Circumnavigating the lower Chesapeake Bay in 16 foot cruiser

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DoryLvr

New member
Well, after discussing for a while and getting permission from the better half, I am off on the planning phase of my first big solo trip. I am going to circumnavigate the lower Chesapeake Bay from Suffolk, VA to Cape Charles, north to Onancock, out to Tangier Island, west to Smith Point or Reedville (haven't decided yet), south to Deltaville, and then home. Looking to take a week doing it in late June early July.

I have an awning with enclosure, grill, small stable stove, charts, GPS, installed and a handheld Radio, fathometer. I plan on tying up every night rather than hanging on a hook so I can go into town and eat and get cleaned up at the marinas. I will either install a bigger fuel tank or carry an extra 12 gal with me, though the longest run, according to my calculations, will be about 37 miles.

Any advice out there for a trip like this in a 16 foot cruiser?
 
DoryLvr":ygi64fzj said:
Well, after discussing for a while and getting permission from the better half, I am off on the planning phase of my first big solo trip.

...

Any advice out there for a trip like this in a 16 foot cruiser?
Click to expand...

Have fun! With 37 miles being the longest leg, you will be able to get off and explore at each stop. Having a shower and a good meal goes a long ways towards comfort. Take lots of photos, visit with your dock neighbors, and tell us about it when you get back.

I'd suggest some sort of log to write about your daily adventures.

Sounds like a great trip.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Sounds like a nice trip.When you're in Deltaville try the Deltaville Marina.Nice family operation with nice showers & free bikes to ride to town.The Pokomoke river is an interesting side trip in MD, Both Pocomoke city & Snow hill have Free dockage electric & water.Enjoy the trip.
 
We're only an hour or so from Smith Point up the Potomac. Detour a little and come see us.... Got a dock with water and power and even a dry spot for you to stay if you're tired of the little bunk!

Charlie
 
Ah - Tangier Island! By all means spend some time on the island. Have a meal at Hilda Crockett's restaurant - ohh - those clam fritters and crab cakes, with some warm corn pudding on the side. You won't forget that meal (you can see haven't). And the wonderful watermen and their ancient way of life ... and the wildlife ...

To get a few views into wildlife, waterman's life, Chessie scenes, and an extraterrestrial impact at the Chesapeake you might want to glance at:

http://www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/faire.htm

http://www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/cheswatermen.htm

http://www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/chesamaz.htm

and others on the Chesapeake
 
We found Doziers Waterway Guide to the Chesapeake to be very informative during our similar cruise years ago. It was particulary helpful describing landmarks to guide us to otherwise hidden marinas, particularly when the weather turned nasty. Hope you report on your wonderful adventure.
 
Dorylvr-

This looks like a wonderful cruise opportunity for a small group. Maybe
there are others who would want to explore the many 'holes' in the
Southern Ches. Bay. The York and James River come to mind.

Don't forget to stop enroute at the Salt Ponds Marina in Hampton... Great
food and well sheltered, though it can be a challenge to get thru the
channel.

Our daughter is working on a family gathering sometime in the window
you are suggesting. If all works out and you would like an 'escort', we
may be available.

Art
 
Sea Angel,

Hadn't really thought about company. Could be fun to have another boat along. It could also be very reassuring as this is really my first multi day trip that takes me a long way from home.

I don't really have firm dates and don't really expect to much before a week to two weeks before I leave since I am basing my departure date on the weather forecast.

I do only make about 13 to 15 knots cruising and if my boat travelling turns out to be anything like my car travelling, I can be a bit prone to stop and start style travelling if I see something neat.

Looking at my guidebook, I have it narrowed to the municpal harbors in Cape Charles and Onancock, don't really have much choice in Tangier Isl., either, Smith Point Marina, and Deltaville Yacht center. I will probably need to pop into Salt Marsh for fuel.

If you think you might like to go with, lets plan a local cuise/lunch meeting some weekend and talk.

Tivo
 
Tivo, we've been to both Smith Island and Tangier and by far, liked the atmosphere at Smith much more so, if you have a choice of one or the other, Smith is what I'd recommend. As for the Reedville area, they have a nice marina with a restaurant attached (Crazy Crab), we'd be glad to meet you there, if you don't want to come 8 miles up the Potomac to our place. Probably will drive down (20 minutes by car, 2 hours on the water).

There's also a great restaurant/marina (Horn Harbor) up the Great Wicomico, probably 8 miles or so from Reedville by water.

Charlie
 
Tivo -
Haven't seen your detailed itinerary, but we would sure suggest partaking in the great joy of anchoring out in the many marvelous coves of Chesapeake -
 
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