Thank you so much for the replies. I have a 1983 Macgregor 25 which has a retractable keel. The draft is around 2 feet with the keel retracted and around 5' 10" with the keel down. I would like to find something within about an hours drive if I can. But may be able to travel a little further if needed. I've had the boat moored on Lake Champlain for the last three years which is only about 22 miles from my house. I normally sail one or two days a week right now but once I'm retired I would like to maybe get out more if I can. Moorings in my area are around $1000 a year and slips run between $1300 to $2100 per year. I don't need power or pump outs if in a slip. But would prefer a mooring or a marina with mast up storage with a ramp to use for launching. I plan to come down in April and do a little exploring of the marinas in the area. Most of my sailing has been day sails so I don't really keep track of how far I've sailed. Most days I would say I most likely cover around 25 to 30 miles.
My son lives in Dillsburg and my daughter is living in Lincoln University so I would like to buy a house somewhere south of Lancaster so I can be close to the grandchildren. Thank you again for any local knowledge you can share. Maybe we can meet sometime for a coffee or a sail.
Good to know.
Lake Champlain is a great area. This will definately be a learning and great experience. More consistent a greater wind, a 9 month sailing season, lots of places to gunkhole and anchor overnight, beautiful changing scenery on the eastern shore, lots of fellow sailors or solitude. Plus more.
From south of Lancaster Willow Valley area you can spread fairly far down the northern part of the
Chesapeake. We've kept our boat as far north as the Sassafrass for a couple years. Worton Creek for a couple, The Patapsco for 10 ( Rock Creek) and now Whitehall Creek just north of Annapolis south of the Bay Bridge.
Here are a few GENERALIZIONS ( course I may start a roul here,
The further south you can get the better the consistent wind, especially south of Poole's Island.
The further south the better chance of wind in the light wi d months.
The further south the better ratio of sailboats to powerboats
The further south the great the number of estuary with coves, towns etc.
the further south the greater the expense is for a mArina generally
Northern Chesapeake has fewer if any nettles
Very very few moorings available. ( Sailing Emporium on the Sassafrass for one) Northeast River Sailing Club is another.
You vessel though isn't the average sailing vessel which averages 5 knots...even with a jet turbine on it. McGregors can move under power so you may be able to hang further north and still have middle and southern northern Chesapeake in easy range. However I suggest an extra 1/2 hour car ride is worth it to clear the windless areas.
You'll have many choices and options. I suggest reading through the 2016 and 2017 threads ( many many posts) paying attention especially to what people say about where the keep there boats and where they like to travel .
Get a good marine map , and Navionics or Blue chart ap, and look at there's creeks and destinations nautically S you would if you traveled to them by boat. Blue ChRts has Active Captain a good basic reassure guide with opinions of boTers.
Once you figure out a general area you would like to explore, then find the marinas close to it. Some of us may be in them and will give you honest opinions.
Remember that you probably will move around in a few years as you gain knowledge and visit places. You aren't buying a slip. Enjoy yoUr research and ask questions. Many here are nice helpful people...we also have and edge sometimes as we are of course sailors. Sometimes some of us also meet up for a weekend anchor out. Have fun