Posts Tagged ‘maryland’

2011 Sailing Season on Schooner Heron is almost here!

Friday, March 18th, 2011

The 2011 charter season for Schooner Heron Charters out of Solomons Island will begin mid-April. You may visit our website www.schoonerheron.com and our new facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Schooner-Heron-Charters/203632606316106

Please “Like” the facebook page and join in to get the latest news, learn about events and special deals that we’ll be promoting through the Facebook page, read sailing stories and see photos from all our charters. Please share your own adventures in sailing, whether it’s out on the water, searching for a boat, asking questions, etc.

I’ve just started on a big project on Schooner Heron: prepping the decks and pilothouse for new Alwgrip paint and new non-skid surfaces. First, sections of the deck — where the paint and fairing compound has lifted from the aluminum — must be ground down to bare aluminum and primed with a special paint that stops the aluminum from oxidizing. Then, additional primers and fairing compound to bring the thickness of the material back to the same height as surrounding areas. That all gets sanded down, made smooth, then primed again before the topcoat (the shiny stuff) gets sprayed on. Finally, the sections of the deck where we walk will get taped off, and a special paint will be rolled on to give a rough surface for secure movement, even when wet.This is a big job and I hope to be finished by mid-April for the start of the season.

That’s about it for now. We’ll have updates on the progress of the work as we go.

Happy sailing!

June 20. A dignified (and fun) Anniversary Surprise!

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Cindy and Mohammad

Sometimes you sense the presence of dignity in a person, and that’s what I felt when I met Mohammad. There was just something quiet and strong about the man. But, I’m ahead of myself a little bit. Cindy booked the charter as a surprise for her husband to celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary, and a surprise it was! The rest of the family: son Chaz, daughter Layla, and her fiance, Zach, were all in on it. But, Mohammad was clueless as to what was going on. They showed up at my house dressed like they were going to a 5-star restaurant for lunch. I came out to meet them. “You’re going sailing dressed like that?” Mohammad said, “Oh, we’re going sailing?” It was great. They came into the house, met my Zach (my 30-year old African Grey parrot), changed their clothes… and we were off to go sailing.

Chaz at wheel

On my schooner, Heron, I can promise you when you make the drive down to Calvert County and Solomons Island to go out for a sail, I’ll do everything I can to make your charter day as good as it can be. But, I can’t control the weather. I can’t make the sailing more or less exciting or peaceful. This particular day was a “variable” day, as they say… some wind… some movement of the boat… But, not terribly exciting. But, still, the sails had to go up, and as usual, I found a hearty soul willing to do the work. Chaz is a computer guy, still in school, but is also apparently quite the musician, piano being his specialty, and he also wants to make music be a big part of his life. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to hear him play on one of my keyboards.

Everyone sleeping

This was quite the peaceful day, and from the look of things, this was a well needed, relaxing day. It happens, all the time, that folks will find a spot with the amazingly comfortable blue cushions, and simply fall asleep. Ten minutes… half hour… an hour… Between the breeze, the motion of the boat, the gentle sounds of the water passing by the hull… they’ll have the deepest and most relaxing nap that they’ve had in ages! But, this was a first for me, to have everyone sleeping at the same time! Actually, I loved it. I love that I can give people the chance to relax, to leave “it” all behind for the several hours that we’re out on the Chesapeake Bay. If I could, I’d put the boat on autopilot and join in for a nap. I’ve been tempted…

Titanic shot

I suppose on boats worldwide, people do the “Titanic shot” and yet, this one, with Zach and Layla up forward, on such a pretty day, seemed especially poignant. THAT is a beautiful photograph, and THAT was a beautiful moment.

Zach and Layla

Zach is finishing up school, planning to be a financial adviser. Layla has a year left at UM dental hygiene school, and is already working as a hygienist this summer. If you look carefully… I know the photos are small… you can see some of the cleanest, whitest smiles…  It just feels really nice to meet a group of young people who are so obviously doing well in their lives, working hard to make things happen…

Mohammad cooling off

Now, I mentioned that I felt a tremendous sense of dignity in Mohammad. But, even dignified people can get warm on a hot Chesapeake Bay day. So, he cooled down with a fresh water spritz from my wash-down hose. This is primarily used to wash down the anchor chain before it is stored below, as you pull up the anchor from a muddy bottom. But, on hot days, the spritz of fresh water from my tanks is just what is needed to feel cooler and refreshed.

family shot

In most of my blog articles, I’ve used the expression, “Once again…” and this will be no different. Once again, this turned out to be a great family day, a way for a very close family to spend time together talking, laughing, sleeping, especially to celebrate 22 years of marriage. And once again, I felt honored to be able to share in this intimate time with a really nice group of people.

