Guys, I'm going along on a three day charter at the end of June leaving from Annapolis. We are sailing over to St. Michaels, but are looking for other ports close by. Any suggestions, along with transient dockage, sites, etc. Thanks for any help. Mike
Chesapeake Bay
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If you go to this link and down load the chart
booklet then all of the advise you get will be better understood. http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/bookletcharts/12270_BookletChart.pdf Sorry about that. I down loaded the file and couldn't open it. Adobe says it is damaged and couldn't be repaired. Anyway St Michaels has much in transient dockage. The maritime museum is a must see, don't miss Tilghman Island. Your charter co. can help with details. The Wye River is narrow but very pretty. Eastport near Annapolis is worth a walking visit while you are there.
booklet then all of the advise you get will be better understood. http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/bookletcharts/12270_BookletChart.pdf Sorry about that. I down loaded the file and couldn't open it. Adobe says it is damaged and couldn't be repaired. Anyway St Michaels has much in transient dockage. The maritime museum is a must see, don't miss Tilghman Island. Your charter co. can help with details. The Wye River is narrow but very pretty. Eastport near Annapolis is worth a walking visit while you are there.
Alternatives
Mike, it's a pretty good sail across the Bay and around Bloody Point and up to St Mikes if the wind's not in your favor (it's 3 hours one way aboard the Annapolitan-a large charter boat out of Annapolis). For an alternative destination with just a 3 day charter, consider going North to Rock Hall. There is a small town and good restaurants, a trolley service and a bitty museaum. St Mikes and the CBMM shouldn't be missed if at all possible, though.
Mike, it's a pretty good sail across the Bay and around Bloody Point and up to St Mikes if the wind's not in your favor (it's 3 hours one way aboard the Annapolitan-a large charter boat out of Annapolis). For an alternative destination with just a 3 day charter, consider going North to Rock Hall. There is a small town and good restaurants, a trolley service and a bitty museaum. St Mikes and the CBMM shouldn't be missed if at all possible, though.
Thanks!!
Dan and Ross, Thanks a lot for the info. I think our crew has St. Michaels in mind for this trip. I have an old sailing buddy that lives in the area, also, and we mean to look him up. Retired at 50!!, I hate/envy him, but a good guy nevertheless. Also, the link Ross listed worked fine on my computer, really good stuff. Thanks again, Now all we have to hope for is fair winds. The Charter is out of Annapolis Bay, a 2006 Jeanneau 35. Mike Collins
Dan and Ross, Thanks a lot for the info. I think our crew has St. Michaels in mind for this trip. I have an old sailing buddy that lives in the area, also, and we mean to look him up. Retired at 50!!, I hate/envy him, but a good guy nevertheless. Also, the link Ross listed worked fine on my computer, really good stuff. Thanks again, Now all we have to hope for is fair winds. The Charter is out of Annapolis Bay, a 2006 Jeanneau 35. Mike Collins
Oxford is a must
If you've got the time, Oxford is one of my favorites. It is a lovely little town, everything in easy walking distance, and several great marinas to choose from, or you can anchor out and just visit for the day. There is a ferry dock that you can tie up to for a few hours and walk most of the town. Great restaurants including the Robert Morris Inn where James Michener supposedly ate routinely and loved the crab cakes. Part of his inspiration for his novel Chesapeake.
If you've got the time, Oxford is one of my favorites. It is a lovely little town, everything in easy walking distance, and several great marinas to choose from, or you can anchor out and just visit for the day. There is a ferry dock that you can tie up to for a few hours and walk most of the town. Great restaurants including the Robert Morris Inn where James Michener supposedly ate routinely and loved the crab cakes. Part of his inspiration for his novel Chesapeake.
Mike I just stepped off the distance from
Annapolis to St. michaels and came up with about 25 nm. Mostly either SE or NE So the wind can't be contrary for more than half the time unless it is absent. Poplar Island is being rebuilt with dredge spoil and is attracting all manner of birds. I am glad the link worked for you. Most of the larger places on the chart have a web site. You might also check "Chesapeake Bay " magazine. It is a boating type publication with much to offer in what to see and where to go.
Annapolis to St. michaels and came up with about 25 nm. Mostly either SE or NE So the wind can't be contrary for more than half the time unless it is absent. Poplar Island is being rebuilt with dredge spoil and is attracting all manner of birds. I am glad the link worked for you. Most of the larger places on the chart have a web site. You might also check "Chesapeake Bay " magazine. It is a boating type publication with much to offer in what to see and where to go.
Either going or
returning from St Mike's cross the bay to the West River and head into Galesville. Transient slips and a good meal can be had at Pirate's Cove Marina. Or walk across the street to the Topsail, another interesting local eatery.
returning from St Mike's cross the bay to the West River and head into Galesville. Transient slips and a good meal can be had at Pirate's Cove Marina. Or walk across the street to the Topsail, another interesting local eatery.
