Kentucky Derby Cruise to Waterside May 6-7

Ronda and I have been trying to carry on the first weekend in May tradition that Jim and Bev Borberg used to do with a cruise to Waterside. But the past couple of years we have either had to deal with bad weather or a pandemic that derailed our cruise plans. Not going to let that have any influence on our plans this year! We are combining our efforts with Barbara and Grant Cooley for the Derby Day cruise to Waterside Marina. Come by land, come by sea… but do what you can to get there and have a good time in Downtown Norfolk! Ronda and I have acquired Jim’s “secret recipe” for his famous Goombay Smash rum drink so we will have that on hand to get everyone in the festive spirit!

Some of the festivities Barbara Cooley has in store: what is a Kentucky Derby without a hat contest! And what is a Kentucky Derby without some Horsing Around? Be prepared to demonstrate your Jockey skills in planned races and relays of our own (not sure where this is going but we'll find out!). For the race itself, there will be a raffle where you can draw a horse's name from a hat for a dollar.

Bring a treat to share. We will gather at our boat sometime around 5:00 to 5:30ish for the pre-race events. Typically, post time for the derby is around 6:30. After that, dinner is on you. Plenty of places walking distance around Downtown Norfolk, or enjoy a nice dinner on your boat.

Ok, the “deets” for getting a slip. When I called the marina, they told me there was a wine festival that weekend so they wouldn’t set aside a block of slips for us. But no worries, when I told him it was a BBSA/HYC cruise, he said he would do everything he could to group us as close as possible. So, if you come by sea, call the marina (757) 625-3625) and tell them you are with the BBSA/HYC cruisers. If you go through Dockwa, be sure to include that you are with BBSA/HYC. But the dockmaster said it would be better to call. And please let me know by call/text at (757)-374-6034, or email (karl.shulenburg@gmail.com) so that we can ensure we get enough Goombay Smash ingredients!

Karl and Ronda Shulenburg

S/V Bella Vela