Cruising the Chesapeake Bay

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Cruising the Chesapeake Bay
Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club
Education Seminar
February 2010
Planning the Trip
Why Cruise the Chesapeake Bay?
There is something for everyone whether sailing or power boating, anchoring out or staying at marinas.
Even after cruising the Bay for a number of years, there are still places and destinations on our “want to
explore” list that we have not yet been to.
Length of time to plan for a cruise:
How much total cruising time that should be allotted to a cruise can be broken down into three segments:
 Time getting to the Bay
 Time cruising the Bay
 Time getting back home
The following outline will touch upon a few of the basic topics that should be considered when
planning any cruise:
Time of year:
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Spring; Good time to cruise the Bay - April to mid-June, southerly winds predominately late
spring
 Summer; mid-June to mid-September, southerly winds predominate – generally building to 20
kts by afternoon and calming after sunset, expect sudden afternoon thunderstorms, hot &
humid - especially in August
 Fall; Good time to cruise the Bay - mid-September to early November; northerly winds
predominately late fall – hurricane season – find or identify “hurricane holes” to seek shelter
during storms.
Winds and temperatures can and will fluctuate greatly. Be prepared for changing conditions.
Cruising Areas of the Bay – Leisurely Sailing:
 Southern third of Bay: minimum of 3 to 4 weeks
 Southern & Middle thirds of Bay: minimum of 4 to 6 weeks
 Southern, Middle & Northern thirds of Bay: minimum of 6 to 8 weeks
Planning cruising times depends on your cruising style and preferences. More time needs to be
allocated if your style is of a slower pace, staying at an anchorage for several days at a time, versus
being on the water every day to move to as many new places as possible.
Provisioning:
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If primarily anchoring – away from the crowds – more self sufficient for longer periods of time.
If primarily marina & yacht clubs – in the thick of things – more frequent access to stores and
supplies.
Develop a provisioning list with boat storage areas noted. The amount and type of provisioning will
develop over time based on your style of cruising and personal preferences. Plan extra provisions for
days that you might be “holed-up” while waiting for storms or bad weather to pass. Provisioning also
should include carrying extra propane, gas, diesel & water.
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Schedules:
Best advice – try not to schedule date and time-specific events to meet family or friends. There are
too many uncontrollable influences that may cause problems meeting any prearranged schedule
(e.g., bad weather/storms, wind “on-the-nose,” mechanical break-downs). If things go bad and
schedules cannot be met, it only causes frustration and undue stress, which is why you went cruising
in the first place, to get away all from it all. Be Flexible!
Holidays, Major Events, Festivals:
Check to see if a planned destination is having any special events. You may want to cruise there
specifically to attend or you may want to avoid it because of crowds and congestion. Advance
information will be helpful in making plans for anchoring or marinas.
Weather:
Comfort Level – this is a personal determination for you and the first mate. Weather conditions and
comfort level should dictate whether or not to venture out onto the Bay to go to the next destination.
Planning a cruise should always include “lay-over” days. What a difference a day or two will make to
let the Bay calm down or the wind to change direction.
Tides & Currents:
Have tide tables for the areas and dates when cruising the Bay. Anchoring: it is important to know
the tide level when anchoring so that the depth below the keel can be calculated when it is low tide.
Crossing mouths of rivers: knowing tide and current conditions as well as wind direction and speed
will help determine if there are any opposing wind/current concerns. Strong opposing wind/current
conditions can make for rough water at mouths of rivers. General cruising: thoughtful route planning
can make tides and currents work to the boat’s advantage by adding speed over ground when
traveling with the current. Sometimes it just doesn’t matter, depending on tide cycles and the time of
day you may be with the current part of the way and against it the rest of the way.
Boat Maintenance, Spare Parts, Tools:
Basic maintenance materials, spare parts and tools should be onboard so that easy repairs can be
made. Serious problems may warrant having and using BoatUS or SeaTow to get you to a repair
facility. This is why “lay-over” days should be built into the cruise.
