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Chesapeake Bay Marina and Anchorage ideas

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Danvilletim, Aug 7, 2021.

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  1. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    We are cruising up to Chesapeake Bay in a week or two and looking for suggestions for marinas and anchorages. We will be there two weeks and are 92’ ft. We are hoping to anchor about half the time.

    I grew up sailing on the bay but it’s been about 30 years! Wow.

    What’s your top spots? Favorite gunk holes? Definitely want to visit Annapolis, Baltimore, St Michael’s
  2. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    For anchorages, find the book "Cruising the Chesapeake, a Gunkholer's Guide" by Bill Shellenberger.

    Annapolis Yacht Basin, for 92 feet. St. Michael's Marina, or the Harbor Inn and Marina just across the way from there. Dunno about Bal'mer marinas for that length, but probably aim for one of the several in the Inner Harbor.

    -Chris
  3. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    If you like to golf, book a couple of nights at Cape Charles Yachting center. Top notch golf. And you can rent a golf cart (non-course owned) to get into town as well.
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It’s been about 8 or 10 years since I ve been up there.

    Annapolis obviously. You re too big for moorings but I ve anchored there off the naval academy. Great views. Dinghy docks at the end of every street.

    Loved St Michael’s. The maritime museum is woes a visit. Anchored in the cove just north of the museum. That was with a 70 footer but there was plenty of room. Maybe be crowded in summer

    Usually before or after the canal and Delaware River I would anchor at the mouth of the Bohemia river. Very peaceful and relaxing
  5. johnrupp

    johnrupp New Member

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  6. incoming

    incoming Member

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    We like to visit the “busy spots” like st micheals and Annapolis in the fall. Seems that both would have anchorages that would suit you this time of year, but I confess to not having any experience in your size range.

    agree with the st Charles recommendation. Would also recommend Norfolk, Portsmouth, and/or Hampton for a visit.

    Make sure to visit some of the smaller eastern shore towns. These are the real gem of the bay. Will have to do some homework at who can accommodate your size but Oxford and Cambridge are favorites or ours. Kent island/Graysonville area could be worth a look. Lots of people like rock hall as well.
  7. echo charlie

    echo charlie Member

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    Look at Onancock ,VA and Oxford MD. Tides Inn off the Rapahannock River ,VA. Some may be tight .
  8. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    I grew up sailing out of Oxford and Cambridge. Definitely want to spend a bunch of days anchored and swimming with the Jellies! Lol.

    Keep the recommendations coming
  9. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    The Hyatt Rivermarsh Marina in Cambridge is usually decent.

    You might find Solomons a pleasant stop in one direction or the other. We usually stay at Zahniser's.

    -Chris
  10. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Yeah I was just looking at Hyatt in Cambridge which is closest place to parents in Delaware.

    I barely remember solomons as a kid. Is there a good anchorage there? Room for 92?
  11. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    There is a fixed bridge you have to go under to get the the Hyatt. Check you clearances . I think you can get under..
    It’s a LONG walk from the marina to the hotel, pools etc. But it’s a nice marina .

    I enjoy Rock Hall. It’s pretty happening there now and clean , from 30 years ago.
    You could anchor out in Swan Creek in 7/10’ maybe more of water . It’s protected up there . Great place for bike rides.
    Saint Michaels you can anchor just on the outside and tender in.
  12. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Yes, I think so... but that's without re-checking. Seems to me, lots of room in there, though.

    -Chris
  13. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Thanks for input so far. We are running staright from Charleston now and just passed Cape Hatteras. Weather last night was epic... Smooth, great moon, awesome sunrise. Picked up to 4 and 5' for a bit by Hatteras but good separation and stabilizers are working super well. I think we will stay in Norfolk tonight / Waterside.

    I NEED SOME SUGGESTIONS on places between Norfolk and Annopolis to Dock or maybe anchor. Any ideas?

    Also Need a suggestion on Kent Island where to stay..

    Thanks All!
  14. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Check your chart for Kent Island .
    Most places to dock are on Kent Narrows.
    Both north and south entrances have some shallow water. Especially the north / Chester river side.

    Check Bay Bridge marina right by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Kent Island right off the bay.
    They may have a slip for you.
    Again at low tide going in can get down to 4/5 feet.

    Deltaville, Solomons , South River are good stops with Marinas and some Anchorages .
  15. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    I'm only familiar with Solomons as an in-between; maybe others can suggest options.

    Not aware of Kent Island options for 92'. Probably are some, in the Narrows, but I don't know 'em. Don't know if Bay Bridge Marina on the Bay side could handle you or not...

    We keep meaning to try Waterside, but circumstances haven't lined up yet... so we've always ended up at Tidewater. Not great, not horrible, walking distances to old town Portsmouth (decent eats at several places) and to the ferries.

    -Chris
  16. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Oh Kent Narrows, you have some bridges to look at and consider on your chart.
    One is a bit narrow with a bit of current.

    Chestertown MD has a brand new marina that has nice tee heads with deep water.
    It’s a bit of a run up the Chester River but has deep water all the way.
    Nice town to visit with shops , restaurants, grocery stores nearby etc.
    Has Uber and taxi services if you need them.
    Not sure if you have a scooter on your boat to get around .
  17. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Lol! Me again.
    Sitting on my big boat enjoying lunch , waiting out the rain in order to work in my little 22’ boat. Not looking good , raining again.

    Herrington Harbor MD is also a very nice place.
    They have two spots North and South.
    They are just below Annapolis, right on the Bay.
    They might interest you.
  18. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Kent Narrows is looking a bit skinny and not much in the 92 size. Switched to Cape Charles for tonight to shave off an hour as compared to running to Norfolk.
  19. echo charlie

    echo charlie Member

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    Onancock, VA is nice but may be a bit tight .
  20. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    There's a few spots on the narrows. Also Piney Narrows Yacht haven may have a double T. I've seen 70' in here and it looked like there was room left.

    MIND THE CURRENT in the Narrows itself. It rips, and when busy the bridge can be tricky as heck. Slack tide is your friend.