June 19th was a HOT HOT HOT day… (see first photo)

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Hot hot hot

What can I say? These ladies were a great fun time! You’re notice the husbands, Fermin and Miguel smiling in every shot. Our charter offering to take folks sailing on the Chesapeake Bay keeps bringing the coolest and nicest people down to Southern Maryland and Solomons Island.

group shot

These two families, husband Fermin, wife Kirstie and son Elias, and husband Miguel, wife Stacy, and daughter Naiya are great friends, and they let me share in a bit of that friendship on the day we went out for a sail on Schooner Heron, looking for wind.

moms and kids

This turned out to be a really great family day. These two children were just a joy to be around. You couldn’t find two better behaved and friendly children, anywhere. When they first pulled up in their car, and I went outside to meet them, little Elias jumped out, came running over, put his arms around me and said, “Are you the Captain? Thank you for taking us sailing.” Jeez…

Fermin and Elias at wheel

First Elias took a turn at the helm, helping his father Fermin figure out where to go…

Miguel and Naiya

Then, it was Naiya’s turn, with the help of father Miguel.

What great conversation we had all day, learning all about what we each did in our lives, what we had done, what we hoped to still do. Fermin is a chiropractor, and director of VA Family Chiropractic Health Center. He gave me some good tips during the day, about my health, and I’m still waiting for the bill to arrive in the mail. Stacy is a writer and Director of Legislative Grassroots for The National Treasury Employees Union, representing federal employees from many agencies. She has since sent me some contacts of literary agencies for my novel… a book which was almost published nine years ago, but which had to be shelved and became an “economic ripple” (because of its storyline) after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. I really appreciate her help with that. Miguel is an engineer for a major hotel chain, in charge of a huge staff which keeps EVERYTHING running right for their customers. And Kirstie, if I remember correctly, is a stay-at-home Mom… the hardest of all the jobs!

Fermin under bridge

The wind came up and it was a bit choppy out in the Bay, so we took advantage of the SW wind and came back into the Patuxent River, sailing under the Solomons Bridge.

Stacy and Naiya beauty shot

The calmer waters made little Naiya happier, and we were able to sail all the way up to Broome’s Island before having to turn around to head home.

Tennison

On the way back, we passed the Tennison, the tour boat for the Calvert Marine Museum. The Museum is a great place for adults and children, and the Tennison gives you a great ride around Solomons and the Patuxent River.

Kirstie Fermin at wheel

This was a really enjoyable day for me, and for the two families who came aboard. They’re coming again in August, and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with them. What a great benefit for me, meeting people like this… just from taking a simple afternoon sail on the Chesapeake Bay.

Great Conditions Once Again

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

We’ve had some good luck, down here in Southern Maryland, with Schooner Heron Charters. We’ve had lots of wind, lots of sun… and great people coming down for a sailing charters aboard Heron.

Oris the happy boy

On May 22, we once again had good breezes and bright blue skies on the Chesapeake Bay. Good friends Oris and Noble brought their wives and sister and friend down for a sail. Oris and Noble both are in love with the idea of sailing, with being on the water, and they enjoyed themselves as we talked about boating, sailing “how to’s,” and boat ownership all day. I don’t think either of them had been sailing on a big boat before, yet they were both steering, handling winches under load, and trimming sails like pros.

The boys up front

There was a lot of sun, and we were reminded to protect ourselves against too much of a good thing. Covering up and using sunscreen were the rules of the day, but being early in the season, we tend to forget… so a few of us turned a little pink in spots. Damian finally put a hat over his very red forehead.

Nice shot Damian and Patsy

We really did luck out with conditions, and it’s kinda hard not be all smiles when you’re out on a schooner, sailing out of Solomons Island into the Chesapeake Bay, on such a nice day.

Great shot Noble

For me, tremendous pleasure comes from meeting new folks who are enjoying themselves aboard Heron, sharing bits of our lives… where we’ve been, where we’re going… what do we see in our minds’ eyes for our futures… This type of camaraderie, enjoyed while slicing through the waters of the Bay with the wind in our faces… this is what it’s all about.

Romey, Noble, and Me

Once again, another really enjoyable day aboard Heron.

Amazing grace. 5.15.10

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

I was truly humbled by the group of folks who came down to Southern Maryland for a daysail charter aboard Schooner Heron. These lawyers (I had to be really careful with my contracts and liability waivers!!!) work in immigration law half the time, at Just Law International, and do pro bono work the other half of the time, working on behalf of the Jubilee Campaign around the world. Ann and Bonnie and Valeria and Sonya and Jiyoon and Tarik, and others who were not on board that day, are doing tremendous humanitarian work — stopping genocide, rewriting laws to protect children, helping refugees, fighting human trafficking, protecting orphans, building homes, working against AIDS… the list goes on… — and I would recommend that people go to their website, learn about their work, and do what you can to support them.

