June 16, 2026 Made it to Baltimore

 Tuesday  June 16, 2026  Solomons to Baltimore    74 miles and  8.2 hours

Strange weather patterns with hot air, cool air, light winds, strong winds, SW winds then NE winds.  Sunday and Monday turned out to not be good travel days, so we stayed an extra day at Solomons.  Gave us a chance to meet Peter and Kelly on MisKelculation.  Loopers who will soon be crossing their wake at the Statue of Liberty.  

New friends Peter and Kelly as we head to the SIYC bar for refreshments

Small Craft advisory in effect for Sunday and Monday.  Winds 20 kts gusting to 30.  Average wave heights of 2-3 feet (which means occasional 4-5 footers).  Things were settling down by Tuesday morning as we left Solomons and passed Calvert Cliffs - famous for finding ancient megalodon sharks teeth.   A bit choppy with some winds in the morning, but wind would be dying down and switching direction during the day allowing the waves to drop off.  Started the day on the flybridge but found the chop and wind driven spray and 70 degree temperature a bit much, so took solace in the pilothouse for a few hours until things calmed down about noon.   

Calvert Cliffs

Rounding Cove Point Lighthouse as we make our way out onto the bay

Big waters continue in play.  We're traveling along the main shipping lane. Pass a couple southbound freighters and an anchoring area for inbound cargo ships.  Normally enjoy seeing the iconic Thomas Point Lighthouse around the Annapolis area but a bit too far off today.    The bay starts narrowing down and we're able to see land on either side.  Continues to narrow until we're passing under the double spans of the Bay Bridge.   

Southbound bulk carrier

Another bulk carrier on the move.

Headed for the main opening of the Bay Bridge

Gentle arching of the western side of the bridges

In between the two spans looking to the eastern shore

Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse comes into view and then we're passing the Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse as we make the turn to port and headed up the Patapsco River.  Both these lighthouses are now privately owned.   At over 125 years old and only accessible by water, it's truly a labor of love to try and keep them in decent condition. Cross by the remnants of the old Francis Scott Key Bridge which was destroyed in 2024 when a cargo ship hit it. Terrible tragedy with six construction workers killed. Thankfully they got the road closed in time to prevent any civilian fatalities. Seems like slow progress on the replacement which is now scheduled for completion in 2030. 

Sandy Point Shoals Lighthouse

Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse

A part of the original Key Bridge still awaiting demolition

Fort McHenry lies ahead splitting the river.   Civil War military prison but more famous as the birthplace of the US National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", which was inspired by the fort's defense of Baltimore against the British during the War of 1812.  We go slightly to starboard and follow the branch towards downtown and find the outer harbor marinas at Canton and Fells Point.  A quick call on the VHF and we contact Wayne the dockmaster at Anchorage Marina.  We'll be in slip B-44.  A nice 60' slip with floating full length finger piers on both sides. SWEET.  Ease As You Wish stern in without drama. We'll be tied up here for a month.  Time to give the boat a much needed deep cleaning.   We'll get a rental car for a quick trip home for a few doctor appointments then return in time for the America 250 Tall Ship and Blue Angel Flyovers scheduled for the following weekend.  

Ft McHenry straight ahead with the Baltimore skyline in the background

Sun setting across the marina and behind Baltimore on our first evening here

Journey for June 16, 2026

June 13, 2026 Crossing into Maryland, My Maryland

 Saturday and Sunday   June 13-14, 2026    Regatta Point Marina to Solomons Island Yacht Club     61 Miles and 6.2 Hours

Front came through at nightfall on Friday at Deltaville.  Strong NE winds, gusts, lightning, rain.  All the usual stuff.  We were on the outside of their main dock which was more exposed to the waves, so got a bit of a rocking for a few hours before it all settled down.   Sunshine and lighter NE winds in the morning.  Blew the worst of the heat and humidity away which made for a pleasant cruise up the bay.   Still very open waters and just a bit more chop than Thursdays run.   Crossed over from VA to MD sometime during the trip.  Lighthouses are the only things of note further offshore and today we passed Point No Point lighthouse.  Built 1901-1903. Still in service but unmanned.   

