Pot of Gold [Pot] Operations Manual

1. Rainbow 24 Specifications

2. General: Pot [real name is Pot of Gold because of her original yellow color] is a 1972 Rainbow 24 foot day sailor sloop of fiberglass construction with fin keel, spade rudder, tiller steering, and outboard powered. The stern swim platform and swim ladder allow easy access into and out of the water. Pot is suitable for day sailing and limited cruising if you are willing to rough it. Pot is outfitted with a bimini cover over the cockpit [2007] for shade. The vessel has no stove and no water tanks are installed. A 12 volt battery powers LED lighted running lights, an automatic bilge pump, and the VHF marine radio. Recharging is done at the home dock from shore power. She does have a port-a-potti in the cuddy cabin and platform bunks that could be used with charterer supplied air mattress and sleeping bags for roughing it overnight. Her hull and sail number are 386. The hull color is red and the deck is off white. She is registered in the State of Maryland [MD 8016LA]. The cruising speed under power is about 5 knots. When estimating time of arrival under sail you should use an average of 3 knots to allow for the vagaries of wind and beating to windward.

Be sure to let John Bailey know of your planned arrival time so he can schedule his time for your orientation to Pot. It takes about half an hour before you are leaving the dock.

Since Pot is usually used for day sailing, the sailing area is normally across the Chesapeake Bay and back on a beam reach. This gives you the most enjoyable sail. The the Bay is about eight miles across in this area the round trip can take up much of the sailing day. The built in compass and GPS enables easy return to the mouth of the Patuxent even if a summer haze might obscure the details of the Western shore when you are across the Bay. The other option is to sail up the Patuxent River to explore such beautiful creeks as St. Leonard Creek and Cuckhold/Mill Creeks on the west side just above Point Patience.

3. Need Help? If you have questions while sailing, call John on his cell phone 410-474-8723 [if you brought your cellphone]. We seldom monitor the VHF radio. If we do, we answer to "Baileywick" on channel 16. We no longer own the local marine assistance firm, TowboatUS Solomons. It was sold January 1, 2002. If needing assistance, you should call Baileywick by cell phone for consultation. Usually degrounding, if not able to get off on your own by climbing down the stern swim ladder and pushing the boat to deeper water, is done by TowBoatUS. Call for "TowBoatUS Solomons". If no response, call with your cell phone to TowBoatUS 24 hour central dispatch at 800-391-4869. The cost of marine assistance for degroundings is normally your responsibility. You should join BoatUS and take one of the higher option towing plans. Baileywick is not able to obtain BoatUS for a charter boat but the charterer can purchase it for any boat he operates at reasonable cost [In 2006, unlimited towing coverage was about $100 per year plus $14 membership fee]. Call BoatUS direct at 800-888-4869 and use your credit card.

If having an emergency, the Coast Guard can be reached on channel 16 or by cell phone to 911.

4. Driving Directions: Pot is at the Bailey's private dock at their home in Lusby on Leasons Cove off Mill Creek, about one mile to Solomons harbor by water. Obtain driving directions by email or call Capt. Bailey at 410-474-8723. The Lusby Liquors store at the corner of Route 760 and Route 765 is handy for large blocks of ice and beer. The Fastop and CJ's convenience stores on Route 760 also have ice and groceries--handy for things you should have remembered.

5. Parking, Loading and Restroom: Park your car and those of your guests side-by-side with the car hoods facing the smaller yard shed that is to the left of the house. Do not park in front of the garage doors or in my back out space to the right of the garage. Carts to haul your gear are near the shed. After sundown, the lights on the path are automatically activated by body heat. Even though each light set has a switch, it should be in the "on" position as the lights turn on automatically and shut off after a few minutes after the heat source is gone. The restroom, with shower, can be reached through the basement porch door outside the screened porch. Once inside the door, the restroom is the second door on the right down the hall. Unless an emergency, please limit your access from 9 am to 11 pm. John is usually in his office up stairs so come to the front door. A lending library of paperback books is available in the downstairs lounge room. Additionally, historic [meaning older, used] copies of the Maryland Marine Chart books are available for you [until all gone] to take home for your use and to keep.

