Meet at the Beach

by ajaxntmm - July 3, 2019

Mayo Beach – 2019 Watersports Fun Fest

It was a fun day for all! On Sunday June 30^th BABA teamed up with several other sponsors to hold the 7^th annual Mayo Beach Fun Fest. We had a beautiful day with enough wind for zipping across the mouth of the South river on short boards and windfoils. The northerly wind direction made for pretty flat water (at least close to shore) and some great up and down-wind Stand-Up-Paddling. The bay water temp gave us a perfect break from the full-on summer sun.

Offering Taste of Windsurfing lessons is a big part of this annual event. It is always fun to share in the excitement of the 19 windsurfing recruits as they completed new skills – up-hauling, 180 turns, sailing position and sailing away. Their confidence in practicing these skills on land quickly transitioned into the big challenge – performing these skills while balancing on moving water and adjusting to the gusty and shifty wind conditions. Success yielded big smiles and cheers from on-lookers.

East of Maui (EOM) joined us again this year offering Standup Paddle (SUP) board quick lessons and free demonstrations and the chance to demo the new Windsurfer LT board and 5.7 sq. meter sail, which was surprisingly powered up in the northerly gusts. We ended the day with a two team, five sailors per team relay race on Windsurfer LT gear. Pictures of the winning and losing teams are below. Please ignore one of the sailors from team two who is still up-hauling for the last leg while team one is finishing.

BABA and Outdoor Architects provided food and drink for the event giving the 80-some Fun Fest participants a chance to cool down in the shaded picnic area of Mayo Beach 3 and to connect with long time BABA friends and to meet new people from all over the mid-Atlantic region.

Thanks to all of our co-sponsors who made this event possible:

Outdoor Architects http://www.outdoorarchitects.com/landscape/default.aspx
East of Maui http://www.eastofmauiboardshop.com/
Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association http://www.windsurfbaba.org/
In Partnership with – Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.

It is always fun to get together with BABA friends and to share our fun sport with new enthusiasts.

Mike McCormick

by ajaxntmm - July 6, 2018

2018 Watersport Fun Fest – Mayo Beach

by Mike McCormick

On Sunday July 1st BABA teamed up with several other sponsors to hold the 6^th Mayo Beach Fun Fest. July weather was out in full force with tons of sun, temps in the very high 80’s and a light southerly breeze. Everyone was looking for shade and we all couldn’t wait to jump in the water.

Offering Taste of Windsurfing lessons is a big part of this annual event. It is always fun to share in the excitement of the 18 windsurfing recruits as they completed new skills – up-hauling, 180 turns, sailing position and sailing away. Their confidence in practicing these skills on land quickly transitions into a big challenge – balancing on the board that is moving all around in the moderate chop, raising the sail that has a lot of water on it, and finally grabbing the booms and sailing. Big cheers go up as new windsurfers meet the challenge by balancing on the board through all of these moves and sailing forward and away from the group. Extra credit is a graceful turn and exit from the board before hitting the beach or another group.

East of Maui (EOM) joined us again this year offering Standup Paddle (SUP) board quick lessons and free demonstrations. The demo boards were in constant use with a lot of people trying out the equipment and this rapidly expanding water sport. Mark Bandy from EOM also had a windsurfing foil setup, which a few people tried in the very light wind.

This year we had over 77 Fun Fest registrants and drop-ins with 19 people participating in Taste of Windsurfing. Most of whom went into the water We were happy to meet a lot of new water sport enthusiasts from all over the world!

Thanks to all of our co-sponsors who made this event possible:

Outdoor Architects http://www.outdoorarchitects.com/landscape/default.aspx
East of Maui http://www.eastofmauiboardshop.com/
Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association http://www.windsurfbaba.org/
In Partnership with – Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.

