cruising Chesapeake Bay,16 things to know

Here are some of the things i have learned over the past 25+ years when cruising Chesapeake Bay. I am sure there are many more items, these are just my thoughts. I am confident that there are numerous other boaters out there with more experience then me that can add their insights in the comments.

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Chapters
0:00 - intro
02:00 -Best time to cruise
02:42 - Review your charts -paper, digital know what to look for
04:40 - Shallow areas
05:33 - Narrow channels
08:18 - Areas of potential rough water
13:05 - Debris in water
14:52 - Crab pots
17:40 - Fishing boats
19:00 - Fishing nets
21:12 - Commercial ships
22:10 - Commercial ship anchorage
22:50 - Sailboat races
23:38 - Range lights
24:20 - Restricted areas
26:20 - Swirling water around the base of the bridges
27:15 - Barges

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[ThomasKuhar]

Great tips and advice from someone who's sailed the lower Chesapeake Bay for 15 years!

[darrenfox]

Each and every one of his points is 100% correct. I spent 15 years in the USCGAUX teaching boating safety and crewing on safety patrols. I cannot emphasize enough just how
important are his points. Thank you for making this video. Anyone who boats on the Bay needs to watch this!

[jonelliott]

Somehow I missed this video. Thanks again for the solar/ battery install advice last year, the project was a huge success. See ya around Rock Hall.

[WayneTheBoatGuy]

I’m often surprised when I’m out in the bay just how shallow some areas are. I look for the crab pots because it seems they set them on the edge of the shallows. And HELLO from just across the bay!

[alwaystinkering]

Thanks! I plan to start using the bay in 2023 and this is all great information.

[jonchandler]

Fabulous. Wish I saw this 3 years ago!

[billygoat]

This is full of good advice for beginning boaters.

[YTMegiddo]

Great points... worth watching a few times. Thanks!

[GwonkReefkeeping]

I don't have a boat, but I still found this video REALLY informative.

[jkmwpc]

Thank you for sharing a lifetime of lessons learned. Very insightful!

[RH-lzom]

I will be cruising the bay for the first time, this year. This is good seamanship. Many thanks.

[yepiratesworkshop]

This is probably the third time I've watched this video and I seem to learn something new every time. I've been out of the water for the past couple of years and will be downsizing from my 50' schooner to my old 25' Westerly Centaur that's been patiently waiting in my barnyard for me to come to my senses and go back to her. I've finally retired and I want to spend the next few years "cruising" the Chesapeake Bay in a way that I couldn't back in the days of my work-week life. It was a 'real busy' time trying to single-hand that steel behemoth, but the Centaur was always a good-keeping, easy sailer. With a tiller-steering auto-pilot, sailing (even motoring) was always pleasant and it'll be nice to get back to it. Thanks for a great video!!

[rareform]

I was Sailing on the White Lighting from Middle River to the Point Naval Academy and she Sank .. Swam too those big rocks and Lived for another 50 years ! Now she was donated St Michaels Maritime Museum .

[jamesdunn]

I grew up on the Chesapeake. My Dad was a WWII vet and LOVED the Bay. He won most the regattas on the Eastern Shore at one time or another. He's passed now, but if you mention Capt'n Don Dunn around Rock Hall, you might meet a few old timers who remember him. Your advice is great, and right on point! I would only add to the sailors out there that "light and variable" is a real thing on the Chesapeake!

[lindseylichtman]

As new owners of a Catalina 27 on the Rhode River, this video is super helpful for my husband and I. We're trying to learn all we can before we get out on the bay in the spring, so thank you for making such an informative guide!!

[jameshamre]

That is a great list of things to be aware of period thanks for sharing

[Dbbg]

Great video on the Bay, sailed here for the last 25 years, you nailed it.

[thedevilinthecircuit]

#17: leave a float plan with landlubber and call them as soon as you've safely returned. Radios sometimes break. Phones can fall into the drink.

[tascosaeagle]

Excellent advice never before spoken ! Thank you !

[allaboutfrench]

Thank you so much for the precious details as I am planning my first cruise on my Cherubini across the bay from Baltimore. Great information!