Wisp Goes to the Gathering!

In May, 1999, I towed "Wisp" to the East Coast Potters Association main yearly event known as the Gathering which was held in Essex, Maryland.

The Gathering was an outstanding event! The weather changed from rainy, cold, and windy in Connecticut to sunny and breezy in Maryland. The Gathering was held at Rocky Point State Park in Essex, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. I arrived in my usual good timing as lunch was being served. There were about 7 or so other Potter yachters there. Jim "Gemma", John and his grandson Nick on "Tiny", Jim and Rosemarie on "Hooked" and Bill on "Amenity". Terry, Barry and Jan were also there.  Lars, his daughter, Rachel, TJ, and TJ's sons, Josh and Cody, stopped by. Josh did his first solo in Lars' catamaran, "Aqua". The boats were all P14 or P15 Potters with the exception of "Amenity", a 21 foot Honda-powered launch, and "Aqua". After lunch, we sailed to Hart-Miller Island in light winds and spent time exploring the beach.

 

We later sailed around Pleasure Island.

That evening, after supper, we moored in a lovely, well-protected cove near the launching area. We went to the "Amenity" for drinks and conversation. Bill pointed out both Venus and Mars which were shining brightly. The conversation was relaxed and pleasurable - and not just about the merits of the West-Wight Potter. A heron stood in the cove near "Wisp", some ducks paddled by, and small fish jumped. It was a wonderful way to end a perfect day.

Sunday, I sailed and motored around Hart-Miller Island. When I started, the winds were light to the point of being almost non-existent. After I rounded the northern part of the island, going counter-clockwise - the wind picked up unbelievable. I would estimate that the wind was about 20 mph gusting slightly higher. There were swells of about 2 feet or so. I tried for about an hour or more but could not get a good tack without going way out of my way. The winds were so strong, that I downed my main. I left the jib up and started the motor. I had planned on leaving around two to get back to CT and it was starting to get late. I made it back in fine shape and on time, loaded Wisp on the trailer and had an uneventful trip back. NYC was bumper-to-bumper, but no real delays.

For more Gathering pictures, visit the East Coast Potters Association web site.