Crusty Cruise - A Chesapeake Tradition

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Rear Admiral Thomas Russell - R. I. P.

I am sad to share the news that Tom Russell died this past Thursday. There will be a visitation in Norfolk this coming Saturday from 3 to 5. I always enjoyed talking with Tom on the Crusty Cruise and listening to his stories from his time in the U. S. Navy. I understand that he will be buried later at Arlington National Cemetery where his wife is buried. See below for his obituary.

THOMAS RUSSELL Jr.

THOMAS B. RUSSELL, JR.

Rear Admiral, US Navy (Retired)

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, VA on May 4 2017. He was 93 and a resident of Norfolk, VA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, the former Lee Blair, to whom he was married for 58 years, his brothers John Russell and William Russell; and sister Sue Russell. He is survived by sisters Jane Jackson and Mary Osborne; daughters Karen Sue Dring (Steve) of Potomac, MD and Robin Ann Smith (Leonard) of Bremerton, WA; son Thomas B. Russell III (Susan) of Chesapeake, VA, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

RADM Russell was a decorated Naval aviator and combat veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His Washington assignments included the Joint Staff, National War College, and Navy Captain detailer at the Bureau of Navy Personnel. While in Washington he completed a Bachelor of Science degree at George Washington University

He was born December 18, 1923 in Charleston, Missouri to Thomas and Frances Russell. He entered the Navy as an Aviation Cadet in 1943. Prior to earning his Naval Aviator wings of gold in 1945, he carrier qualified on the side-wheeled freshwater aircraft carrier USS Wolverine in Lake Michigan.

He commanded Navy attack squadron VA-155, carrier air wing CVW-14, attack cargo ship USS Tulare, and aircraft carrier USS America (CVA-66). His final assignment before retiring from the Navy in 1978 was as Commander, US Naval Forces Japan.

A viewing for family and friends will be held in Norfolk on Saturday, May 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. at H D Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Ave, Norfolk, VA.

Captain Penn Burke (See you on the Water)

"If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane" J. Buffett

Sunday, November 1, 2015

2015 Fall Crusty Cruise

2015 Fall Crusty

4 Vessels participating:

   Gadfly with crew of 3
   Plugger with crew of 2
   Painkiller with crew of 3
   Windora with crew of 3

Wednesday - loading of vessels and a delightful bacon wrapped steak dinner
at Chuck's in Deltaville with Chef Sharon preparing side dishes, salad,
sauces, and dessert

Thursday

Thursday - Off to Cape Charles with 3 vessels coming down from
Rappahannock and Windora coming up from Norfolk. While approaching the Cape Charles
entrance channel we got to watch the Coast Guard doing some close water
maneuvers from helicopters and boats. They never fired at us so I guess
we did not get too close. All vessels arrived and tied up to C-Dock. We had
a great afternoon and evening of getting together and discussing the merits
of Gadfly carrying a crew of 3 dads and Windora with a crew of their 3 sons.

This was just a great experience for 2 generations of sailors to be on the
Crusty Cruise. We had a great spot to watch a beautiful sun set on the
western side of the bay. There was a dredge operation working just 50
yards off of our dock and they worked all night long but after a short while it
became just a background noise that you get used to.

Friday

Friday - after much discussion about the need to head North for the NW
winds that were coming at us for the next 3 days, we decided to abandon plans
for Seafood Festival at Poquoson and sail to Onancock. The Indian Creek yacht
club had similar plans for Onancock and we had to take some very shallow
slips with most of us resting in the silt on the bottom. We also learned
that Bavarian Custard in éclairs takes a two day notice to the Corner
Bakery. Gadfly dined on board and the rest of us had a fantastic dinner
at Mallards right on the town dock. We did go shopping for donuts and
éclairs on Saturday morning.

Saturday - Plugger struck out for an early end to their Crusty and headed
across the bay and up to Urbanna leaving the 3 sailboats to head across
the bay with that NW wind just pushing us along. We finally decided on
heading into Fishing Bay and up into Jackson Creek for a raft up off of Gadfly?s
anchor.