Dinghy:
How close or how far away you anchor from a town will depend a lot on the size and type of dinghy
along with the horsepower of the outboard motor. Obviously, the larger the dinghy and outboard, the
farther you can anchor out and still get into town in a short time with comfort. This will also be an
important consideration regarding the transport of people, supplies, groceries, laundry, cooler with ice
and refrigerated items. A small dinghy without an outboard may require you to find a very close
anchorage or you may have to go to a dock at a marina with nearby facilities.
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Energy Management:
Energy management is a key factor in the determining the length of time at any one anchorage.
Considerations include total battery bank amp-hour capacity, daily amp-hour consumption, engine
alternator amp-hour rating, external energy sources (i.e. wind, solar, portable generator), and battery
monitoring systems. This topic can be a whole seminar in itself. Motor sailing between destinations
may be part of your route planning in order to take advantage of running the engine to charge
batteries.
Refrigeration, Freezer, Ice Boxes, Coolers:
Meal planning and route planning will be based a lot on the type and size of refrigeration on board
and will dictate the frequency of trips to grocery stores.
First Aid & Prescriptions:
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Assemble a good first aid kit. There are pre-packaged first aid kits, with medical instructions, that
are designed specifically for cruisers.
Doctors will work with you to get prescriptions filled for longer periods of time to cover vacations
and cruises.
Books, Crosswords, Sudoku, CDs, Games, Hobbies:
Quiet times at anchor in early morning, relaxing times in the middle of the afternoon and evening,
layover days with nothing to do, and sailing to the next destination. Cruising doesn’t get much better
than this. These are great times to catch on all the things that our busy lives seam to postpone.
Swimming:
Depending on the area of the Bay you are cruising and the time of year, you may or may not be able
to just in the water to cool off and have fun. Why? – Sea Nettles. Generally, they are not a problem
until mid to late June, perhaps later in the upper Bay.
Mail:
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Stop/hold mail: good for 30 days before someone must pick mail up at post office. Then mail can
be held for another 30 days.
Forwarding mail: mail can be forwarded to another address.
General delivery: mail can be forwarded to a general delivery address at a local post office in an
area to be visited.
Paying Bills:
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Have someone pay your bills for you.
Have bills paid automatically by the your bank or credit card
Pay bills on-line using laptop with WiFi or using a computer at local libraries along the way. Free
WiFi access is widely available in many areas of the Chesapeake. WiFi boosters installed on
boats will increase the reception range of WiFi signals.
Cell Phones:
Cell phone towers cover almost all of the Bay area. Our Verizon cell phone gets reception along the
entire east coast. We know from other cruisers that several other cell phone companies do not have
complete area coverage.
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Reference Materials
There are many guides both for the ICW and the Chesapeake but the set listed below are among the most
authoritative, functional, and focused.
Chart plotters are extremely valuable and are probably the primary navigational tool used by most boaters.
However, the prudent navigator always has paper charts available at all times.
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ChartKit, Region 6, Norfolk Virginia to Florida and the Intracoastal Waterway
ChartKit, Region 4, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay
By Maptech, updated every 2 to 3 years. Large format of enhanced NOAA paper charts with
additional information including GPS coordinates for key locations. Available at West Marine and
online. Prices vary from about $80 to $130. You could purchase the entire set of individual NOAA
charts covering the region, but the cost and ease of use of the ChartKit set is superior.
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Maptech Embassy Cruising Guides: Chesapeake Bay to Florida
Companion guide to ChartKit Chart Books.
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The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook, Norfolk, Virginia, to Miami, Florida
John & Leslie Kettlewell; (flip-book style with full size charts)
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The Intracoastal Waterway Norfolk to Miami – A Cockpit Cruising Handbook
Jan & Bill Moeller; (milepost-by-milepost detail)
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State Road Maps
Primarily for names of counties, weather reports usually reference weather activity/storms to
nearby counties.
