Boating season has arrived! I hope you are itching to get your vintage watercraft wet and doing just what they were built to do! We kicked off the season in Annapolis. Member Ralph Cattaneo and Activities VP Chuck Warner put together a great event where both trailer boats and cruisers would rendezvous at Ego Alley, dock along the seawall, eat brunch at the Fleet Reserve (Ralph is a member), then ply the Severn to our hearts content. The weather was gorgeous with fair winds and calm waters. Lots of smiles and good cheer were everywhere. I suspect we will do this again, in fact, I pretty much guarantee it.

June brings our chapter’s annual boat show, The Antique and Classic Boat Festival, which includes The Arts at Navy Point a/k/a the show within the show. This year’s artists & artisans represent many specialties…all related in some way to boats, the water, or its surroundings. And of course, there are boat builders and restorers on hand proudly displaying examples of their craftsmanship; you may even decide on professional help to get that project of yours over the hurdles and into the water. There is also hard to find hardware and parts, chrome plating companies, rope, and lots more. There are hands-on children’s activities. Something new this year will be Remotely Controlled (RC) boats in the water demonstrating and competing. I look forward to seeing you at the show, I’m sure you will have a great time.

After St. Michaels, one might get the impression that anything else will be anticlimactic, but that is not true. In mid-July there will be an in-the-water family activity suitable for and geared toward minor children. We are still fleshing out the details but will get them out both on the club website http://www.chesapeakebayacbs.org/ and by email via constant contact. I have no doubts that the majority of those reading this message that have either minor children or grandchildren are quite familiar with electronic communications. If you are not getting our chapter’s email blasts and would like to, email me joesibilia@hotmail.com  from the email address you prefer us to use and ask to receive the messages, or if you would like to do so more personally call me at 240-994-3977…I enjoy speaking with our members!

See you on the water, having fun!

Joe

Joe Sibilia, Pres. Chesapeake Bay Chapter ACBS