Sugesstions on best place to learn on the Chesapeake

FlyGekko · #1 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Hey all
I am new to this forum and sailing as well. Just looking for advice on where some of the best places to take an intro to sailing course on the Chesapeake as well as to continue learning my hope is I will catch the sailing bug and learn the skills to bareboat charter in the future.

FlyGekko

zz4gta · #2 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

What part of the chesapeake? I'd suggest getting rides, volunteer for crew. Then look into formal instruction. Lots of places in Annapolis that have classes. ASA 101 is something that I'd like to take. Good luck.

FlyGekko · #3 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Thanks for the reply
I live in Winchester VA so some where to sail on the west side or easier to get to from VA would be more desired but not crucial.
FlyGekko

SailorMitch · #4 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Annapolis Sailing School and J -World in Annapolis are both good. J-World tends more towards racing, however. There are others of course, with some good ones on the Eastern Shore. CHECk out their websites.

zz4gta · #5 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Keep in touch, I live in Leesburg and my boat is at the intersection of the St Mary's river and the potomac. When things slow down some I'll take ya out.

fendertweed · #6 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz4gta

Keep in touch, I live in Leesburg and my boat is at the intersection of the St Mary's river and the potomac. When things slow down some I'll take ya out.

Hi ...

My boat's on the Occoquan/Potomac at Mason Neck ... I'm planning on heading downriver as far as St. Mary's in late Sept. and then back up via Kinsale - Cobb Island.

I haven't made the trip yet ... How much of a haul is it from Cobb Island to St. Mary's? The run from where I am to Cobb Isl. will require a long day (~50 miles?) of motoring/motorsailing (w/ my Merc 15 4 stroke) to get in on time. I'll probably head out to St. Mary's the next morning.

Any thoughts, etc., on how long I should allow for that trip dep. on tide/wind etc. (I'll try to go with the outbound tide)... my goal will be to sail whenever I can but i realize I may end up doing a lot of motoring dep. on wind & tides.

I'm debating between either pulling in at Dennis Pt. Marina (could just stop for gas & portpotty emptying I suppose), St. Mary's City (no docking there, have to anchor?) or in one of the creeks off the St. Mary's across from Carthegena Crk./Pt. Dennis Marina ... any recommendations on any of that? I have minimal creature comforts on the boat, it's boat camping basically (w/ mosquito nets, LOL).

Thanks,
Jon

Pearson 26 #1200
Catalyst