Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association Central Poker Run Set for August 4

     Stevensville, Md. -- The Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association has scheduled its Central Poker Run 2012 for August 4. This year the Central Poker Run brings the adventure and teamwork of the TV show Survivor to the Chesapeake. The Run will include not only traditional poker hands but team events where Survivor “Squadrons” can earn bonus items and in keeping with the tradition of Survivor, the will also be an individual “bonus” idol hidden during the Run for you to find.

     Here is the event schedule:

9:00 – 11:00 Hemingway’s Outdoor Pavilion - Sign in, get some breakfast, get your first card, and participate in your first Survivor Challenge. (Hot breakfast and the usuals - Muffins, Donuts, Juice, Coffee, Water).
10:00 – 10:15 Mandatory Captains Meeting – event details, game rules, and safety information.
11:15 Depart for first card stop - Harbour Shack dock in Rock Hall.
12:30 – 2:30 Chester River Raft up, third card and second Survivor Challenge.
2:30 - 3:00 Head back to Red Eyes, and meet at the Mears Marina Pool Pavilion.
3:00 – 4:00 Final Survivor Challenge in the Pavilion.
4:00 – 5:00 Hit the Pool.
5:00 End of Poker Run.
5:00 – 7:30 Poker Run Wrap and Tribal Counsel – Mears Marina Pool Pavilion (Kent Narrows).
5:00 – Happy Hour (beer, water, Mikes Lemonade provided).
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Playing of the Poker Hands and 50/50! Trophies and more for the top three winner.
     To register visit cbpba.com.

Tall Ships, Navy Vessels, Fireworks Highlight Baltimore Sailabration

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised the Port of Baltimore will be hosting the Star Spangled Sailabration 2012, an international maritime festival that will launch Maryland's three-year War of 1812 bicentennial efforts, from June 13 until June 19. This event will bring dozens of Navy vessels and tall ships from the United States and international navies to the port. In addition to a parade of sail and fireworks, an air show featuring a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is planned to be held in the vicinity of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which temporarily will close portions of the main navigation channels.

     It is anticipated the increased activity associated with this festival will result in some disruption in and potential delays to normal port operations. All entities conducting business in the port, including, but not limited to shipping lines, port operators, and vessel agents should plan accordingly. Specific details on Coast Guard established safety zones and other waterway closures resulting from planned festival activities will be provided in future Local Notice to Mariners publications. 

     For more information concerning the schedule of planned events, visit the Star Spangled 200 website at: http://www.starspangled200.com/events_list . 

     Questions concerning this announcement can be direct to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2519. Charts 12278, 12281.

Virginia Fly Fishing Festival April 21-22 in Waynesboro

     Waynesboro, Va. -- The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is held outside each spring on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia. On April 21-22, the 12th annual Virginia Fly Fishing Festival will draw anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic with non-stop free lectures and tips on where, when, and how to fly fish in the Old Dominion and across the globe as well as wine-tasting and live music.

     Want to get started in fly fishing but don’t know where to begin? The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is the ideal place to get your feet wet in the sport. Are you an avid fly angler looking to take your skills to the next level? The festival is your one-stop shop for gear, expert advice, and even instruction.

     To find out more, visit  http://www.vaflyfishingfestival.org/

MSSA Fishing Fair Today and Tomorrow

     Solomons, Md. -- Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association Southern Maryland Chapter 19th Annual Fishing Fair is being held at the Solomons Firehouse today, March 24, and tomorrow at the Solomons Firehouse. The show runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
      Over 80 indoor and outdoor vendors are at the show with fishing tackle and supplies, new and used boats, door prizes and food and drink.
     Admission is $3. Kids 12 and under are free. Find out more at http://www.mssasmc.com.

Fishing Flea Market in Chestertown, Saturday, March 31

  Chestertown, Md. -- The Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company is holding a Fishing Flea Market on Saturday, March 31 beginning at 9 a.m. at the fire station, located at 211 Maple Avenue. There will be new and used fishing tackle and equipment for sale as well as crabbing supplies, nautical and wildlife art, and marine electronics.

     If you want to sell some old gear, or need more information, contact Fire Company President Trey Blackiston at 410-708-5859 or treyblackiston@yahoo.com.

Power Safety Through Seamanship Seminar Added to Safety-at-Sea Event

     Annapolis, Md. -- On Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st, 2012 the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Annapolis School of Seamanship will present a Power Safety Through Seamanship course in conjunction with the 33rd annual Annapolis Safety-at-Sea Seminar.

     The two-day course will include an interactive portion especially tailored to the needs and interests of motor boaters. Saturday focuses on large group seminars and discussions, plus the exciting live U. S. Coast Guard on-the-water helicopter rescue, life raft and signal flare demonstrations. The day concludes with an opportunity to visit with the presenters at the evening reception. Sunday involves an option for more hands-on training where participants can simulate an abandon ship scenario by getting into their choice of gear/PFDs and jumping into a pool, swimming to an inflated life raft and hauling themselves into the raft. Other options include engine repair, systems and navigation.

     Featured in the combined seminar are Ocean Prediction Center Meteorologist, Joe Sienkiewicz , Dr. Dan Carlin will present a medical information forum, and special guest RADM Mark Buzby will address Worldwide Maritime Safety and Security.

     As a special introductory rate, tickets are $200 -- and space is limited to 50 attendees. For additional ticket and event information contact the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, P.O. Box 3148, Annapolis MD 21403 on the web www.mtam.org or by telephone at 410-269-0741.

Safety Zone Established on Patapsco for Baltimore's New Year's Eve Celebration

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Baltimore, Maryland is scheduled to occur on Saturday, December 31, at midnight (rain date January 1 at 7 p.m.). As described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 100.506, the following two temporary safety zones will be established on the Patapsco River:

1. within a 100-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 17′ 03″ N, longitude 076° 36′ 36″ W, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southeast of Pier 1; and

2. within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 16′ 37″ N, longitude 076° 35′ 54″ W, at the western end of Northwest Harbor (Western Section).

     These safety zones will be enforced from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2011 through 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled at midnight (and if necessary due to inclement weather will be enforced from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled for 7 p.m.).

     The fireworks barges will have a sign on port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zones will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zones during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zones. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.