This May we plan to make the run in our Pearson 26 from Solomons to Cobb Island up the Potomac River. I would like to make it in two days. Leave Solomons early and make the Point Lookout Marina up Smith Creek the first night and the next day to Cobb Island. Each run is about 28 miles but coming down the Bay around Point Lookout can be rough at times. I can make 5.5 kts under power so one would assume less than six hours but we all know that won't be. My wife thinks we should make it a three day trip with shorter legs. Maybe the first night at St. Jerome Creek just before Point Lookout and the next night at Herring Creek just past the St Mary's River. Any thoughts on my estimates or stop points? David.
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Consider the Yeocomico or Coan
I think your plan sounds good, but if the wind is NW, you may find yourself on a course towards these creeks anyway; making for the southern shore may be an option. Kinsale did have a marina/restaurant, and Coan is also a beautiful quiet place. As you said, Point Lookout can be nasty at times, so plan for options all the way. Never been to St Jeromes, but it doesn't look like an easy entrance in a blow. I agree with you, better to leave the Bay behind on day one (two day trip) or spend extra time in the lower Potomac on a three day trip. Don't forget to take currents into account, they are strong there even in mild weather.
I think your plan sounds good, but if the wind is NW, you may find yourself on a course towards these creeks anyway; making for the southern shore may be an option. Kinsale did have a marina/restaurant, and Coan is also a beautiful quiet place. As you said, Point Lookout can be nasty at times, so plan for options all the way. Never been to St Jeromes, but it doesn't look like an easy entrance in a blow. I agree with you, better to leave the Bay behind on day one (two day trip) or spend extra time in the lower Potomac on a three day trip. Don't forget to take currents into account, they are strong there even in mild weather.
Look out for the North East Wind
I agree about the Point Lookout area. I have made the trip from Dahlgren Yacht Club to Point Lookout Marina in a day. Dahlgren is not too far from the 301 bridge over the Potomac. It is not a bad sail if the conditions are good. I think that the best plan is to have some secondary places to ancor if the weather doesn't cooperate. From Point Lookout Marina to Solomins it didn't take us too long either (I think the first day was a lot longer). Then again, we were doing a boat transport and we were trying to make it a day in advance for the Screw Pile Race.
I agree about the Point Lookout area. I have made the trip from Dahlgren Yacht Club to Point Lookout Marina in a day. Dahlgren is not too far from the 301 bridge over the Potomac. It is not a bad sail if the conditions are good. I think that the best plan is to have some secondary places to ancor if the weather doesn't cooperate. From Point Lookout Marina to Solomins it didn't take us too long either (I think the first day was a lot longer). Then again, we were doing a boat transport and we were trying to make it a day in advance for the Screw Pile Race.
See what the Wx is then adjust
Your original plan sounds good for now. Plan on seeing what the wx is when you leave and underway. Then re-adjust your destination based on how comfortable you and your wife are, the time of day, etc. I was sailing my boat from Tampa to Pensacola FL going NW into 15-25 knots of NW wind. After two days of tacking and bashing, changed course and destination to Panama city. Got to Panama City, ate dinner, had a great night sleep, left in the morning for P'cola. We got there safely about the same time as if I had continued to bash into the wind and waves. Best decision I've made while sailing was that change of destination!
Your original plan sounds good for now. Plan on seeing what the wx is when you leave and underway. Then re-adjust your destination based on how comfortable you and your wife are, the time of day, etc. I was sailing my boat from Tampa to Pensacola FL going NW into 15-25 knots of NW wind. After two days of tacking and bashing, changed course and destination to Panama city. Got to Panama City, ate dinner, had a great night sleep, left in the morning for P'cola. We got there safely about the same time as if I had continued to bash into the wind and waves. Best decision I've made while sailing was that change of destination!
David, Here is your guided tour!
