Annapolis to Rhode River and Back
01 October 2009 | Dinghy Raft Up
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Brilliant's Log 10-09
18- 28 September 2009 Annapolis to Rhode River and Back
We spent a week enjoying Annapolis. It was a chance to do some shopping and taking care of some boat projects. We picked up our old dinghy, that we'd left with Fawcett's on consignment last October. It hadn't sold, so Pete spent several days cleaning it up and patching leaks. It worked out well having the second dinghy to hold our mooring ball while we left for the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) Gam (gathering) on the Rhode River.
We sailed down to the Rhode River and met up with upwards of 90 SSCA cruising boats all anchored for the Gam. Our good friends Peter & Annette "Two Loose" were there as well as Dick & Moira "Equinox." Since we were there a couple of days before the start, Pete decided to run Treasures of the Bilge on the VHF radio. Pete has fun doing it and his banter goes something like this:
"For those that weren't here yesterday, Treasures of the Bilge, is basically a radio swap meet. If you have an item to sell or are looking for something, here is your opportunity. Unlike eBay, you don't have to wait 3 days to see if it sold; there are no insertion fees; no listing fees; no shipping charges and heck I don't even get a cut.
This is also the time to take care of those nagging problems we just can't seem to get fixed or understand; there are well over 50 cruising boats in this anchorage, someone here probably has the answer and would be willing to help. So don't be shy call it in and ask for assistance.
OK, Here's your chance to once again see your boat's original waterline, so dive into those lazerettes and the bilges and find those treasures. If you had an item that didn't sell yesterday, we have a whole new crowd here today so do try again.
When you call in your items, please give a good description and price your items to sell, remember we're all friends here."
He did succeed in selling more items then he bought so it was a good time with lots of participation from all the boats there.
The start of official Gam was to be a dinghy raft up. This is where all the dinghies tie up together bring their cocktails and snacks are passed from one boat to the next. No one seemed to be in charge of this evolution so Pete asked on the radio net who was running it. The answer back was, "Sounds like a volunteer!" Soooo, we ended up organizing the first official event.
Not being fond of the limitations of a dinghy raft up (you are somewhat limited to chatting with the dinghies you are next to) we decided to have the gathering on the little island in the middle of the anchorage. At low tide there is a substantial beach and the timing was right for the event. After spreading the word over the radio and then visiting most of the boats in the anchorage, we met on the beach at 5PM. It was a huge success with dinghies lining the shore of the island, wonderful hors d'oeuvres and the chance to renew acquaintances and make new friends. The party lasted until the high tide forced us all back to our boats.
The official Gam included lectures, forums, happy hours, meals, etc. with over 300 people coming by either boat or land. The weather was mild and we had a very good time with cruising friends. The best was that over dinner the last night Pete sold our old dinghy!
After four days of fun at the Gam we said our farewells and returned to Annapolis, our secured mooring and getting ready for "workin' the show."
Log 24 NM