February 2012 Papoose Article

Looking back on 2011, despite many cancellations due to lack of wind, the hurricane and other unwanted inconveniences, we had a fun filled year of sailing and social events. As mentioned in an earlier article, LMYC member Hank Jelinek often enjoys larger boats in addition to the Lightning that he routinely sails on Lake Mohawk. In October, Hank had the opportunity to sail a 45’ Hunter Sloop bound for St. Augustine, Florida along with the owner, a Coast Guard licensed Captain and another crew member. Although Hank got off the boat at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina the seven days were memorable. Hank provides the following account of his voyage:

“Leaving Jersey City early Monday at 7 AM and motoring down the New York Harbor the sights of the New World Trade building, downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty are impressive. With good weather and winds the main and jib were raised off of Sandy Hook and a favorable current took us down the New Jersey coast at eight knots. Atlantic City looked like a Christmas tree as we passed early Tuesday evening as the boat rocked and rolled in 4 to 5 foot seas.

Later, off the coast of Virginia we got a greeting from an Osprey with a fish in its talons trying to land on the mast to consume his catch. After two tries the fish was dropped and the raptor headed for shore 5 miles distant. About an hour later another avian visitor; a beautiful shore bird with a red crest, tan breast with black spots hitched a ride on the boat for about an hour. After his rest, he too flew off westward toward the coast. The U.S. Navy was also out conducting flight operations with an F-35 circling a helicopter carrier about 7 miles off our port stern. The F-35 landed aboard without mishap – Great!

Entering the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at dark with the Bay Bridge Tunnel illuminating the way was exciting however, limited visibility concealed a 600 ft. bulk freighter going to sea as we were heading to port. Good thing for radar as we safely passed, port to starboard. We docked at Little Creek, Va. Wednesday evening, in full view of the Navy/Marine Corps base. The next day we passed the Norfolk Navy base with eighteen ships in port including the venerable aircraft carrier Enterprise. There were probably another 20 Ships down the Elizabeth River being painted or repaired.

The Inter Coastal Water Way (ICW) was interesting and safe as the Captain did not want to travel 100 miles off the coast of Cape Hatterras in hurricane season! The ICW is a combo of manmade canals and rivers that carry both pleasure and commericial traffic to Florida and beyond. There is a lock just south of Norfolk where we ogled at all the “Donald Trump” yachts that were heading to warmer climes.

Going down toward the Albemarle Sound the accommodations for the passing nautical traffic are great with fuel, food and beverage readily available. Local pool halls and restaurants are a great respite as we averaged about 7 knots under power. Belhaven, North Carolina, with its stately Victorian homes and friendly people, is a port for a return visit. Along with eagles and playful porpoises the trip was a memorable one.

Upon leaving the boat at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, another capable crewman took my place to traverse the ICW and later enter the ocean to set sail to St. Augustine. After all the boat is a sailboat and with favorable winds in open water can make better distance under sail. Who wants to listen to a motor anyway?”

Why not consider sailing and socializing with us in 2012. You can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. For more information about membership in the LMYC or, if you want to learn to sail, just call our Vice Commodore, Gail Miner at (973)729-5283, email us at sail@lakemohawksailing.org or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner