Early in November, I sailed the boat with two crew from Annapolis to Norfolk. Then two weeks later, I and 5 crew sailed out of the Chesapeake and into a chilly north Atlantic Ocean. Contrary winds put us off the rhumb line often, so trip to Virgin Gorda was was more than 1600 nm over the water, which we did in 9 days. Logged a 200 mile day under sail! We tied up at a slip just after dark in the Yacht Harbor in Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda the day after Thanksgiving, Next morning after clearing customs we sailed to the Dream Yacht Charter base in Maya Cove. DYC is keeping the Carpe Diem busy this winter in the BVI. Three of the crew who have sailed all over the world (one of whom has circumnavigated) said it was the best passage they ever had. The boat sails fast, is comfortable, and I can’t wait until it is back in the Chesapeake.

The crew just couldn’t believe how all six of us could all have dinner in the enormous cockpit while under sail – reaching at 8+ kts with minimal heeling thanks to the chines in the hull. 

I had scheduled extra time off from work to sail the Carpe Diem back to Annapolis in the spring, but with our daughter due to deliver our first grandchild just when the boat needs to leave Tortola, I must hire a professional captain for the delivery.

Ellen and I are transitioning from Fort Wayne to Beachwood, an eastern suburb of Cleveland to be near our daughter, and that cuts the drive to Annapolis by 3 to 4 hours. Then it will be a lot easier for us to run out to Annapolis and sail for a few days if the Carpe Diem is not out on charter. Looking forward to more exploration of the Chesapeake. 

Ed

We love this cockpit. Comfort exceeding expectations.

In slip at Harbor East Marina in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Great visit – walking distance to National Aquarium, great restaurants, etc.

Bill Olson helped me bring the boat from winter storage site down to the Port Annapolis Marina. He loved the way it sailed, and was very impressed with the engine and sail drive. The next day engineer Bill opened every removable panel and looked carefully at every part on the boat that he could get to. He loves it. The Carpe Diem is in the Spring Sailboat Show and then is ready for the summer charter season.

The Webers will sail her the last week in May with a great plan for Memorial Day weekend. Our son Matt and his girlfriend will join us on board. They have a conference in Baltimore that Saturday at a hotel in a suburb north of the city. We reserved a slip in the inner harbor. He and his girlfriend can take light rail from Camden Yards right to the conference hotel. Sailing into Baltimore will definitely be the right way for them to travel to this conference.

After the Annapolis Sailboat show, the Carpe Diem had two charters. A third had been scheduled but Hurricane Sandy got in the way. The boat was well protected from the storm by Chris and staff and no harm done. I was on the boat for three comfortable days getting to know her. She is easy to handle and accelerates well and without fuss when the breeze stiffens. Everything works well. Below is a photo of the Carpe Diem at home berth in the Port Annapolis Marina.

Nothing but “Wow” from everyone who saw the boat at the show.

 

        

 

It’s alive!

Trip to the factory was fantastic. We found the Carpe Diem at the end of the production line, in a tank for testing, and the electronics were all lit up being tested. 

It floats!

The Carpe Diem is under construction at the Beneteau Factory in Marion, SC. Ellen and I will be in the factory soon to see it in production, about one week before completion.

~Ed Weber