Fellow chesapeake Sailors,,,Im visiting St Michaels for the first time next week...does anyone have any tips..anchorge spots...eateries...channel concerns ..ect. .I draw 5' and will be heading south from Baltimore......will not be using the Kent Narrows. mast to tall.... thanks To everyone in advance!!! Rob.
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D
Don
True paradise....
St. Micheals is fantastic. Anchor in the cove off the museum (to starboard of the museum lightouse as you enter harbor). If it's crowded, which is likely, pass on it because the holding is not so good there. Come back out of the harbor and anchor off to the port outside the harbor. It can be a little windy there but holding is good. Always boats out there. If you have a dingy it's great, there's a dingy dock inside the harbot to starboard up past the Crab Claw restaurant (IMHO CC is a tourist trap and not worth the price, but others seem to love it.) There is a water taxi but not sure of the hours. Spend lots of time ashore as this is a nice town, made for walking with the shops, great houses, etc.. Town Dock restaurant is great (outdoors at the marina to port inside the harbor.) I think it's St. Micheals Marina or the Town Dock. Nice facility for docking but it's pricey. If you've got the bucks make a reservation. Also visit the maritime museum which is a treasure for us bay lovers. You can join for a modest fee and dock at their docks on a space available basis. You can also use their showers, etc. with a membership. Robin is the dockmaster there (or was last year) talk to her and get the current scoop. Very nice people there and they like sailboaters a lot. Last tip: the eastern bay can be rough depending on the winds, so be prepared. It can also be a great ride but it's somewhat longer than it seems at first. Otherwise, follow the charts and/or the crowd. There's usually a few powerboats making the trip. Enjoy it.
St. Micheals is fantastic. Anchor in the cove off the museum (to starboard of the museum lightouse as you enter harbor). If it's crowded, which is likely, pass on it because the holding is not so good there. Come back out of the harbor and anchor off to the port outside the harbor. It can be a little windy there but holding is good. Always boats out there. If you have a dingy it's great, there's a dingy dock inside the harbot to starboard up past the Crab Claw restaurant (IMHO CC is a tourist trap and not worth the price, but others seem to love it.) There is a water taxi but not sure of the hours. Spend lots of time ashore as this is a nice town, made for walking with the shops, great houses, etc.. Town Dock restaurant is great (outdoors at the marina to port inside the harbor.) I think it's St. Micheals Marina or the Town Dock. Nice facility for docking but it's pricey. If you've got the bucks make a reservation. Also visit the maritime museum which is a treasure for us bay lovers. You can join for a modest fee and dock at their docks on a space available basis. You can also use their showers, etc. with a membership. Robin is the dockmaster there (or was last year) talk to her and get the current scoop. Very nice people there and they like sailboaters a lot. Last tip: the eastern bay can be rough depending on the winds, so be prepared. It can also be a great ride but it's somewhat longer than it seems at first. Otherwise, follow the charts and/or the crowd. There's usually a few powerboats making the trip. Enjoy it.
J
John Cole
Have a good time
You should have no navigation problems until you reach the Miles River - then pay close attention to the charts. It's easy, but the tow boats are kept busy by people who didn't check! I draw 6' 4", and visit regularly - I have never touched bottom. If you are anchoring, go to the anchorage by the mueum, don't anchor outside - the holding is terrible! While you are in the Eastern Bay, take time to visit the Wye River - it's well worth it!
You should have no navigation problems until you reach the Miles River - then pay close attention to the charts. It's easy, but the tow boats are kept busy by people who didn't check! I draw 6' 4", and visit regularly - I have never touched bottom. If you are anchoring, go to the anchorage by the mueum, don't anchor outside - the holding is terrible! While you are in the Eastern Bay, take time to visit the Wye River - it's well worth it!
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Harry
Kent Narrows is a draw bridge
Either route is beautiful, I've been both ways many times. The Eastern Bay route is looong..especially from the Sassafrass. Is there a height restriction involved with the draw-brige? Just wondering why you can't use the Chester to the narrows, and then have more time to enjoy St. Michaels. Water taxi service is great. I think it goes til 11:00PM. The previous posts are on the money..pay attention to the charts as you enter the harbor. Most first timers don't see the last red before the entrance. I speak from experience!
Either route is beautiful, I've been both ways many times. The Eastern Bay route is looong..especially from the Sassafrass. Is there a height restriction involved with the draw-brige? Just wondering why you can't use the Chester to the narrows, and then have more time to enjoy St. Michaels. Water taxi service is great. I think it goes til 11:00PM. The previous posts are on the money..pay attention to the charts as you enter the harbor. Most first timers don't see the last red before the entrance. I speak from experience!
J
John Dawson
Open bascule and fixed in Narrows
My friend just made the Narrows in a Morgan 46 and reports the older bridge in Kent Narrows is a bascule bridge (or double drawbridge) that opens on the half hour with no height limit. The fixed bridge is listed as 65ft vert. clearance (mid 75ft), so theres room for a sizable vessel. Hope you hit one of the many weekends when St. Michaels hosts a special event. The route thru the Narrows will limit your time under sail; if you can, take the long way.
My friend just made the Narrows in a Morgan 46 and reports the older bridge in Kent Narrows is a bascule bridge (or double drawbridge) that opens on the half hour with no height limit. The fixed bridge is listed as 65ft vert. clearance (mid 75ft), so theres room for a sizable vessel. Hope you hit one of the many weekends when St. Michaels hosts a special event. The route thru the Narrows will limit your time under sail; if you can, take the long way.
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Rob
THANKS GUYS!
We will look to anchor near the museum. we are taking our bikes and will dingy in. thanks for all of your help.! Rob PS anyone anchor in Crab Alley before??
We will look to anchor near the museum. we are taking our bikes and will dingy in. thanks for all of your help.! Rob PS anyone anchor in Crab Alley before??
J
John Dawson
Sorry
Always wanted to gunkhole thru there, but we always used several other places outside StM. Tilghman Creek has daymarkers and is oddly located in the bight of Tilghman Pt. And lots of nooks around Wye Isl. a little out of the way but pretty. I think Leeds Creek is mentioned for those wishing to be across from StM.
Always wanted to gunkhole thru there, but we always used several other places outside StM. Tilghman Creek has daymarkers and is oddly located in the bight of Tilghman Pt. And lots of nooks around Wye Isl. a little out of the way but pretty. I think Leeds Creek is mentioned for those wishing to be across from StM.
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