Even though there is a usable port-a-potti in the cuddy cabin, it is highly recommended that prior to leaving the dock for the day, all crew empty their personal holding tank [bladder] in the restroom ashore.

6. Provisions by Charterer: The following checklist should help you plan for necessary consumables, equipment, and food. Six adult life jackets are kept aboard. Additional ones are available. If any young children are to be aboard, Baileywick does have an assortment of child sized lifevests available. The lifevests should be selected prior to departure. However, you are encouraged to bring one that the child has become accustomed to. Maryland State law requires vests to be worn by children under age of 7 when a vessel of less than 21 feet is underway. In the case of Pot of Gold [being 24 feet], this does not apply--but is good practice. Additionally, as of April 1, 2006, Maryland State law governing lifevests for children under 4 years or weighing less than 50 pounds must wear a new type of lifevest that includes a strap between the legs, a high collar, and a web handle. Baileywick has two regulation children lifevests for use by customers for children of less than 50 pounds. The children lifevests are normally not stored aboard so be sure to tell us about your needs.

8. Outboard Motor: The 5 hp Yamaha outboard [1999] has a safety line connected to the port stern cleat. Tilt down the outboard by tilting outboard forward and at the same time push away the tilt support bar on the starboard side of the outboard and at the same time push the push the outboard down into the water [this is a change since 2008]. To lower the motor bracket, pull the bracket release lever forward and ease the motor down. Do not drop the mount more than 2 notches. Pull the bracket release lever forward and up to raise engine from the water. When done with your charter, raise engine mount and tilt engine up so the prop is out of water.

The shift control must be in neutral, otherwise it won't start. Do not change the setting of the fuel valve located on starboard side of engine as it is kept in the down position for the tanks in the lazarette. Up is for the built in tank which is empty. Horizontal is off. Fuel is kept only in the remote tanks. Turn choke clockwise full on, set throttle on handle to start symbol position, pull cord handle. Usually takes 2 or 3 pulls. When outboard starts to run, immediately ease off the choke by turning it counterclockwise to vertical position while warming up for 1/2 minute, then turn the rest of the way off. Pull shift control forward for forward, center for neutral, and aft for reverse. Handle throttle must be at idle for shifting. If outboard does not start after 3rd pull, adjust choke a little and try again. If motor has recently been run, it will not need full choking.

Back out into the cove in low RPM reverse using the outboard to steer with the tiller held in the center position [either by a crew member or by the Tiller Tamer device] from the dock. Once you are in a clear area with the bow pointed to the north, idle down, shift into forward, adjust the throttle to cruising rpm, and move into the cockpit to take command of the tiller.

Normally, you will not need to refill fuel tanks as at least one is completely full and the fuel line can easily be switched to the spare tank. In the unlikely event you do need to purchase gas for the outboard, it must be mixed with outboard oil at the rate of 8 oz oil to 6 gallons of gas.

9. Sails:  Boat sails well with main and genoa jib in winds below 15 knots. With winds above 15 knots (white caps in Bay or Patuxent River), consider sailing on only the genoa or a partially furled genoa. You may want to consider reefing the main before leaving the dock if winds are over 15 knots. Winds of 25 knots or more may be too much for comfort in this boat unless you just sail on the genoa jib. The boat can not capsize and sailing on only the genoa works very well. If there are small craft advisories, you may reschedule, if you wish, to another open day.

Mainsail:  The mainsail is left installed and covered with the sail cover. A topping lift supports the boom when the main sail is down. Before raising the mainsail, release the boom vang from the jam cleat on the cabin top and the mainsail sheet. Raise the mainsail at the mast using the starboard side winch [new 2004]. The port side winch is for the jib and should be left as is. Check outhaul tension at the cleat on the boom. The mainsail is rigged with a slab reefing system.

To reef:

• Release mainsail halyard several feet.
• Pull down luff at boom with mast reef line and cleat it on the mast.
• Pull down leech [aft end of sail] with reef line on boom until foot of mainsail is stretched out tight on boom.
• Raise mainsail halyard back up to proper tension.
• Adjust topping lift on boom for proper slack, is necessary.
• No sail ties are required as the sail will be loose footed.
• Release the reefing lines prior to dropping the sail.