And thanks to all of the BABA members who volunteered to set up, handle registration, feed us, mix up lots of lemonade and ice tea, provide Taste of Windsurfing instruction and in-the-water mentoring … in short make it all happen. A special thanks to Daphne Lathouras and Mark Sarrasin who led Taste of Windsurfing instruction and to Warren Evans our gear wrangler who made sure all of the gear was rigged and ready. All of the volunteers are listed below:

Food and drink shopping & registration – Ann Jackson & Maureen Pritchard
Taste of Windsurfing Land Lesson Instructors – Daphne Lathouras, Mark Sarrasin, Stuart Gray & Janice Emerling
Taste of Windsurfing Gear Captain – Warren Evans
Taste of Windsurfing Gear & Riggers – Daphne Lathouras, Mark Sarrasin, Janice Emerling, Stuart Gray, Steve Uhtoff, Christophe Waerzeggers, Helen Van Gelder, Feng Jin, Keith Wing, Bruce Doll
Taste of Windsurfing – in the water mentors – Janice Emerling, Coby Leyden, Helen Van Gelder, Keith Wing, Stuart Gray, Pancham Patel, Mike McCormick
Setup, Lunch and Cleanup – Maureen & Albert Pritchard, Ann Jackson, Janice Emerling, Mark Storch, Steve Uhtoff, Bruce Doll, Gordon Wells, Alice Mascette
Promotion and SignUp – Mike McCormick

My wife Ann and I moved to Annapolis in 1991 having caught the windsurfing bug in central PA where the only sail-able water was at state parks with human-made lakes, which were drained in late September for flood prevention. We were over-the-moon ecstatic with all of the water in Maryland and when we found a relatively new group – the Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association – that provided races, trips and comradery. And BABA is still doing it some 27 years later!

It is always fun to get together with BABA friends and to share our fun sport with new enthusiasts.

by ajaxntmm - July 13, 2017

Mayo Beach Fun Fest – 2017

On Sunday July 9^th BABA teamed up with several other sponsors to hold the 5^th Mayo Beach Fun Fest. Low 80 degree temperatures and low humidity made it a perfect day at Mayo beach watching ships and yachts on the bay, a new family of osprey and lots of first time windsurfers and stand-up paddlers.

This year we had over 70 Fun Fest registrants and drop-ins with 22 people participating in Taste of Windsurfing. We were happy to meet a lot of new watersport enthusiasts from all over the world!

The squirrely, light off-shore wind along with some mild chop presented a challenge that Fun Fest participants met with enthusiasm – accomplishing dry up-hauls, 180 degree turns and sailing off to the horizon with BABA in-water mentors bouncing along in waste deep water to keep up. A special thanks to Daphne Lathouras and Mark Sarrasin who organized the Taste of Windsurfing activity and taught the lessons and to all of the in-water teachers.

Mark Bandy from East of Maui joined us again this year offering free SUP demos and different boards to try. Many of the participants took advantage of the opportunity for the first time and had a blast.

Steve Uthoff organized our first mixed fleet (windsurfer and then SUP) relay race with a simple off-shore gate course and relay exchanges inside the stone breakwaters. Team Steve took the honors with team Mark coming in 2^nd. We should definitely do this again!

Thanks to all of our co-sponsors who made this event possible:

Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association http://www.windsurfbaba.org/
East of Maui http://www.eastofmauiboardshop.com/
Outdoor Architects http://www.outdoorarchitects.com/landscape/default.aspx
In Partnership with – Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.

And a special thanks to all of the BABA member who volunteered to setup, handle registration, feed us, mix up lots of lemonade and ice tea, provide equipment for on-land and in-the-water windsurfing tastes, organize a relay race, … and in short make it all happen:

Ann Jackson and Mike McCormick
Charles Lorenzetti
Christophe Waerzeggers and Rebecca Millar
Dan Fenstermacher & Tawann Jackson
Daphne Lathouras
Dave Iseri
Eddie and Uyen Murawski
Eugene and Becky Belongay
Haiging Zhao
Helen Van Gelder and Bill Anderson
Jane Rigby
Janice Emerling
Maureen and Albert Pritchard
Mark and Jennifer Storch
Mark Sarrasin
Steve & Tracy Uthoff

After many years as a BABA member, it is still fun to get together with BABA friends and to share our fun sport together and with new enthusiasts.

