Epic Chesapeake sailing adventure!!!!

Well my wife and I had a true sailing adventure this past weekend sailing out of Kiptopeke State Park on the lower eastern shore of Virginia on our 1981 Hobie 16. (Kiptopeke is Indian for “Big Waterâ€

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

I had my first experience with the Bay-Bridge tunnel a few weekends ago during the Version 2.6 regatta and your right, there are some funny things going on around those bridges. The currents can be pretty strong from what the fleet members have told me of that area. That was also my first experience sailing amongst so many big ships. The Saturday race had some light winds and as I was heading back to our launch area, crossing the tunnel I was informed by the police boat to get out of the way of an aircraft carrier! I had no idea how fast those things are.

Cool story, I'm glad it all worked out for you and your crew. From what it sounds like it could have been a lot worse. That's definately an interesting area to sail in.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Those carriers are wicked fast! You should see when they really go fast out at sea! I used to play in that water along time ago out of the USN's Little Creek Amphibious Base as a Beachmaster. Of course amphibious equipment and 16' Hobies are quite different.

I looked at the Chesapeake Bay chart book at Fishermans Island. According to it I probably only walked the boat a mile. It sure seemed alot further!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

The nucs (of which most are now) go over 35kts (top speed is classified). I spent some time on them years ago, mostly flying to and from.

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Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057

Try camping at Seashore State Park next time. You can sail the Bay or the Atlantic and stay on the east side of the bridge tunnel.

Seashore State Park is really nice. That's actually where I stayed when I was there. It really beats the hotels as far as price goes, if you don't mind camping.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Seashore State Park? That sounds geat! What is the launch situation(s)?

Camping? We just bought a truck camper this past spring so we can camp and tow our toys as well. We LOVE camping!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

If you don't mind driving a little further south of the Va border is a campground called Bells Island. I have a permanent place at the campground. Right now we have 4 Hobie 16's there and sail every weekend. Water 5 feet deep all around except the ICW. Wind is never a problem and it is great camping. We beach the boats @ night and hit it the next morning.

Great spot.

Well we'll put Bells Island on our "to do" list. Probably next season...but who knows? (Wifes vacation time has all but run out...I still have a few weeks though!). I don't understand why campgrounds and parks aren't littered with catamarans, they're inexpensive (as far as boats go) and SO much fun! Many people ask us about our boat when we take it with us (Like they never saw one before). I find it hard to believe more people aren't into them.

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

Beach launch. You'll need cat trax.