Potomac to Washington DC

[duncan_ellison]

As part of a 6 week cruise around the Chesapeake this upcoming season, I'm planning to go up the Potomac to Washington and hang out there for a week, which we've never done before.

A quick look at the charts and ActiveCaptain doesn't seem to show up any real hazards apart from the (obvious) need to stay on task through the narrow bits.

Is it as straightforward as it looks on the charts? Any tips / must do / undocumented hazards etc ??

Info: 6' draft and 64ft air draft (bridges shouldn't be an issue I think)

Thanks

[jmorrison146]

We've done the Potomac under both sail and power and you're correct, it's an easy voyage. There may be an hour or two delay due to USN testing in the Dahlgren area (shown on the chart). It's a fun trip.

[Paul L]

We did it with 6.5ft draft and that limited a bit the overnight anchorages up river and back. So plan ahead. We anchored near the Capitol Yacht Club and paid a small weekly fee for the facilities and secure dinghy dock. Definately cruiser friendly and you are near the monuments, Mall, subway entrace and food store.

[sestina]

Another vote for the Capital YC. One of the most convivial YC I've ever visited.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by sestina

Another vote for the Capital YC. One of the most convivial YC I've ever visited.

Its even better when you spell it correctly as you did with an a, not an o.

[duncan_ellison]

Thanks for the replies.

That's definitely on the to-do list then.

[chuckr]

We did a number of years ago on a Jeanneau DS40 - we stayed in a marina operated by the park service. It was ok - but I think if I were to do it again I would anchor off the yacht club