Mike McCormick

by BABA News - June 4, 2017

Windsurfing at Mayo Beach

Mayo Beach Park in Mayo MD sits right at the mouth of the South River and the Chesapeake Bay on the southern side of the river. You must have a permit to use the Mayo launch. Keep reading for more information.

Best wind direction is SE and S, but East and NE are also great. North, NW and West can be OK but if you break down its a long drift to the east shore. The launch site has a grassy rigging area and sandy beach, lots of parking, bathrooms, showers and picnic benches. The water is shallow for the first 200-300 meters then drops off. The river swell can get very large depending on the tide. 2-3 feet is normal for winds in the 12-18 knot range and it can get significantly larger in higher winds. The swell is the long rolling variety but can get choppy with increased boat traffic. The water on the inside is good for beginners and the outside swell is good enough to loop. This site is good for all levels.

Mayo Wind Permits – a permit is required to use this launch.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/aarecparks/Home

Search on key words “Mayo Wind.” If you are requesting a new permit you’ll be mailed a sticker. The combination for the lock, and Mayo Usage Rules will be emailed to you at a later date.

If you don’t receive the combination for the gate lock before you go to Mayo you may or may not be able to gain access. Find a park staff member, show them your permit receipt and ask if they can let you in. DO NOT ask other windsurfers to let you in – this jeopardizes access for everyone because it is strictly against the rules to share the gate combination.

Keep the gate locked at all times (let yourself in, then immediately lock the gate behind you).

Keep reading for more information on Public Open Days, Summer Access etc….

by ajaxntmm - June 28, 2016

Mayo Beach Fun Fest 2016 – It was fun!

by Mike McCormick

On Saturday June 25^th BABA teamed up with several other sponsors to hold the 5^th Mayo Beach Fun Fest. The weather couldn’t have been better with low 80 temperatures, a light North Easterly breeze, perfect water temperature and not a jelly fish in sight.

With 21 BABA members attending and 18 other registrants we had a nice size group for the day. The Taste of Windsurfing class had 12 participants all of whom uphauled, turned the board around and transitioned to sailing position with occasional rapid exits into the water. It was fun meeting a diverse group of new sailors from Russia, Ukraine, Colombia South America, England, Western Maryland …

Mark Bandy from East of Maui joined us again this year offering free SUP demos and a number of different boards to try. Many of the participants took advantage of the opportunity and had some fun in the small chop.

This year’s event tested out the new “Car Launch Area #3”, which is South of the Mayo Park Buildings. The new area worked out just fine with easy drop off by the water, a nice picnic area under trees up the hill and a large grassy area to spread out. It was also nice being a little closer to the bathrooms. This is the new car top launch site during Summer Sunday public days at Mayo Beach.

Thanks to all of our co-sponsors who made this event possible:

Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association http://www.windsurfbaba.org/
East of Maui http://www.eastofmauiboardshop.com/
Outdoor Architects http://www.outdoorarchitects.com/landscape/default.aspx
In Partnership with – Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.

And a special thanks to the BABA member who volunteered to setup, handle registration, feed us, mix up lots of lemonade and ice tea, provide equipment for on-land and in-the-water windsurfing tastes and in short made it all happen:

Ann Jackson and Mike McCormick
Dave Iseri
Eddie and Uyen Murawski
Gordon Wells
Helen VanGelder and Bill Anderson
Janice Emerling
Jon Fleuchaus
Maureen and Albert Pritchard
Mark Raginsky
Mark Storch
Warren Evans

After many years as a BABA member, it is still fun to get together with BABA friends and to share our fun sport together and with new enthusiasts.

by ajaxntmm - June 5, 2016

Mayo Beach – 2016 Watersports Fun Fest

by Mike McCormick

The Mayo Beach 2016 Watersports Fun Fest is planned for June 25th from 11:00 to 3:00. This year marks that 6th annual Watersport Fun Fest at Mayo Beach Park. This event has been organized by BABA and co-sponsored with East of Maui, Annapolis Community Boating, Outdoor Architects and Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. We have had a lot of fun each year with peak attendance and fun in 2014.