Group Shot

Now, back to the charter. AGAIN, a whole lot of wind. But warmer than the last charter. This day, light jackets gave way to t-shirts. And there was plenty of sun.

Bonnie, Jiyoon and Sonya

The fixin’s were pretty good. Bonnie did a good job of putting together some snacks. And sandwiches were flying back and forth, faster than we could eat them. Ann hands out some of the plates of cheese and crackers.

Ann with good fixin's

We took the time to sail under the Solomons Bridge. Amazing perspective from down below.

Going under bridge

If you want to stay out of the sun, or wind, the place to be is under the dodger. Tarik found a nice spot and claimed it for his own.

Tarik under dodger

Valerie had a great time steering, and held the wheel for quite a good part of the day. She steered better than some of my friends who have been sailing for years. Some people pick it up fairly easily, feeling the wind, the water… the way the boat responds… Others don’t reach that level of comfort and harmony. Valerie was definitely in tune with the natural forces that were driving the boat.

Val at wheel

Being forward on the boat is one of the most exciting places to be. Everyone does the “Titanic” thing, with arms outstretched. You get a tremendous sense of the boat, from the bow, especially looking aft. Instead of being on the boat, looking out, you’re almost off the boat, looking inward. I call it the best seat in the house.

Bonnie forward

This turned out to be a perfect day. Perfect conditions. Wonderful and inspiring conversation. Lots of fun. We all went to dinner afterwards in Solomons Island where I was treated to my meal by the group, an unexpected and appreciated treat. Great sailing, great people… What more can you ask?

May 9th brought lots of chilly wind…

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Rescheduling from a previous weekend, Steve and Lara and friends came down to Solomons Island, in Calvert County, Southern Maryland, for a sailing charter aboard Schooner Heron on a day that started out chilly, stayed chilly, and had more than enough wind to go around. But, they were prepared, with lots of warm layers, ear muffs, gloves, hats… The day turned out to be quite exhilarating. Here, Catalina and Lara are huddling to stay warm.

Lara and Catalina getting warm

One of the most important features of a sailboat is the ability to reduce sail as the wind increases. Reducing sail means to put up smaller sails, reef the mainsail (make it smaller, by lowering a bit of it and tying that off), or in the case of furling sails (which roll up on themselves like a windowshade), to roll them in a bit.

Little bit of wind

Keeping the boat balanced, by adjusting the sail plan so you have the pull of the sails, the “effort” balanced between the front sails and the back sails makes steering the boat much easier. With a schooner rig on Heron, because we have two masts and a wide variety of sails, it is easy to keep the boat balanced and comfortable. Here, Nelson is hanging on, doing a great job at the helm. Nelson has experience racing on small boats, and he has a great feel of the water.

Nelson hanging on

Another point to consider, with sailboats, is that as the wind increases and the boat begins to heel (this is when it gets to be fun!), the wind is spilled over the tops of the sails, so this acts as an automatic way to counteract the effects of sudden strong gusts of wind. Lots of wind, on a properly sailed and balanced boat, means lots of fun. I can’t tell. Was Steve enjoying himself?

Steve at the helm

And even bundled up, sailing can be quite the romantic affair! Steve and Lara… they’re under all those layers somewhere.

Steve and Lara

Now, with all the motion and action, did anyone begin to feel queasy? Nothing worth mentioning!!!

Melissa nice shot

And this photo was definitely not staged. There was really something very important out there on the water.

Steve and Nelson staged

All in all, a great sail on the water with some great folks who loved the raw energy of the day. Another wonderful day for Schooner Heron Charters.

Patuxent Adventure Center - The Place for Outdoor Adventure

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Schooner Heron edged

When you make a recreational visit to Southern Maryland, try to get in a schooner sail aboard Heron, our beautiful 60′ staysail schooner. Schooner Heron Charters offers the best deal on the Chesapeake Bay to take a personalized schooner sail out of Solomons Island. $390 for a 5-hour daysail charter for 6 people, including lunch! There isn’t a better offer like this, anywhere. Captain Aram Nersesian will do everything he can to make your personalized sailing charter a wonderful experience and a great day on the Chesapeake Bay.

Bikes on racks

Compliment your sailing experience with bicycling and kayaking. Patuxent Adventure Center has kayak and bicycle rentals, as well as lessons, tune-ups, and full repairs. Open six days a week, closed Mondays, Patuxent Adventure Center is your center for all your outdoor needs when you come down to Calvert County for a day or weekend getaway.

Kayak Demo day

May 8th, Patuxent Adventure Center will have a Demo Day at the Solomons Beach on the right side of the main drag going into Solomons Island. Current Designs kayaks will be there in force, and Hurricane and Heritage kayaks will be supports through rentals.

paddle boards

Also, Patuxent Adventure Center now carries Tahoe Stand Up Paddleboards, the lastest craze on the water. These great paddleboards are more for flatwater, and provide higher stability and higher speed/track than stand up paddleboards used in ocean waters.

