Upper Chesapeake to Abermarle

[john3357]

I am beginning to plan a trip from the Upper Chesapeake to the Abermarle Sound. Any advice on how long it will take from the Northern Chesapeake to the Northern Abermarle (actually Southern Shores is my destination - between Duck and Kill Devil Hills)? Any suggestions for anchoring, marinas, etc? Thank you.

[ROAD Soldier]

Living here in the lower Chesapeake I can tell you to hug the western side of the Chesapeake there are plenty of small rivers, bays, and creeks to duck into if conditions get to rough. There are also a lot more marinas if you are not into roughing it.

[SailingontheRiva]

Deltaville, where the Rappahannock meets the bay, is a good place to stay. I'm in Urbanna, VA and am planning a trip to Tangier island. Anyone been? Suggestions?

[Rick Westlake]

The West River, which is a few hours' sail south of Annapolis, has a couple of good coves for anchoring. Following it back to the south, you come to Galesville, MD - a quaint little village with three seafood restaurants worth visiting: the Pirate's Cove at the marina where you first enter the harbor; Thursday's, on its own dock just before the huge Hartge yard; and my favorite, the Portside (in between those, across the road from the town dock). I've enjoyed a couple of nights at anchor in Galesville's little harbor, even though it's scarcely an overnight trip for me.

Annapolis could be a must-see, but it's crowded & pricey to stay there. Baltimore, even more so. If your goal is gunkholing, head a bit further south.

Hope this helps - Rick

[c130king]

I'm in Urbanna, VA and am planning a trip to Tangier island. Anyone been? Suggestions?

I tried to go while I was in Norfolk for a couple of weeks back in 2007. Got about 10 miles from Norfolk before I turned around due to my steering acting up...good thing too as the weather turned really nasty that weekend (I was looking at a rather optimistic forecast and not a "marine forecast"...won't do that again). And in fact, the next week was when my steering broke completely (another thread on that issue).

But back to subject...I called the phone number for Park's Marina and after about 5 or so tries he answered the phone and said "come on over". Keep trying if he doesn't answer the phone...apparently it is a pretty small operation. There are fairly good reviews on activecaptain.com.

Good Luck,
Jim

[rgranger]

Summer of 2007 I chartered a Rhodes 22 in the Albemarle Sound. Used the Cruiser's guide to NC available on Amazon. It was great!!!

You sail up some stream surrounded by virgin cypress and cedar and you find a small town. All of the towns have 48 hr free docking and a free shower public shower. I can give you details of my trip if you think you want to go that way. The cruiser's guide also has taxi phone numbers, restaurant suggestions etc. It was really a nice guide book.

Anyway I'm checking out this thread because I'm planning on heading back to the sound side outer banks for a trip this summer. Thought it might be fun to raft up with a few other clowns.

Any takers?

r