Anchoring Near Mouth of Potomac ?

[Plan_B]

We are headed south from Solomons, MD on the Bay and don't think we'll make it past the mouth of the Potomac by nightfall and are considering anchoring off the western shore at Point No Point. Does anyone have any tips or experience with this area? The depths look fine and the weather will be mild and fair, so there is no reason we shouldn't be able to anchor there?

[ShipShape]

It is a half-day from the mouth of the Patuxent River to the mouth of the Potomac. If you are a ways up the Patuxent I suggest moving to the sweet little anchorage in Bow Cove a short distance up Mill Creek. From that anchorage it is a one-day trip to Ingram Bay. There is a nice anchorage across from the stack a mile up Cockrell Creek, the holding is good and it is well protected form north and west winds. Use care crossing the mouth of the Potomac, it can be rough and there is some large ship traffic.

BTW, you have posted in the Engineering and Systems section, try moving your post to Scuttlebutt - Destinations, you will get a lot more replies there. Also, for current ICW information, Cruisers' Net can't be beat. Cruiser's Net

Congratulations on casting off the dock lines!

[Kimarah]

It's never occurred to us to anchor there, because it's so exposed. if you are sure you won't get any significant breeze tonight, I don't see why you couldn't.

One consideration is that there is commercial traffic on the Bay all night. If you are in shallow water, you shouldn't have to worry about getting run over, but you may get an occasional wake from the tugs. They tend to go up and down the Bay on that side. I think the big ships are closer to the other side at that point.

Carrie

[donradcliffe]

we have anchored in Smith Creek, a few miles up the Potomac. Great protection and we can get in with our 8' draft.

[btrayfors]

I would NOT anchor near Point No Point. It's totally exposed, and there's no reason to. You might get away with it, but IMHO it's not a good idea.

Go around Point Lookout and a few miles up the Potomac to Smith Creek. Great anchorage, marina if you need it, excellent protection. Be careful going in. After you round the outer green marker, stay quite a ways to the left of the next red marker. It's shoaled up. Aside from that spot, there's plenty of water from there all the way in.

Bill

[gbraddon]

Smith Creek.....It's a great anchorage with easy access and good holding. Anchored there last year about this same time. Enjoy-GB

[AnchorageGuy]

Plan B, We too would suggest the Smith Creek anchorage, it is very pleasant. We have anchored just inside Pt. Lookout in the area marked Cornfield Harbor on the charts, on several occasions. But this is a settled weather anchorage and should not be used with winds out of the west or south. I really think you should be able make Ingram Bay easily from Solomons. Chuck