Open waters everywhere you look.  Slight chop but still a comfortable ride

Point No Point lighthouse. Good roosting place for pelicans.

Made it to Solomons and the Solomons Island Yacht Club.  Stayed here previously while doing the Great Loop.  Great people.  It is a bit more exposed to the open entrance area to Solomons, so we're getting some wave action from passing boats.  Tied to the outside of their main dock.   Invited to the club bar with a few free drink coupons.  Then opted to partake in one of their club dinners.  $15 per person beats going to a local restaurant.   Walk across the street after dinner to their Pier and Promenade to watch the sunset.  Just part of the tradition here.

Navigating sailboat traffic as we enter Solomons

Cloud cover making for a less than spectacular sunset.

Nice sunrise on Sunday.   Watched the F1 race from Barcelona - thank you Starlink and Apple TV. Then made the 2.2. mile trek up to the Weis Market grocery store for a few provisions.  Repacking my bags outside the store and as a husband and wife were leaving asked if I was a boater and needed a lift back to a marina.  Very gracious offer and saved that extra walking.  Great southern hospitality as expected - after all, Maryland is still below the Mason-Dixon line!!  Newish Italian Restaurant La Vela up at Zahniser's Marina has been getting rave reviews.  Made reservations for Sunday dinner.  Small place but very good meal.  Even got back before the next front came through. Small craft advisory posted for Sunday and Monday, so undetermined if we'll leave Monday or wait for a very nice forecasted day on Tuesday.  Footnote: Six years ago today, June 14, 2020 we crossed our wake on our Great Loop trip!

5:15 Sunrise over Solomons Harbor on Sunday morning

Journey for June 13, 2026

June 11, 2026 Starting up the Cheasapeake

 Thursday and Friday    June 11-12, 2026.   Lafayette Creek Anchorage to Regatta Point Marina         56 miles and 6.6 hours

Slept like a baby.  This anchorage was a great find for us and one we'll definitely add to our preferred list.   Only drawback was the heavy amount of mud the anchor chain had on it as we raised anchor.  Just a bit slow going washing it all off a few feet at a time.  With that done we were off with a later start than usual at 8:30, but with a shorter cruise day planned that was fine.    Out the last of the Elizabeth River passing the Naval Base and their big ships.   At least 4 carriers at docks and an assortment of other ships.   Had one ship (Frigate class?) pull out of its slip about a mile ahead of us.  Chased him out through the James River where he turned to starboard and headed out to sea while we continued up the bay.   

Nice view of the shoreline around Lafayette Creek anchorage.
Why is the Captain working on cleaning off the anchor chain instead of the First Mate??

Working our way out the anchorage and towards the cargo port and beyond

One of the carriers in port at Naval Base Norfolk

The frigate that went out ahead of us.  Closest we got.
 Could see sailors manning the guns bow and stern.

Ship making that sharp turn to starboard to head out to sea

Fantastic day to be on the lower bay. We can attest from past experiences that the lower bay can become VERY nasty in unsettled conditions.  Today there was a light SW wind, generating a slight swell at our stern.  For us the issue was heat.  With light winds at our back we weren't feeling a breeze and with partly sunny skies and 90 degree heat, it made for a fatiguing cruise.  Fortunately, this is all wide open waters so Otto got to do most of the driving.  Set the heading on the autopilot, engage and let him do his thing until the next waypoint.  Not much out here on the open waters.  Very few pleasure craft out and about.  Maybe the heat, maybe not enough wind for the sailors, maybe just a weekday.   Passing the abandoned Wolf Trap Lighthouse was the only thing of note. Trip took a little longer than projected as we were fighting the outgoing tide all day which slowed us down. 

Nice day on the lower bay.  Lots of calm open waters

Historic sailing ship off in the distance

Note current we were fighting against the base of Wolf Trap Lighthouse.

