Chesapeake Hobie Island Group ( C.H.I.G. ) and Backyard Boats hosted a 2 day event to promote sailing in Annapolis from Backyard Boats floating dock on Spa Creek.
Seventeen Hobie Adventure Islands, one Hobie Wave, and a Hobie Bravo took part in the two day event.
Eleven people got a first hand experience out on the water with the group and many, many, more watched and visited Backyard Boats small shop to discuss entry level sailing.
The head count of people who passed through the shop was 38 the first day ( it rained ) and over 70 the second day.
A gentleman who bought a boat, about this same time last year, stood and told a group of guest in Backyard Boat's showroom that, "I could not get my son off the computer. So I bought him a Hobie Adventure Island Tri and after some resistance, got him to go out in it. Now I am back to buy another boat so that I can find him. I can't get him out of the boat. Last night, my son brought home, 40 good sized crabs, and I want to be part of that."
Outside on the floating dock many more good stories were swapped. Much laughter rang out across the water. However, CHIG members had no time for pictures or video on day two, because the wind was blowing 15 mph all day from the NNW, and the sailing was too good to be bothered with anything else. The group members came and went at their leisure all day. They enjoyed the attention of all the people who wanted to know more about all the Hobie boats they were sailing.
All of us had such a good time that we left Backyard Boats begrudgingly. Some of us were able to drag it out a bit longer, by going to dinner at Davis's. Sailstice was a great success at Backyard Boats. Everyone enjoyed it very much.
It is also noteworthy that CHIG announced their new Hobie Fleet number. Yes it's official! There is a new Hobie Fleet on the Bay. Hobie Fleet 940 ! The fleet is currently comprised of the smaller Hobie boats. To join you must sign onto meetup.com, type in Annapolis Sailing, choose Chesapeake Hobie Island Group and request membership. It's free, and so is joining the Fleet. CHIG is planning to do part of the John Smith Route, camping along the way, and sailing across to Smith Island to stay at the B&B there; also planned is a lot more great beach sailing, right out into the Bay from Sandy Point State Park.
Some video from the event can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/jeantckr
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