Chesapeake cruising

[Mike Linstrom]

I'm new to this and I could use a little help from those with some local knowledge. I would like to explore some anchorages for weekend cruising anywhere above Annapolis. I'm actually not bad at navigation but I don't really have a destination. I know people tend to keep these nuggets pretty close to the vest but I promise not to move in permanently, just drop by a few times a season on the weekend. Is there a website that might have some info? I have one cold one for each spot. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Jane]

Anchorages

Try Rock Hall. If you like to anchor out try Swan Creek. Or plenty of marinas.Still Pond north of Rock Hall.Try going up the Chester River, lots of creeks there. One that comes to mind is Reed Creek.And there is the Maghothy behind Dobbins Island.

 

[Jack Tyler]

Summer recommendation

Mike, you'd find a ton of choices just going up the Chester River. The Magothy has numerous places that are quite nice. But for a great destination during a hot/humid summer when the nettles are settled in everywhere nearby, consider adding a day or two to your cruise and to a long one-day sail up the the Sassafrass River. You can anchor just behind Ordinary Point or, for a more settled spot with weekend traffic on the river, anchor right off the genuine 19th century tobacco warehouse on the north bank perhaps another two miles past the point. The mansion has visiting hours and is a fascinating glimpse into the past, while the warehouse is authentic and could stuff barrels tomorrow if they had the product in hand.The water is fresh (no nettles and great bathing) and you'll find little traffic at the top end of the Bay. It's a gem of a summer getaway.Jack

 

[Andy]

anchorage

Don't miss Swan Creek in in Rock Hall.The sunset view is one you will take many pictures of.. It's on the Eastern Shore north of the Chester River........

 

[Beverly]

Chesapeake Destinatioins

Sailing on the Chesapeake is more enjoyable if you purchase and use the guide to the Chesapeake Bay. It gives great directions to wonderful anchorages and it also lists facilities near each one as well as onshore activities to enjoy while in the area. I have dog eared many pages of great anchorages found by using this wonderful book. Happy sailing.

 

[Bill]

Harris Creek

I agree with all of the other input - read one of the cruising guides - I now have both of the major ones and my wife and I laugh at the differences in their opinions of various anchorages. On our way up the bay last wwek, we stopped at Harris Creek on the Little Choptank and found it a beautiful spot with a different feel than many places we have been recently. Also, Drum Point cove near St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore and Plaindealing Creek near Oxford have proven to be great spots this summer. Worst anchorage of the summer was Havre de Grace (can anyone sleep through the sound of the trains going over the bridge?)BILL