Furling Genoa Jib:  A roller furling 150% genoa is installed on the Schaefer Snapfurl 500 roller furling system [new 2004]. The genoa jib sheets must lead through the genoa turning blocks before wrapping clockwise around the jib winches. The jib halyard must be kept tight or the roller furling will not work properly. If using the genoa jib partially furled, the sheet blocks may need to be adjusted for track position by unscrewing the stop screws and sliding the block to proper position. A pliers is stowed in the tool box if the knurled screws are too tight to loosen by hand and you don't wear a Leatherman multitool when sailing, like I do.

11. Port-A-Potty: Toilet paper is stored in a container on the port side of cabin. Lift lid, pump liquid into bowl with handle on left rear corner of toilet. Do your mission. Pull handle on front of toilet to open trap door, pump liquid into bowl to rinse, close trap door by pushing in handle. Prior to leaving the dock suggest to all crew that they empty their personal holding tanks in the bathroom in the house basement as it is much more convenient and private.

12. Running Lights: Although POT is normally used as a day sailor, running lights for night sailing are installed. The multipurpose LED hand light can be used at an anchor and steaming light if attached to the boom or mast.  Also, a white light on a long wire is available for use as an anchor light or for use in the cabin or cockpit. All lights are switched at the breaker panel on the starboard side of cabin entry. The 12 volt battery should last several days of use if you remember to turn off lights when not needed. A battery charger is installed near the battery case and should be plugged into shore power extension cord when returning to the dock.

13. GPS Plotter [Garmin Map 162]: The Garmin GPS Map 162 [added June 2007] is installed on the port side of the cockpit on the bulkhead. It is powered from the 12 volt outlet so "outlet" breaker must be in the 'on' position inside cabin on starboard side. The battery is only recharged when connected to dock shore power. The GPS memory is loaded with Chesapeake Bay navigation details, water depths, and tides. Turn on or off by holding down the power button for a couple of seconds. With the GPS there is no reason to run aground or get lost returning the the home dock.

14. VHF Marine Radio [Standard Horizon GX2320S Titan+]: Your main means of communication with others on shore is through cell phone. Make sure that John Bailey has your cell phone number and that you keep it turned on and safe from going in the water while aboard POT. It is good practice to have the marine radio on while sailing so any emergency calls issued by the USCG will be received. Baileywick does not monitor the radio since the advent of universal cellphone ownership and good coverage on most of the Bay. The marine radio circuit breaker must be on to use. The manual is with the rest of the manuals aboard. Volume knob at the upper right corner turns on the radio. Squelch control under the volume control is adjusted to just where the background noise is not audible. The channel up/down buttons are under the display. Channel 16 button is just to the right of the lower right corner of the display. Weather [WX] button is just to the left of the volume control. Weather is only received on channel 02 or 04. Use ch 16 to monitor and reply to incoming calls to Pot. If requested, change to requested channel with the up or down button. Don't forget to return to ch 16 when finished with communications.

15. Leaving the Dock:  Make sure the outboard is warmed up. Untie lines from the dock, push stern from the dock, place engine in reverse at idle, back out, at idle, away from dock making sure the tiller is fastened in midship position, and use the outboard to steer in reverse until well clear of the dock. At idle, shift into forward gear. You are on your way. When sailing, unclamp the Tiller Master to allow easy steering. If sailing alone, the Tiller Master allows fixing the tiller position while you raise or lower sails, etc.

16. Returning to Dock: Make sure you know where home dock is located. Baileywick dock is a waypoint on the Garmin GPS chartplotter. When returning from the Patuxent River, you enter Solomons Harbor, turn starboard [to the east] into Mill Creek and follow Mill Creek rounding marker "R-4". Continue following Mill Creek to Leasons Cove. When "G-7" is reached, Leasons Cove is to the starboard. This is the third cove on the starboard side when returning. If you pass marker "R-8" on Mill Creek, you are going too far up Mill Creek and are passing Leasons Cove. Turn in to Leasons Cove and go past the house with the big B on its water side and continue to our floating dock with the American flag flying and the white catamaran powerboat with green bimini and twin black outboards. The house is all brown on a bank on the starboard side as you are returning. If you paid attention on the way out to go sailing, or have the GPS on, you should have no problem finding your way back. If you get lost, call me on the cell phone at 410-474-8723. When easing in to the dock, leave the outboard running in neutral and go into reverse gear to stop along side the dock.

