Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Mullica & Bass River Cruise
By Carmen Deleo, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
A few raindrops weren’t going to stop the Mid-Atlantic Chapter from enjoying one last cruise of the 2026 boating season!
Despite less-than-perfect weather, eight brave members climbed aboard four beautiful boats for a 32-mile cruise along two of South Jersey’s scenic waterways—the Mullica and Bass Rivers.
Leading the fleet was Mr. Breeze, followed by Ava Christina, Pop Evers, and No Way.
The day began at Sweetwater Marina, and with everyone aboard, our small flotilla headed down the Mullica. We motored peacefully through the no-wake zones before opening up the throttles and letting our boats do what they were built to do.
With flat water beneath us and an occasional raindrop overhead, we made our way toward the Bass River and New Gretna.
A Stop in Viking Country
One of the highlights of the cruise was reaching the Bass River, home to the Viking Yacht Company and a long South Jersey boatbuilding tradition.
A few Viking employees took notice of our four classics and stopped to admire the boats—a nice reminder that whether a boat is newly built or many decades old, good craftsmanship always attracts attention.
Afterward, we made a quick stop at Mr. Breeze’s Bar & Grill before pointing our bows back toward the Mullica.
The return trip gave everyone another opportunity to enjoy the boats, the river, and the simple pleasure of cruising together. Thirty-two miles later, we arrived back at Sweetwater Marina, where the second part of our day was about to begin.
From Cruising to Camaraderie
Five additional Chapter members and friends joined us for lunch, turning the afternoon into an enjoyable combination of good food, friendship, and Chapter business.
Joining us during the day were Chapter members Dave and Nancy Bernard, Jack Brooks, Austin Berndlmaier, Pat Ahearn, Ed Andrews, Georgette Luna, Mark Marsilio, and myself, along with guests Mike Straubmuller, Denise DeLeo, Tony Esposito, and Jeff Galiardi.
The luncheon also gave us an opportunity to discuss several important activities and initiatives as we close out 2026 and begin looking toward 2027.
Among the topics discussed were our December 3rd Christmas Party at Luna Rossa, recognition of our Chapter of the Year Award, maintaining our relationships with surrounding ACBS chapters and boating organizations, the printed edition of Nautical Mile, membership retention and recruitment, website and marketing improvements, and planning for the 2027 Atlantic City Boat Show.
We also discussed the upcoming 2027 officer nominations and election, the 2027 Endowment Grant period, and the development of a 2027–2030 Chapter Strategic Plan.
Upcoming activities include the Mays Landing Halloween Parade on October 30 and the Bristol Christmas Parade on November 28.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
Perhaps the best part of the day was that it demonstrated what our Chapter outings are really about.
Yes, we enjoy seeing beautiful antique and classic boats. We enjoy hearing the engines come to life, getting out of the no-wake zone, pushing the throttles forward, and watching a few wakes form behind us.
But the boats are also what bring us together.
They give us a reason to spend a day on the water, meet new people, renew old friendships, share stories over lunch, and talk about where our Chapter is headed next.
The weather may not have been perfect, but sometimes those are the outings we remember the most.
Four boats. Thirty-two miles. A little rain. A good lunch. And a great group of people.
Not a bad way to bring another boating season toward a close.
Originally printed in the ACBS Mid-Atlantic Chapter newsletter, the Nautical Mile.