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Anchorages Along the Intracoastal Waterway
Marinas Along the Intracoastal Waterway
Skipper Bob. The best summary guides to the ICW over its full length. These 2 publications
include what their titles say but, in addition, give outstanding anchorage and marina descriptions
and ratings (e.g., evaluations of holding ground, protection from wind, scenic characteristics,
services available, etc), detailed navigational hints for the more difficult channels and information
for those with dogs aboard (e.g., marinas and anchorages friendly to pets). The Anchorages
publication also includes bridge and lock opening schedules and contact information. Available
online at www.skipperbob.net and sometimes at West Marine. The web site also lists other
companies you can order from or pick up from. They also have other guides for those venturing
further.
 Cruising the Chesapeake – A Gunkholer’s Guide
William H. Shellenberger
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Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay
Produced by Chesapeake Bay Magazine, updated annually, includes distances, anchorages,
marinas, restaurants, repair facilities, hurricane holes, etc. Numerous purchasing sources online –
about $36. This is THE guide to the Bay. When you search online be sure to enter the exact name
as above and that it mentions that it is published by Chesapeake Bay Magazine. There are other
guides with almost identical names. You don’t necessarily need the current year – a recent
version will suffice.
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Dozier’s Waterway Guide: Mid-Atlantic
Updated annually, complete Chesapeake Bay Coverage and the Intracoastal Waterway through
Georgia
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Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina
Claiborne S. Young
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Personal Journals
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Websites:
Maptech
Skipper Bob
Claiborne Young
Chesapeake Bay Magazine
www.maptech.com
www.skipperbob.net
www.cruisersnet.net
www.cbmmag.net
New Bern to Norfolk
How long is this section? Oriental is at ICW Mile (statute) Marker 180 and Norfolk is Mile Marker 0, hence,
180 statute miles. There are numerous anchorages and marinas along the initial section of the route from
New Bern to the Norfolk area (including Clubfoot Creek, Lower Broad Creek, Campbell Creek off Goose
Creek, Eastham Creek off Goose Creek, and Slade Creek off Pungo River). Skipper Bob lists the many
alternatives. The only region that might present a bit of a challenge is from the Pungo River to the Albemarle
Sound. This section is of some length and has few options in terms of marinas. Most of the anchorages are
not all-weather anchorages.
Once past Belhaven and the Dowry Creek area, the anchoring options include upper Pungo River opposite
the entrance to the Pungo-Alligator Canal, the Tuckahoe Point area and Deep Point area (both weather
dependent). Although additional anchorages are listed on the Alligator River, they are open to most weather,
are difficult to enter, or are shallow. The Alligator River Marina, on the northwest side of the Alligator River
Bridge is a safe marina with fuel. Be aware that the Alligator River Bridge will close in winds over 25 – 30
knots, do not proceed north from the north end of the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal if such conditions
are forecast – you may be halted by the bridge. Check with the bridge tender on VHF 13.
Exiting the Alligator River to the Albemarle Sound requires up-to-date charts as the shoals shift rapidly. Even
with current charts, be careful to BELIEVE the marks and take their guidance. The Albemarle can be bouncy
with strong winds running either direction along its length.
From the Albemarle you have a choice of routes until you reach the Norfolk area – the Dismal Swamp Canal
and the Virginia Cut.
Dismal Swamp Route
The Dismal Swamp route takes you almost North up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City, a very nice
stopover with free dockage at city piers or on a bulkhead area off to port. Most boats use the piers, but be
aware that the height and short length of the finger piers sometimes makes it a bit awkward to climb on and
off the boat. Also, the slips are of varying widths, usually marked by a number on the bulkhead for each slip.
Take one of the correct size. Bulkhead dockage is against either a concrete wall or low pilings. Tie the boat
to the fence on the bulkhead. If a sufficient number of boats are visiting, the town’s “Rose Buddies” may offer
a free cocktail party and present the ladies with Roses or reasonable substitutes.
