Chesapeake Bay

H

Harpsden

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11 Sep 2008
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Boat at Lymington
www.skipperslog.com
Starting to plan ahead for a weeks overseas mobo charter in 2011 and thinking that Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac are looking favourites. Already have the Chesapeake Bay Magazine Cruising Guide (very nice Christmas present!).

Does anyone here have practical experience of areas to visit/avoid, key things to be aware of and best time of year to visit. Also any recommendations for companies to charter from?

I've already chartered from Vancouver but not the USA.

Thanks in advance




Harpsden
 
I just loved the Chesapeake and also went up the Potomac to Washington DC and used the boat as a base to visit the 'sites'... really enjoyed it.

The big problem I found with the bay was it appeared to be covered in lobster/crab pot floats.. I had to helm and keep a very good watch all the time which was a bit of a pain as it is a big place... I enjoyed passing through Norfolk as seeing one of their big carriers up close is impressive. There are stacks of excellent marinas and also some little villages with a tiny anchorage ups some creek which are delightful.

I am sure that either Baltimore or Annapolis are good places to charter or start off from..

Have a great holiday
 
I'd prefer Annapolis or Baltimore as a base to charter from, rather than the Potomac, mainly because the northern Bay has such a wonderful diversity of places to go. On the western shore you have the relative sophistication of the two cities mentioned and on the eastern shore you have such delightful spots as St Michaels, the stunning Wye river area, Chester River, you can go up the Sassafras river to Georgetown. And much more.
Early summer is the best time, in my opinion. It can get very hot and sultry in high summer and there is always the chance of the tail end of a hurricane in September and October. By November the seasons gone - the scenery can be spectacular at that time of year but you have to be prepared for cold nights.
I'm out of touch with the charter scene so can't advise on that but I'm sure they're all good.
Have a great time!
 
I sailed out of Annapolis a few years ago. Fantastic sailing.

Baltimore is well worth a visit, as is Washington DC if yu have time at the front or back of the charter.

Can get very hot in the middle of the summer. Steer clear of 4th July. All the USA will be partying, and I should imagine havoc on the water.
 
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