- 28.7 miles
- 3 hours 31 minutes
- 8.2 mph average speed
- 4-11 mph winds
There were about a dozen or so ships anchored just outside of Annapolis.
There is a 753 mile sailboat race from Annapolis to Bermuda which would start the day after we arrived. To mark the beginning of the race, the sailboats participate in a parade around Annapolis Harbor. We arrived at the harbor just after the parade had ended but there were still a good many sailboats in the area which we had to maneuver around as sailboats that are under sail have the right of way.
As we made the turn into the channel for the marina, we passed the US Naval Academy.
The first evening that we were in Annapolis, Karen and Ellen contacted the other Loopers at the marina to meet for docktails. We have attended or hosted several docktails but this was the first time we actually got together on a DOCK! There were about 20 of us at one point and it was great fun talking with everyone who are in various stages of completing their Loop.
After cocktails, Karen and Ellen walked to town for much needed pedicures and the boys met us afterwards. Karen and Rob had already had dinner so they went for an ice cream while we went to dinner. Annapolis is a beautiful, bustling town and is much larger than the small fishing towns we have been in lately. There are SO many restaurants.
We had an amazing tour of the Naval Academy with Karen and Rob and attended church at the Naval Academy Chapel on Sunday. The US Naval Academy was founded in 1845 which prepares midshipmen to become officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Upon graduation from the Academy, graduates serve a. minimum of five years in the Name or Marine Corps.
Below is a photo of the Herndon Monument. First year Naval Academy students are called plebes. At the end of the first year, the monument is covered with vegetable shortening with a “Dixie Cup” hat placed at the top. The class must work together and form a human pyramid until someone reaches the hat at the top of the monument, 21 feet high. The “Dixie Cup” hat is replaced with an upperclassman’s hat signifying that they are no longer plebes but fourth class midshipmen.
It was really interesting to hear the reasons for all of the things that plebes are required to do their first year and that it is not a form of hazing but rather teaching them necessary skills.