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There are a several anchorages and marinas between Elizabeth City and the Dismal Swamp Canal
(including coves just north of Elizabeth City and just south of the railroad swing bridge), but most boats just
go straight to the Canal from Elizabeth City. The opening schedule for the locks (at both ends of the canal) is
usually 0830, 1130, 1330, and 1530. Call the Dismal Swamp lockmaster, the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center,
or the Norfolk Coast Guard office (757-201-7642) for additional information. Depths in the canal usually are
about 6 feet.
The approach to the canal is beautiful as you wind through a narrowing, largely undeveloped, natural forest.
Approaching the Canal the waters become quite narrow. Because it can be difficult to maneuver in these
narrow waters, plan to approach the locks within a short time before opening - try not to stand around and
wait for the locks to open. Use your VHF to check with the South Mills Lockmaster well before you arrive.
He/she will inform you of locking procedures and assist you in the process. You can estimate your transit
time by noting the mile marker designations on the ICW charts.
Protocol for locking through requires fenders on the designated side and two lines (about 35 feet), one at the
bow and one at the stern. It is, therefore, easier to lock through with two crew. Prior to locking up (i.e., the
water level in the canal will raise your boat), the lockmaster will lower a boat hook to pick up a loop in your
line and drop it over a bollard on the top of the lock. As the water rises you maintain tension on and shorten
the rope. For those locking through for the first time, we recommend that you inform the lockmaster of that
status. It is recommended that you try to be at the midpoint of the lock wall if this is your first time. Locking
down is the reverse: you drop a line around the bollard and ease the lines as the boat drops. Do not put loop
end of dock line over bollard.
Once through the lock and bridge, in the 22 statute mile canal, speed is limited to about 6 knots. There are a
few points where you can tie up but the most popular place is at the Visitor Center (a few miles from the
South Mills Lock) with free dockage, water (if you have a hose long enough to reach the north end of the
dock) and shore-side toilet rooms. Frequently, boats are rafted out up to 5 deep. There is an interesting free
tour and walking area on the west side of the canal reachable by a floating pontoon bridge operated by a
ranger.
From the visitor center, the canal runs straight and true with but one bend and arrives at the Deep Creek
Bridge and Lock, operating on the same schedule as the South Mills Lock. There is free dockage (usually
available), just south of Deep Creek lock, inside the canal. Exiting the canal, just follow the canal several
miles to the Elizabeth River, turn left and pass under or through several bridges (see guide books or call
ahead for clearance heights and opening schedules). You have now arrived in the Norfolk/Portsmouth area
with numerous marinas, a couple of anchorages, and lots to see and do. Further up, past the Naval Base, is
Willoughby Bay, a decent anchorage, but with open exposure and helicopter noise until after dark. It can be
used as a staging point for an early morning start north.
Virginia Cut Route
The alternate route goes somewhat to the north-northeast as you exit the Alligator River. This route has
fewer speed restrictions and is favored by powerboats. Though there is a canal lock to pass through, it
raises/lowers your vessel only about one foot compared to the 8 feet of the Dismal Swamp Canal. There are
several marinas, fuel sources, and restaurants along the way. The town of Chesapeake, located by the
canal, has extensive grocery, restaurant, and general services. There is some room to tie up just before the
canal entrance. Again, contact the Lockmaster for procedures.
Skipper Bob’s books are the major references for this section. He mentions several places along the North
River to anchor. The river is wide and carries enough depth to pull over and anchor for the night depending
upon wind strength and direction. The areas north and south of Buck Island are reasonably protected and
once the evening comes there are no boats traveling past with their wakes. It is a little skinny going in and
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there may be crab pots to contend with, but the holding is good. Leaving early you can catch Midway Marina
for fuel on the way to Norfolk.