Kayaks are available on the water, every day, ready for a test paddle. Just let them know what kind of kayak you’re interested in trying out, and they’ll arrange to have a few for side-by-side demonstration. This is really the best way to find the kind of kayak you’re looking for. A 1/2 day kayak rental is $35, and that fee is taken off the price of the kayak if you purchase one.

Sunday, May 16th, the Patuxent Adventure Center is helping to sponsor the Leonardtown Criterium Bicycle Race put on by the Pax Velo Cycling Club. This is a full day of bicycle racing on the square in downtown Leonardtown. Races go all day and the kids race is always a fun time.

Heron aerial

And don’t forget… a visit to Southern Maryland and Solomons Island isn’t really complete without some time out on the water, so plan a day sail aboard Schooner Heron and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.

Getting Schooner Heron Ready for Charter Season

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Ice on Mill Creek

It was a snowy and cold winter… no need to tell anyone that. The cold and wetness put off maintenance and projects on Schooner Heron, so I’m rushing to get things done before our charter season opening on April 16th.

Schooner Heron bow shot

Projects for this spring include re-routing the main engine exhaust hose to prevent hydrolocking. This happened to us about 60 miles offhsore in sporty conditions when we made a quick September, 2009 trip to Block Island. Hydrolocking occurs when water is able to back up through the exhaust hose and enter the engine cylinders, preventing the pistons from moving. You can’t compress water! But the initial symptoms can be confused with other problems. When you turn the key, you hear a clunk, then nothing… so, perhaps a dead battery? Corroded connections? But my good friend and master mariner Karl Westby, aboard for the trip, diagnosed it properly. My 100 hp 2-stroke Detroit was hydrolocked. We were sailors, without an engine. No worries. We had plenty of wind. Anyway, back to the project, the cure is to put a raised loop in the exhaust line to prevent siphoning. Sounds easy, but when you’re working with 4″ rigid exhaust hose, and need to find room for the loop in very tight quarters with an aluminum infrastructure, it can get trying. I completed this job, after a lot of grunting and groaning and lots of cuts to the hands and arms, about two weeks ago.

Maintenance also includes new varnish for the toerails, oil for the teak in the cockpit and on top of the pilothouse… some electrical work, some plumbing… and LOTS of cleaning. We even need to bend on two more sails which have been plumped in a pile in a bedroom for the winter.

We’ll be ready, and our first booked charter is April 18th, the Sunday of the Tiki Bar opening, and the second day of the rockfish season opening weekend. It’s going to be crowded out there on the Bay!

Rockfish are coming… “We need a bigger boat!”

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Giant Rockfish caught April 2010

Rockfish season opens in Maryland on April 17, and the big ones are already in the Bay. This 50 pounder was caught during a research fishing trip for the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Biological Laboratory on Solomons Island, Maryland. From the looks of things, we’re gonna need BIG boats this year!!!

April Events… and… Tiki Bar 30th Anniversary Opening!

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Schooner Heron Charters is opening its season with the greatest deal on the Bay for personalized private schooner charters, on April 16th. Plan your Southern Maryland getaway and include an afternoon sail for six people on our beautiful 60 foot schooner, Heron, and throw your cares to the wind!

Tiki Bar Opening Solomons Island

If you like huge crowds, great scenery, and an incredible Mardi Gras atmosphere, get anchored to the Tiki Bar on its 30th Year Anniversary opening party, Friday, April 16. The seasonal opening is always the biggest party of the year, but this year they will be celebrating 30 years of Tiki goodness. The Tiki Gods are planning it now and it will be a must-attend event. The Tiki Gods also remind you to drink responsibly and have a designated driver! See the website for details.

Jefferson Patterson Park Calvert County Tourism

Ever wonder what archaeologists do? Join the staff at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum Saturday, April 17, for their 2010 season opening, Discovering Archaeology Day. Discover the where, what and how of archaeology. The park will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with demonstrations, tours, displays and hands-on activities for all ages.

Breezy Point Beach Calvert County tourism

On Monday, April 19, don your spiffy pirate duds and hit Breezy Point Beach to join Captain Jack for a real-life treasure hunt. There’s a pirate chest buried in the sand and it’s full of treasure. What sort of treasure you say? Aye, that’s for you to find out, Mate! The admission is free, but you must register by April 16. It’s easy to register – walk into any Calvert County Parks and Recreation office, phone 410-535-1600, ext. 2225, fax 410-535-2233 or go online, https://webtrac.co.cal.md.us. The program number is 460400A.

Looking for a fun way to stay fit? Breezy Point Beach has the sand, the ball and the net – all they need is you for beach volleyball. They are creating a summer league and if you are interested in keeping fit and having fun in the sun, call 410-535-0259 or e-mail the staff.