Chart
Don't mean to kibbutz, but Colonial Beach is best represented on Chart 12286, I think. I would look at http://www.bluewaterweb.com/ for what you need - probably several charts for that trip. Worth the money, particulary since it's you home turf - you'll keep using 'em! Bluewater keeps good stock and will FedEx if need be. The harbor entrance and inner channel are well-marked at Colonial Beach. I would advise talking to whatever marina you're going to about water depth - I've sailed straight into the harbor and up to the dock there(at high tide) with a 5 1/2 foot keel - that swings up if it hits something! I'm no expert on fuel usage so I'm not going there. Couple things though - the mouth of the Potomac can get ugly - try and time your entry so the tide is moving with the wind - ebb tide for north wind, flooding for south. Otherwise, if it's breezy, short, steep, six-footers are not out of the question. Don't mean to be alarmist - hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Also, there is a book, entitled "Discovery the Tidal Potomac," by Rick Rhodes. Any local marine chandlery should stock it (Amazon.com does) - look for the 2nd Edition. Excellent book to have if you're sailing the river in general. It also has a fairly comprehensive marina guide, including available services, i.e., diesel fuel. If you find yourself short the book (includes phone numbers) will tell you where closest fuel is. Sorry to be so chatty - I'm just psyched for the season! I'm launching and heading for CB on Saturday myself. Have a great trip!
