I have sailed from just South of Annapolis almost to Hampton a few times. I think beyond reasonable sailing skills, what is required is some knowledge of navigation and a decent chart book. The Bay is VERY wide once you get past Point Lookout (MD side of the Potomac River). So wide you cannot see across. Most of the western rivers have rather extended points the stick out into the Bay and must be rounded. So a straight line cruise takes you a bit off shore (at least you will think that if you have never sailed in a bigger body of water). Knowledge of charts and compass work is needed. A GPS plotter is very handy and will get you past most problems, assuming it doesnt die for some reason. Also, a good VHF radio is needed too. There are very few boats sailing south of Solomons and if you run into trouble you might be glad you had a reliable VHF. As a side note, Verizon Cell phones cover most of this area. Try to not plan too many miles per day. The days are getting shorter and there is only about 11½ hours of sailing per day. From Annapolis to Hampton is about 125 nm! If you boat makes 5 knots that is 25 hours sailing, but trust me it will take you longer so plan accordingly. I would plan stops in Solomons, (maybe Reedville), Deltaville, somewhere on the Mobjack Bay and then Hampton. I have never had any trips in the canal but you should be able to find ample info. My most sound advice is treat this trip as if you have never made such a trip, you will be in a new boat and things will be a bit foreign to you. The more chances you take by extending your range, etc, the more chance you have of real problems. Wait out bad weather.
Joe McCary Aeolus II #4795 West River, MD [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of windchaser360 I just purchased a boat up in Annapolis and am considering sailing it down to NC in the next couple of weeks. I was wondering what an inland lake sailor would need to know to do that. I've never dealt with tides and currents before but have been sailing for a number of years. I am going to get to come up to Annapolis this weekend to check out the boat and go to the boat show! I'll be down there Saturday afternoon.
