So let's face it, it's clear at this point that COVID-19 is going to be with us in some form for most (if not all) of the 2020 sailing season. And frankly, I need to admit that I'm more than a little worried about it. I have to face the facts... I'm overweight, I'm getting up there in years, I'm on meds for high BP and it seems that I'm on the wrong side of every "risk factor" announced for worse outcomes with COVID.
That being said, we still love sailing and we enjoy sharing Seas The Day with family and friends.
So here are some pointers, tips and requests for sailing with us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, Should You Come?
I know that sounds harsh, and we're sorry... please don't be offended. But if you have had a potential high risk exposure during the past two weeks... have or have experienced any symptoms, attended a large gathering, been in close contact with people who turned out to be infected, etc., we'd much prefer to just get a call and ask us to reschedule.
That being said, if you have been diligent in your social distancing, regularly avoid or wear masks in public, wash your hands frequently while singing the ABC song, then please read on!
Second, Masks
As soon as you read the M-word your hackles went up, right? It's really too bad that mask wearing has become political in the USA because it seems that all the countries that have beat this back have adopted the practice of everyone wearing masks when out in public.
Anyway, our marina has requested face coverings be worn in public areas and requires them in the bathhouse, pool area and restaurant. I am requesting that my guests bring face coverings and wear them while on the marina grounds. Yes, you will see some people who are not wearing them, but I have some friends on the dock who are also older and worried about this... I'd prefer not to add to their discomfort.
Third, Restaurants
The liquor store listed below as the best source for lunch really takes COVID seriously. We still recommend them.
That being said, we will probably not be doing the restaurant thing... I don't feel comfortable with eating indoors in groups right now. If we need to, we can snag some food from the marina restaurant or somewhere else local, and eat in our cockpit.
Fourth, While Sailing
If we have both followed all of the above... we have evaluated our potential exposure, social distancing and hygiene and wear the face coverings appropriately, then science indicates that the risk of transmission outside - especially in sunny weather - is small. So we're fine taking the masks off while underway. That being said, we want our guests to be comfortable... if you'd prefer to make the voyage a masked one, we're fine with that too... just let us know.
So add to the list of things to bring below "bring a face covering", and let's get on to...
If You Come Sailing With Us
When we purchased Seas The Day (both the 315 and the 425), we had her set up so that one person can sail her. Most of the lines all come back to the cockpit and coupled with the autopilot, a reasonably experienced skipper can handle her pretty well. Sailing singlehanded (sailing alone) is a great way to relax, live in the moment and enjoy a day on the water. But to us, sailing is primarily a social activity. It's best enjoyed with friends. So all winter long, we've had lots of conversations that included the phrase "you should come sailing with us". So we wanted to put together a post giving some guidance for those of you who are considering joining us.
Fun and Activities:
Why would you want to join us? There are many reasons.
Sailing presents some great opportunities to get together with friends and make some photos...
Fun and Activities:
Why would you want to join us? There are many reasons.
Sailing presents some great opportunities to get together with friends and make some photos...
have a great outing with some colleagues from work...
get the whole family together and enjoy their company...
show your children some new experiences....
put your children to work....
see some great sights from the water...
and just enjoy being out on the water on a wonderful day!
As you look at the photos on this post, you'll see that sailing encompasses a wide variety of activities and experiences, and is accessible to a wide range of people. We hope you'll join us. Below are some things to think about as you consider sailing.
First: Are you ready to sail?
First: Are you ready to sail?
Think about this... are you ready to try it? Do you like being on the water? We're generally on the water for about four hours (though it could be longer). If you're worried about being out for so long, we can pick an itinerary that allows us to get back quickly if needed, but if we sail away from Rock Hall for two to three hours, then it's probably going to take us that long to get back.
To me, sailing is much more calm and pleasant than being bounced around in a motorboat. But sailboats heel (lean over). The lean is kept to about 10 to 12 degrees on calm days, but in a gust, it can get to be 20 degrees or more. This is perfectly normal - just the effect of the forces of wind and water on the boat - but it can be disconcerting for some people.
Here is a video of a typical day on the water. It starts with a few minutes of getting ready, switches to sailing about 1/3 of the way in and finishes with coming back to port. Note that the video is at 10x speed... the experience is much more calm than it appears at 10x. (Sorry... I don't have an equivalent one from our new boat... we now leave from a dock!)
The Right Age:
In terms of age, the very young and the very old probably don't want to try it. Children especially should be old enough to reason with (Those under 13 are REQUIRED to wear a life vest), so I generally recommend age 5 and above.
That being said, there are exceptions to every rule. I personally know a young girl who has (and will always have) more sea time than I do (I expect she might be a better boat handler than me as well), but she started sailing with her family at 6 months of age. I waited until I was almost 50 to start.
Below, are a few things to think about to make your day on the water more comfortable.
