I`m thinking of moving my sailboat to the Middle River area on the Chesapeake bay for next summer season. Whats some good Marinas to check into ? Something in the lower price range, Mooring would be fine also.Don`t need to have all the bells and whisles of the higher end marinas. I have a 30 foot hunter with 5'3"draft. Thanks for any info. Chet.
Middle River on the chesapeake bay
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Chet, Didn't you just this year stay in the Havre
de Grace Marina? Give it a chance man. First go down to Middle River as a land cruise and see if you like the area. For me it is too crowded. On Bietzpadlin across the river. Ross
de Grace Marina? Give it a chance man. First go down to Middle River as a land cruise and see if you like the area. For me it is too crowded. On Bietzpadlin across the river. Ross
Come on down, Chet
Middle River is a great place to sail from. If you like overnight cruises there is a wide range of overnight anchorages within an easy 1 day sail. Just look at a chart, across the bay is Still Pond (well, forget that with your 5'3" draft), Worton Creek, Fairlee Creek (they party until dawn there so we avoid it) Tolchester Marina and the Rock Hall area. Rock hall offers an anchorage (Swan Creek) and several marinas and restaurants. South of that is the Chester River, way too many nice anchorages up the Chester to start naming here. It is also the gateway to Kent Narrows which will get you into the Eastern Bay. There are plenty of great little spots on the Eastern Bay including the popular St. Michaels. From Middle River you are also a 4-6 hr sail from Baltimore's Inner Harbor with its marinas, restaurants, shopping, museums, the National Aquarium and Camden Yards (Orioles Baseball)all within walking/water taxi distance. That same 4-6 hrs can have you pulling into the Sailing Mecca of the East Coast, Annapolis (although those in Newport RI might tend to argue that title). There are also plenty of anchorages on the western shore. There are a couple of creeks off of the Patasco (Bodkin, Rock and Stoney Creeks all offer nice little anchorages). A bit further south but before Annapolis is the Magothy River with plenty of creeks and anchorages and Whitehall Bay which has 3 nice creeks off of it. If you want to sail a little further there are plenty more nice places to spend the night. Shippy, from HdG is moving down here next summer. Maybe he can pass on some info from his research. I've been in Bowley's for several years now. We like it a lot but I'm sure it's not the cheapest around. I really don't have any insight about other marina options so I can't help with you initial question, all I can do is tell you that you will not be disappointed with your decision. HdG is a really nice place but your destination options will be far greater from Middle River. Tom s/v Orion's Child
Middle River is a great place to sail from. If you like overnight cruises there is a wide range of overnight anchorages within an easy 1 day sail. Just look at a chart, across the bay is Still Pond (well, forget that with your 5'3" draft), Worton Creek, Fairlee Creek (they party until dawn there so we avoid it) Tolchester Marina and the Rock Hall area. Rock hall offers an anchorage (Swan Creek) and several marinas and restaurants. South of that is the Chester River, way too many nice anchorages up the Chester to start naming here. It is also the gateway to Kent Narrows which will get you into the Eastern Bay. There are plenty of great little spots on the Eastern Bay including the popular St. Michaels. From Middle River you are also a 4-6 hr sail from Baltimore's Inner Harbor with its marinas, restaurants, shopping, museums, the National Aquarium and Camden Yards (Orioles Baseball)all within walking/water taxi distance. That same 4-6 hrs can have you pulling into the Sailing Mecca of the East Coast, Annapolis (although those in Newport RI might tend to argue that title). There are also plenty of anchorages on the western shore. There are a couple of creeks off of the Patasco (Bodkin, Rock and Stoney Creeks all offer nice little anchorages). A bit further south but before Annapolis is the Magothy River with plenty of creeks and anchorages and Whitehall Bay which has 3 nice creeks off of it. If you want to sail a little further there are plenty more nice places to spend the night. Shippy, from HdG is moving down here next summer. Maybe he can pass on some info from his research. I've been in Bowley's for several years now. We like it a lot but I'm sure it's not the cheapest around. I really don't have any insight about other marina options so I can't help with you initial question, all I can do is tell you that you will not be disappointed with your decision. HdG is a really nice place but your destination options will be far greater from Middle River. Tom s/v Orion's Child
I do love....
