From the Captains log

It was Mark’s “49^th and holding” birthday surprise. Linda thought a cruise aboard La Bella Vita would be reminiscent of Mark’s old Navy days (of course La Bella Vita’s King Size bed was roomier than a Navy ships bunk). Our other guests, Dennis and Mindy, were enjoying a weekend respite from their three children. We had great weather for our trip to St. Michael’s for Wine Fest. After the days adventure in town, we joined our guests for dinner at The Crab Claw (editor’s note: remember they only accept CASH). It was a wonderful weekend with new friendships forged.

May 11-13^th Destination – Rock Hall

Lance and Colleen, originally from South Africa and Zimbabwe, have made their lives in Clifton, New Jersey for the past ten years. Avid fisher people and well traveled, the two were looking for something a little different. During our journey, Lance and Colleen took hundreds of photos of the native wildlife. Dinner at the Waterman’s Crab House was topped off by live music and riveting tales of life in Africa. Colleen and Lance were a joy to have aboard La Bella Vita.

June 23rd-25th --- Oxford Cardboard Boat Races

Cardboard... yes, everything you see in these photos is made out of cardboard... and these brave soles endured the rain, the waves and the laughter to enter their homemade, never to be reproduced, and absolutely silly vessels. Yes the beach was crowded and the smell of crab cakes, sausage, peppers and onions wafted amongst the spectators.

The entrants headed out to prove that their craftsmanship could outdistance their competitors'. It was embarrassing really, but extremely humorous. Some cardboard boats actually proved quite seaworthy and the participants were able to complete the course while still IN the boat. Some of the boats even made it back to the car semi-intact. Alas, other vessels had to be pushed, dragged and dismantled while going to that great boat graveyard in the sky via the dumpster at the water's edge. It was a wet weekend all around as the skies opened up as did the seams on the cardboard boats . . . Nobody escaped soggy shoes, but we sure did have a good time.

Book Signing June 29th -- Baltimore, Maryland

From the author, Wayne Beckles....

"On June 29, 2006 John and Kathleen Arban hosted on La Bella Vita a White Linen Party to celebrate the release of my first book: Crossing the Desert. Live jazz music, delicious food, splendid guests and good weather. What more could you ask for? Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and want to know when I will have another party aboard La Bella Vita. My answer is simple I plan to make it an annual event. For every book I write I will celebrate my book release with the Captain and Crew of Arban Yacht Charters. They certainly know how to make you feel at home."

-----Wayne Beckles Author, Crossing the Desert

If you would like to purchase a copy of Wayne's book Crossing the Desert, e-mail musicforwayne@yahoo.com

July 4th ---- Solomons, Maryland http://sba.solomons.md.us/

It rained and rained hard, and of course it started raining about 8:00 PM. The rain held off just long enough for us to get anchored in position, food out, drinks in hand, and seated to enjoy the show . . . when . . . KABOOM! Thunder rolls, lightning strikes, the show is cancelled.

Our guests arrived Sunday morning and we got underway to Solomons. The weather was perfect and we could tell right away this would be a great trip. There is nothing better than getting a group of friends together for a few days and relaxing from the pressures of everyday life. Once in Solomons, our guests headed to the Tiki Bar, then off to dinner at Solomons Pier for great crab legs and crab cakes. Monday was spent exploring town -- the shops and the museum. After sunning and afternoon naps, hors d' oeuvres were served on the back deck at 5:30 PM as we overlooked the harbor.

Tuesday we hit the pool for a while before getting underway to our anchorage for the evening's fireworks. We had a primo spot for the show and some additional guests rafted alongside us. Dinner included filet mignon sandwiches, jerk chicken wings, spiced shrimp and black bean salsa. Then, sadly, the rain. The weather didn't put a damper on our fun, however, we still had each other for entertainment. We headed back to Annapolis Wednesday morning, having breakfast underway. It was a terrific weekend with our new found friends from Delaware.

July 7th-July9th ---- St. Michael's, Maryland

This trip to St. Micheal's we stayed at Higgins Marina on the T-head with a gorgeous view of the harbor. It was a crowded weekend due to the wonderful weather. Matt and Sara, from New Jersey, were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary with us so champagne awaited them in their cabin. Curt and Pat were just having a much needed weekend away from the demands of work and family.

