Rowing Regatta in the Northwest Harbor this Saturday

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge” rowing regatta is scheduled to occur in the Northwest Harbor on June 23, 2012 (rain date June 24, 2012). Approximately 500 participants in 12-person paddling teams will race in vessels 42 feet in length on a designated course with 4 marked lanes located off Tide Point, between the American Sugar Refining wharf and North Locust Point Marine Terminal Pier 8 in Baltimore, Maryland.

     Course markers will be set from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., with racing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and course markers will be removed from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. As described in the Table to Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 100.501, special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of Patapsco River, Northwest Harbor, in Baltimore, Maryland, from shoreline to shoreline, within an area bounded on the east by a line drawn along longitude 076°35’ W and bounded on the west by a line drawn along longitude 076°36’ W. This area will be enforced from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on June 23, 2012, and in the case of inclement weather, this marine event may be postponed and the regulated area enforced from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24, 2012.

     The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio channel VHF-FM 16 or 22A. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

     Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this waterway beyond the enforcement times.

     Comments or questions should be directed to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division by telephone at (410) 576-2674 or e-mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to host 25th annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival

     St. Michaels, Md. -- A collection of antique Silver Arrow Chris-Craft boats headlines the 25th anniversary celebration of the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, to be held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum over this Father's Day weekend. The event takes place June 15-17 and is hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS).

     Made in limited production in the late '50s, the 19' Silver Arrow runabout is considered a collectable treasure today. Powered by a big V-8 Detroit engine, its unique design combines a wood hull with a sleek and sophisticated fiberglass exterior, distinguished by the Silver Arrow's '50s-style tail fins.

     The festival also features more than 100 antique and classic boats, as well as building demonstrations, maritime artists and craftsmen, craft vendors, and a nautical flea market featuring classic old boats, motors, and more. A selection of regional and grilled foods, beer and music will be provided throughout the festival.

     As an ACBS-judged boat show, the festival brings visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest antique and classic boats from across the country, which will be displayed in the water and on land at CBMM. Wood and early fiberglass-classics are featured- from runabouts to yachts, including race boats, work boats, launches, hydroplanes, and utilities.

     Several boat models depicting unique, Chesapeake watercraft will also be on display, including Sea Skiffs, Owens cabin cruisers, and Whirlwind sport boats. The competition culminates in a Father's Day award ceremony, where boat owners will be recognized for their commitment to antique and classic boat preservation and restoration.

     The festival also features "The Arts at Navy Point," where national artists and craftsmen offer maritime-themed items for boat and home. Children's activities include boat-building craft projects, and a youth judging event that educates young girls and boys about the award-winning qualities of preserved and restored classic boats. Along the Fogg's Landing side of CBMM's campus, the festival's "Field of Dreams" features an array of restorable classic boats and motors, along with other items for sale in a nautical flea market.

     Festival hours are Friday, June 15, from 11am to 5pm; Saturday, June 16, from 10am to 5pm; and Father's Day, Sunday, June 17, from 10am to 2pm. The festival includes admission to the museum's twelve exhibit buildings, where authentic, Chesapeake boats and traditions are highlighted. The event is free for CBMM members and children under six, or $13 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $6 for children 6-17. For more information, call 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.

Thunder on the Narrows Power Boat Races June 9-10

     Chester, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Thunder on the Narrows” power boat races will be held in Prospect Bay, between Hog Island and Kent Island on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

     The event consists of various classes of high-speed power boats operating on a marked racetrack-type course. Coast Guard special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of Prospect Bay enclosed by the following points: Latitude 38° 57′ 52″ N, longitude 076° 14′ 48″ W, to latitude 38° 58′ 02″ N, longitude 076° 15′ 05″ W, to latitude 38° 57′ 38″ N, longitude 076° 15′ 29″ W, to latitude 38° 57′ 28″ N, longitude 076° 15′ 23″ W, to latitude 38° 57′ 52″ N, longitude 076° 14′ 48″ W. 

     The regulated area will be enforced from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A.

     When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

     The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this area by federal, State and local agencies. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12270, 12272.

Ceremony Celebrates Opening of Rodgers Tavern Pier and Floating Dock

     Perryville, Md. -- Local officials and residents from Perryville, Port Deposit and Havre de Grace came out to show their excitement and support for the official opening of the Rodgers Tavern pier and floating dock at a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1.

      “This project will greatly enhance water access, recreation, heritage, tourism and hopefully be the impetus for economic development of the town’s waterfront as well as the revitalization of the old downtown area,” said Town Commissioner Barbara A. Brown. “I am extremely happy that everyone who has worked with the town to make this project happen will see their efforts pay off. It will truly be an asset for Perryville.”

     The pier and floating boat slips provide access to the Susquehanna River and are a short walk to the Historic Rodgers Tavern and the Town of Perryville. Perryville is one of three towns along with Havre de Grace and Port Deposit that will benefit from this boating access site that links the towns to each other and to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail. The new pier and floating dock not only provide a significant amenity to the boating public, but will also provide economic stimulus to local businesses. The mayor and Commissioners of Perryville have long supported this project.

The site features:
A 515-foot by 10-foot fully-lit walking pier
A 60-foot by 10-foot bridge
An 80-foot by 6-foot walkway
A 122-foot long floating pier with electrical service that includes 12 transient boat slips with an 86-foot T-head floating pier that provides dockage for large vessels.

     “We view this project as an enhancement to the Lower Susquehanna River trail system, an economic stimulus through increased tourism, and additional water access for this riverfront community,” said Perryville Mayor James L. Eberhardt.

     The Rodgers Tavern pier and floating dock are located behind Rodgers Tavern at 259 Broad Street, Perryville in Cecil County. The project, completed on March 30, was a joint venture with funding from the following sources: $1,159,901 from a Federal Grant to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail, $478,379 from the Town of Perryville, and $554,950 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Fund, which includes $154,950 in 100 percent grants and $400,000 in matching 50/50 grants. Revenue for the fund comes from the one-time, 5 percent excise tax, paid when a boat is purchased and titled in Maryland.

ISARA 50 to Debut at Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

     Annapolis, Md. -- The ISARA 50 catamaran has arrived and will be floating at City Dock during the Spring Sailboat Show this weekend.

     The catamaran is being offered by the Bay Yacht Agency, which specializes in new boats designed for both offshore sailing and coastal cruising. Find out more at www.bayacht.com.

Bay Bridge Boat Show Under Way

     Stevensville, Md. -- Recognized as the largest spring recreational boating extravaganza in the Mid-Atlantic, the annual Bay Bridge Boat Show will be held in Stevensville, Maryland, April 19-22.

    More than two hundred new and brokerage boats of every size and style will be on display in the water and on land, including a wide range of water craft from PWC's, inflatables and kayaks, to fishing boats and trailerable sport boats. A large selection of  express cruisers, trawlers, and cruising boats will also be in the water to tour and enjoy.

     Throughout the grounds, an equally impressive assortment of marine-related exhibitors will display and share their products to provide one-stop shopping for spring commissioning. 

     Tickets are $12 for adults and $4 for youth ages 7-12. Children 6 and under may attend for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.usboat.com. 

     For a complete description of events and activities surrounding the show, call 410-268-8828 or visit  http://www.usboat.com.

More Scenes from the Baltimore Boat Show

     Baltimore, Md. -- The Baltimore Boat Show continues today and tomorrow. Here are some scenes from the show. Find out more at http://www.baltimoreboatshow.com