Routing: C&D to Norfolk

[Jaspell]

Assuming an Island Packet 31 which draws about 5.6 feet, can someone give me a suggested itinerary to get from the canal to the start of the ICW in Norfolk? I would like a starting marina near where the C&D enters the bay to spend the night, provision, and then head south. I wouldn't mind a night in Rock Hall at a marina as I have been there before and have fond memories. but most of the trip I would want to be anchored out at night.

I would say 35 miles a day motor sailing to be conservative.

thank you!

[Finistere]

Bohemia Bay Yacht Harbour, Bohemia Bay
Swan Creek Rock Hall
Rhode River
Solomons
Deltaville
Hampton
Norfolk

You may be able to skip Hampton

Are you sure you draw 5.6 ft, according to specs you should draw 4 ft or less


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[AnchorageGuy]

There are literally thousands of options for stopping along the Bay. The anchorites are just too numerous to list. In addition, you have the choice of the eastern shore on western shore. Chesapeake City is the closest provisioning stop, but the grocrey store is not in the downtown area. You'll need transportation. Any other northern Bay stops would be in Georgetown on the Sassafras or Havre De Grace, both a distance off the Bay. Havre De Grace being your best option. There really aren't any convenient locations for provisioning that far north. Our Chesapeake Bay anchorage book will give you all the anchorage option you could ask for. Chuck

[cheoah]

Suggest you choose locations you can sail to and work your way down the bay. That will depend on the wind, so best to flexible and have charts and a cruising guide. My favorite stop was on the wye east. Toured the wye angus herd. Herdsman said I was only cattleman to show up on a stick boat and roll up in a dink. Good memory. I was hiding from a gale.

[pesarsten]

Perhaps someone from the Annapolis area can give more assistance but if you can get up into Weems creek and the bridge, there is a great supermarket to provision at. They happily put my meat purchases into their freezer overnight for me for my trip to tampa. I'm sure many other marinas will cater also and have markets close by.

Just a note, don't make the mistake of heading down the ICW in Norfolk late in the day. That first section can be challenging in the dark if you get delayed by the first RR bridge enroute to Great Bridge.