Be sure to stow the seat cushions back in the cuddy cabin, reinstall sail cover, raise the outboard out of the water, and plug the shore power cord into the battery charger. Trash can be placed in the garbage can inside the small shed.

17. Aground: Experience has shown that it is worth trying to turn the boat with the engine and motoring off the direction you came from. Because of the shallow draft and the installed swim ladder on the stern, it is very easy to climb overboard and push the boat off the shallow. Don't forget to keep a hold of the boat so you can get back aboard. Hiking out from the shrouds and sheeting in the sails will help heel the boat to reduce draft. If you are really stuck, call TowBoatUS Solomons, and you will be assisted.

18. Wind and Weather on the Bay: Winds from the southerly quadrant prevail during the summer months, about 35% of the total time.

• Southwest summer winds are usually associated with a Bermuda high pressure system. They occasionally come in May, in June they are frequent, often lasting for several weeks. Southwest winds are characterized by a steady, high barometer and a smoky blue haze with otherwise clear hot days. Winds are usually in the range of 15 to 20 knots.
• Southerly winds are common, but variable in their strengths ranging from light, 5 knots to 25 (rare).
• Southeasterly winds are most often associated with a falling barometer, increasing cloud cover and gusty winds, 8 to 25 knots. Rain normally follows within 12 hours.
• Easterly winds during summer are unusual and are generally accompanied by light rain.
• Northwest winds, occasionally during the summer months, break the normal weather patterns and last from one to three days. These are the result of a high pressure system with an accompanying high barometer, few clouds and excellent visibility. Winds are 15 to 25 knots and can blow up to 35 during late September and October. A northwestern is proceeded by thunderstorms and a squall line with wind strengths, dependent upon the strength of the frontal system, sometimes as high as 60 knots.
• North winds are usually light and variable, swinging through the northerly quadrant west to east and back, and most often follow a dying northwest high pressure system. On very rare occasions there are freak northers with gale force winds and a low barometer.
• Northeast winds accompanied by a falling barometer indicate severe gale conditions and time to take cover in a protected anchorage. A northeaster, although rare during summer months, can interrupt normal weather patterns for several days. Winds can be from 20 knots up, with heavy rain, blotting out visibility.
• Thunderstorms are common on the bay in the summer. They usually come during the late afternoon, but on occasion can occur any time during the night or day. Extremely strong winds, 25 to 60 knots, interrupt the prevailing winds. Ninety percent of the time they blow from the west, but on occasion from the northwest, north, or northeast. Thunderstorms are preceded by static on AM radio, black cloud build up in the west and lightning. Anvil shaped thunderheads and an uncommon yellowish glare are also an early indication of squall.
• Listen to weather reports on the VHF marine radio weather channel 2 and plan your day sail. For example, if thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon, plan to be in the vicinity of protected areas by 3 or 4 pm. They will usually arrive after 4 pm and last for  an hour.
   

20. Suggested Sailing and Cruises: My recommendation for the typical day sail is to leave the Patuxent River on a beam reach sailing across the Bay. The Bay is 8 miles wide. Once you have used half your time, tack back on reciprocal course ending back in the River. If time left over, enjoy sailing in the mouth of the River. Another option is to head up the Patuxent and enjoy this wonderful river. It is about 15 miles to the Benedict Bridge [don't go further]. Pot is sometimes used for overnight cruising. If this is your plan, you need to bring water jugs and other camping type gear. One suggestion is to cruise the Patuxent River where you have several locations with protected anchorages and water accessible restaurants. For example:

• Cuckold Creek has Clarkes Landing Restaurant just above the Patuxent River bridge.

• St Leonard Creek has White Sands Restaurant

• Broomes Island [Island Creek] has Stoneys Seafood Restaurant

• Benedict, just south of the Benedict bridge has a couple of restaurants.

