A fitting end for the 48 - Day 252 - Solomons to Annapolis, MD

The weather was perfect for our final cruise on the 48 Sundancer, clear skies, 80 degrees on the water, light winds and a calm sea.  We covered the last 53 miles at 28 MPH literally skimming across the water.  It was a magnificent end to our cruising on the 48.

The trip from Solomons Island to Annapolis took just two and a half hours.  We arrived at the Petrini Shipyard just before noon and berthed the 48 on a "T" with a nice view of the harbor.

Unfortunately, Petrini's is a working yard so the overall ambiance is not on a par with most of the places we've stayed.  That said, if all goes well, we will leave for Chicago the Tuesday after next and the 48 will stay here pending the 63 closing and, most probably, will remain here until it is sold by Outer Reef.

Annapolis is a fitting place for our cruising on the 48 to end.  11 years ago, we decided to purchase a trawler (specifically, a new Nordhavn 50) while attending the Trawler Fest at the Annapolis Boat Show. So, in many ways, our cruising journey has come full circle.  We're finally trading our express cruiser for a trawler.

Speaking of "circles," today's cruise officially puts the Great Loop journey into what loopers call a "side trip."  This one just happens to involve crossing the country to cruise on the west coast before shipping the 63 to Fort Lauderdale in November and resuming our Great Loop journey on the east coast in 2012.

Meanwhile, Annapolis is a spectacular bustling city with lots to see and do.

Here's some final statistics for the "48" phase:

Total miles:                                    3,622 miles
Total fuel:                                       3,580 gallons
Number of locks:                            27
Days without rain:                          240 out of 252
Total dockage expense:                  $19,712
Total fuel expense:                         $11,561
Average fuel cost:                          $3.51
Total repairs & maintenance:         $12,578
Average cost per day:                    $200.71

Stay tuned for Annapolis adventures.

Written by Les.