Skipper Bob mentions a few anchorages north of Coinjock, but we have no first hand knowledge of them.
The waterway across the Currituck Sound can be difficult. It is marked, but you have to make sure you are
within the channel, lining up your marks front and back. The conditions can be difficult at best if the winds are
wrong. There are a few bridges that are spaced just far enough that it is difficult to make openings, missing
by only a few minutes.
Though more direct and really no problem, the Virginia Cut route is not as attractive as the Dismal Swamp
route - just different and shorter by a day.
When docking overnight, the most common location is Coinjock, whether headed north or south.
Recommended Marinas from New Bern to Norfolk
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River Dunes Marina on Lower Broad Creek, about 35 miles from New Bern. New marina with beautiful
facilities. Try to arrive Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday so that you can enjoy a great restaurant.
Courtesy card gives access their clubhouse, including a very nice restaurant. They have good fuel and
pump out facilities there and they also have free bikes to ride around the development.
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In Belhaven use one of two marinas: The Belhaven Waterway Marina is inside the breakwater to the
right adjacent to the new condos. There is no fuel or pump out there but you can walk all around the
town to the shops and restaurants. This is a small yard but nice and comfortable and the owners are
cruisers and understand the needs of boaters. Another choice is Dowry Creek, a mile further up the
Pungo. They have a nice clubhouse with a pool and a loaner car. Also fuel and pump out is available.
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Alligator River Marina on the Alligator River just north of the Alligator River Bridge. This is a clean stop,
well protected with competitive fuel prices. Pump out is available but expensive. There is a store and
small restaurant in the marina. Good place to stop and check the weather before crossing the
Albemarle Sound. Do not rush this crossing - the Albemarle Sound can be rough in bad weather or
strong winds parallel to its axis.
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The next and last stop before Norfolk, VA via the Virginia Cut is Coinjock, NC. Good stopover with
good fuel prices, pump out, clean restrooms and a very good restaurant. The dock master is very
knowledgeable on the waterway in each direction. Always confirm weather information for the
Albemarle Sound before heading south and bridge and lock information going north. They will give you
bridge information and printed timetables for all bridge openings going north.
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There are 11 opening bridges and one lock going north from Coinjock, so timing is essential. The lock
is very straightforward, as with the Dismal Swamp, but with a 1 foot-rise or drop. Atlantic Boat Yard is
just before the bridge if you want to tie up and proceed early in the morning through the lock. There is
also a city tie-up along side the waterway just before the bridge that is free but has no electricity. When
you enter the lock you have a choice of two sides. Going North the Starboard side has steel and
cement sides and will require bumpers but the good news is that someone will assist you with your
lines on this side. The Port side has rubber walls and you will not need bumpers but you must handle
your own lines. You do not enter or leave until notified by lights on the dock house or signaled by
dockhands. If you leave your boat during the traverse you must have a life jacket on. Good
provisioning and restaurants.
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 Many marinas on the Elizabeth River and all are good. Allow yourself some time to enjoy Portsmouth on
your port side or Norfolk on your starboard side. Marinas in Portsmouth all have ferry services to and
from downtown Norfolk. Portsmouth is a great walking town with fun street side restaurants and
waterfront music concerts and good restaurants.
Some Favorite Anchorages and Places to Stay on Chesapeake Bay
Western Shore:
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Sarah Creek - off York River.
Put-in-Creek - off East River in Mobjack Bay, dinghy to Matthews, Va. only at high tide; Dock to take
dog ashore.
Stutts Creek - off Piankatank River, behind Gwynn’s Island, anchor near Matthews Yacht Club.
Jackson Creek - off Piankatank River, anchor on north or south side, watch for center shoal. Fishing
Bay Yacht Club to port, Deltaville Marina to starboard. Both allow pets ashore if you ask nicely.
FBYC is a reciprocating YC.
