SONATA at Ocean Marine Yacht Center, Berth B-3, Mile 0.5 of the ICW, Portsmouth, Virginia. SONATA draws 4'2", length is 42', air-draft is 22.5', with the mast down the air-draft is reduced to 16'. Engines are 135 Perkins diesels and on board is an Onan 8.5 kw generator. SONATA can carry 600 gallons of diesel and some 300 gallons of fresh water.
The Bridge, Navigation Station where much time will be spent piloting over the next some 6,000 miles of the Great American Loop. The Captains have a Garmin 2010C GPS Chartplotter, a Garmin Streetpilot for the land areas along the waterways, three VHF radios, with the primary radios MMSI loaded, a surface radar unit, and two depth sounders. Paper charts and cruising guides for all of the planned trip, along with Navigation tools and rules are always close at hand.
The enclosed Bridge area has been refurbished to include a lounge area for us to enjoy both underway and once we arrive in a marina or anchorage. Very comfortable for 6+ people to enjoy an evening.
The aft cabin, our cabin for the next 12 months. The cabin has been recently modified to include cabinets for extra storage; there is a private "head" with vacu-flush toilet, sink, walk-in shower, desk, large closet space and access to the outside via a rear hatchway.
The forward berth for those that wish to join us for a portion of the journey. Two berths, drawer and closet space, and a private "head".
The Galley area has a deep sink, cabinets, a three burner glass-top electric stove with oven, a refrigerator and freezer. There is a microwave oven, toaster oven and other conveniences of "at home" at your fingertips.
The Salon is very comfortable with easy seating for four or six. There is TV, DVD/VHS, CD and Sirus sound systems; as well as a lower helm station with Garmin GPS, and two VHF radios.
From Deltaville to Solomons Island, Maryland, was a 56 mile run putting us in the Zahniser's Yachting Center where there are many many sail boats. Two evenings here with dinner at the marina and on the 29th a bicycle tour of the town/island.
An evening stroll along the Paxtuxent River ... the River bridge in the background.
The end of a beautiful day with the sunset outside the starboard side of SONATA.
Departed Mobjack Bay for Deltaville and shortly after arrival we were greeted by other "Loopers". A get together was held that evening with a picnic beside the Dozier's Regatta Point Marina where we were all staying. It was great to meet with other Loopers and hear their stories and share our dreams.
This map is a very rough estimate of when we will be where. Rules are . . . all plans are written in pencil in the sand . . . subject to change on a whim. We must be out of the Great Lakes before mid-September and not in the Gulf until after hurricaine season, December 1st. All else is flexible.
Upon departure more friends gathered for assist in the send off with kind words, a toast, and casting off the lines . . . departure was promptly at 1000 . . . 1018 actually; then up through the Norfolk Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay.
Starting on the evening of the 24th dock friends and tennis friends arrived for farewell party; everyone has been so thoughtful.
Anchored in 11 feet of water with 60 feet of anchor chain out on an anchor bouy. A quiet evening on the East River at Tabbs Creek off Mobjack Bay. N37-23.01 W076-20.20 Underway on the morning of the 26th for Deltaville and Dozier's Regatta Point Yachting Center. ...Arrived at Doziers at noon on the 26th.
SONATA at Ocean Marine Yacht Center, Berth B-3, Mile 0.5 of the ICW, Portsmouth, Virginia. SONATA draws 4'2", length is 42', air-draft is 22.5', with the mast down the air-draft is reduced to 16'. Engines are 135 Perkins diesels and on board is an Onan 8.5 kw generator. SONATA can carry 600 gallons of diesel and some 300 gallons of fresh water.
The Bridge, Navigation Station where much time will be spent piloting over the next some 6,000 miles of the Great American Loop. The Captains have a Garmin 2010C GPS Chartplotter, a Garmin Streetpilot for the land areas along the waterways, three VHF radios, with the primary radios MMSI loaded, a surface radar unit, and two depth sounders. Paper charts and cruising guides for all of the planned trip, along with Navigation tools and rules are always close at hand.
The enclosed Bridge area has been refurbished to include a lounge area for us to enjoy both underway and once we arrive in a marina or anchorage. Very comfortable for 6+ people to enjoy an evening.
The aft cabin, our cabin for the next 12 months. The cabin has been recently modified to include cabinets for extra storage; there is a private "head" with vacu-flush toilet, sink, walk-in shower, desk, large closet space and access to the outside via a rear hatchway.
The forward berth for those that wish to join us for a portion of the journey. Two berths, drawer and closet space, and a private "head".
The Galley area has a deep sink, cabinets, a three burner glass-top electric stove with oven, a refrigerator and freezer. There is a microwave oven, toaster oven and other conveniences of "at home" at your fingertips.
The Salon is very comfortable with easy seating for four or six. There is TV, DVD/VHS, CD and Sirus sound systems; as well as a lower helm station with Garmin GPS, and two VHF radios.
