Hoping for the Best at Podickory Point

Charlie Klotzbucher, general manager at Podickory Point Yacht and Beach Club, was striding around in a yellow slicker making some final checks just before noon today (Sat.), as the wind picked up and waves started to crash onto the beach and bulkhead at the marina near Sandy Point State Park. The sound of lines clinking against the masts of several large sailboats could be heard in the background.

He described the last 24 hours as "hectic," as the marina's three-man crew worked to move about 20 boats out of the water and onto higher ground. 

The memory of Hurricane Isabelle in 2003 is still strong here where the Magothy River meets the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

"Boats that were on lifts washed off. They bumped around the marina and caused lots of damage," Klotzbucher said. He pointed to a nearby shed that had floated away in that earlier storm eight years ago. An enclosed fitness center was demolished and is now a covered picnic area. 

Klotzbucher became the marina’s GM right after that last big hurricane.

“I inherited all the problems from Isabelle,” he said. He’s hoping the forecast for a smaller storm surge this time around is accurate. The latest prediction was for a 2-foot surge and 45 mph winds.

“If that’s what we have, we’ll be in good shape,” he said.