Anchoring/Cruising Guide for Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River ?

[Lynx]

I found somebody to tow my boat from Potomac River to Buffalo NY. Now I need to find an anchoring/cruising guide for the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. In about 3 months I will be back and will need them anyway.

Any suggestions?

[CharlieJ]

I used the Waterway Guide, Southern edition. That was a while ago and I'm sure there are others. But it was a pretty good guide in 82.

[Auspicious]

The bible is "Cruising the Chesapeake, a Gunkholer's Guide" by William Shellenberger. I have three copies (boat, office, and loaner).

I spent three years on the Occoquan, a winter in DC, and two years near Annapolis. I race out of Annapolis and Solomons and cruise the Bay. Let me know what kind of places you like and I'll post a list of suggestions.

Oh - raft up with me and the first round is on me.

sail fast, dave

[Lynx]

thanks, The first trip is just to get the boat moved somewhere SW of DC. No place set. He has a 40 foot power boat trailer and knows the area. The return should be in about 3 months and I will have  more time.

I hope to be in the Bay by July 4th. PM me with Cell and I can call when I get close.

[newt]

Lynx- I have cruised the Chesapeake too and recommend it highly. The mud is great for anchoring, the wind never blows in the right direction, and the slip rates are the highest in the nation (according to one proud dock master in St. Michaels)  :o All kidding aside though, lots of friendly people and fun are to be found in the bay. Make sure that you take enough time to see the sights. You should be able to get a fair amount of cruising info off the web, that what we did....

[Lynx]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have a shipping date to the Erie Canal on July 6th. It will be a quick trip from Jacksnoville NC to the ramp and them back again some time in Sept-Oct and wait for the storms pass in FL to go down.

[s/v Faith]

James,

  Where are you staying in Jacksonville?  I was there a couple of days ago....

[Lynx]

Sneads Ferry till the end of the month.

[s/v Faith]

Sneads Ferry till the end of the month.

  Must be Swan Point Marina.  You might go up the New River while you are there, lots of nice anchorages and a mostly undeveloped shoreline for ~ 15 miles up river.  The base lines both shores, so I would not go ashore if I were you but there is no problem with anchoraing out.

  If you are still there for the 4th, go up as far as townsend bay just across from red 44.  It is a great place to set the hook and watch the fireworks.

  Let me know if you are looking for any local info, that was my backyard for the last 5 years.

[Lynx]

Thanks Greg but I am here visting some friends and doing some upgrades on the boat. I may get back with you on the return trip. I have stopped posting about private places as they are making money from my post and I am not. Swan point has a new manager. He has done a lot in 1 1/2 years. this takes money and has raised prices as well.

At this writing it is still inexpensive and you can do repairs on site. A little rough as it is open to the ICW. Almost no "Royal Yacht Club" stuff going on.