Vineyard Open House Blog

Rappahannock River Yacht Club, VA, Is the Perfect Outlet for Sailors at Hills Quarter

Cape Dory Typhoon race at Rappahannock River Yacht Club. Photo courtesy of RRYC.

Sailing enthusiasts thinking of buying a home at at Hills Quarter in Virginia's Northern Neck on the Chesapeake Bay will be happy to learn of the Rappahannock River Yacht Club, located just two miles away from the community. As an owner of a Cape Dory (CD 270), I was pleased see the club holds regular races using the classic daysailer from Cape Dory, the Typhoon.

RRYC was founded in 1936 in Irvington, Virginia, and in 1983 established the Rappahannock River Sailing Association. The first Rappahannock Cup races elevated the reputation of sailing in the Rappahannock River and its creeks, and ever since the club has maintained a strong  racing program and an active cruising schedule. Classes are taught in summers for adults and juniors. For more information about the club, click here.

Located just five minutes from the RRYC, Hills Quarter is a 475-acre master-planned golf community featuring the award-winning King Carter links, named "Best New Affordable Public Course," by Golf Digest in 2006.

The community will eventually have 500 homes and a commercial Town Center with adjacent winery. Homesites spread along the golf course, pond-front or wooded preserve.

Photo Essay: Herreshoff Marine Museum Celebrates the Golden Age of Yacht Design

If you've ever been boatstruck by a beautiful boat, then the Herreshoff Marine Museum is your kind of place. Filled with boats of all shapes and sizes, mementos and photos, it's enough to make you wish you had been alive back in the eighteen to nineteen hundreds during the golden age of sail design when Nathaniel Herreshoff and the Herreshoff family was beautifying the world with sleek and breath-taking creations.

It all got started in 1878 when John Brown Herreshoff, a blind boatbuilder from Bristol, Rhode Island, who had been in business since 1863, went into partnership with his younger brother, Nathanael Green Herreshoff, a naval architect and steam engineer. The name of their new firm was the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.

Coquina, a little daysailer that Herreshoff designed in the winter of 1889 and sailed most of his life.

Herreshof boasted he could make a better launch, or vedette, than those being built by John White of Cowes, who enjoyed a monopoly supplying such boats to the British Navy. In a contest with boats of the same length, Herreshoff's launch was declared a unanimous winner and the monopoly was broken.

Model of Reliance, he 1903 America's Cup defender, the fourth America's Cup defender from designer Nat Herreshoff.

Reliance bested her America's Cup challenger, Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrock III, designed by William Fife, in all three races they competed, and promptly retired undefeated. Reportedly the largest gaff-rigged cutter ever built, she measured 201 feet long and the tip of her mast was 199 feet above the water--the height of a 20-story building.

Her total sail area of 16,156.6 sq ft was the equivalent of eight 12 meter class yachts and needed a crew of 64. Understandably, she was referred to as a 'freak.' After her brief career, she was sold for scrap in 1913.

Distinctive and recognizable lines immediately say to a viewer, "That's a Herreshoff!"

When a Herreshoff yacht was delivered to its owner, it came complete with its own set of china.

Bow of Torch, a Fisher Island 31, built in 1929.

Torch cockpit.

Torch interior.

Head on Torch, note butterfly skylight.

Better engines were a Herreshoff development, too.

If you like beautiful boats, then also check out Ballentine's Boat Shop and Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway.

 

Arabella Observes Start of Holmes Hole Race in Perfect Position--at Starting Line

Where does a 160-ft mega-yacht drop anchor? Anywhere it wants.

The windjammer sailing yacht Arabella, a stunning 160-foot tri-masted tall ship, had the perfect vantage point for observing the start of last Sunday's Holmes Hole Post-Season race. The massive vessel was anchored right in the middle of the starting line at red nun #6 in Vineyard Haven harbor.

As boats converged on the starting line, competitors had to eek by the stern of the three-masted ship and its massive fluttering American flag while avoiding each other and the starting buoy.

While the boats slid by within inches of the Arabella, skippers and crew could see a full gallery of racing fans standing on Arabella's observation deck, drinks in hand, as they hooted and cheered the boats whooshing by. If they had stood any closer to Avanti, a 27-foot Cape Dory rushing by, they could have leaned over and helped pull in her jib as she hardened up.

Other boats getting an up-close-and-personal view of Arabella were Aileen, a Sparkman & Stephens 48, and Apres, a J-120. Gloria, a C&C 24, rolled out her big jib in the near-perfect conditions and sailed to victory over the course that went out to buoy 23(a) on East Chop and red nun #4 at West Chop. WNW winds at 10-15 knots suited the fleet just fine under the partly sunny skies. The Post Season races will continue on Thursdays and Sundays into the fall as weather permits.

Oyster Bay Harbour, FL, Specials: Dock & Dine and Slip & Lot for Just $199,000

Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina.