Bring your car-top water craft or just come out for some fun at Mayo Beach Park on the Chesapeake Bay.

No charge for park admission or activities
Mayo Beach Park is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
On-site registration for Watersports Fun Fest activities (see below)
Car Top Area #3 – equipment drop off will be provided – parking at top of hill

Activities:

BYO – car-top water craft
Stand UP Paddling – free mini lessons and demo boards available (must be 15 years of age)
Windsurfing – “taste of windsurfing” instruction and land-based simulation
Sit Down Paddling – kayaking and canoeing – free mini lessons with demo equipment available (must have an adult if under 18)
Fun Events – SUP relay race, Windsurfing freestyle and other fun events
Picnic – Light food and beverages will be provided.

Note: swimming attire and water shoes are required for safe participation in on-water events. BYO life jacket if you have one.

Onsite Registration:

Register on-site the day of the event for Fun Fest activities. Due to limited facilities and equipment participation is on a 1^st come 1^st served basis.

Weather Cancellations

Fun Fest cancellations due to bad weather will be posted to the BABA Blog. https://windsurfbaba.wordpress.com/

Directions

From Annapolis, take MD Route 2 (Solomons Island Road) South (4.5 miles) to MD Route 214 (Central Avenue). Take 214 East (4.4 miles) and turn left on Shoreham Beach Road at Lou’s Store. Stay on Shoreham Beach Road (1 mile) through sharp turns (3 Mayo Beach signs) to Honeysuckle Drive. Turn sharp right and follow Honeysuckle Drive into the Park.

by BABA News - December 13, 2015

ACTION ITEM – due Dec 14 – Mayo Peninsula Parks Planning Call for Comments

Due by 5pm on MONDAY, December 14. Click the link at the bottom of the post to see a map of the Mayo Peninsula Parks Planning area.

We have a very important call for action for all windsurfers and other wind-sports enthusiasts in the Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia area, and anyone else who is interested in windsurfing on the Chesapeake Bay. Please see the request below from Mike Lofton, Chair of the AA Co Public Water Access Committee. BABA has filed comments on behalf of the club but it is very important for AA Park and Rec to hear from individuals as well. Please read the request for comments in italics at the bottom of this post.

Some key points to consider:

Residents of the Mayo Peninsula have expressed concern about public access (or any access at all) to the public beaches in their community and some would like the beaches to remain restricted or closed to the public.

The AA Public Water Access Committee is working towards increased access at all AA Co. owned parks and was instrumental in getting Spriggs Farm Park on the Magothy River opened in November (blog post and pictures coming soon), and getting Beverly Triton open to the public (including windsurfers and kite boarders) without a permit.

Currently, windsurfers and other “car top boaters” have access to Mayo Beach Park with a “car top boat” permit from AA Co. While some feel the permit is not needed under an open access policy, there are concerns that if Mayo Beach is opened to the public and the “car top boat” permit program is disbanded, windsurfers and other car-top boaters will not have access to the launch-front parking area OR that the launch-front parking area could be open to the public, which may result challenges unloading gear close to the launch.

BABA’s Priorities as developed by Steering Committee members engaged in the AA Co. Public Water Access Committee:

* Keep windsurfing and other car-top boat access at Mayo and Beverly Triton

* Keep the current system for access in place during the planning process

* Wind-sports enthusiasts have very specific needs for access to strong and steady wind in contrast with the need and desire for more sheltered access and water trails that kayakers/SUP/canoe enthusiasts prefer so we ask that you consider these different needs and requirements when looking at access points on the Mayo Peninsula.

In your response, let AA Co. know where you live – if you live outside of AA Co and you drive there to windsurf on the bay and spend money on gas, food, shopping etc, you’re contributing to the local economy. Let them know how few windsurfing launches are available to you, and ask for windsurfing access to continue at Mayo and Beverly Triton.

Please send your comments to Rick Anthony and copy Mike Lofton (as noted in Mike’s message copied below).