....the beach bar at Tolchester. Best place on the bay to watch a sunset. Mike, I've always though of Still Pond Creek which I've taken off of my list because of low water in the entrance. We've always considered the area outside the entrance to be Churn Creek. Am I wrong? Tom s/v Orion's Child
....the beach bar at Tolchester. Best place on the bay to watch a sunset. Mike, I've always though of Still Pond Creek which I've taken off of my list because of low water in the entrance. We've always considered the area outside the entrance to be Churn Creek. Am I wrong? Tom s/v Orion's Child
You're right it's Churn Creek
Tom you're right it's Churn Creek which makes for a very nice ride in the dinghy. Surprising how much water, homes, etc are back there. As far as Still Pond, there's no way I would attempt going inside although there is enough depth if you hug the southern shore. There are a couple of decent size sailboats tied up to the docks in there, one being a Sabre 36, so I know it can be done. The problem is that once inside you better know where you're going or you'll run aground in a heart beat. We go back there with friends in their bow riders and you can step out into knee deep water in most areas. We've hung out front on both the northern shore and the cove by Churn Creek. The northern shore gets kicked up a bit by passing traffic but settles down after dinner. You'll get more air and a better sunset as well. The cove is much calmer but can be without even a whisper of wind on a summer night. Nice place to spot bald eagles too. Mike
Tom you're right it's Churn Creek which makes for a very nice ride in the dinghy. Surprising how much water, homes, etc are back there. As far as Still Pond, there's no way I would attempt going inside although there is enough depth if you hug the southern shore. There are a couple of decent size sailboats tied up to the docks in there, one being a Sabre 36, so I know it can be done. The problem is that once inside you better know where you're going or you'll run aground in a heart beat. We go back there with friends in their bow riders and you can step out into knee deep water in most areas. We've hung out front on both the northern shore and the cove by Churn Creek. The northern shore gets kicked up a bit by passing traffic but settles down after dinner. You'll get more air and a better sunset as well. The cove is much calmer but can be without even a whisper of wind on a summer night. Nice place to spot bald eagles too. Mike
Still Pond Creek / Churn Creek .....
The Still Pond Creek channel 'inside' shallowed out during Hurricaine Floyd which dumped a LOT of gravel at the outter marks ..... but you can still get 'in' (and anchor at the old CG base). Just wait for the high tide (slack) and you should have minimal problems with a 6ft. draft. Just dont travel the creek during a tide rip or at a low tide. The bottom of the creek is still 'rolling' and changing especially @ 'Green 9' (probably should be changed to RED 8a) well inside the creek ... as the channel seems to be moving (northwards) closer towards the old CG station .... a good all weather anchorage in 6ft+ if you can 'find your way in'. However you can get 'locked' into that anchorage BEHIND THE CG station if the bay level drops during a N or NW blow. Churn Creek entrance remains blocked with gravel, probably 3 ft at mean low tide .... but still remains a VERY good spot for Rockfishing during an outflowing tide rip. Inside Churn Creek is simply 'loaded' with Rockfish (Stripers) this year. For anchoring on the 'outside' of "Still Pond", I prefer being WEST of Rocky Point (but not in any wind that has a "North component") as most of the noisey crowd is usually in the cut (6-10ft.) at the entrance to Churn Creek. The 'outside' can be a death-trap during NW strong squalls ... many boats have 'met the beach' during strong NW 'busters' but since the (east side) beach is sand - easily pulled off and without much damage. Still Pond (outside) still remains a prime anchorage ... especially during mid-week or early/late in the season. Most of the all-night stinkpot/pot parties have apparently moved to Tims Creek inside Worton Cr.
