Precision Sailboat Rendezvous
June 2010

…and I have to say I’m excited! The cruise destination of the 2010 Precision Sailboat Rendezvous will be Annapolis, MD. What a terrific destination! Annapolis considers itself the sailing capital of the US, and judging by the number of sailboats around (not to mention the famous October sailboat show) this designation is of some merit. Annapolis is also the state capitol of Maryland, and you are constantly reminded of this by the dome of the state house which looms over the town.

The US Naval Academy resides here as well. Annapolis is home to many restaurants and shops, marinas and boat dealers, including Backyard Boats, the local Precision dealership.

Annapolis is about 17NM from Rock Hall, our base for the Rendezvous, which is a bit shorter than last year’s cruise to Saint Michael’s. We will cross the Chesapeake from East to West, passing under the Bay Bridge, and into Annapolis Harbor which is conveniently marked by these radio towers.

Once in the harbor, smaller boats will proceed to Eastport bridge. This is a drawbridge which opens every half-hour (except for rush hour; approximately 7-9AM and 5-7PM). The bridge monitors VHF channel 13, or you may call the bridge operator at 410-974-3840

Moorings are available in the harbor before the bridge, but smaller boats (under 30 feet) are advised to take moorings beyond the bridge. It's quieter there at night, which is a plus. A water taxi is available to ferry boaters to various points in the harbor



Mooring Rates:
First come-first served, no reservations, check-out time 12:00 Noon $30 Per-day, includes shower tokens, availability of a washer-dryer, and some Internet access available

Larger boats may take moorings before the bridge, or dock in “Ego Alley”. Space is limited, but access to 30-50 amp electric and water is available for $13 per hour, and over 3 hours $2 per-foot, plus the price of electrical hook-up which is $3-$7 per plug. Shower tokens are for overnight guests only.

"Ego Alley" the city dock



Annapolis Harbormaster’s Office
1 Dock Street
Annapolis MD, 21401
Annapolis City Website


Harbormaster: Rick Dahlgren
Deputy Harbormaster: Linda Mowatt - Administration
Deputy Harbormaster: Flip Walters – Operations


VHF Hailing Channel: 09
Working Channel: VHS 17
Annapolis pump-out boat hail on VHS channel 09
Phone: (410) 263-7973
Email:

Annapolis Water Taxi Information:
The best way to get around the harbor is by water taxi. Here’s the regular schedule from mid-May to mid-September:

Contact taxi driver on VHF Ch 68 or
Phone (410) 263-0033 or
Office (410) 268-9041

Mon-Thur 9:30 am - 11:00 pm
Fri 9:30 am - 1:00 am
Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 am
Sun 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

Here’s the website for the water taxi
Watermark Annapolis Water Taxi

Annapolis Water Taxi Map:



Our suggested mooring field is in the $2.50 zone, just past the Eastport bridge on the North side of the harbor.

Backyard boats, the local Precision dealership has generously offered to lend their facilities to us for a barbecue the evening of our arrival in Annapolis (thanks Dennis!) We’ll bring the grub.

Here’s picture of the Backyard Boat’s yard:



Somebody’s got designs on Eric’s job as barbecue chef!



To get to Backyard boats, ask the water taxi to stop at the “fuel dock”, or the “chart house”. Backyard Boats address is:

Backyard Boats
222 Severn Ave
Annapolis MD, 21403


Here’s a new Precision 18 in the garage at Backyard Boats.



And a Precision 15



We also found a nice restaurant called The Boatyard Grill, just up the road from Backyard Boats. This establishment shows video of the days races on the bay, and has an extensive and reasonable menu at a fair price. We might want to have dinner here after the US Naval Academy tour on Tuesday.

The Boatyard Grill



Pete and Russell on the inside

US Naval Academy Tour will be on Tuesday, 6/23. We’re in contact with the Naval Academy to firm up the arrangements, but right now we’re targeting an 11:00AM start with the tour running about an hour and a half. There’s a formation of cadets most every day, hopefully the Commandant will not call it off for the day we’re on the tour. There is also a ship model museum on the premises that would be nice to see.

USNA visitor’s center entrance on Prince George street.



View from the 2nd floor of the visitor’s center, looking toward the Annapolis harbor’s entrance.

That’s all for now, but stay tuned for additional information. Also, we’ll be opening up the roster shortly so we can get accurate counts for the USNA tour, and other activities.

Hope to see you at the 2010 Precision Sailboat Rendezvous!