Thoughts on Sailing and the Environment

     As the wind gently spun the propellers on our new wind generator I lounged on the boat deck watching the warm Maryland sun sparkle on passing waves and thinking about the benefits of being self-sufficient while travelling. Since Dad installed the wind generator in Annapolis our battery charging capabilities have improved by leaps and bounds. It also helps that the wind hasn’t stopped blowing since its installation.

 

     When combined with input from the large solar panels that occupy the top of our dodger these enviro-friendly sources of power help reduce the need to run the engine to recharge our batteries. This is important given that battery power is in constant use on a boat. At anchor energy is used for refrigeration, lights, water systems, and to power our propane stove. Under way the batteries power our GPS, autopilot and sailing instruments, among other things. Having these sources of power guarantees that we don’t have to plug into shore power at marinas and allows us to stay out at anchor for long periods of time while exploring remote places off the usual tourist path.

      As we travelled under sail with the brackish waters of the Chesapeake flowing beneath the boat I thought about the benefits of these gadgets, not just for keeping our travel costs low but also for the environment. Sailing strikes me as the ultimate “green” form of transportation. With a little wind power it is possible to travel long distances and to many places across the globe without putting harmful pollutants into the water and the atmosphere. Although we do have a motor and have to use it almost daily we also commit to sailing whenever possible. On this trip we’ve been frequently gifted with strong winds, sometimes to our frustration, and have managed to sail far more often than motoring.

     There’s nothing quite as inspiring and empowering as harnessing the power of natural forces to propel ourselves to a new destination. Part of what attracts us to sailing and wind-powered sports like kiteboarding is this ability to harness the wind and use it in a unique way. Also the adrenaline rush doesn’t hurt :)

     Our recent travels through Chesapeake Bay have stirred awareness of the effects of pollution in waterways. With over 4000 miles of shoreline Chesapeake Bay is one of the largest estuaries in the world. The combination of salt and fresh water makes for brackish conditions that are unique, allowing it to support a staggering variety of aquatic life. Unfortunately in the past few decades the waters of Chesapeake Bay have become increasingly threatened by pollution runoff from coastal sources. Pollution has combined with the over-exploitation of the oyster population and caused a decline in the health of aquatic plants and animals throughout the Bay.

     On our trip through this vibrant region we encountered one interesting project that aims to restore the estuary to its former vitality. The project involves introducing young oysters in large numbers into strategic locations around the Bay. Apparently these tiny creatures are capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing algae from the water in the process. Introducing oysters en masse will help to counter the effects of over-exploitation, naturally and efficiently improve the water quality of the Bay, and rebuild large reef systems that provide a habitat for many aquatic creatures. We became aware of this project when we stumbled upon signs in Annapolis and along the marshy shore of the Little Choptank River asking that the oysters not be disturbed to benefit the project.

 

     Since exploring waterways has become the focus of our everyday lives these kinds of projects resonate strongly with us. They help keep us mindful of reducing our own impact on the environment around us. As our guidebook illuminates, the Chesapeake Bay is “many things to many people.” For some it is a cruising ground with endless possibilities, for others it is an “environmental wonder.” But most importantly it is home to thousands of people and aquatic creatures who depend on the water for their livelihood. It is encouraging to read that organizations like the CBF are working hard to preserve this beautiful bay for the benefit of future residents and visitors.

     If you made it through this whole post, congrats! I hope it was informative and interesting in some way. We remain anchored on the East River until tomorrow when we'll do a 30 nautical mile trip to Hampton, Virginia. 

All the best,

Nicole.