers will have only one day to practice on the larger boats before the regatta. “Most of them don’t have a ton of experience with keelboats, so this is a really cool opportunity for them,” said Allsopp. “It’s like if you were to race in a truck versus racing a really twitchy sports car like a Ferrari.” Read more

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