All good information
Wow guys, Really good to get such a response. I remember reading Michener's Cheaspeake when it first came out. This looks to be a great trip. We should be leaving Annapolis around 9:00 am, so getting over to St. Michaels shouldn't be a problem. I think the plan is to stay overnight and then see what kind of trouble we can get into for the following two days. I love the small towns. Did that a few years ago sailing out of Traverse City, Michigan. Also a big lover of wildlife. We live in the woods on a small lake in Central, Ohio and have our share of hawks, owls, blue herons, bald eagles, and of course many, many deer. It's been more years since we were in Baltimore for a seminar (working, really) and did the National Aquarium, among other sites. The Inner Harbor and Camden Yard make for an interesting area. Mike
Wow guys, Really good to get such a response. I remember reading Michener's Cheaspeake when it first came out. This looks to be a great trip. We should be leaving Annapolis around 9:00 am, so getting over to St. Michaels shouldn't be a problem. I think the plan is to stay overnight and then see what kind of trouble we can get into for the following two days. I love the small towns. Did that a few years ago sailing out of Traverse City, Michigan. Also a big lover of wildlife. We live in the woods on a small lake in Central, Ohio and have our share of hawks, owls, blue herons, bald eagles, and of course many, many deer. It's been more years since we were in Baltimore for a seminar (working, really) and did the National Aquarium, among other sites. The Inner Harbor and Camden Yard make for an interesting area. Mike
St Michaels & Annapolis
Starting out from Annapolis crossing the Bay and rounding Bloody Point into Eastern Bay around Tilgman Island and southeast to St Michaels is about 24 miles. There aren't other 'Ports nearby;however the option exists to cruise up the nearby Wye River or Leeds Creek and find an anchorage for lunch or for an evening. Your local friend will no doubt be a great tour guide for St Michaels. You could also return to the Western Shore / Annapolis area and sail up the Severen River. If you have time, take the tour of the Naval Academy. A great source of information would be "Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay" by Chesapeake Bay Communications, Inc. (410)263-2662.
Starting out from Annapolis crossing the Bay and rounding Bloody Point into Eastern Bay around Tilgman Island and southeast to St Michaels is about 24 miles. There aren't other 'Ports nearby;however the option exists to cruise up the nearby Wye River or Leeds Creek and find an anchorage for lunch or for an evening. Your local friend will no doubt be a great tour guide for St Michaels. You could also return to the Western Shore / Annapolis area and sail up the Severen River. If you have time, take the tour of the Naval Academy. A great source of information would be "Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay" by Chesapeake Bay Communications, Inc. (410)263-2662.
Tilghman Island.
St Michaels is a must; go to the Maritime Museum and go eat at the Crab Claw. I was going to suggest the Inner Harbor in Baltimore but with only three days you will not have time. The marina we must enjoyed was Knapps Narrows Marina on Tilghman Island. It had a pool, a restaurant, and a complementary continental breakfast for a very modest slip fee. You are going around the middle of summer so beware it will be quite hot and the mosquitoes are hughe. Enjoy, it is a beatiful place. If you have a chance read "Chesapeake" the novel by James Michener before you go.
St Michaels is a must; go to the Maritime Museum and go eat at the Crab Claw. I was going to suggest the Inner Harbor in Baltimore but with only three days you will not have time. The marina we must enjoyed was Knapps Narrows Marina on Tilghman Island. It had a pool, a restaurant, and a complementary continental breakfast for a very modest slip fee. You are going around the middle of summer so beware it will be quite hot and the mosquitoes are hughe. Enjoy, it is a beatiful place. If you have a chance read "Chesapeake" the novel by James Michener before you go.
