Jere Lull wrote:
In article ,
Harlan Lachman wrote:
Each summer, my son and I take a week or so to cruise on our cuddy-sport
boat (a 25' Regal). For the past few years we trailered it from Vermont
down to CT to see the Ocean, Whales and the Northeast coast. Before that
we went down the Hudson so visit my older son in the big apple.
I have been wondering what a trip on the Chesapeake would be like. Does
anyone know of a really good, up to date cruising guide with suggested
itineraries?
We have AC and shore power (I have sleep apnea and asthma). Does one
have to reserve dock space well in advance as they do, especially on
weekends, in well visited ports on the NE coast?
Are there any can't miss ports of call?
is there a safe place to leave a truck and trailer for the week and
access to launch from?
TIA
Looking at the other posts, I'm surprised no one mentioned
Shellenberger's "Gunkholer's Guide to the Chesapeake". It'll get you
into those pesky little places like Queenstown (and tighter if you're
adventurous). It is "local knowledge" in print. We wore a copy out in 10
years, so had to get a new copy last year.
I didn't suggest it because it is mostly about anchorages, and I
thought he might not want to spend the money on the book. I found it
difficult to use at first, and harder when I didn't know the area.
I think the ADC map and the Chesapeake Bay magazine cruising guide
would be best for his purpose of one or two weeks cruising. I thought
the Gunkholer's guide would be overkill. I also didn't suggest the
guide to the Potomac (which is getting a bit outdated now)
Queenstown is gorgeous! If you tuck back past the power lines, you can
imagine yourselves in the Bay of previous centuries. Fox and otters on
the shore, osprey and eagles in the trees and air.
Yes, but I'm not sure that's what he is after.
The spots WE like, though, will mostly be daystops for you, since you
need the plug-ins. They ARE beautiful, and are the REAL Bay. The Bay
magazine's guide may serve you best for overnights, since it's geared
toward marina-hopping, but don't limit yourselves to just the places
that advertize there.
You almost HAVE to run around Wye Island if you're in the St. Michaels
area. For pure scenery, it's top of the list. Do it slowly, tuck into
the coves and creeks, and savor the experience.
Don't make firm plans, and have an alternate stop if the day
deteriorates. Some years, you get great weather and can go anywhere.
Other years, there are days in a row when you don't want to budge for
love or money. The Bay WILL beat you up if you push, and the first few
afternoon squalls will blow your mind.
Running up to DC would be a fine adventure, but it's about all you'd be
able to do in a week, and there were some restrictions last season. Do
it by land since you're driving anyway. Friends had the same boat, and
their range was about the same as ours: 30 miles started getting tiring,
more pushed the familial relationship unless conditions are ideal.
A week is hardly enough time to get an overview, so I would think you'd
want to do the "famous" stuff first time out: Baltimore, Annapolis, St.
Michaels and Rock Hall. The first two can consume two days each,
distances are about 20-30 nm between, which is reasonable for your size
boat. They're all sorta fake in their own ways, but most people seem to
like them. If you want to go some place "different", just about any
marina will have sufficient power for you.
Weekends: Get in early Friday afternoon and spend two nights. City Dock
at Annapolis or Baltimore (inner harbor or Fells Point) are good for
that. Great people watching and sights to see.
We have cruised the Bay in various boats for a couple of decades and had
nearly 3 weeks for this year's vacation. Except for a few lay days for
weather, we spent each night in a different wonderful anchorage, yet
never got more than an easy daytrip away from Xan's home. (with our 6
knot top speed.)
Those friends of mine launch at White Sands (I think -- charts are on
boat) adjacent to the Bay Bridge. They seem to have no problem leaving
their car and trailer there for a weekend or week as they explore.
That's central to the mid-Bay hot spots and may be ideal for you.
Do you mean Sandy Point? White Sands is Vera's place on the Patuxent.
This website addresses trailerable boating on the bay
http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/de...chesapeake.asp
A few Chesapeake Bay Ramps on the western sho
Sandy Point State Park near the Bay Bridge (410-974-2149) and Truxton Park on Spa Creek in Annapolis (410-263-7958).
Fairwinds Marina on the Magothy River (410-974-0758) and Ferry Point Marina at the mouth of Mill and Dividing creeks (410-544-6368). Farther south at the South River, you can launch from Oak Grove Marina (410-266-6696), Pier Seven Marina (410-956-2288) and Turkey Point Marina (410-798-1369).
In Shady Side, try Backyard Boats in (410-867-4800) or in Deale, Deale Marina (301-261-9200).
In Chesapeake Beach you can launch into the Bay at Fishing Creek Landings (301-855-3572) or just down the road at Breezy Point Marina (301-855-9894).
Bill's Boat Rental at Broomes Island (410-586-3599) or at the DNR ramp at Hallowing Point 410-260-8186).
Solomons Island Boat Ramp (at the base of the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge) 410-326-8383.
I was going to suggest the ramp at Solomons but I don't know what the
parking regulations are.
grandma Rosalie