CARVER OWNERS CLUB
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May 2009

Headlines - Click on a Headline to see the Story

Our pump out boat operator ($5 for both tanks) gave us a different insight in the material he handles.  He said, "It may be poop to you, but it's bread and butter to me."  When I asked him to describe his business, he said that he, "is in the redistribution of yachtsman effluvium."  I think that is something like a farming device the Amish farmers use to fertilize their fields.

Remember that old saw about some people having all the luck.  Here's a story that a member couple sent in.  While they do seem to have all the luck, it also seems to be all bad.

When we left (the restaurant), got out of the marina and looked up the creek, we saw a bright spotlight blinding us from the general area of our boat.  It appeared as though someone thought they could see better if they lit up the entire creek.  As we got closer, we could see there were running lights for two boats and thought it must be a tow boat bringing in a disabled boat.  Closer yet, it definitely looked like a tow boat, but they weren't moving.  Since they weren't moving, I crossed their path because my boat was on their other side about 20 feet away.  When we were between the two boats, almost to ours, one of them turned on flashing blue lights. 

Oh!! ... not a tow boat, it was the USCG and DNR.  I drifted up to my swim platform and hooked the dinghy up to the clips.  DNR came over, all pissed off because I didn't stop the second he switched on the blue lights.  USCG left.  DNR explained I should have stopped immediately.  I told him I figured it best if I went [the last 10 ft of my journey] and connected up to my anchored boat so we could talk.  He didn't like that idea, but nevertheless explained what was going on.  There was a report of a vessel in distress and other VHF transmissions including "cussing" from what sounded like a child.  They were triangulated to the general area of Worton Creek.  We were the only boat moving, so we were suspected to be the kids.  It seemed they had lots of time to see we were not kids as we approached them under their spot light.  (If I had my hand held VHF, I would have been cussing at that spot light.)  DNR (Cpl. name) checked our dinghy for safety gear and I couldn't produce a sound producing device (I demonstrated I was equipped to whistle quite loudly ... didn't go over too well).  He produced a written warning and suggested I get an inexpensive whistle to keep on the dinghy.

We then talked a while about the restaurant and the club (gave him a card for his dad who owns a Carver 32).  Turned out to be a nice guy.  He mentioned we were lucky he ended up talking to us as the CG would not have warned.  I guess no warnings by the CG is a new Obama change.

So that's how kids playing on the radio can get us a written warning from the DNR.  And as the wife pointed out this morning, we had no beer cans rolling around the dinghy floor and the registration was up to date, stickers on, and registration card in the husband's wallet.

Photos and New Members?

We have a new set of photos from last year's Rendezvous in Rock Hall.  Go to the Fun Photos portion when you get a chance and see a wonderful group of photos about the great dinghy race.  Did I mention that it was hot last year?

We also had a visit from the Nina and Pinta reproductions.  Again, you can see some photos in the Fun Photos section.

The Club has several events scheduled or in the planning stages.  Here's what we have so far:

Chesapeake Bay Rendezvous, June 5, 6, and 7, Baltimore.  We're going to the Anchorage Marina in Canton this year, still trying to avoid the construction in the downtown area.  The Anchorage Marina is located near Canton's O'Donnell Square within easy walking distance.  The Saturday night dinner will be at the Bay Cafe - a nice beach themed restaurant.  Per person cost this year is $100.  We are limited to 25 boats or about 50 people.  Make reservations as soon as possible by calling Patsy at 800-540-2926.  Refunds are available until May 11, when we cannot accept further reservations.

Here is an aerial view and some directions, thoughtfully provided by Robert Janger:

To get there by boat, I would tell folks to enter the Patapsco River, pass under the Key Bridge, leaving Ft. McHenry to port. The Anchorage Marina will be on the starboard side, just past the Baltimore Marine Center. It is the marina with the blue awnings and is located at 39.16.77N and 076.34.96W. VHF 16/67 or 410-522-7200. By land it’ across the street from the Boston street Safeway and is located at: 2501 Boston Street, Baltimore MD 21224

We have 17 boats signed up so far.  Sign up TODAY if would like to come with your boat.

Florida East Coast Rendezvous, TBD, Harborage Yacht Club and Marina, Stuart, Florida 34994.  Several years ago, we had a successful Rendezvous on the West Coast.  We'd like to plan this get together during the winter season - please suggest the best times for you.  The Harborage Yacht Club and Marina has as many slips as we can use and there are two restaurants on site - one a more formal, table cloth restaurant and the other a more casual, larger restaurant.  We'll have a potluck dinner on Friday night and vendor presentations on Saturday morning.  Contact me with the best dates for you.

We had the largest group we've ever had at the Saturday Night Out in Worton Creek at the Harbor House Restaurant - over 30 people attended.  As always, the food was magnificent and named for different guests.  The weather was wonderful - in the upper 70's as the high.  It was so nice that one couple came by boat - another first for this SNO.  We've even been invited back next year.  It was also great to see some folks we haven't seen for awhile.