Texas Mariners Cruising Association
The Largest Boating Club on the Gulf Coast
Established 1979
Anchoring Extravaganza May 17th - 19th
70 happy souls enjoyed tacos and catfish at the TMCA meeting on Friday, May 17, 2024, and then they endured the opening event in Phil and Matilde Geren’s Anchoring Extravaganza for this year.
Tried-and-true techniques for getting the maximum achievable holding force in the deployment of various types of anchors were explained. The presenters are particularly grateful to Tim Marshall, Lamy Chopin, Chris Maginnis, Jim McKenna, and other master mariners who graciously added experience-based best practices information to the presentation.
Then, 24 of those mariners constituted a full house at Waterford Marina’s Pavilion B for the second event, a Case Study and competition. Progressively more challenging conditions were described, and teams formulated anchoring strategy and tactics for staying anchored (and staying alive!), competing for a fine sparkling Bourgogne Rose’ (Brut, Cremant’, Francois Labet). The winning team, comprised of Chris Maginnis, Sharon Jay, Karen, Mike, and Simon Powell, and Sara and Charles Parker, earned the highest score and enjoyed the bubbly. We are manifestly grateful for the kind and expert support provided by Lamy, who attended and again made valuable comments concerning best anchoring practices.
Six boats travelled to Wussy Bay Saturday afternoon to participate in the Hands-On anchoring practice session, including Lamy’s beautiful s/v Awakening, providing instruction for students primarily interested in techniques particular to sailing vessels.
Four of those vessels, s/v Last Endeavor, m/v Keeling Time, s/v Silhouette, and m/v Awesome One, spent the night on the hook in Wussy Bay near Miramar Park, Shore Acres, TX, enjoying a GREAT soiree on board m/v Keeling Time, a lovely Grand Banks 43 Classic (“Thank YOU, Peter and Laura Trollip!!!)
Phil and Matilde send their warmest thanks to those who participated, and, as always, we learned a lot... our students delighted us with their enthusiasm and innovation, as they say, “If you want to learn something well, try teaching it!”