Sailing Upper Chesapeake Bay

[Captain Kimo]

Over the Memorial Day Weekend 2004, sailed with my brother on his Beneteau 423 "Breezing Up" on the Chesapeake Bay.No doubt the threatening weather kept many off the bay, but we had a great sail from May 27 to June 1.May 27: Sail to Rock Hall and anchored in "Spy" Creek. Only 2 other boats in the creek. Creek is beyond the mooring anchorage and to the North. Fairly shallow, 6-7 feet of water at low tide. Was able to anchor near the mouth of the creek by a duck blind platform. Wind out of the West NorthWest, 10-15 MPH. Slept like a baby with the slight roll and water slaps from the dhingy.May30-31: Sailed to St. Michaels thru the Kent Narrows. Bridge opens every 1/2 hour. Required to lower all sails to pass thru the opened bridge. Strong current, so be prepare to power thru the opening and not get set. Northern channel very shallow, so keep to the center and try for high tide. "Breezing Up" did touch near a marker (she draws 5' 7") while in the channel. Passed one sailboat who tried to sail the channel and got set outside the channel and went aground.Anchored at night at St. Michael. Approaching St. Michael tricky. TG for GPS and lighted markers. Shore lights and entry lights to a Southern marina cause some confusion. Anchored at eastern end of the St. Michael anchorage in 20 feet of water. The Delta anchor sets well in the Chesapeake Bay muddy bottoms. Saw many interesting classic sailboats underway, e.g. Cat Boat with Gaff rig, and Skip Jack. Picture is of "Breezing Up".

 

[22Nauti]

Saw you there....

Was in St. Mikes for the weekend and had a blast, except when the wind changed and our raft up became a hazard the navagation. :0Woke up at 4am with an very insistant boat owner knocking on my cabin.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice trip

KimoSomeone once said that if you can slowly row away in your dinghy and look back at your boat and enjoy her lines, you have the right boat.Looks like you nailed it.Nice trip and thanks for the tips.Stu