The Still Pond Creek channel 'inside' shallowed out during Hurricaine Floyd which dumped a LOT of gravel at the outter marks ..... but you can still get 'in' (and anchor at the old CG base). Just wait for the high tide (slack) and you should have minimal problems with a 6ft. draft. Just dont travel the creek during a tide rip or at a low tide. The bottom of the creek is still 'rolling' and changing especially @ 'Green 9' (probably should be changed to RED 8a) well inside the creek ... as the channel seems to be moving (northwards) closer towards the old CG station .... a good all weather anchorage in 6ft+ if you can 'find your way in'. However you can get 'locked' into that anchorage BEHIND THE CG station if the bay level drops during a N or NW blow. Churn Creek entrance remains blocked with gravel, probably 3 ft at mean low tide .... but still remains a VERY good spot for Rockfishing during an outflowing tide rip. Inside Churn Creek is simply 'loaded' with Rockfish (Stripers) this year. For anchoring on the 'outside' of "Still Pond", I prefer being WEST of Rocky Point (but not in any wind that has a "North component") as most of the noisey crowd is usually in the cut (6-10ft.) at the entrance to Churn Creek. The 'outside' can be a death-trap during NW strong squalls ... many boats have 'met the beach' during strong NW 'busters' but since the (east side) beach is sand - easily pulled off and without much damage. Still Pond (outside) still remains a prime anchorage ... especially during mid-week or early/late in the season. Most of the all-night stinkpot/pot parties have apparently moved to Tims Creek inside Worton Cr.
Maryland Marina
Chet, Check out Maryland Marina, it's located on Frog Mortar Creek in the Bowleys Quarters area directly across the creek from Martin State Airport. I kept my Catalina 22 there for 13 years but had to pull it out last year couldn't afford to keep the boat there and get my daughter started in college at the same time. Hoping to put her (the boat that is) back at Maryland Marina within the next two seasons. One of the nice things is that it is a nicely sheltered area. Barry Broyles 1973 C-22 #1909 Brighteyes
Chet, Check out Maryland Marina, it's located on Frog Mortar Creek in the Bowleys Quarters area directly across the creek from Martin State Airport. I kept my Catalina 22 there for 13 years but had to pull it out last year couldn't afford to keep the boat there and get my daughter started in college at the same time. Hoping to put her (the boat that is) back at Maryland Marina within the next two seasons. One of the nice things is that it is a nicely sheltered area. Barry Broyles 1973 C-22 #1909 Brighteyes
Hey Chet
As tcbro said, we are moving south this year/next year to Middle River from HdG. That long run down the channel plus all those great sailing points south are just too much of a day trip for us from HdG. We are going into Maryland Marina. Not the cheapest, but I liked what they offered. I looked at about 5 other marinas in that area. Parkside was the least expensive, but had a shorter season (May - Oct). I usually go in the water in April and pull late November so that was a deal killer for me. contact me if you'd like to hear more about what I found when doing my research. tim
As tcbro said, we are moving south this year/next year to Middle River from HdG. That long run down the channel plus all those great sailing points south are just too much of a day trip for us from HdG. We are going into Maryland Marina. Not the cheapest, but I liked what they offered. I looked at about 5 other marinas in that area. Parkside was the least expensive, but had a shorter season (May - Oct). I usually go in the water in April and pull late November so that was a deal killer for me. contact me if you'd like to hear more about what I found when doing my research. tim
Chet, Shippy,
I'd like to taker this opportunity to invite you both on a weekend cruise with the Glenmar Sailing Association. We are a "paper" club in that we own no realaetate. We have about 140 members and sail out of the Middle River area. The first weekend cruise of the season is usually Memorial Day weekend. Activities slow down over the winter but in season GSA runs PHRF racing, Small boat racing and a cruising schedule. Check out the website at www.glenmarsailing.org ordrop me a line directly. I'd love to introduce you guys to the club. Chet, Bowleys is a condo/marina and I know there are some reasonably priced slips available for a 30 footer. Then you just have the annual condo fees ($1100). Check them out at www.bowleysmarina.com Tom s/v Orion's Child
I'd like to taker this opportunity to invite you both on a weekend cruise with the Glenmar Sailing Association. We are a "paper" club in that we own no realaetate. We have about 140 members and sail out of the Middle River area. The first weekend cruise of the season is usually Memorial Day weekend. Activities slow down over the winter but in season GSA runs PHRF racing, Small boat racing and a cruising schedule. Check out the website at www.glenmarsailing.org ordrop me a line directly. I'd love to introduce you guys to the club. Chet, Bowleys is a condo/marina and I know there are some reasonably priced slips available for a 30 footer. Then you just have the annual condo fees ($1100). Check them out at www.bowleysmarina.com Tom s/v Orion's Child
Ross,
I stopped in at the middle river earlier this year on my week long cruise. Really liked the area,so much more going on down there and closer to the areas I`d like to spend more time at,Baltimore,Annapolis,etc. Its not that I don`t like Havre de Grace just don`t like the long ride just to get to the main bay areas. And the drive down from Harrisburg pa Would be alot nicer also, its all highway. The way I drive down now is all second daily roads ... you get behide one pokey driver and your trip now doubles in time. Chet.