If you're thinking about buying in the Fernandina, FL, area, then you have to take advantage of the specials being offered at Oyster Bay Harbour. You can combine these specials into a low-cost visit to see property that is being offered as low as $199,000. Request more information here.

"Dock & Dine"

Visit Oyster Bay Harbour on the 'Dock & Dine' Special in which you receive one night free dockage at the marina and use of the yacht club facilities, which includes an outdoor pool, bar and grill, showers and lockers, and fitness room.  The bar and grill is open Thursday thru Sunday.

Boaters should contact Harbourmaster Sean McCarthy at 904-415-0395 for reservations and directions; or, contact the Club Manager Tawni at 904-261-4773.  The marina is just two nautical miles from the ICW and Fernandina Marina, all deep-water access. Request more information here.

Dine in  the clubhouse and enjoy the views.

Homesite & Boat Slip Deal

Once you've had a chance to look around and enjoy the hospitality at Oyster Bay Harbour, you can  take advantage of the "Lot & Boat Slip" special which is priced at $199,000. The price includes a beautiful mature Live Oak wooded lot and a 40-foot boat slip in the marina, plus free membership to the Oyster Bay Yacht Club, a $3500 value.  

Furthermore, the developer is offering favorable financing terms: put 25 percent down and benefit from 3 percent interest for 3 years. Request more information here.

About Oyster Bay Harbour

Oyster Bay Harbour is a Northeast Florida boating community with single-family homes, luxury villas and a prestigious yacht club. With its Florida Clean Water Marina, the community offers a secluded lifestyle just minutes away from historic Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art yacht club, including a fitness center, pool, and bar and grille. The community is surrounded by the natural beauty of moss-draped ancient oaks, wildlife and spectacular water views, all a short drive from bustling Jacksonville. Request more information here.

Moffett Race Debrief: Why Wasn't the Current a More Decisive Factor on 1st Leg?

In reviewing last Saturday's (9/11/10) Moffett Race, one of the skippers asks a question that must have vexed many of the competitors.

Q. Why wasn’t the current moving west to east in Vineyard Sound more of a decisive factor on the first leg up to MO(A) Bell? 

Those of us who approached MO(A) Bell from the west, with the current, seemed to really lose out to the larger group that came up to the mark from a easterly slant, which I thought would be against the current. 

On the next leg up to C15, we struggled to lay a good course with that same current. Explanations or recommendations for how to best handle the upwind legs of the Moffett?

Woody Bowman (Julia Lee)

A. I thought that those of us who got into the current as far west as possible did well against those who ventured out into it further east. 

That said, once you are out into the full force of the current it should make no difference whether you do the port tack or starboard tack portion first.

Also, keep in mind that when the tide is running to the East it swings very wide around West Chop.  You can be well outside the chops before you really start to feel the full force of an East tide.

- Steve Besse (Apres)

Holmes Hole Stages a Wet & Exhilerating Moffett Cup to End the 2010 Season

The annual Moffett Cup race was held on Saturday, Sept. 11 in Vineyard Sound under cloudy and blustery conditions. Facing winds gusting up to 28 knots and a steady 20+ knot breeze, a fleet of 43 boats came to the line in two divisions to run a course of 18.1 miles. (Photography by Elise Ryan)

Brock Callan, Charlie Felder, Eleanor Morad and honorary chairman Hugh Schwartz man the committee boat.

After nearly five hours of racing up and down Vineyard Sound, the winner was announced at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club with skippers and crews in attendance and gratefully gulping down hot clam chowder and sharing stories of what had been a challenging day. Sally Culkin organized the sumptuious post-race buffet that included shrimp, smoked salmon, salads and more.

James Weisman's Perception was declared the winner on corrected time with Stormalong, skippered by Jerry Goodale, second. Six boats did not finish.

Gloria (Roger Becker) and Isabella (John Stout) ready for the start.

Heart's Desire.

The fleet jockeying for position.

Marmalade (Ian McColgin) throws up a fine bow wave.

Vineyard Vixen Magic Time (dark hull, Dan Culkin) with Stormalong (#65,Jerry Goodale) in the foreground.

Sanderling (Mal Jones), a sharp looking Alden design.

The winner, Perception.

Join Alerion Yachts at the Newport Boat Show Sept. 16-19 Featuring the Sport 33

PLEASE JOIN ALERION YACHTS AT THE NEWPORT BOAT SHOW SEPTEMBER 16-19, 2010 at DOCK N-O

Featuring the new Alerion Sport 33, an exquisite Alerion Express 38 with teak decks, convertible interior and carbon v-boom, as well as 2011 Alerion Express 28 and 20 models. 