Carter Creek - off Rappahannock River, anchor in Yopps Cove (1-2 boats), East Branch, near or past
The Tides. The Tides is friendly – ask for permission to use dinghy dock. Restaurant is fabulous
(and expensive but worth it) – reservations suggested, casual attire but no jeans.
Corrotoman River - off Rappahannock River. One of the prettiest areas on the bay. Suggest area by
the sandy spit in East Branch.
Urbana - off Rappahannock River, anchor in harbor. Town has nice dinghy dock. Provisioning.
Mill Creek - off Great Wicomico River, south of Reedville. A beautiful, protected anchorage with small
beach areas for the dog.
Reedville - Cockrell Creek, off Great Wicomico River. Beware of possible odor from fish processing
plant.
Smith Creek - off Potomac River, just east of St. Mary’s River. Anchor in one of several small coves.
St Mary’s River - off Potomac River. Large lovely anchorage by St. Mary’s College.
Solomons – off Patuxent River, anchor in Back Creek or Mill Creek. Holiday Inn Marina in upper
Back Creek has strong WiFi and has a dinghy dock for a few dollars per day – near good grocery
store, laundry, hardware store, West Marine.
St. Leonard’s Creek – off Patuxent River, anchor in or near Rollins Cove. Another beautiful river. Can
take dog ashore in small beach-like areas. Cattle come down to the water at Rollins Cove.
Annapolis - best to pick-up municipal mooring. Spa Creek & Back Creek are crowded and have poor
holding. Bathrooms, showers, washers & dryers available. Wednesday night sailboat races. All
services and suppliers available.
Severn River - above Annapolis, several creeks up the Severn River and off Round Bay (Hopkins
Creek and Maynadier Creek are cozy and protected), also Whitehall Bay and tributaries.
Magothy River - north of the Bay Bridge, has numerous coves for good anchoring.
Eastern Shore:
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Onancock – up Onancock Creek approximately 6 miles, anchor near town dock (very limited
anchoring area), quaint small town
Crisfield - anchor near Coast Guard Station. Town isn’t what it used to be, much new condo
development. Good crab restaurants.
Oxford – on the Tred Avon River off the Choptank River, anchor in Town Creek or off The Strand (see
guidebooks). Some provisioning in Oxford – good restaurants – lovely quaint town.
Further up the Tred Avon River are numerous lovely anchorages including Trippe Creek and
Peachblossom Creek. Island Creek, just south of Oxford, behind Choptank River light –
challenge to enter (do it at mid to high tide) but definitely worth it.
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San Domingo Creek – off Broad Creek, off Choptank River, “back door to St. Michael’s”. Provisioning
and services. Numerous other lovely anchorages off Broad Creek and tributaries.
Dividing Creek- off Wye River up Eastern Bay. Undeveloped area, very quiet & scenic.
Granary Creek – off Wye River, State Park on west side of creek.
Tilghman Creek - behind Tilghman Neck, to starboard entering the Miles River.
Long Haul Creek - off Miles River, before you reach St Michael’s, near St Michael’s Yacht Club. Can
walk to town in 20 minutes. Anchoring in St. Michael’s is iffy – crowded and very limited space.
Don’t go on weekends.
Wye River - off the Miles River, has numerous coves and creeks – in particular Granary Creek,
Dividing Creek, and Shaw Bay.
Chester River - has numerous lovely anchorages: Lankford Creek, Grey’s Inn Creek, Corsica River
(anchor opposite small creek to north just past a small spit to starboard). Chestertown, further up
the Chester is usually a motoring run as the River meanders back and forth. Interesting small
college town.
Swan Creek - north of entrance to Chester River, has a nice anchorage and several marinas.
Marinas of Choice
Generally listed south to north. See guides and marinas.com for details on these plus additional marinas.
