Naval mooring balls in Annapolis

[mellenburg]

Some boaters told me about some mooring balls in Annapolis, specifically on Clements Creek off the Severn river. They are used by the Navy to moor ships during storms, otherwise, they are available to the public for free, first-come-first-serve. We went to Clements Creek and found these mooring balls, but there were others that appeared to be privately owned.

Does anyone know more about these mooring balls? Some of them were labeled USNA. All the ones we tried to use did not have line, just a chain. We ended up on a ball with a last name on it, which I suspect was private.

Any tips for mooring to a ball that doesn't have a line already prepared? It seems like it would be tricky to get a dock line attached to the chain or the top of the ball.

[David M]

You don't have to get your boat near the buoy in order to tie to the buoy.

Take nice long line and tie a fender to the end of it. Throw the fender in the water and pay out the line as you circle the boat around the mooring buoy. Pick up the fender and bring the bitter end of the line aboard. If the buoy is sufficiently large, the looped line will not pull over the top of the buoy. Also, since you have a loop around the buoy, letting go is easy. You let the bitter end go and back down. This method even works in a strong current. Since you cant see where the line touches the mooring buoy rode, after a while slip the line around some to see if it is chaffing.

The Navy may give you an accommodation for removing some of the fouling off their buoy.

[svcattales]

Originally Posted by mellenburg

Any tips for mooring to a ball that doesn't have a line already prepared? It seems like it would be tricky to get a dock line attached to the chain or the top of the ball.

I make a lasso at the end of a dock line with a loop bigger than the ball. The "Admiral" approaches the mooring and I use a boat hook to slip the noose over the ball. Once I'm secure, I rig a bridle to the ring on the mooring and untie my lasso. You can also double up a long line and just slip the bight over the ball and pull both ends. This is easier to untie than the lasso.

[SkiprJohn]

USNA - U. S. Naval Academy. Would you mind being on a mooring when a ship comes in to use it?
I certainly would call the base at Annapolis before using the moorings. I never liked it when someone used my mooring without permission. Where will I tie up?
Kind regards,
JohnL

[David M]

I would imagine the Navy has plenty of small boats to remove these wayward yachts who are not supposed to be tied up to their mooring balls when a ship needs to use it.

[psteele235]

Originally Posted by David M

I would imagine the Navy has plenty of small boats to remove these wayward yachts who are not supposed to be tied up to their mooring balls when a ship needs to use it.

Yes, and they come equipped with guys in uniform holding things that aren't walking sticks!

[Chief Engineer]

Why don't you use the moorings in Annapolis?

The mooring balls are at Naval Station Annapolis...not the USNA

The yacht yard there can probably give you the info on them...

[marc]

I don't know about the mooring balls on Clements Cr, but the ones on Weems Cr. are only used by the USNA when a hurricane threatens. Otherwise, they can be used on a first come basis.
Marc

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Marc,
Thanks for the information. This is a good thread and great questions. Does first come basis mean without permission?
Having come back from interisland sails and finding someone in my slip has been a real frustration for me in the past so I'm a little sensitive about tying to anything without permission.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[marc]

John,
I don't think permission is needed. Whenever I've been there, people just pick up any empty Navy mooring, and stay on it as long as they want.
If you want to check further, you could speak to the Annapolis harbor master. They have control over Weems Cr.
Marc

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Marc,
Thanks!
JohnL

[S/V Antares]

The Navy has mooring balls in several creeks near the Academy. Thes are to be used for the YP training boats and any other naval academy boat needing better protection in a weather event (Hurricane)

People use them all the time. Especially Clements and Weems creek as they are in very nice suroundings. It is my understanding one can use them however one cannot leave a boat unattended on these moorings. On Clements Creek I see day use and some overnight rafting on most summer weekends. Good swimming and no waterskiers.

[mellenburg]

Originally Posted by S/V Antares

The Navy has mooring balls in several creeks near the Academy. Thes are to be used for the YP training boats and any other naval academy boat needing better protection in a weather event (Hurricane)

People use them all the time. Especially Clements and Weems creek as they are in very nice suroundings. It is my understanding one can use them however one cannot leave a boat unattended on these moorings. On Clements Creek I see day use and some overnight rafting on most summer weekends. Good swimming and no waterskiers.

Do you know if the naval balls are all marked on Clements Creek? Also, are they're private balls mixed in with the naval balls?

[Chief Engineer]

with a twelve foot spinnaker pole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by mellenburg

Do you know if the naval balls are all marked on Clements Creek? Also, are they're private balls mixed in with the naval balls?

[mellenburg]

Originally Posted by S/V Antares

The Navy has mooring balls in several creeks near the Academy. Thes are to be used for the YP training boats and any other naval academy boat needing better protection in a weather event (Hurricane)

People use them all the time. Especially Clements and Weems creek as they are in very nice suroundings. It is my understanding one can use them however one cannot leave a boat unattended on these moorings. On Clements Creek I see day use and some overnight rafting on most summer weekends. Good swimming and no waterskiers.

I emailed the Annapolis Harbor Master and got the following response relating to the balls on Weems Creek:

The Naval Academy Moorings in Weems Creek are exclusively under the control of the US Navy.

You must obtain permission in advance from The US Naval Academy Security Department to utilize them.

You may contact them at
410-293-5764