As the proverbial saying goes "hindsight is 2020." Like most of you, we approached the 2020 boating season facing many unknowns. Would we be permitted to open? Will there be restrictions in place? Will our customers have the confidence to travel? With each day the media painted a grim picture. The fluidity and uncertainties of this novel disease was taking its toll on the world. By the end of April, we had received over 100 cancellations with more to come. In spite of the safety protocols initiated by the town of Rock Hall, Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Charters, the boating season was off to a slow start.
Hindsight being “2020,” I am now able to follow the above dismal paragraph with positivity regarding the past charter season. As John Donne eloquently penned, “No man is an island.” By mid-July, we witnessed a dramatic change and found ourselves inundated with requests to charter. Roughly 40 percent of these requests were new to Haven Charters, some entirely new to the Chesapeake Bay area. Being the social creatures that we are and having the need to commune with others and nature, the tide had turned. After all, what a wonderful way to “social distance” as one sets sail for the day in search of a creek or cove to drop the hook for an evening under the stars.
Hopefully 2021 will usher in new found possibilities fueled by the human spirit and optimism towards the inevitable goal of reconnections as we watch 2020 slowly disappear in our “wakes.” –Jacki and Dave
Editor's note: Haven Charters has been operating from the Haven Harbour Marina property since 1988, with Jacki and Dave at the helm of the operation since 2003. Their fleet currently consists of 26 well-equipped sailing vessels ranging from 35 to 51 feet. They receive public recognition often, even taking home this year's Chesapeake Bay Magazine award for "Best Sailboat Rental." Plan your next Chesapeake Bay sailing charter today at havencharters.com.
Featured photo courtesy of Haven Charters owners Jacqueline Appleton and David Fife.