David, I just spent my first summer (2003) sailing out of Cobb Island and running up and down the Potomac. We made a run last July from Cobb Island to Solomon’s for the Hunter rendezvous it took us 9 hrs for a distance of 60nm. If you haven’t been down on this part of the Potomac you will get spoiled. Once you get to Point Lookout it is a toss up whether to goto St.Mary’s River or across to the Yeocomico River and Kinsale. Yeocomico is a pretty place with lots of places to anchor, it’s about 9.5nm from Point Lookout. Entrance to St. Marys is about 7.5nm. As you go up the St Mary’s there is a great creek on the right, St. Inigoes Creek, spent a very rainy night tucked up there. 38 09.811N 76 24.932W. Nice sail going up the St Mary’s though we didn’t go all the way to St. Mary’s City. Further up the Potomac on the north side is St Clements Bay, nice creek on the left - Canoe Neck Creek, in this creek on the right is a great anchor spot. Watch eagles and deer play. 38 15.593N 76 43.765W On the South side of the Potomac is Nomini Bay, Nomini Creek. Don’t get shook about the entrance. It is narrow but deep. Going in stay to the port side. Way up the creek by the bridge is a restaurant “Steamboat Inn” great food. You will need to anchor out and dingy in to the dock. They welcome boaters. We anchored at 38 6.325N 76 43.847W with good mud to anchor in. If you haven’t been Cobb Island the best way in is via the Wicomico River. As you look at the bridge to the left is Pirate’s Den Marina (used to be Cobb Island Marina). That is where I park my pleasure craft. To the right side is Shymansky’s Marine. There are restaurants at both places. How was that, David Let me know when your coming and we can hook up. I'm planning a Delmarva run last week of June, so will be gone for two weeks. Jim S/V Java jseam at ayesail.net
David, I just spent my first summer (2003) sailing out of Cobb Island and running up and down the Potomac. We made a run last July from Cobb Island to Solomon’s for the Hunter rendezvous it took us 9 hrs for a distance of 60nm. If you haven’t been down on this part of the Potomac you will get spoiled. Once you get to Point Lookout it is a toss up whether to goto St.Mary’s River or across to the Yeocomico River and Kinsale. Yeocomico is a pretty place with lots of places to anchor, it’s about 9.5nm from Point Lookout. Entrance to St. Marys is about 7.5nm. As you go up the St Mary’s there is a great creek on the right, St. Inigoes Creek, spent a very rainy night tucked up there. 38 09.811N 76 24.932W. Nice sail going up the St Mary’s though we didn’t go all the way to St. Mary’s City. Further up the Potomac on the north side is St Clements Bay, nice creek on the left - Canoe Neck Creek, in this creek on the right is a great anchor spot. Watch eagles and deer play. 38 15.593N 76 43.765W On the South side of the Potomac is Nomini Bay, Nomini Creek. Don’t get shook about the entrance. It is narrow but deep. Going in stay to the port side. Way up the creek by the bridge is a restaurant “Steamboat Inn” great food. You will need to anchor out and dingy in to the dock. They welcome boaters. We anchored at 38 6.325N 76 43.847W with good mud to anchor in. If you haven’t been Cobb Island the best way in is via the Wicomico River. As you look at the bridge to the left is Pirate’s Den Marina (used to be Cobb Island Marina). That is where I park my pleasure craft. To the right side is Shymansky’s Marine. There are restaurants at both places. How was that, David Let me know when your coming and we can hook up. I'm planning a Delmarva run last week of June, so will be gone for two weeks. Jim S/V Java jseam at ayesail.net
Thanks!!!
Thanks to John, Matt, DJ, And Jim. Jim, your tour was great. Hadn't thought of the Yeocomico. Think we will stay at Port Kinsale Marina on the way up in May or June. David
Thanks to John, Matt, DJ, And Jim. Jim, your tour was great. Hadn't thought of the Yeocomico. Think we will stay at Port Kinsale Marina on the way up in May or June. David
Thanks Jim Seamans!
I also want to thank you Jim for the great tour, recommendations and the included Lat Lon's. We are new to the lower Chesapeake and very much appreciate and are absorbing all of the personal recommendations and input from the Chessy sailors on these boards. Regards, -Jim- s/v Forever
I also want to thank you Jim for the great tour, recommendations and the included Lat Lon's. We are new to the lower Chesapeake and very much appreciate and are absorbing all of the personal recommendations and input from the Chessy sailors on these boards. Regards, -Jim- s/v Forever
Blessing of the fleet
Another interesting event that happens in early Sept. is the blessing of the fleet. It takes place on St. Clemmins Island (may have mis-spelled that). Last time I went, which was a while ago, they had a few tall ships and some other interesting displays. There are a few nice ancorages in that area too.
Another interesting event that happens in early Sept. is the blessing of the fleet. It takes place on St. Clemmins Island (may have mis-spelled that). Last time I went, which was a while ago, they had a few tall ships and some other interesting displays. There are a few nice ancorages in that area too.