I stopped in at the middle river earlier this year on my week long cruise. Really liked the area,so much more going on down there and closer to the areas I`d like to spend more time at,Baltimore,Annapolis,etc. Its not that I don`t like Havre de Grace just don`t like the long ride just to get to the main bay areas. And the drive down from Harrisburg pa Would be alot nicer also, its all highway. The way I drive down now is all second daily roads ... you get behide one pokey driver and your trip now doubles in time. Chet.
Shippy,tcbro
Thanks everyone for all the great info, Shippy, I to I`m tried of the long boat ride just to get to the main body of water, comming from being a power boater and being able to travel to diffent places in a weekend is the kind of boating I`m used to. I like sailing even better , being able to turn that noisy motor off and cruise for free is just great.Thou Its going to take me sometime of to just how slow these sailboats really are,LoL. You met me once earlier this summer ,so you know I`m a younger guy and still like to party once in a while that is. So being closer to those party spots ( wortons creek, Baltimore, Annapolis, is where I`d like to be. Tcbro, Thanks for the info and the invite. I`ll check into bowleys, I got fuel there after leaving from anchoring out beside long beach marina in the morning. Which is a nice place also,Freind of mind has his 35 footer sliped there, reasonably priced slips also, But said their were full for sailboat slips. Chet
Thanks everyone for all the great info, Shippy, I to I`m tried of the long boat ride just to get to the main body of water, comming from being a power boater and being able to travel to diffent places in a weekend is the kind of boating I`m used to. I like sailing even better , being able to turn that noisy motor off and cruise for free is just great.Thou Its going to take me sometime of to just how slow these sailboats really are,LoL. You met me once earlier this summer ,so you know I`m a younger guy and still like to party once in a while that is. So being closer to those party spots ( wortons creek, Baltimore, Annapolis, is where I`d like to be. Tcbro, Thanks for the info and the invite. I`ll check into bowleys, I got fuel there after leaving from anchoring out beside long beach marina in the morning. Which is a nice place also,Freind of mind has his 35 footer sliped there, reasonably priced slips also, But said their were full for sailboat slips. Chet
Hey Tom...
if he's still a member of GSA, say "Hello" to Bart Haas the next time you see him. I haven't seen him for years--we were in the same industry back then.
if he's still a member of GSA, say "Hello" to Bart Haas the next time you see him. I haven't seen him for years--we were in the same industry back then.
Parkside Marina
Chet, I keep my boat at Parkside Marina. As someone said, their "official" season is from May 1 through October 31. However, they have always allowed me to extend the season. In fact, I usually do my spring launch in the last week of March, and I've stayed in as late as late-November. They also offer in-water winter storage. Jack "Friendship" Catalina 350
Chet, I keep my boat at Parkside Marina. As someone said, their "official" season is from May 1 through October 31. However, they have always allowed me to extend the season. In fact, I usually do my spring launch in the last week of March, and I've stayed in as late as late-November. They also offer in-water winter storage. Jack "Friendship" Catalina 350
Thnaks tcbro
I'm already a member of teh local hunter association and they seem to have something going on most week-ends too. I'll make it a point to look you up when we are down there. I take our boat down around th 17th on next month to have her pulled for winter. I agree chet (and yes I remember you) that being a little more south does open things up for you. we have friends in annapolis plus we love St Mikes, so these are so much more accessible. tim
I'm already a member of teh local hunter association and they seem to have something going on most week-ends too. I'll make it a point to look you up when we are down there. I take our boat down around th 17th on next month to have her pulled for winter. I agree chet (and yes I remember you) that being a little more south does open things up for you. we have friends in annapolis plus we love St Mikes, so these are so much more accessible. tim
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