For the first time in over a quarter of a century there will be no Okoumestock, Okoumefest or Big Little Boat Festival. If you’re feeling lost and are wondering how to mark the start of the boating season, you’re in luck.
The Patuxent Small Craft Guild Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association, in association with the Calvert Marine Museum, the Chesapeake Shallow Water Sailors and the Dinghy Cruising Association are holding a week of messing about in small boats. It’s the 3rd Annual Solomons Small Craft Gathering from April 29 to May 3, 2026 in Drayden and Solomons, Maryland (about 40 miles south of Annapolis).
All small craft are welcome whether propelled by wind, paddle, oar, pedal, or motor.
This year’s event will consist of two parts:
- Three days of cruising and/or camping on the St. Mary’s River
- A boat show, messing about and camping at Calvert Marine Museum during its annual Maritime Festival.
For more information, go to the Chesapeake Shallow Water Sailors website and scroll down to the Upcoming Events section.
Note that the festivities overlap with the CLC Spring Open House. This would be a good opportunity to take a break from the water and head over to CLC to pick up any stuff you realized that you needed while you were out boating, to tour the shop, meet the CLC folks, see some demos, etc. Then you could be back on the water with your new stuff the next day.
So consider joining us for the start of the 2026 boating season.
Laszlo
