Where to dock or anchor in St. Michael's

[Boat Babe]

I'm relatively new to exploring and cruising around my area of the Cheaspeake Bay Herrring Bay) and I plan to spend a night in St. Michael, Md. I know this is a very popular area and have spent "land" vacations there. But, I've never looked into boating there. Can anyone make recommendations regarding marinas or moorings or just anchoring in the harbor? I have a Cal 28. Is there a "tender" service since I don't have a dinghy. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jack4865]

boating to St Michaels

Steph,I've stayed at the St Michaels Marina. Just follow the charts to the general area, then call the marina on the VHF as you enter the channel that leads into town. The Maritime Museum also offers slips, I think you have to be a Museum member to use them. Perhaps someone else can give more info.As for anchoring at St Michaels... As you are following the channel into St Michaels, there is a very nice anchorage to your left. If you arrive on a weekend, you'll most likely see several boats anchored there. At 100 yards from shore, there is 8-15 feet of water. It is good holding in that area.There is a water taxi service from the anchorage area to several drop off points in town. The last time I used it (a couple of year ago), I think it was about $3.Jack"Friendship"

 

[Merrythought]

HIggins

Higgins Marina is a good choice for staying in town. It is close to the Crab Claw and is between that restaurant and St. Michaels Marina.

 

[Mike B]

Harbor Inn

We always stay at St Michaels Harbor Inn. It's on the far side of town which means a 10 min walk through some very nice streets to get to the business district, but it's a nice marina with a pool, bar and resturant, although the latter is pricey. They are one of the few places that have dock hands that know how to get you into a slip without banging your boat into every piling and dockside. Very nice when you approach in windy conditions.The Maritime Museum requires you to be a member to stay. They seem to be busy hosting the smaller cruise ships that stop over at St Michaels.No matter where you stay you can't go wrong. Be sure to qunech your thirst at the Carpenter Street Saloon. Pick the right night and you may get entertained by "open mic night". Local musicians gather and jam til their hearts content.

 

[tcbro]

Plenty of room to anchor out...

... or you can take a slip at any one of the marinas. They are all pretty expensive. I've stayed at St. Micheals Marina recently, very nice but like I said, pretty pricey. At least they give you a bottle of wine and a t-shirt when you check in! You can tie up to any available space at the Maritime Museum, if you are a member but I don't think you can overnight there. The Crab Claw will let you tie up for dinner if space is available. Another option is the Miles River Yacht Club on Long Haul Creek, just to starboard as you approach St. Michaels. It's a very nice place and is within walking distance (3/4mi?).Toms/v Orion's Child

 

[MarkDB]

You started in a good spot

Herring Bay is great starting point for exploring the bay. Since you are new to cruising, you might want to contact the Herrington Harbour Sailing Association. They do a lot of group cruises to the best spots on the bay and since you're with company, they will help you through some of the unknowns.I've been sailing and racing with them for about 10 years and they are a great bunch. Their web site is at www.hhsa.org.Markdb

 

[Boat Babe]

thanks

thanks for all the advise. Now I just hope that I have some wind! Happy sailing!

 

[Landlocked]

Pricey

Pricey is very politically correct though as a West coast transplant I cannot compare St. Michaels with other Chesapeake marinas. $93 and no wine and no T Shirt for a 30 ft boat.

 

[Sandi]

Join the Maritime Museum

We are right across the creek from you. You are in a wonderfully central location! Join the museum. You can't even tie up for an hour or two without being a member - and your membership is tax deductable. You will need to call ahead about 2 weeks before to get a slip on the weekends. At certain membership levels you even get 2 nights for free. We have been members for the past 5 years. It also gets you receprocity at other maritime museums on the bay and the east coast. Invest in the cruising guide for the bay as well. Lots of great anchorages and insights. We actually like Cambridge and Oxford better than St. Michael's. Quieter and free tie ups to explore. Enjoy!