21. Dining for Baileywick Customers:  Listed below are several restaurants in the Patuxent and Potomac River areas with docking facilities and others without. This area is somewhat unusual in that restaurants are available that have free dockage for meals. Listing is not a recommendation but for your convenience. If strong negative comments have been received on a restaurant they have not been listed.

Solomons Harbor [or nearby]:

• Captain's Table: Located at Beacon Marina up Back Creek. Courtesy dockage may be available while dining at the marina. This is a popular place. Make reservations. 410-326-2772
• Catamarans Restaurant:  Up the Narrows from Solomons Harbor. 410-326-8399.
• deGiovannis Dock of the Bay:  Located in Solomons Harbor near the Solomons Island Yacht Club. Italian limited menu. Has t head for docking. 410-394-6400.
• Drydock Restaurant: Located at Zahnisers Marina. Dockage may be available at marina for dinner. A small but popular restaurant so reservations are essential and can be placed through the marina by radio. Dinner Mon-Thu 6-9 pm, closed Tuesdays, Fri-Sun 5:30-9:30 pm, Sunday brunch 10 am to 2 pm. 410-326-4817.
• Badfish Bar & Grill: Located at Harbor Island Marina. Dockage for dinner at marina may be available. Open daily 11 am to 10 pm. Sunday 10 am. 410-326-3441.
• Maryland Way Restaurant: Located at the Holiday Inn up Back Creek. May be able to dock at Hospitality Harbor Marina while eating. Check with the dock master who maintains a radio watch. 410-326-6311.
• Naughty Gull: Located on Back Creek at Spring Cove Marina. On request, Spring Cove Marina may allow dockage during your meal. Open 7 days a week 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday open at 9 am for breakfast. 410-326-4855. One of our favorites.
• Pizza Hut:  Their pan pizza is wonderful, especially with pepperoni. Can be delivered or pickup. Located in the Lusby shopping center near the Food Lion. 410-326-3221
• Stoneys Kingfisher's Restaurant: Located on the Narrows near the Catholic Church. Has slips alongside for dockage for meals. Open for lunch and dinner. 410-394-0236. Great seafood and one of our favorites.
• Solomons Pier: Located on Patuxent River side of Solomons. Was purchased by Stoneys, renovated, and reopened in July 2005. Has a pier but water is too shallow for Segel and is marginal for Pot [go by car]. Open daily 11 am to 10 pm. 410/326-2424. Good food and great sunsets.

Patuxent River:

• Clarkes Landing Restaurant: Located in Cuckhold Creek above Point Patience at Clarks Landing. Opens for lunch at 1130 hrs. 301/373-8468.
• Stoneys Seafood House: Located on the water at Broomes Island [Island Creek, up the Patuxent River]. 410/586-1888.
• White Sands Restaurant & Marina: Located on St. Leonards Creek. Polynesian motif. Open Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 pm, Sunday 1-9 pm. 410/586-1182.

22. KEEP CLEAR--Big Ships in the Chesapeake Bay: A major shipping channel runs the length of the Chesapeake Bay, and here pass tons of cargo borne by the big ships. An awareness of the constraints under which these ships operate provides the best protection against dangerous confrontations. This discussion focuses on some highlights of encounters with big ships, though it serves as no substitute for seamanship and a firm understanding of navigational rules.

Some Facts You Should Know:

