Cruising - Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay

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Topic: Chesapeake Bay

Posted By: gertha
Subject: Chesapeake Bay
Date Posted: 22 March 2014 at 20:41

I have the idea to sail Gertha to America this year.
Chesapeake is rated as one of the best classic places to sail.
I have a few questions, is there a good place to leave a boat for several months , may be as much as a year, in this area. Safe and secure and close to an airport for flights to UK.

Has anyone knowledge of how the USA regards tempory import of a foreign vessel.
As a UK citizen , will I be able to visit the USA on a visa for a few odd months, coming and going as I please.

I am sure all this data is on the internet but maybe someone has the knowledge and can save me looking.

lastly if there is anyone who wishes to crew a Hanse 370 from the Caribbean to Portsmouth Virginia, leaving end April and arriving end May please step forward.

Simon

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Swanned off

Replies:

Posted By: Doug
Date Posted: 22 March 2014 at 23:56

As to your question about boat storage, yes. Deltaville Boatyard, across Jackson Creek from Fishing Bay Yacht Club (my club), is an excellent, full service facility with a 75 ton travel lift. They provide short and long term storage. Several international boats currently in the yard. Deltaville is at the mouth of the Rappahannock River on the north and the Piankatank River on the south side, where both rivers enter the Chesapeake (mid-Bay). Jackson Creek is about a half mile wide; don't be misled by the term "creek." The Potomac River is about a day's sail up Bay and Portsmouth is about a day's sail up to Deltaville. Annapolis is a two day sail north (90 miles). Happy to provide contact info if needed.

Can't speak to your visa requests, sorry.

Late March through June is good sailing, Late June through August is generally hot, humid with light winds, but with many good sailing days. September through early November excellent conditions, unless we get a hurricane. December through mid-March is cold, rainy, high winds--winter in other words. Most of us haul out by early December and start launching beginning mid-March. I launched Mar. 15. It's good to be back on the boat. Please get in touch if you come this way.

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"Red Sky" 2008 Hanse 370, #465, Doug Anderson, Deltaville, VA, USA

Posted By: Fendant
Date Posted: 23 March 2014 at 08:01

Simon,

you absolutely will need a visa in your passport for entering the USoA for the first time. Do not attempt to enter with your boat based on your ESTA application! The guys "we make Amnerica safer" do take this really seriously!

The process is a painstaking one and can only be completed at the US embassy in your home country. You will have to fill out a lengthy questionaire with intelligent questions like "*have you ever worked as a prostitute ? " or "Have you ever been engaged in Nazi activities supporting the 3rd reich" and then wait patiently for a sign from the embassy summoning you for a personal interview. The good news is that the visa is then valid for 10 years.

Boating in the US is really fun, you will find excellent facilities and meet really friendly People.

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Frank

Posted By: lukemi
Date Posted: 23 March 2014 at 20:20

Simon,

You will find many first class marinas on the Chesapeake Bay. I have heard Doug's Marina is very nice in Deltaville but it's a bit far from city and transportation. I am at Herrington Bay which has been voted the "Best on the Bay". It has all the amminities you would want but again is far from city and transportation. If you are looking for easy access to food, shopping, and transportation you may consider Baltimore Marinas (www.baltimoremarinecenters.com) (c/o Jessie Bowling - Director of Sales). There are 5 Marinas in Baltimore that are very secure and let you out right in the city. I usually make one weekend trip up there each year. You have easy access to Cabs and the BWI International Airport. There are many fine (famious) eating establishments at the Baltimore Interharbor. You will not need a car if you dock there. Another nice place is Annapolis. They have morrings in the Severn River at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately you would need aq dingy to get to the city dock. There are a few boat slips at the Annapolis Yacht Club for rent but they are VERY expensive. You will enjoy the cruise around the bay. There are lot of places to dock for the night with food and such. There is a book available "Cruising the Chesapeake" that is very good and worth getting. We would be glad to see you if you make it up this summer.

Regards, Mike
Stella Maris