Conference unifix::sailing

    I too am interested in chartering in the Chesepeake. We plan to be 
    visiting friends near the in the Upper Chesepeake in mid summer. I haven't 
    decided whether to trailer my 19' 2000 lb boat that far, but I'd be 
    interested in chartering info to help me make up my mind.
    
    Bill

    
    RE: .0
    
    	When I lived in the D.C. area I used an outfit called Carters Creek
    in Irvington.  They are on the Rappahanock (sp) not far from the BAY. 
    I know that the company name has changed but the last time I checked
    about a year ago they were still in operation.  I also know that a
    couple of other outfits operated out of the same area.  Sorry, I no
    longer have the phone number....
    
    RE: .1
    
    	I have seen at least one or two write ups about chartering on the
    upper Chesapeake.  They also listed contact numbers one company to try
    is La Vida, they used to operate out of Annapolis, and the V.I.  I
    believe that they have merged the V.I. operations with Sun Sail but the
    Chesapeake group was still going the last time I looked.
    
    
    Forrest

re .0, .1

The current issue of Sail has ads from several charter companies in the
chesapeake area.

I chartered a *beautiful* Freedom 40 from a fellow in Annapolis 3 years ago.
This boat was available both bareboat or skippered (the owner has a CG license.)
I can get the name and address if you're interested.

--RS

    There are numerous outfits in the Annapolis area.  Also in the Norfolk
    area, try Hampton Yacht sales.
    
    The best sailing in my opinion is the mid to lower Bay and there are
    several outfits on the Rappahonnock River in Irvington.  One has
    already been mentioned, another good one is Rappahonnock Yachts, also
    in Irvington on Carter Creek.  I have used them before I aquired my
    boat.  
    
    Another source would be to get a copy of Cheaspeake Bay Magazine which
    has many listings of private charters.  
    
    From the Rappahonnock it is easy sailing to Tangier (18NM) or north to
    Christfield (Approx 32NM) as well as the delightful creeks of Dymer,
    Indian and Dividing just north of the Rappahonnock.  Grog Island at the
    entrance to Dymer has a very nice beach with deep water at the norther
    end only 20-25 feet from the shore.  Watch the entrance as there is
    only one spot with deep water and I do not recommend staying there if
    any wheather is expected as it is open to all but the NW.  Recommend
    going up Dymer to George's Cove.  The entrance leaves only 3-4 feet on
    either side, but carries 8feet of water.  The cove is very well
    protected with banks and high trees.
    
    Onnancock Creek and the city of Onnancock provide a taste of Virginia's
    eastern shore and again are an easy day sail from the Rappahannock. 
    The creek is rather long into the city, but quite scenic
    
    South of the Rappahonnock is the Piankatank (all the local indian
    tribes) River, a beautiful river with numerous gunk hole creeks. 
    Wilton Creek is one of my favorites.  I used to keep Second Wind on the
    Piankatank.
    
    Moving south again brings you to Mobjack Bay with its many creeks and a
    bit further is the York River with popular Sarah's Creek near its
    mouth.  From the York south you are back in a fairly congested area as
    you near Norfolk.
    
    

re .0

So did you ever do it?  I lived for several years in the late
70's on the lower York near Gloucester Pt., aka Guinea Neck, and am 
curious how the sailing was in the spring, as I might want to go back sometime.

The lower bay, particularly the Eastern Shore, has its gunkholing charms,
but it's considerably more 'backwater' than the mid to upper Bay.  Ya gotta
love those nettles in the summer, though...bring your armor plate if
you want to swim 8-o!

Regards/M