Sunday back Home

Sunday - Back to homeports for all boats. On the way out of Jackson
Creek, Windora offered assistance to a grounded sailboat from Germany but became
grounded themselves and Ted and Mike jumped into the water to give a push
off of the shoal that Windora was sitting on. The rest of the trip down
the bay had to be a great ride with the wind behind them.

Tom White and PluggerPlugger

Plugger's Burgee

Plugger

   Tom White emailed me to say that his new ride a Grand Banks Trawler named
Plugger averaged 2.667 GPH and he was just thrilled that he arrived at
destinations first instead of sailing in last. Now that is a poor excuse
to give up a sailboat.

Step Three is still available if you know someone
looking for a good boat
.
   See you on the water Capt. Penn

   Captain Penn Burke (See you on the Water)

Invitation to the First Crusty Cruise

S. Norwood Richardson
March 25, 1969
Dear Sir:
You are cordially invited to enter your craft in a contest of endurance and perseverance commencing at the hour of 0800 on April 18, 1969, in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay, the intention of which is to swiftly proceed to the furthest point northwest in the Bay as of the close of that day’s daylight hours, such point being determined by the blessings of nature, skill of your crew, the whim of the Commodore and performance of your vessel, thereupon to take mooring and, having properly secured all gear, participate in the quenching of the great thirst which results from such strenuous exertions, care being exercised that, while the Captain should be exempt from such restrictions, the crew must not consume more spirits than can be tolerated by and eliminated from their systems prior to casting off on the morrow, for they will need a ready body and clear mind to meet the competition offered by the sea and the other vessels as they proceed southward at a hasty pace to a destination on the York River, whereupon there is the strong possibility of further reward of plausible seamanship in the form of double rations of beverages, with the same admonition to the crew as heretofore expressed, and other delights to the soul of the seafaring man, leaving him in condition, it is prayed, to depart that anchorage on the morning of April 20, 1969, to proceed at leisure, while partaking of proper medication and nourishment so as not to appear too exhausted upon landing, to the respective home ports, thereupon to be greeted with varying degree of hospitality and appreciation by the waiting loved ones, who may express admiration for the daring exhibited by the bold adventurers or who may express other sentiments dependent upon the condition of the participants and the vessels, no heed being taken, however, to the usual wifely complaints which would tend to dull the edge of keen self appreciation which will accrue to all those who participate in this great event, it being remembered that there are few chances left for us to test our manhood against the forces of nature and other less natural challenges.
It is hoped that, after securing your mate’s permission, you will forthwith respond in the affirmative to this invitation so that proper preparations can be made for our welcome and comfort at the ports of call and so that the proper authorities can be alerted to clear the area of our voyage of other vessels which might in some way impede our progress.
Respectfully yours,
S. Norwood Richardson
Head Captain

Crusty Cruise Sailing Schedule

A Letter from Commodore Penn Burke

It was a great weekend with 3 great days of sailing followed by Sunday which was not all that good to go North but CJ and crew must have had a great ride back to little Creek. Speaking of CJ, (Charlie’s son) we talked about the next time he showed up he would receive his own Crusty Burgee as this was his 2nd Crusty and Vickie would make one for him on his third appearance as she has done for others through out the years. This all changed after the ComCrusCru watched CJ and his crew sail into the raft of vessels and pass over their dock lines to tie up. A very Crusty move in front of a large crowd of spectators just waiting for a screw up with crash landing. But noooo, they pulled it off in fine style. I made the decision on the spot that he was getting a burgee as soon as he finished tying up and taking a swim over to his Dad’s boat. Of course Chuck pouted just briefly when I informed him that I was taking his burgee to present to CJ. He agreed that it was the right move and we had the presentation on Gadfly. Of course when I told Vickie that she needed to make Chuck a Burgee, she pouted but just briefly until I explained the situation. Following a great raft up with good music and drinking, CJ and crew broke off the raft under sail of course and looked great, heading out the East River wing on wing. The top down view of the raft was provided by Charlie after going up to measure his rigging for replacement.