Patapsco to Rock Hall

[bawlmer]

Fellow Sailors. What is the best way to go to Rock Hall from the Patapsco River? It looks like you have to jog significantly south to get around some shoaling. After looking at the charts there does not seem to be a solid channel there. Any suggestions as to marks, headings, etc are greatly appreciated. Thanks...Steve

 

[Ron20324]

There a few forumites that berth there. I was there just last weekend with my SOS sailing club, but I came from Annapolis. I honored Green 3, then turned back north to RH. Yeah, the shoals show as being 4 feet on my chart book, but I'd think a 270 would get across there- particularly at high tide?

Close to the harbor, there is a green can(#1, I'm pretty sure), then lited red and green to get you through the breakwater. Pretty, basic, really.

We had 29 boats at the Sailing Emporium, so you'd probably not have any problem getting a slip.

 

[bawlmer]

That's what i was thinking. I could lay in a course for green 3 at RH from green 9 in the Brewerton channel on the Patapsco side. It just seems like an awful long way around but does not look like any alternative.

 

[Ron20324]

.... I could lay in a course for green 3 at RH from green 9 in the Brewerton channel...It just seems like an awful long way around but does not look like any alternative.

There are range markers that would get you to RH coming stright out the Brewton Channel @122 degrees. You should be able to see them from the Patapsco. Going around the shoals looks like an extra 4 miles compared to trying to cross the shoals. What is your draft? Especially if the wind is anything forward of the beam, I'd say go across.

 

[bawlmer]

I draw slightly less than 4 feet. I could probably make it across the shoals at high tide. From my sailing in FL I have the talent of finding mud if there is any to be found.

 

[Scott]

I second Ron's choice. Have gone accross that shoal many, many times. Use the range markers for Brewerton Channel. Pass relatively close (N or S) to the range marker on the shoal.

 

[bawlmer]

Ron and Scott. Thanks very much for your wisdom. I think I will try to do a high tide shoal crossing. I can then get an idea if I can pull it off on low tide. I will let you know how it works. Thanks again.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

Steve, I have done the crossing at the range markers at high tide, and I draw 5.5 ft. Usually see 6-7 ft there at high.

 

[bawlmer]

Thanks Again. I am planning on doing this the week of 7/20. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[Ron20324]

Thanks Again. I am planning on doing this the week of 7/20. I will let you know how it goes.

Hhmmm... Is that the Pirate Festival weekend? the new # for the Rock Hall Trolley is 443-282- 5058 and 5092

 

[bawlmer]

OK. I finally went across the bay the Wednesday returning early Thursday. I stayed with the Brewerton and ducked a little south to honor a special purpose beacon that is not numbered. I just couldn't screw up the courage to go directly across Swam Point bar. The chart said 2 feet. After rounding the marker I then headed directly into Rock Hall channel. I ran aground inside the south side of the harbor but got off easily. I wound up anchoring out in Swan Creek and it was awesome. Less than 10 miles across the bay and it seems like you are in another world. As far as sailing goes the wind was on my nose both coming and going so the whole trip was made under power. I was thinking of heading south for the Magothy to get some sailing in but the plan was Rock Hall and I stuck with it. The destination was well worth the trip and I hope to do it again before it gets too cold. I feel like I got a months worth of rest from a night on the hook. Thanks Ron, Scott and Paul for the helpful advice.

 

[All U Get]

Nice avitar.

 

[bawlmer]

Thanks. That is the buoy that marks the spot where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner aboard a British warship. It is my understanding an act of congress was needed to paint the buoy something other than red or green.

 

[All U Get]

Just went by over the weekend from the Inner Harbor.

 

[All U Get]

Yes, still there.

 

[bawlmer]

I hope you are having a great visit here! Please let me know if you need anything.

Steve