• Both the number of large ships serving Baltimore and the number of recreational boats in the Bay have increased, multiplying the changes for collision. TowBoatUS. Solomons has responded to several collisions over the years. On one of these, the skipper fell overboard and died. Unlike many small boats, big ships must often keep to a narrow channel, and Rule 9 of the Rules of the Road specifically states that small craft "shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway."
• In the Bay, all of the commercial ships you meet will have U.S. pilots aboard, regardless of the vessel's nationality. The pilot will be monitoring VHF radio channel 13 for ship-to-ship messages. Call such ships on channel 13 for safe passage instructions.
• In general, most large ships travel at a "maneuvering speed" of about 12 to 15 knots while in the Bay, but in open waters they may be going faster. This is 2 to 3 times your sailboat's speed.
• Ships often travel faster than you would expect in poor visibility or congested areas for various reasons, including maneuverability and schedules that have to be met. In low visibility, ships navigate by radar and small craft may or may not be detected.
• Lightly loaded vessel must keep a fair speed to stay under control when in channels. The same is true of loaded vessels that are unevenly trimmed. If they slow down too much or stop, they risk being driven aground by wind or tide.
• It often takes less than 10 minutes for a fast ship to reach you once you spot it in clear weather, and in hazy weather it takes a lot less. At 10 knots, a ship goes 1 nautical mile in 6 minutes; at 15 knots, it can be on you in 4 minutes.
• Large, difficult-to-maneuver ships cannot successfully avoid smaller craft in narrow channels. It is up to you to stay clear.
• A ship that is slowing down does not steer very well; it needs the propeller's action on the rudder to respond. If the pilot fees that a turn will save the situation, he may not slow down.
• When the ship's engines are put "full astern," there is nothing more the pilot can do. He may lose control of the ship, but the reversing action will in most cases swing the ship's bow to starboard. Therefore, if you have a choice, try to escape on his port side. Keeping these things in mind will give you a better chance. Remember that it takes 4 to 6 minutes and 2,000 to 4,000 feet for a ship to stop after its engines are reversed.
• Other, smaller vessels that operate throughout the Bay can also cause problems. Watch out for tugs towing barges, especially at night, when poorly lit barges may remain invisible. Remember that a partially submerged towing cable can cut a boat in two. Commercial fishing vessels, though more maneuverable, may pose a problem when hauling large nets, which may be deceptively long.

What Can You Do?

• Keep a constant lookout, especially astern. The safe sailor has a roving eye [when he is on the water].
• Stay out of the way. This does not mean that the ocean "belongs" to the big ships and you have not rights. If you get run down when you have the right-of-way, our survivors will not doubt be able to collect damages. What it does mean is that the big ships must stay in the deep channels and that you don't need to. Therefore, avoid sailing or travel in the ship channel when you can, especially if visibility is poor because of fog, rain, or darkness.
• Do not underestimate the speed of a large vessel. If your boat is slow, a sailboat for example, you might not be able to take effective evasive action if you find yourself on a collision course with a large ship in visibility of a quarter-mile or less--the speed differential is simply too great.
• Be visible. At night, make sure that your navigation lights are bright and are not obscured by sails, flags, or dinghies in davits. When sailing Segel, use the tricolor navigation set of lights at the top of the mast. If you see the running lights of a vessel and you don't think you have been seen, begin to get out the way, using flashlights on sails, a spot light, or white flare to indicate your position. [a strobe light should be reserved as a distress signal only].
• Keep watch at night. Even on a clear night you will have difficulty seeing a big ship approach. You might see it first as a black shadow against a background of shore lights, or as a shadow moving rapidly across still water--at that point you are not far apart. Remember that your lights will not be easily spotted from the ship.
• Watch the ship's lights. If you want to determine whether you are in the path of a ship, pay attention to the sidelights as well as to the masthead lights. If you see only one sidelight, or if one is much brighter than the other, you can be fairly sure you are not in the direct path of the ship. This also gives an indication of which way to move in order to get clear altogether. If you see both sidelights, you're dead head--move out fast. Also learn to recognize the mast lights of a tug towing one or more barges and of a commercial fishing vessel towing a net.
• Know whistle signals. Used only when vessels are in sight of one another. The pilot of a ship will frequently not use the "port" or "starboard" whistle signals when passing small boats because he is afraid the signals will not be understood and might lead to erratic changes in course. If you hear five or more short blasts on the whistle, it is the "danger" signal. Check and see if it is for you--and if it is, make way fast.
• Use your radio. If you have a VHF radio aboard, remember that while channel 16 is the calling and distress frequency, channel 13 is the working frequency used to arrange safe meeting and passing between ships and other watercraft.
• Choose safe anchorages. Each year commercial ships and fishing vessels ram and sink a few boats anchored in navigation channels or tied to marker buoys. Coast Guard buoys tell ships "here is where you must pass," and it is illegal, as well as unsafe, to tie up to them.
• Use binoculars. At night especially they can help you determine ships' lights and direction with greater accuracy.
• Carry a radar reflector. Though no guarantee that a ship will spot you, a radar reflector at least improves your changes.

 Visitors since August 1, 2008