Merrill's Accident This Weekend Annapolis
Anyone hear anything new regarding Philip Merrill? I just saw an article in the Wash Post about him. That they found his 41' boat a drift 20miles south of Annapolis with the motor still running. There were some heavy gusts on Saturday. I tried to head out, but just wasn't too attractive out there...30+mph gusts. I hope they find him but being it's Monday and he went missing on Saturday, I guess it's not looking too good. I'm sorry if I've moved away from the original post, but you all are talking about where I've been sailing recently and this is roughly the same place this accident occurred with Merrill. And as a new sailor, I'm trying to see what conditions are considered bad for even the advanced sailor on a smaller sized boat 26'. I know accidents can range from many differnt things, but I'm looking to guage wind conditions. What conditions would you deem bad in this area of the Bay. Gusts over 20mph, 25mph, 30mph. Since I have the added responsibility of taking on a crew, I really want to be extra safe out there. We headed out on Saturday around the same time this gentleman had gone out and the gusts were just knocking us all over the place, when I finally decided enough was enough and dropped the sails and motored back.. Sorry again for coming off topic. -Sean http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/11/AR2006061100053.html?nav=hcmodule
Anyone hear anything new regarding Philip Merrill? I just saw an article in the Wash Post about him. That they found his 41' boat a drift 20miles south of Annapolis with the motor still running. There were some heavy gusts on Saturday. I tried to head out, but just wasn't too attractive out there...30+mph gusts. I hope they find him but being it's Monday and he went missing on Saturday, I guess it's not looking too good. I'm sorry if I've moved away from the original post, but you all are talking about where I've been sailing recently and this is roughly the same place this accident occurred with Merrill. And as a new sailor, I'm trying to see what conditions are considered bad for even the advanced sailor on a smaller sized boat 26'. I know accidents can range from many differnt things, but I'm looking to guage wind conditions. What conditions would you deem bad in this area of the Bay. Gusts over 20mph, 25mph, 30mph. Since I have the added responsibility of taking on a crew, I really want to be extra safe out there. We headed out on Saturday around the same time this gentleman had gone out and the gusts were just knocking us all over the place, when I finally decided enough was enough and dropped the sails and motored back.. Sorry again for coming off topic. -Sean http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/11/AR2006061100053.html?nav=hcmodule
Pretty sobering article
thanks for posting this Sean. We were planning on going for an afternoon/evening sail on Saturday to celebrate kids' end of school year, but then heard small craft warnings and possible gusts to 35 knots, hail the size of nickels, etc. While afternoon thunderstorm warnings are pretty regular through the summer around here, we decided to have the celebration at home instead. Pretty awful to think of Merrill slipping off his boat at about the same time.
thanks for posting this Sean. We were planning on going for an afternoon/evening sail on Saturday to celebrate kids' end of school year, but then heard small craft warnings and possible gusts to 35 knots, hail the size of nickels, etc. While afternoon thunderstorm warnings are pretty regular through the summer around here, we decided to have the celebration at home instead. Pretty awful to think of Merrill slipping off his boat at about the same time.
The weather Saturday was pretty
fierce but a 42 foot boat and an experienced sailor would be ok barring an accident. I suspect that he was caught in an accidental gibe and knocked overboard. His engine was running when they found the boat but not in gear. To me this would indicate that he was preparing to motor home. The wind was probably stronger than he found enjoyable.
fierce but a 42 foot boat and an experienced sailor would be ok barring an accident. I suspect that he was caught in an accidental gibe and knocked overboard. His engine was running when they found the boat but not in gear. To me this would indicate that he was preparing to motor home. The wind was probably stronger than he found enjoyable.
Sailor lost on Chesapeake...
"Philip Merrill, the firebrand newspaper publisher and diplomat known for his devotion to journalism and the environment, remained missing yesterday after his sailboat was found drifting alone Saturday in strong winds in the Chesapeake Bay." To view the entire article, go to the link below. Every now and then, the Chesapeake can be a challenging place to sail. Be careful out there, and wear a PFD....
"Philip Merrill, the firebrand newspaper publisher and diplomat known for his devotion to journalism and the environment, remained missing yesterday after his sailboat was found drifting alone Saturday in strong winds in the Chesapeake Bay." To view the entire article, go to the link below. Every now and then, the Chesapeake can be a challenging place to sail. Be careful out there, and wear a PFD....
Harrington Harbor South
If you are looking for a good restaurant, shower.... the Harrington harbor marina is hard to beat. Maybe as an alternate if the winds are contrary.
If you are looking for a good restaurant, shower.... the Harrington harbor marina is hard to beat. Maybe as an alternate if the winds are contrary.
Solomons
Just returned from a quickie four day cruise on the Bay. Solomons on the western shore is a lovely town very much into sailing, without much of the preciousness that is overtaking other townds. St. Michaels, as other have mentioned, is a favorite destinantion, so much so that on a Friday afternoon, half the traffic on VHF 16 is calls to various marinas there. P.S. We got caught in the thunderstorm on Friday. At least now I know that the boat and I can take it. We had PFDs on, and we had our tethers attached to them, ready to hook onto the boat.
Just returned from a quickie four day cruise on the Bay. Solomons on the western shore is a lovely town very much into sailing, without much of the preciousness that is overtaking other townds. St. Michaels, as other have mentioned, is a favorite destinantion, so much so that on a Friday afternoon, half the traffic on VHF 16 is calls to various marinas there. P.S. We got caught in the thunderstorm on Friday. At least now I know that the boat and I can take it. We had PFDs on, and we had our tethers attached to them, ready to hook onto the boat.
Small Craft Warnings
should be your first indication that things could be nasty out on the Bay, Sean. A 26 is a "small" craft (for that matter, so is my 34) so unless you really have the experience and crew to handle it, the prudent thing to do is to wait for a better day. Phil Merrill's regrettable loss points to the fact that even with experience, things can go drastically wrong.
should be your first indication that things could be nasty out on the Bay, Sean. A 26 is a "small" craft (for that matter, so is my 34) so unless you really have the experience and crew to handle it, the prudent thing to do is to wait for a better day. Phil Merrill's regrettable loss points to the fact that even with experience, things can go drastically wrong.
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