Welcome to the latest edition of Henderson's Wharf Marina Scuttlebutt, bringing you updates, news and goings on around the Marina, Hotels and beautiful Baltimore Harbor.
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The West End - Lookin GOOD!
We are VERY pleased with the steady progress on our new West End docks, and know you will be too!
See some pictures below - we're almost done!
When you are making your docking arrangements,
ask for the West End!
Celebration Party !!
Join us on Saturday September 13th for our Star Spangled Spectacular Party! Food, Cocktails and FUN at Henderson's Wharf Marina.
Call the Dock Office to make your reservations ASAP. 410-732-1049
Summer Storms - A Textbook Example
Last issue we talked about Summer storms and how to use Intellicast to help predict (and avoid) them. As that edition was being finalized, a VERY strong and fast moving Summer storm ripped through a harbor in CT where we were cruising with wind gusts of 54 MPH and "white out" conditions... The storm moved quickly southward from Massachusetts, through CT and dissipated as it crossed the Sound.
Here are the details of that squall and a look at how specific internet websites and technology can help us predict and avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is the view on Intellicast just before it scored a Direct Hit on our location...
This is the view of the local weather station during the storm. Note the Barometer falling as the storm approached, then shooting back up as it passed by. The wind graph indicates the lower wind after the squall cell has passed through. The temperature dropped noticeably and the wind was eerily quiet just before the storm hit. It came in with a vengeance, quickly building whitecaps in the harbor which then had their foamy heads blown off as the strong wind frothed them into a wall of salt spray.
This is the SailFlow view of conditions at nearby Cedar Point Yacht Club showing the dramatic spike in windspeed and 180 degree change in wind direction as the squall hits and passes by.
Here is a picture from the safety of the pilothouse of our 43 foot cutter, "Independence" as the Squall passes through. At the height of the storm we were heeling 20 degrees and local visibility dropped to less than 40 feet. The shoreline and other boats anchored nearby disappeared in "white out" conditions.
Lessons Learned
Prepare your boat like it could blow over 50 knots in 20 minutes! Don't leave cushions, life jackets or towels laying out. Watch the various websites and use these incredible online aids to insure you aren't "surprised" by a fast moving squall line. It least keep a watchful eye on the horizon.
Be prepared to ride out the storm. Pick up a mooring, drop your anchor, really think twice before running back into the "safety" of the harbor if you are in deep water. It may be much safer to stay out, away from the rocks. Get in the lee of the shore or an island to lessen the effect of the wind and waves. Consider keeping a diving mask or ski goggles aboard. When the wind blows in the 50s with driving rain, you can't see!
Know that squalls like this blow through quickly. Two hours later we went to a concert at a local beach!
Activities and Fun Things to Do Around Town
Fells Point Farmers' Market - Saturday Mornings
More than 40 vendors gather on Saturday mornings in Fells Point's Broadway Square to offer a variety of fresh and organic products. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Trawler Fest is Passage Maker Magazine's boat show designed for cruising enthusiasts. Trawler Fests feature an impressive in-water selection of new and pre-owned cruising powerboats, the latest in marine gear and services, first-class education & demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with serious, qualified buyers.
Trawler Fest is more than a boat show; it's where industry, education and community come together in an intimate, rendezvous atmosphere. Trawler Fest is an experience you simply won't want to miss!