We did a little bar hopping in town this trip and visited one of the pubs where Kathleen and I went when we first started dating. Our guests rented scooters from St. Michaels Fun in the Sun on Main Street -- a great way to explore the magnificent homes and landscape of the area. Later, we ventured to St. Michael's Winery where we were treated to a wine tasting and tour.

This trip also marked two firsts for us. We had our first celebrity on board, Curt Kimbel, professional skateboarder, and with the help of Pat we devised a frequent boaters option for our guests. Come back and see us!

July 13th-16th ---- Baltimore, Maryland

The Bay was flat as we left port for our destination of Baltimore Inner Harbor. We arrived around noon and our guest disembarked to see what the city had to offer. The view from the Aft Deck was beautiful. Docked at Inner Harbor East, we were able to see the expanse of the city -- the harbor, pavilion, Aquarium, museums, and tall ships. We decided on dinner in Little Italy. After a wonderful dinner, which included Amicci's famous Pane Rotundo, we caught some scenes from "My Blue Heaven" in the open-air amphitheater at the intersection of High and Stiles Street. The streets had been blocked off to accommodate the spectators viewing the film on the side of the building. The streets were so congested with moviegoers we had a hard time getting to Vaccaros and the line was too long for us to take a peek at the desserts. Ah well, we were too full from dinner!

Saturday our guests ran to and up Federal Hill (yes all the way up) and toured the city. Later, we worked up an appetite walking to Fells Point and had a late lunch at Shuckers. In the evening we returned to La Bella Vita and enjoyed the city lights and concert performed at nearby Rams Head. We celebrated Bo's birthday with wine tasting, festive games (ask us about Solomons balloon catching), cake and champagne.

Sunday we woke early to walk to town before the tourists arrived. Then it was off to a wonderful breakfast of Solomon Strata aboard before departing for home port. Of course Solomon needed to have his picture taken with Mr. Power dog.

On the way home, we sampled Hors D' oeuvres on the bridge as we cruised by the Naval Academy -- an absolutely beautiful day on the water.

July 21-23rd ---- Rock Hall, Maryland http://www.rockhallmd.com/

Boy did you miss a treat -- our guest Chef Brian Marti and his assistant Gwen with Culinary Magick out of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Upon their arrival on Friday evening, we were treated to Pan-Seared Crab cakes with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc (not a drop of mayonnaise in these cakes either, awesome!), Alloutte Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and Black Olive and Sun dried Tomato Tapanade with Herb Baked Croistini. What a wonderful way to enjoy our first sunset getting to know our new friends.

Executive Chef Brian & Gwen

www.culinarymagick.com

A three course breakfast?! We started off the morning with a Chili Pineapple appetizer, very unique. Then Eggs Florentine Benedict with Bacon and Sautéed Potatoes. On this trip even breakfast had a dessert....Wow, Caramelized Apples and Pecans over Vanilla Ice Cream. I wondered who was going to run the boat because I couldn't get up!

After breakfast, we got underway. We arrived at Waterman's in Rock Hall around 1 PM. I washed down the boat, Kathleen took a nap, and our guests, Anne and Lou, went into town, or so we thought! We found them at the Dock Bar listening to some music. Brian and Gwen began preparing our hors d' oeuvres of Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Slaw and Cucumbers Canapes -- Yummy! Was there room for dinner? But of course! We made a late reservation at Waterman's for steamed crabs and shrimp. We had a late evening storm which scattered the band at the dockside bar. Luckily we had a wonderful view under cover! It poured -- beautiful sleeping weather.

Sunday morning, Brian and Gwen prepared breakfast while the rest of us toured the town. Kathleen took some pictures (like the ones you see here).

When we returned aboard we were treated with a Sausage Puff Appetizer, Poached Pears and Strawberry Napoleon, and Mango Sorbet. La Bella Vita! We got underway for home port and pulled in the slip around 3 PM. Before our guests departed Brian and Gwen prepared a farewell treat of Antipasto and Stuffed Portabellas. We were sad to see our guests leave but I don't think that I could eat like that everyday! I would sink the ship!

We would love to include you in our next adventure… call today!

Mailing address: Arban Yacht Charters llc 13101 Windjammer Ave. Solomons Md. 20688 For Reservations Call 443-404-1559 or 410-326-6714 or e-mail to CaptainJohn@ArbanYachtCharters.com