By Carmen DeLeo, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Another enjoyable outing is in the books for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, this time shared with the fine members and friends of our neighboring Chesapeake Bay Chapter.
Mike & Dee’s 2023 Grady White Freedom 223.
For some of our members, the day began around 7:00 AM on July 11, with a little more than an hour’s drive to Chesapeake City and the historic Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. We arrived around 8:45 AM and, thanks to an organized launch, had all of our boats in the water and secured at Docks A and B by approximately 9:00 AM.
Mark Marsillo’s 1958 Century Resorter.
Representing the Mid-Atlantic Chapter were President Dave Bernard, Secretary Austin Berndlmaier, Directors Mark Marsilio and Carmen DeLeo, along with several family members and friends. Joining Austin were his mom and fiancée, while Mark was accompanied by his lovely daughter, Christina.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced Nick Rosa to reluctantly miss the outing. Those who know Nick know that cruising the C&D Canal is one of his favorite Chapter activities, so his absence was certainly noticed. We also missed George Hulse and Pat Aheran and hope to have everyone back aboard for our next adventure.
Casting Off for the Bohemia River
Carmen DeLeo 1964 Chris-Craft Holiday.
Our gathering was based at the Chesapeake City Marina & Inn, which provided an ideal waterfront setting for the day’s activities. With our classic boats lined up along the docks and everyone aboard, it was time to do what we came for—go boating!
Our group headed west along the C&D Canal before turning into the scenic Bohemia River. With the summer heat bearing down, getting underway was welcomed by everyone. The breeze across the boats and cooler air on the water provided the perfect escape from the day’s temperatures.
There is something particularly enjoyable about seeing a group of antique and classic boats cruising together. These boats were built to be used and watching them underway reminds us why we devote so much time and effort to preserving them.
After an enjoyable run on the Bohemia, we turned our bows back toward Chesapeake City and returned to the docks.
Boats, Seafood & Good Company
Lunch is served!
Once everyone was safely tied up, it was time for another important part of any successful Chapter outing—lunch!
The Marina provided the perfect setting to cool off and enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the water. It also gave members of both Chapters plenty of time to relax, exchange boating stories, discuss upcoming events, and simply enjoy one another’s company.
Days like this demonstrate what ACBS membership is really about. Certainly, we share an appreciation for antique and classic boats, but just as important are the friendships and camaraderie that develop around them.
Bringing the Mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay Chapters together made an already enjoyable day even better.
Good boats, good food, good friends, and a beautiful stretch of water—that’s a pretty successful day of classic boating!