Many are wondering how to handle a pandemic summer. With most travel, and events canceled for the foreseeable future, you also might be wondering what you are going to do this summer. The news is good for sailors. It is the summer of exploring your backyards and cruising close to home. It may also mean charters in a location that is nearby. For summer vacation dreamers Dream Yacht Charters has seven catamarans and four monohulls available for charter on the spectacular Chesapeake Bay. Dream Yacht Charters is also giving away a one-week long charter on the Chesapeake. All you have to do for a chance to win is put in a plan and sail on Sailstice, this Saturday, June 20th.
Today let's explore the many places to visit on Chesapeake. Only a handful of waterways in the world can match the Chesapeake Bay for sheer sailing pleasure. At about 200 miles long, Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States with thousands of miles of shoreline to explore. It offers sailors protected waters, great anchorages, gorgeous natural scenery, and scenic towns and villages steeped in history.
Places to Explore on the Chesapeake
Annapolis
Annapolis is right in the heart of this sailing paradise and is not to be missed. Downtown Annapolis is a lively area to walk around with a wide selection of interesting shops and restaurants. There are also tours of historic Annapolis and you can explore the nearby Naval Academy. Stroll down to “Ego Alley” at Annapolis Harbor and then grab a sandwich at Chick & Ruth’s Delly on Main Street. Visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and topped by the largest wooden dome in the nation.
Baltimore
The harbor has an endless array of activities to enjoy, all within walking distance. You may even choose to spend more than one night in the harbor to allow plenty of time to take in the sights during your Chesapeake Bay sailing charters. Enjoy a stop at the Rusty Scupper Restaurant with its delicious seafood for dinner.
Rock Hall
This quaint fishing town is a top cruising destination. It offers a bevy of marinas, shops, restaurants and has a burgeoning artist colony, making it one of the top things to do in Annapolis. Overlooking Rock Hall Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, Waterman’s Crab House is well known for its award-winning steamed crabs, among other delights.
St. Leonard Creek
St. Leonard Creek is considered one of the most beautiful areas on the Patuxent River. This five-mile-long creek is on the river’s north shore and features a mix of marshes, rolling hills, and wooded bluffs. At the mouth of Johns Creek is Vera’s White Sands Beach Club. Decorated with South Sea treasures culled from international voyages, Vera’s is a wonderful marina that welcomes all cruisers.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
While at the popular yachting center of St. Michael’s, pay a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The museum houses the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay artifacts, visual arts, and indigenous watercraft.
Our list here just barely scratches the surface of all the Chesapeake offers. Whether you own your own boat or decide to charter with Dream Yacht Charter, there is no better time to cruise the Chesapeake.
Send us a note with your favorite close-to-home cruising grounds so we can feature it in this ongoing series. As always, sail safe and sail often.
