Andy Soyars’s superb planning for the 2012 Cruising Season appears to have perfectly satisfied our need to be on the water during the season, with 4 boats and 2 boats, respectively, for the final 2 Captain’s Choice cruises on September 28-30 and October 14-16 (traditionally the date of our final dinner).  

After consultation between the 2 boats -- Tender Mercies and Pharaos (Ted Bennett/Roger Gaby) -- revealed a desire for one last trip to Onancock, Tender Mercies set off a day early on Friday so that Jane could get in some Saturday shopping at the gourmet kitchen store.  

The forecast NW winds were actually almost due N at 0-10º M, which produced a rollicking ride at about a 50-60º heading in 16-24 knot winds that required only about ¾ of the genoa to get us across on a single tack.  This was the perfect prelude for a quiet evening in the understated elegance of the Charlotte Hotel.  

With the forecast for a wind shift to the NE, and diminishing strength, on Saturday, Pharaos decided that a destination of Cape Charles made more sense, so shortly before noon Tender Mercies wrapped up our shopping, picked up some hot sandwiches for lunch at the farmer’s market, and set forth for Cape Charles.  

Under clear blue skies and gentle seas, we sailed at about 4 knots for an hour, motor-sailed at 7.5 knots for a couple of more hours until the wind died, and then motored at 8.5 knots (helped by the tide) to arrive at the new town harbor floating docks a little after 5 PM.  After cocktails aboard Tender Mercies, the 4 of us had dinner at the nearby Shanty restaurant, with both Ted and Roger consuming the sirloin and crab special.  

Sunday brought a 180º wind shift to the SW -- another beautiful, gentle day on the Bay as we returned home, and a fitting end to a wonderful season (42 days on the water for Tender Mercies, mostly with our fellow cruisers).  

 We look forward to the final fleet dinner in a couple of weeks, and express our deep appreciation to Andy and Ellen Soyars for their leadership of the Cruising fleet during the past year.