Point Lookout Marina
Don't necessarily bypass Point Lookout Marina: there's an absolutely fantastic restaurant onsite called Spinnakers. We had one of the best meals we've had on the Bay there several years ago. Great showers and a pool. On the other hand, be prepared to stay on your boat -- the motel that's within walking distance is pretty rough. I've done Point Lookout to Solomon's several times easily. Matt, it's St. Clement's Island (grin). And Jim, I'm just up the river from you, and can tell you a lot about the lower bay. You can email me at jbrookewillson@yahoo.com. I'd highly recommend buying Chesapeake Magazine's "Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay." It's an accurate and invaluable guide to anchorages, marinas, restaurants, and towns.
Don't necessarily bypass Point Lookout Marina: there's an absolutely fantastic restaurant onsite called Spinnakers. We had one of the best meals we've had on the Bay there several years ago. Great showers and a pool. On the other hand, be prepared to stay on your boat -- the motel that's within walking distance is pretty rough. I've done Point Lookout to Solomon's several times easily. Matt, it's St. Clement's Island (grin). And Jim, I'm just up the river from you, and can tell you a lot about the lower bay. You can email me at jbrookewillson@yahoo.com. I'd highly recommend buying Chesapeake Magazine's "Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay." It's an accurate and invaluable guide to anchorages, marinas, restaurants, and towns.
Spinnaker's is closed
I was informed that Spinnaker's Resturant is still undergoing repairs from Isabel. I would definately call before planning a visit. Solomons to Point Lookout is an easy 6 or 7 hours. I like to go to White Point Marina on the Yecomico (sp). Very quiet and accomodating. Not much further up river.
I was informed that Spinnaker's Resturant is still undergoing repairs from Isabel. I would definately call before planning a visit. Solomons to Point Lookout is an easy 6 or 7 hours. I like to go to White Point Marina on the Yecomico (sp). Very quiet and accomodating. Not much further up river.
Thanks all
I'm planning a similar trip this year, Solomons to St. Mary's City; thanks for the info. My wife and I did attempt it last year, but 2 days worth of southeast wind on the bay produced waves that "encouraged" us to turn back and try it again some other time. The boat was handling things ok, but we weren't mentally prepared for beating into waves for the next 6 hours. With your wife on board, I would also lean towards making it a more relaxing 3-day trip instead of pushing it in two. Not trying to stereotype too much here, but I think it's safe to say that most of our wives our looking for more comfort than challenge while sailing. (at least my wife, anyway) You may save yourself some stress, too.
I'm planning a similar trip this year, Solomons to St. Mary's City; thanks for the info. My wife and I did attempt it last year, but 2 days worth of southeast wind on the bay produced waves that "encouraged" us to turn back and try it again some other time. The boat was handling things ok, but we weren't mentally prepared for beating into waves for the next 6 hours. With your wife on board, I would also lean towards making it a more relaxing 3-day trip instead of pushing it in two. Not trying to stereotype too much here, but I think it's safe to say that most of our wives our looking for more comfort than challenge while sailing. (at least my wife, anyway) You may save yourself some stress, too.
Been there, done that!
Everyone's response is right on the money. I have had my 30 foot Hunter in the lower Potomac for the last 14 years. There is no better sailing anywhere. When it is blowing 20 knots or better and the Bay is building from the fetch allowed, it is comfortable sailing in the lower Potomac. I have been to all of the afore mentioned creeks and rivers and they are beautiful and some provide excellent protection from strong winds. The best is a little hole up Smith Creek past Point Lookout Marina. Take the left branch of the creek and then look to starboard past the line of trees and you will see the entrance. Six to seven feet of water and 360 degree protection from the wind. Another great place to anchor is Hering Creek. Big and beautiful and 12 feet of water. Tall Timbers Marina serves up some great food on weekends and a fabulous Sunday brunch. I sail to Solomons at least once a year. the last two years it was in May. Some of the worst weather I have ever encountered. Get out of the Bay and into the Potomac as quickly as possible and then take your time.
Everyone's response is right on the money. I have had my 30 foot Hunter in the lower Potomac for the last 14 years. There is no better sailing anywhere. When it is blowing 20 knots or better and the Bay is building from the fetch allowed, it is comfortable sailing in the lower Potomac. I have been to all of the afore mentioned creeks and rivers and they are beautiful and some provide excellent protection from strong winds. The best is a little hole up Smith Creek past Point Lookout Marina. Take the left branch of the creek and then look to starboard past the line of trees and you will see the entrance. Six to seven feet of water and 360 degree protection from the wind. Another great place to anchor is Hering Creek. Big and beautiful and 12 feet of water. Tall Timbers Marina serves up some great food on weekends and a fabulous Sunday brunch. I sail to Solomons at least once a year. the last two years it was in May. Some of the worst weather I have ever encountered. Get out of the Bay and into the Potomac as quickly as possible and then take your time.
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