SteveP
Member
Since we decided as a family to spend Memorial Day at Sandy Point Park I decided to take the boat and try out the Chesapeake bay. Since the park boat ramps are located in a small inlet with a narrow stretch of water to get from the inlet to the bay I decided to bring the iron sail with me. It was a good thing I did. We got the boat prepped and in the water and proceeded to motor out of the inlet. When we got into the bay we discovered two things 1) very light wind and 2) a lot of wakes from motor boats. I was able to sail a short distance before the winds died completely and I put the iron sail to use again. We "sailed" out to the lighthouse and then came into shore in the small boat launching area. I grabbed a quick bite to eat and then went back out. There was still no wind so it was back to the iron sail. On the way back into the inlet the motor died (out of gas.) I refueled and got going without incident. However, I cut the engine too quickly while approaching one of the docks. We started to drift into a boat being launched in the dock next to ours. I jumped out of the boat and pulled it away before we collided. I did manage to get water in the pouch that I use to carry my cell phone (my daughter put her cell in the pouch and didn't seal it properly and I didn't check it.) Another boat trip another lesson learned.
The dock area at Sandy Point is very nice with a large number (over 20) boat ramps. However, the passage way between the boat ramps and the bay is so narrow that I think you definitely need a motor to get out to the bay. Since my first trip there was rather a bust (no wind) I was wondering if anyone else sails in this area and if so can provide tips as to where the winds are the best and the wakes are the smallest.
The dock area at Sandy Point is very nice with a large number (over 20) boat ramps. However, the passage way between the boat ramps and the bay is so narrow that I think you definitely need a motor to get out to the bay. Since my first trip there was rather a bust (no wind) I was wondering if anyone else sails in this area and if so can provide tips as to where the winds are the best and the wakes are the smallest.