North Carolina
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Dowry Creek in Belhaven
Belhaven Waterway Marina in Belhaven
River Dunes Yacht Club and Resort in Oriental
Alligator River Marina in Columbia
Coinjock Marina in Coinjock
252-943-2728
252-944-0066
252-249-4908
252-796-0333
252-453-3271
Virginia
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Ocean Marina on Elizabeth River in Norfolk
Tidewater Yacht Agency in Portsmouth
Waterside Marina in Norfolk
Norfolk Yacht and Country Club in Norfolk
Hampton Yacht Club in Hampton
Bluewater Marina in Hampton
Hampton City Dock in Hampton
Bay Creek Marina in Cape Charles
York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester Point
The Tides Inn Marina in Irvington
Urbanna Municipal Marina in Urbanna
Colonial Beach Yachting Center in Colonial Beach
Herrington Harbor Marina South
Parks Marina at Tangiers Island
888-390-0080
757-625-3625
757-286-1752
757-722-0711
757-723-6774
757-727-1276
757-331-8101
804-642-2156
800-843-3746
804-758-5440
804-224-7230
800-213-9438
757-891-2567
Washington, D.C.
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Gang Plank Marina in Washington, D.C.
202-554-5000
Maryland
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St. Mary’s Yachting Center on St. Mary’s River
Dozier’s Regatta Point Yachting Center in Deltaville
Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield
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301-994-2288
800-734-2882
800-967-3474
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Solomon’s Yachting Center in Solomon’s
Zahniser’s Marina in Solomon’s
Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin in Cambridge
The Yacht Basin in Annapolis
The Sailing Emporium in Rock Hall
Inner Harbor East Marina in Baltimore
Georgetown Yacht Basin in Georgetown
Great Oak Landing in Fairlee Creek
Oxford - see Waterway Guide
St. Michael’s - see Waterway Guide
410-326-2401
403-326-2166
410-228-4031
410-263-3544
410-778-1342
410-625-1700
410-648-5112
410-778-5007
Generally, these marinas have good amenities, are clean and are near locations with interesting things to
do. They frequently, but not always, include loaner or rental cars, restaurants and shopping, are close to
towns of interest, have fuel and pump outs, scenic locations, pools, availability of mechanics, haul outs, well
protected, pet friendly and weekly and monthly rates. Marina prices are increasingly competitive the longer
you stay (at least a week).
Possible Reciprocating Yacht Clubs.
Refer to Yacht Clubs of America. FHYC is a member. Information regarding YCA is on the back of FHYC
membership cards. Book of member clubs can be purchased from YCOA online (www.ycaol.com).
Virginia
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Tidewater Boat Club, Norfolk
Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Norfolk
Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton
Old Point Comfort YC, Fort Monroe
Stingray Harbor YC, Stingray Point Marina, Deltaville
Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville
York River YC, Gloucester Point
Fishing Bay Yacht Club, Deltaville
Rappahannock River YC, Irvington
Virginia YC Regatta Point Yachting Center, Irvington
757-489-3506
757-286-1752
804-722-0326
941- 639-3828
804 -776-9636
804 -684-9696
804 -438-6650
804 -580-8332
Maryland:
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Solomon’s Island YC, Solomon’s
Cambridge YC, Cambridge
Tred Avon YC
Eastport YC, Annapolis
Annapolis YC, Annapolis (check dress code)
Maryland YC, mouth of Patapsco River (Baltimore.)
Rock Hall YC
The Haven YC, Haven Harbour Marina
Great Oak YC, in Fairlee Creek
Worton Point YC, in Worton Creek
410 -326-3718
410 -228-2141
410 -226-5269
410 -267-8986
410 -263-9279
410 -255-4444
410- 639-2182
410 -639-7251
610 -366-8418
410 -778-9422
If you are a BOATUS member, keep a copy of their membership services pamphlet, as it lists marinas that
give fuel and/or slip discounts.
Contributors to this outline guide were: Jim & Gerry Fleckenstein, Elliott & Ina Alterman, Fred & Denise
Schubert, Karl & Elaine Mielenhausen and Kate & Ted Clark.
Page 10 of 10
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