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This Summer’s Bay Has Been Very Good to Boaters
Nature has shown rare equanimity this summer, blessing sailboaters and powerboaters alike. As the dog days settle in, wind often dissipates into a steamy, shimmering calm. Powerboaters love such weather, for they glide like skaters on ice and enjoy a cool breeze. This year sailboaters — who, as this week’s lead writer Bob Bockting remarks, can’t abide a surface that doesn’t slant — have stayed well heeled. Yet seldom has the wind blown the fun out of powerboating.
In the summer of ’01, this week’s commentator Scott Dine is right on: The best boat to be on is the one you’re on.
There’s no better way to get to know the Bay than on a boat, and no better time to further that acquaintance than now. Which is why we’ve devoted most of our words this week to boats.
We don’t try to adjudicate the argument that Dine referees this week, “the one about petroleum-powered boats as opposed to wind-powered boats.”
We’re just following Nature’s way and giving you some of the pleasures of each.
With Bob Bockting, you’ll experience the exhilaration of riding wind as well as water.
With editor Sandra Martin, subbing for sidelined Bill Burton, you’ll see that powerboaters get thrills, too. You’ll also learn, from young writer Rachel Presa, where old boats go to retire.
And with Dine, you’ll laugh at the foibles of boaters of both sorts.
We’re also giving advice. If you’re not getting out on the water every week (which is a poor substitute for the ideal - every day), whatever excuse you’re using is a poor one.
If you’ve got a boat, get on the Bay. We’re always amazed at the number of boats that sit idle weekend after weekend. What can all those owners be doing that’s better than being on the Bay?
If you don’t have a boat, call in your chits with the friend who does. Quick. While the weather’s fine.
If you’re thinking of buying a boat, defy the grumpy economic indicators and do it now.
And if you’re one of the legion who live in Chesapeake Country as if this were any old, dry, land-locked place, get in touch with the water. Paddle a kayak. Take sailing lessons. Charter a power expedition - boat, captain and expertise.
You’ll find many ways to the water in our pages, including in our earlier summer special, “101 Ways to Have Fun on the Bay.”
While you’re getting to know Bay waters, check out Calvert Marine Museum’s new exhibit on the First 50 Years of Outboard Motoring in America: 1909 to 1959 (find details in “Eight Days a Week.”)
Whatever else you do this summer, accept Chesapeake Bay’s invitation to blow your cares away.
Copyright 2001
Bay Weekly
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