Post 20

Home Stretch and Reentry. 

The Chesapeake Bay is a sailor's paradise, offering breathtaking views, charming coastal towns, and a rich maritime history. One remarkable adventure awaits those who embark on a journey from Norfolk, sailing north through the bay's picturesque waters, passing by iconic landmarks, and culminating in the vibrant city of Annapolis. 

This update recounts the final two days of an unforgettable 60 day sailing experience, reaching the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay after sailing over 6000 miles from LaRochelle, France to complete a journey to the bustling Annapolis Harbor.

Our reentry begins at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, near the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Norfolk, Virginia. The north easterly winds that we’ve been fighting for the last 20 hours crossing the gulf stream have backed to a  gentle southwesterly breeze with calm seas around us. As we sail calmly north along the Virginia Beach coastline, the Norfolk skyline and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel comes into view. 

As we sail through the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, we decide to make a pitstop in Cape Charles, Virginia on the north side just after entering the Bay to add a bit more fuel to our almost empty tanks, and grab our first real American food for two months.

Cape Charles is a charming town that I recommend everyone visit. It is a place where time has stopped. As I walked the small town to pickup our take-away lunch it felt like I was in the 1950’s. It provides a delightful backdrop to soak in the warm coastal atmosphere and prepare ourselves for the final leg of our adventure up the Bay.

Sailing the Chesapeake Bay's Northbound Waters.

As the sun begins to reach high noon, we set sail once more, ready for a final 7 knot motor/sail sprint up the Chesapeake Bay. The calm waters guide us past Mob Jack Bay, the Patuxent River, and the mighty Potomac River. Along the way, I marvel at the natural beauty surrounding us — lush green landscapes, picturesque shorelines, and abundant wildlife.

Navigating through the night.

As our journey continues through the evening, the moon lights up the clear night sky like a bright torch providing us a view of Solomons Island (a quaint haven) and Chesapeake Beach on the western shore and the little Choptank, Tilghman Island, and Poplar Island on the eastern shore. All of these are a haven for Chesapeake Bay boaters and a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

As the day transitions into night, the Chesapeake Bay poses new challenges. We navigate through the frequent ships heading south, other boats sailing at night and numerous crab pots hiding from view in the darkness on the water's surface, presenting familiar obstacles. The brightly lit night sky guides us, while we remain vigilant to avoid the crab pots getting wrapped around our props and collision with other vessels.

Thomas Point Lighthouse: A Guiding Beacon.

Amidst the early morning darkness, a familiar sight emerges—Thomas Point Lighthouse. This familiar structure serves as a guiding beacon, assuring us that we are on the right course and almost home. Its light offers a comforting presence as we press on, knowing that our destination is a few miles away as we draw closer with every nautical mile.

Annapolis: A Spectacular Arrival.

As dawn breaks, casting a golden hue over the horizon, we approach the entrance of the Seven River. The familiar iconic backdrop of the Naval Academy and Capital Building of Annapolis come into view.

June 6, 2023 at 5:15 AM EST, we arrive in Annapolis. The city's morning skyline welcomes us to our safe arrival from our level-8 adventure of the last 60 days. Just Live and her crew made it!

I hope everyone following the  “Just Live” adventures across the Atlantic enjoyed the 20 updates that I shared throughout the trip. I greatly appreciate everyone’s support and prayers for a safe return. It mattered!

Sailing from France to Annapolis was a breathtaking adventure filled with remarkable sights, unforgettable experiences, and many lessons and challenges. 

When asked - “Am I glad I did it and would I do it again?” - the answers are YES to both parts of the question. Captain Anthony has invited me to sail again on future crossings, i.e., January 1, 2024 from France to BVIs.

For now, it is time for reentry into land life, catch up with and spend lots of time with my family and friends, go fishing in Lake Gaston, prepare for Taylor and Tyler’s wedding in December, visit Cara in San Diego, travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Becca’s and Sarah’s wedding, fix the electrolysis problem, and spend some causal time sailing “Just Live”.

Cheers,

Paul