Attire
We all think about a day of summer sailing as something like this...
The reality might be something more like this...
The fact is that being out on the water can be both warm and cold... sometimes on the same day. So dress in layers. Go ahead and put on that swimsuit... the wind might die down and we all decide our best bet is to just anchor and catch some rays in the warm sun. But put on some other layers as well. Generally in July and August we are comfortable in shorts and a polo shirt. However, do bring along a windbreaker (and maybe even some sweats if you're prone to getting chilled).
About shoes... Vicky spends an inordinate amount of time cleaning Seas The Day. We're not asking everyone to go out and get boat shoes (with white soles that don't scuff the decks), but please don't wear sneakers (or anything) with black soles. Most shoes with the tan polymer soles are OK and so are most flip flops. If you don't have anything else, then just throw the black sneakers below once you get on board and go barefoot on the boat!
Safety & Sun Protection
Safety first... All Children under the age of 13 MUST wear a life jacket. This is a Federal law and is not negotiable. Some children are OK with this (like the girl above)... others are not... (it doesn't matter... kids still have to wear them until we get back on land).
I strongly recommend that adults wear them as well. (You might be able to swim well, but can you swim long enough for me to figure out how to get back to you?) Along the lines of safety, expect that we'll spend 10 minutes talking about safety basics as we get the boat ready to depart.
The other essential safety items are sun protection. We keep a little sunscreen on Seas The Day in case you forget, but we buy the cheap stuff. You might want something better (or more natural, etc., etc.). Don't forget sunglasses... remember that the sun hits you from the normal direction (from above) but also reflects off the the water as well.
Food, Drink and Seasickness
First, I'm not a licensed Captain and therefore I would never dream of charging you for a day of sailing with us. I would like to point out, however, that a well-fed skipper is a happy skipper and a happy skipper is a safer skipper.
Relax... I'm kidding. We'll figure out food options depending on the trip. And we've had some seriously kick-a$$ spreads.
Sushi & Champagne (just a little for the Skipper - see below) while underway!
Seas The Day has a complete galley with oven, stove and refrigerator. But most of the time we just bring something in a cooler. Should you choose that route, remember that mayonnaise and summer don't mix well unless you're planning on eating right away (though we do have a refrigerator). Besides, I find that ham and Swiss on rye sandwiches (with lettuce, onions and tomatoes... with salt, pepper and oregano) go better with spicy mustard (Grey Poupon, please... you're on a yacht after all).
Seriously, you do expend more calories sailing, even though you're mostly sitting or standing (think of it as a 4 hour low-impact core workout). Realize that the wind blowing past you all day WILL dehydrate you. Plan to drink a lot of water. We keep a bunch of snacks - mostly granola and protein bars - on Seas The Day along with lots of water, so just ask if you're hungry or thirsty.
Which leads to... we have a head (boat speak for "toilet") if you need it... we just ask that you aim well, and don't put anything in the head that you haven't eaten first. (Yes, ladies, that means... um... well... ah... "carry in, carry out". We have a garbage can just under the sink in the galley.)
We don't drink alcohol while underway. Period. I don't want "drunk boater" listed as my cause of death (or anyone I'm responsible for). If we tie up to the dock just before sunset, we "might" have a little wine on board for just that occasion as we wait for dinner. However, all boat trips usually end at some restaurant or bar, so we usually have our drinks afterward.
That leaves seasickness... the only time I've been queasy on Seas The Day was during the delivery trip when we were out on the ocean for many hours. We mostly sail on the bay and won't usually go out if the bay is rough. Still, I keep a few natural remedies on board and you're free to bring your own protection if you wish. (Only a few guests have gotten queasy and that usually happens when they go below to use the head if we're underway at the time.)
How to Find Us:
If you have read this far, I assume you've decided to join us. We are now in Rock Hall, MD at Osprey Point Marina. We'll give you the address... but one thing to know is this area of the Eastern Shore of MD is known for speed traps. So please watch speed limits on the back roads carefully and observe them.
Yes, get lunch there... just go in... walk to the back... you'll see.
You'll be arriving on the main road from the lower right. Turn right coming from the main road at the bottom (remember the marina speed limit is 6 mph) and proceed past the farmhouse to the main parking lot (circled in red) and park there. Then walk past the pool, the Inn, and the marina shack to go out on the docks. B-dock is the last dock all the way at the top of the photo and Seas The Day can be found just to the right (around the area of the red circle at the top of the photo).
So... a quick summary
1. Dress in layers
2. Please, no black shoes
3. Kids MUST wear life jackets (and I recommend them for everyone).
4. Bring sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses).
5. Plan for food and drink (but no alcohol please).
6. Watch for speed traps on the back roads of MD
7. Get lunch at the Liquor Store!
Finally, for more information, here's a great link to an online course that will tell you more than you want to know about your first sailing experience.
I hope you join us!
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