ICW Cruise: Fernandina Sunrise, Becky Bad Girl Moves On, Tour of Oyster Bay Harbour

Editor's Note: The ICW series of blog entries details the April 2010 cruise down the ICW made by WaterViewHome Network Publisher David Lott. The purpose of the trip is twofold: to accompany Captain Steve Weisbrod who is delivering a 43-foot Lagoon PowerCat from Lewis, DE, to Key West, FL, where it will become part of a charter fleet, and to visit golf and waterview communities and report on them. You can read all other posts by clicking on the headlines on the list of entries at the end of this installment.

Mile 717: Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina
The next morning I got up at the uncommon hour of 5 am in order to wave off Captain Steve as he continued on toward his final destination of Key West where he was to deliver Becky Bad Girl into a charter fleet.

It turned out to be a perfect sunrise. Marc Footlik motored by me on his way out with friends for some early morning fishing. I could see Fernandina in the distance lit up by the rising sun whose bright rays slowly crept over the marshes, the marina and finally the clubhouse.

The sun rises over 'Becky Bad Girl' prior to departure.

I thanked Captain Steve for all his help and for letting me ride aboard on his trip--a big success that fulfilled all my winter visions of how a trip down the ICW might be.

Then he was on board and slowly took the catamaran out of the marina and made a right turn toward the ICW. Good-by, Becky Bad Girl! It was always fun telling people the name of the boat I was riding. As Capt'n Steve would say with a big smile: "I just drive 'em, I don't name 'em!" Now I was on my own and a long way from the Chesapeake Bay.

Captain Steve makes the turn toward the ICW and points south.

Becky Bad Girl grows smaller in the distance.

A couple comes out from their yacht to give their dogs an early morning walk.

A Monet watercolor of reflected clouds.

The pool and deck look out toward the marsh and marina.

The clubhouse where we had dinner last night and breakfast.

Once finished with breakfast I took a tour of the Yacht Club clubhouse, which features a fitness center, pool, and bar and grille. The community is surrounded by moss-draped ancient oaks, wildlife and spectacular waterviews, all a short drive from Jacksonville.

The club’s fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment, locker rooms and nearby tennis courts. Nature lovers can meander to the fishing pier and take in water and marsh views. Kayaks and canoes will be available for exploring the waterways.

Second floor of the clubhouse, note the louvered shades.

The Yacht Club clubhouse is a short walk from the marina which features floating docks, with 76 boat slips available in lengths of 40 to 65 feet, and will ultimately feature both port or starboard full length fingers. Built with great attention to detail, there is a minimum of six feet of depth at low tide.

The bar is around the corner from the pool.

Every modern convenience is provided, including a harbormaster and dock attendants at the ready. For boaters who want to get their cruise underway promptly, the Intracoastal Waterway lies only a mile away and the Atlantic Ocean just three miles further. Becky Bad Girl had barely warmed up her engines earlier that morning before she had hit the ICW again.

I also enjoyed a tour of homes already built at Oyster Bay Harbour and saw where new ones were going in. Request more information.

Sample home at Oyster Bay Harbour.

A live oak draped with moss.

The real estate offered here is a good value with wooded and lakefront lots from $100,000 to 150,000, marshfront lots from $200,000 to $300,000 and lot and slip package from $199,999. Slips are from $85,000. Request more information.

The new Island Villas neighborhood is an excellent value being close to the Yacht Club and marina and featuring views of the marsh, waterways and boat slips and your purchase includes the initial payment for your Social Membership to the Yacht Club.

Sample home.

Sample home at Oyster Bay Harbour.

A new road leaves a small footprint and is overhung with oaks and moss.

Bulldozers rest during their road-clearing labors.

The gatehouse for Oyster Bay Harbour.

Oyster Bay Harbour entrance.

I usually see the entrance of a community first and the clubhouse and marina last. But since I arrived by water and left by taxi, this time the entrance was the last thing I saw. From Oyster Bay Harbour it was on to Amelia Island Plantation and then a plane ride home.

Next: Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL.

Follow the Complete Trip Down the ICW by clicking on the headlines below.

ICW Trip Announcement 

DAY 1 - Havre de Grace, MD - Engine Trouble 

DAY 2 - Alligator River Marina, NC - River Forest, NC   

DAY 2: A Visit to River Dunes, Oriental NC

DAY 3 - The Oriental Boat Show Is a Town-Wide Celebration

DAY 4 - Tiptoeing Past Firing Lines to North River Club & Brunswick Forest

DAY 5 - St. James Plantation Marina - New Home Construction

DAY 6: Charleston's Mega Dock Is a Showcase for the World's Most Beautiful Yachts

Day 6: Daniel Island's Mitchell Wharf Offers Deepwater Docks, River Views

Day 6: Harbour Town Yacht Club with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island

Day 7: Discovering Windmill Harbour's Elegance and Privacy on HHI, SC

Day 8: Going 'Outside' to Fernandina & The Peaceful Marshes at Oyster Bay Harbour'