Get psyched!
You have been invited to sail aboard the Dickerson 37 sailing yacht Starry Night. The Dickerson 37 has 3 small double beds. The evening of arrival, you will most likely sleep aboard the yacht and then set sail in the morning. Most likely, we will sail to some enchanted cove, anchor out, barbecue and perhaps windsurf if the water temperature and winds allow it. Alternatively, we may sail into a harbor such as Baltimore or St. Michaels and either dock or anchor in the harbor.
Each day we will sail (wind gods willing) or motor up to 30 - 40 miles. Weather could also affect our plans though we will probably sail in any weather except severe electrical storms (more on this later).
If you get to the boatyard before us, feel free to board Starry Night and load your baggage onto her.
PROVISIONING:
Most of the meals will be eaten on board. We have an icebox on the boat to store refrigerated food. It is not cold enough for frozen food such as ice cream. Prior to the trip, crew members may be asked to help provision for the trip. A potential food list is provided to help with the prepartion. Please look it over and let the person buying the food know if something on it is not good for you.
WHAT TO BRING:
SHOES: Soft sole shoes are required on the boat. Bring an extra pair if one gets wet. Sneakers or docksiders are fine.
BAD WEATHER PROTECTION: Who knows what the weather will be like. In general, when the boat is sailing, we will be spending most of our time outside. So be prepared for wind (windbreaker), cool weather (jacket or sweater) and lots of rain (inexpensive vinyl raincoat). The boat can be motored in an electrical storm if we are caught in the middle of one - this is a fairly safe thing to do.
SUN PROTECTION: We may be blessed with a lot of sun so be prepared to fry! Bring suntan lotion.
SWIMMING: The water may be chilly but some of us may want to take a dive if there are not too many jellyfish. We also have a "nettle net" which is like a kiddy pool that we can use to splash around in without being exposed to the jellyfish. We may also do some windsurfing.
LINENS: Cushions (mattress) and pillows will be provided for sleeping but you need to bring sheets and a pillow case or a sleeping bag. I have found in the past that a good sleeping bag can be too warm. Blankets are provided on the boat. Bring your own towel(s) (washing, showering and swimming).
SHOWERS: There is a head (toilet, sink and small shower with limited water) on board so bring soap, toothbrush etc. If we can anchor against the sea wall in Baltimore or dock in Annapolis, there are nice public showers. No showers in St. Michaels but we can pick up extra water in the morning. No facilities in Shaw Bay or most other locations. There are showers at the Oxford Boat Yard.
MEDICINE: If you get motion sickness or think you get motion sickness, please bring motion sickness pills.
OTHER: Bring whatever you think you will need but keep in mind that there is limited space on the boat and additional non-essentials can become a bother, if not a problem. I have found the following useful to have sailing: Sunglasses, suntan lotion, eyeglass straps, hat, swim suit, jacket, pajamas, rain gear, flashlight, and camera.
LUGGAGE: If possible, use SOFT luggage for easy stoage while sailing.
ELECTRICITY: We have 12VDC and enough 110VAC power for low wattage (300 watt max.) applications (e.g. cell phone chargers) when we are away from the dock.