Public Discussion Forum

Marya -

Thank you for sharing your memories of our topsy turvy weekend. As occurred in 2025, Mother Nature did indeed have her way with us. Those of us who ventured forth still had a great time. Knowing that our friends on three boats who wanted to attend were precluded from doing so due to sudden medical needs reminds us that life is fragile and our enjoyment of its blessings should be jealously pursued. Our opportunities will indeed end one day.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain or Jackson Brown.

I bought into that advice and approach more than 50 years ago and have pursued the recommended course ever since. I am pretty sure that I am now in the “twenty year from now” window of opportunity. Terry and I are going to “throw off the bow lines” again soon. The Burgess “No Plan Plan” is steaming ahead.

So, we may be around for a “Summer of ‘27 Rendezvous” or not. Maybe somewhere in the South China Sea - big place. If we are home at The Rivah for a short visit we will be there. I hope the tradition continues.

Best - Jack

Jack Burgess, Shangri-La 6047

The 2026 Summer mini-rendezvous happened July 17, 18, and 19. Mother Nature threw a number of curve balls at us with extreme heat, heavy wildfire smoke and impressive wind and rain, but we still had a successful gathering and had much fun. Our group gathered on St. Mary’s River and anchored just off St. Mary’s College. We had four Selenes and four other guests. Moonstone (Brad and Marya Budinger), Leizu (Corey and Tracy Chamness), Waitinonawoman (previously Shangri-La) (Mike and Angie Gilliam), Ritual (Jeff and Courtney Seed), and Wasabi (Jack and Terry Burgess waiting on the new Shangri-La) anchored in the cove just off St. Mary’s College. We had three last minute cancellations due to medical situations so our group was a little smaller than planned.

It was fun to see Ritual there. Ritual, which is Selene 4021, is actually an old Archer, Howard Chen’s first foray into yacht building. First owned by Howard Brooks she was called Lunar Lady and was the first Selene predecessor to be featured in Passagemaker Magazine.

Unfortunately the smoke from the Canadian wildfires spread far enough to engulf us in an unpleasant haze. The concert was cancelled due to poor air quality. We moved our planned picnic from the college on to Moonstone where we fired up the generator and turned on all three air conditioning units. As expected with good boaters, the impromptu pot luck was amazing and the company was fantastic.

Saturday we cruised across the Potomac into Virginia waters and the Yeocomico River and then into Lodge Creek. We tied up at Olverson’s Marina to continue the party. Due to the heavy wind and rain predicted we had three more boats (John, Charlie, and Chris) join us as “land-cruisers”. This marina has a nice covered patio where we had another pot luck dinner and then a concert by Peter and Tess of Peter Brice and the New American Irish Arts Company. We had great music and fascinating conversation about the history of Irish music and dance.

Saturday night was stormy, but Sunday dawned bright and clear. The rain did an amazing job of clearing the smoky haze out of the air.

Oh what a difference a day makes!

Thanks to Jack Burgess for instigating and coordinating this fun event.