Heading out the Chesapeake Bay
 Starting
in the Chesapeake Bay a sailor has two options to access the ocean. To the north
is the C&D canal connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay. To the south
is Norfolk and the mouth of the bay. The Chesapeake Bay is approximately 150
miles long and 30 miles wide at the widest point. Most sailors will cruise the
Chesapeake Bay and head for the northern exit at the C&D canal.
There are many anchorages and creeks along the way where sailors can spend
the night on their way north. Common locations are Swan Creek, Fairlee Creek,
Worton Creek and the Sassafras River. Once you enter the C&D canal, there is
only one place to stop, Engineer's Cove. If you do not stop there, then you can
continue into the Delaware Bay and stop at Reedy Island.
Departing Swan Creek, we completed the transit through the C&D canal in
approximately 6 hours. Tides run 2 knots on the Chesapeake Bay so catching the
tide north will save an hour or more on the trip. We passed through the canal and
anchored at Reedy Island behind the rock wall dividing the island from the bay.
Am mist and
spray over the bow |
Auto Carrier heading
for Baltimore |
600' plus! |
Autos from
Singapore |
In the C&D Canal
Rt. 13 bridge |
|