Thank you for taking an active role in windsurfers’ access to great launches on the Chesapeake Bay.

Mayo Peninsula Parks Planning Call for Comments

A committee has been formed to provide advice on the use & future development of more than 500 acres of public park land (much of it with extensive water-frontage) on the Mayo Peninsula.

In addition to the committee, comprised primarily of Mayo Peninsula residents, EVERYONE is encouraged to provide input to the planning process.

Ideas will be used by a consultant, selection anticipated late January 2016, to prepare 2-3 concepts for a regional park complex.

Effective use of these public assets will begin to address Anne Arundel County’s most significant recreation deficiency, public water access.

Comments should be submitted to AA Rec & Parks Director, Rick Anthony at rpanth49@aacounty.org . Please copy me at msl49@aol.com

Attached is a map showing the locations of the four primary sites:
· South River Farm Park 187 acres
· Mayo Beach Park 26 acres
· Beverly-Triton Beach Park 342 acres
· Carr’s Wharf Rd Public launch & Pier +/- 1 acre

Comments need to be in by December 14, 2015

Thanks

Mike Lofton, Chair
Anne Arundel Public Water Access Committee

SouthCountyRegionalParkMap_1

by BABA News - November 21, 2014

East Coast Championships Regatta 2014

BABA had a warm, sunny and light wind ECC Regatta on September 20 & 21st. Longboard racing was the call as the wind remained light and variable both days. Our Formula fleet showed up on Saturday and kept the benches warm waiting for enough wind to run a few races, but mother nature didn’t cooperate.

Big thanks go to Jeff and Darlene Forte for bringing Something Special, our committee boat for the weekend. Guillaume Vernieres (aka G) brought his RIB (that’s rigid inflatable boat) which Race Organizer Warren Evans captained to place marks, run the photographer around (that was me) and serve as safety boat in case anyone needed to be rescued. Warren learned that G’s boat only speaks French, but once over the language barrier, some sweet talk kept her running for the weekend. Race Director Dave Iseri motivated the longboard fleet to complete 6 races and our dedicated volunteers made the weekend fun for everyone.

Our land and water volunteers for the event also included Tom Caswell (aka Scooter), Janice Emerling, Ann Jackson, Amber Kasbeer, Fan Pat, Collin Pitts, Mike McCormick and Helen Van Gelder. Helen is behind the scenes for every event, trip and membership drive making sure fees are deposited, expenses are paid and our books balanced. Thank you everyone!

Results:

Guillaume swept the event with 5 firsts and a DNS. The Men’s Open Class had a tight contest for 2nd & 3rd with the tie breaker going to John Contos over Colin Pitts. Congratulations to everyone who competed, especially Novice racer Anthony Burrows.

Novice: Anthony Burrows (1st)

7.5 Limited Men: Chris Wattengel (1st)

Open Women: Fan Pat (1st), Amber Kasbeer (2nd)

Open Men: Guillaume Vernieres (1st), John Contos (2nd), Colin Pitts (3rd)

Picture Gallery follows…… click the first picture to open the gallery as a slide show.

by BABA News - July 6, 2014

Spring Regattas

Lining up for a start from the beach — Lining up for the Le Mans start.

We had a great start to the spring racing season with our annual Gerry Brown Memorial Regatta for Cancer Research at Baltimore County Sailing Center. It was a light-wind day for an enthusiastic bunch of long boarders. BCSC Director Eileen Fahrmeier set some marks for and upwind downwind course and we had a Le Mans style start from the beach. The wind was flukey and dying so the crew completed one race and spent the rest of the day free sailing in Hawk Cove. BABA members contributed about $500 to the Sidney Kimmel Center for Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins. Thank you to everyone who contributed and who came out for the event. It was great to see Jack Ames back out on the race course after a long hiatus. Big thanks to our host, Eileen and BCSC. Check out their website and programs for youth and adult sailing. There’s also a week-long windsurfing camp for kids every summer.

Activities:

Sponsored by:

Onsite Registration:

Weather Cancellations

Directions