We have 2 boys, ages 7 and 5, and are trying to find a good marina for all of us. The ideal marina would be reasonably priced, and be close(ish) to a beach and other activities in case the weather wasn't what we were expecting. We kept our boat in Somers Point, NJ last year at a very small marina, and the location was pretty good - we could get to the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk in 20-25 minutes, and there was plenty to see and do close by (Cape May County Zoo (30 minutes), aviation museum, movie theaters, mini-golf, etc.). In fact, I could often entice everyone to go out sailing by first going out to the beach/boardwalk, then for a "short" 2 hour sail.
As we look at our next boat, we're also reassessing our marina options, in part because the marina we used last season won't be able to handle the boats under consideration. The NJ shore/Barnegat Bay area still seems to be the best bet for us, but the northern Chesapeake (North East/Havre de Grace/Chesapeake City) is even closer to us (we're northwest of Philly) and may not have quite the same traffic as going to the shore, so that's also tempting. I know there are a lot of destinations we can hit once we're out and about on the water, but I'm concerned about those days when it's predicted to be 8-12 mph winds, and when you get there it's 15-20 (or more), or even just 3-5.
I know I can try to find a marina with a pool, and that will help a lot (who doesn't like a pool?). But are there other options in that area for kids, too?
As we look at our next boat, we're also reassessing our marina options, in part because the marina we used last season won't be able to handle the boats under consideration. The NJ shore/Barnegat Bay area still seems to be the best bet for us, but the northern Chesapeake (North East/Havre de Grace/Chesapeake City) is even closer to us (we're northwest of Philly) and may not have quite the same traffic as going to the shore, so that's also tempting. I know there are a lot of destinations we can hit once we're out and about on the water, but I'm concerned about those days when it's predicted to be 8-12 mph winds, and when you get there it's 15-20 (or more), or even just 3-5.
I know I can try to find a marina with a pool, and that will help a lot (who doesn't like a pool?). But are there other options in that area for kids, too?