104 - Kent Island Circumnavigation in - Jun 21 to June 25

Cpt. David B. Gifford
Student Crew: Bree Ridsdel, Jamie Varner and Mitch Cartmell

Day 1 — 6/21/26
We met aboard our 32-foot Island Packet sloop, Scholarship, at approximately 0845. After
introductions we inspected the boat’s various features and systems. I led the crew through a
thorough an inspection and explanation of the various operating components of our boat,
including the thru-hulls and tankage, plumbing, electrical & mechanical systems, and the sails
and rigging. (We even had a full demonstration of the proper operation of the mechanical head.
Yes, students do pay to learn how to use a toilet.) We had a fulsome discussion of the proper
operation of these systems, including daily engine checks and safe operation of the propane
system. After lunch, the crew prepared the navigation plan for our voyage around the mid-
Chesapeake Bay area while I shopped for provisions. We planned to first visit St. Michaels, then
Annapolis, and lastly an anchorage somewhere off the Chester River. Our first day wrapped up
around 1730.

Day 2 — 6/22/26
We convened onboard Scholarship at about 0845. The diligent crew had already filled the water
tank and prepared Scholarship for our voyage. The wind was out of the south at 15 kts, gusting
20–25. (Naturally, since we planned to head south.) Before departing we headed to the fuel dock
to fill up and then went to Langford Bay where we practiced raising and reefing the mainsail. I
fully expected that we would need to have at least the first reef in for the day. We then departed
for St. Michaels against that strong south wind with waves 1–2 ft. It was hard going and we
could make no progress under sail alone, so we had to motor sail without a headsail and with one
reef in main. We dropped sail to thread through Kent Narrows where we had to hold station in a
strong current while awaiting the next bridge opening. Soon we swept through the drawbridge
and passed into Prospect Bay and then on to Eastern Bay. We motored to St. Michaels against
strong south wind and a threatening sky with a severe T-storm warning issued. We arrived at St.
Michaels at about 1800. Shortly after we docked at St. Michaels the dark sky opened up with a
drenching rain, thunder and bright flashes of lightening. Luckily, we waited this out in the
comfort of Foxy’s restaurant while dining on pleasant fare.

Day 3 — 6/23/26
We departed St. Michaels Marina at about 0900 with the wind building in from the north.
(Naturally, since we planned to head north to Annapolis.) We raised the main outside of the first
Miles River mark. Shortly after, I surprised the crew by shutting off the engine for an engine-
failure emergency drill. While drifting, we discussed possible causes and various solutions to
control the boat and to get the engine running again. Meanwhile the wind picked up so we
deployed the genoa along with the full main and enjoyed a welcome sail down Eastern Bay to
the Chesapeake.
As we approached the Chesapeake the north wind built and the rain moved in. After exiting
Eastern Bay we had a lumpy ride and could make little forward progress towards Annapolis
under sail and engine against the north wind and ebb tide. As we rolled slowly northward I
considered turning into the South River to anchor rather than continue struggling to Annapolis as
planned. But just north of Thomas Point Light (that iconic screw-pile lighthouse that graces so
much of Maryland’s publications) the wind diminished a bit, the rain yielded to the sun, and the
tidal current relaxed, all allowing us to proceed to Annapolis after all. There we took a mooring
just above the Spa Creek drawbridge at St. Mary’s. We dined heartily at the Boatyard and
returned to Scholarship at about 2200, for a good and deserved rest.
While coming up the Bay, we were passed by the brig Sultana, the ship Elissa, a lovely
traditional cutter, and other old vessels, all to be part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of
the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the other vessels continued north, Elissa
arrived in Annapolis just before us.

Day 4 — 6/24/26
Today dawned clear and bright with a cool north wind at about 10 kts. (North, again from the
direction we intended to go. Hmmm. I’m seeing a pattern here.) We slipped our mooring in
time for the 0800 opening for Spa Creek bridge. Clearing the bridge we noticed Navigator (the
MD School’s Island Packet 40) at a mooring just north of the bridge. We came astern of her for a
gam. Navigator, coincidentally, was in A-town on her way from Little Creek, VA to Rock Hall
conducting a 104E class.
We set the main and genoa after clearing the Annapolis harbor channel and sailed to the Bay
Bridge. There we had to douse the genoa and sheet in the main to motor-sail under bridge due to
a large container ship passing through main channel. We reset the genoa on the north side of the
bridge and sailed slowly to Love Point on a dying wind. (We were passed by Navigator, which
left A-town after us but attained greater speed. I suspect that her larger engine explains this
astonishing feat.). Yielding to the diminishing wind we doused the genoa, sheeted in the main
and motor-sailed around Love Point into the Chester River, on around Eastern Neck and back
home at Lankford Bay Marina. We had intended to anchor in Grays Inn Creek (a lovely and quiet
spot off the Chester River) for the night, but due to a problem with our house battery bank we
instead went directly to LBM. There, Frank Mummert swapped in new batteries for #2. While
waiting, however, the entire crew elected to remain at LBM for the night due to the extreme heat,
the need for showers, and the temptation of a restaurant for dinner and coffee in the morning.
Ahh, creature comforts.

Day 5 — 6/25/26

This morning began very warmly with the promise of more heat. We met aboard at about 0845
for a discussion of various subjects not previously covered, a review for the test, and other
subjects of interest to the crew. We then fueled up at LBM and went on to Long Cove Marina
where we pumped out the holding tank. The entrance to that marina can be tricky but we
managed to enter and leave without carving out any of the bottom.
From there we went to the Chester River where we enjoyed about 1.5 hours of lovely sailing on all
points of sail, with about 12-15 kts of wind from the southeast. We returned to LBM at around
1445, cleaned up boat and then the students took test. All passed with excellent scores.
What a great and challenging little cruise with a wonderful crew!