A Sail to St Mary's City, MD

Replica of The Dove - The Ark and Dove were English ships that set sail in 1633 to the Virginia Colony, and then up the Potomac River.   A permanent settlement in a shared Indian village south of St. Clement's Island was started and named St. Mary's.  In 1634, the Ark sailed back to England leaving the Dove behind to provide transportation for goods to be traded up and down the Atlantic East coast. The following year the Dove headed back to England but she never arrived and was presumed lost at sea...

 Anchored across the Horseshoe Bend by St Mary's City.  A storm is approaching.

 

A relaxing sail: we lowered the cockpit table and put a cushion over it...

 

Some comforting words to soothe bouts of seasickness....

We saw pods of purpoises on the way to and from St Mary's.

W

Summer Sailstice

Summer Sailstice is the global holiday celebrating sailing on the Summer Solstice (or as close to it as possible).  This year we participated in Sail Solomons' flotilla as the anchor boat:

All rafted up for lunch in Mill Creek off the Patuxent River

 

 

Vessel Re-Naming Ceremony

Despite the late notice, several of our friends came to Agave's renaming ceremony: Alejandra, Pedro, & Annie, Diana & Lucas, Monica, Lucie, Mehmet, Arman & Dilara, and Rodrigo whom we chose as the master of ceremony.  And what a choice it was: he rendered the invocation with verve and vitality!  Gracias, Rodrigo!

Libation and ceremonial rituals

Extract: "In return for this, we rededicate this vessel to thy domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the Gods of wind and sea. [...] we [...] implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as Agave, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm".

Pouring wine from West to East to Neptune and Aelus for their blessings. "Oh mighty rulers of the winds,  through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel Agave the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs."

To Great Boreas and Zephyrus exalted rulers of the North and West...

... Eurus, and Notus, exalted rulers of the East and South

"...grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath."

To Neptune

"Let it be recorded, that on this day June 16th, 2013 and forever more, this fine vessel is named 'Agave'. I name this ship 'Agave.  May God bless her and all who sail in her."

We cracked the bottle of champagne on the boat... and the Gods got a bonus offering -- human blood as libation: Avi cut his hands, and a piece of glass cut Annie's foot  Blood was spilled on the bow!

  

Thank you to all!

Heading to our new home for the summer...accompanied by a couple of dragonflies

Captain raising the main

This one is admiring herself in the mirror

Can't barely hold on: catamarans are fast!

Ready for anchor watch during our 1st storm
Rhode River by Big Isl.

Lots of water in the dinghy after the storm

We took 3 days instead of 2 since we liked the Rhode River anchorage so much. We had it to ourselves on Monday. We are now dock at Vera's White Sands Club & Marina in Solomons.

Launch and De-Christening Ceremony

Enfin !  Here we are launching after last minutes checks...

Big spectacle for the Cheshire Restaurant customers!
As you can see, the travel lift is remote operated by trusted Wayne.  

Off the stands, here we go.... we can trust the marina team: Rick, Wayne & co.

Let me give 'em a hand or two..

Last minute sanding and painting before the final launch.

Agave is only 40,000 lbs...

Out you go where you belong... the water.

De-christening ceremony with opening invocation and blessing, expression of gratitude, supplication and de-naming... Extract: "In the name of all who have sailed aboard this vessel in the past and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future. We invoke the ancient Gods of wind, Aeolus, and the sea, Neptune, also hailed as Poseidon, to favor us with their blessing today. [...]"

Pouring of the champagne from East to West

 

A long 12-hour day... but so productive and fun...
We are going to miss Pleasure Cove Marina, its staff, and the Cheshire Crab Restaurant... Everyone has been good to us...
Later this month, we plan to do the Christening with our friends down in Solomons... Stay tune for the sail down south.