On our original plan we wanted to stop somewhere between Norfolk and Solomons and had picked out a few anchorages.  With 2 more days of 90+ degree days we decided we needed a marina for power and A/C.  Decided to give Deltaville a shot and found accommodations at Dozier's Regatta Point Marina.  Easy on and off the bay location just up the Rappahannock River.  Coming in at low tide and the depthsounder was not happy. Alarm buzzing a warning that we had less than 3' under the keel.  Lots of sailboats at the marinas here so knew there was OK depths - just a lot of 6' areas. Got a pumpout and the boat docked by 3PM.  Power hooked up, AC running, boat and us chilling for a bit.  Then headed over to the pool for a nice, refreshing soak.   Probably where we'll spend most of Friday trying to stay cool. Biggest drawback to Deltaville is no significant town, shopping, etc. nearby.   But for a quick stopover it's a good choice with multiple marinas offering transient dockage.

Oh Yeah !!  Spent most of Friday relaxing.  As You Wish in the far background

Journey for June 11, 2026

June 10, 2026 Change of Plans - Times 2

 Wednesday June 10, 2026   Coinjock to Lafayette Creek Anchorage   56 Miles and 7.5 Hours

Good night's sleep after that big prime rib dinner last night.  Opted for a 7:30AM departure today.  Light overcast skies but warming up to 90 degrees.   Heat wave here over the next few days into the mid 90's.  Couple of hard stops today.  After leaving Coinjock we need to hit the North Landing Bridge on the half hour.  Then make it to the Centerville Bridge for their opening on the half hour.  And then hit the Great Bridge Bridge and Lock for their opening on the top of the hours.   Plan A was to just stop at a free dock we've used in the past at Great Bridge.   There was room for us, but we got there in time for the noon opening so decided to push on.   Considered stopping in Norfolk at one of the marinas as Plan B just to be able to grab power for the A/C system. But again, still plenty of time in the day to keep moving.  Finally opted to continue on and use Plan C.  Anchored in a new place on Lafayette Creek just past Norfolk.  Pretty good decision as we had one of those typical Chesapeake area strong afternoon windy thunderstorms blow through after we got anchored. This location offered great protection. Residential area all around us which was surprising as the industrial Norfolk waterfront is just around the corner.  Plan A to Plan C took us from a 3-1/2 hour planned initial trip to a 7-1/4 hour day on the water but sets us up for some relaxing times before hitting Baltimore.

Back to the initial trip.  Coinjock to Norfolk.   After exiting the cut, you head out on the open water of the Coinjock Bay and Currituck Sound. This passage again looks like wide open waters but it's all skinny except in the marked channel.   Cross over from NC into VA while on the sound and then up the narrower meandering North Landing River.  Still very rural at this point with marsh and trees.

Another one of those Valhalla boats.  Believe this is a 46 SY.  They were docked
 in Coinjock and I noted power was quad 600HP V12 engines.  CRAZY!!

GPS unit clearly showing the narrow channel despite the visible open waters.  

Arrive at North Landing Bridge a few minutes early with 3 other boats. We all left Coinjock Marina about the same time and traveled in a pack.  From there it was a spirited run to get to Centerville for their opening.   Finish with a slow cruise to Great Bridge where we line up and idle for half an hour for the bridge to open.  A few more boats join us and we all make way under the bridge and to the Great Bridge Lock. Locking through is completely drama free event for us having done probably 200 passages by now.   The lock drops us an unimpressive 2 feet!!  Then we're on our way to Norfolk and the start of the industrial and military complexes along the waterfront. 

Waiting for the North Landing Bridge opening

Passing through the open Centerville Bridge 

Great Bridge Bridge raising.  Open space available at the free dock on the right 

Tied to the wall.  Really nice blue hulled Sabre behind us.

Slow traveling through Norfolk. Just lots of commercial traffic and a No Wake Zone through downtown. Tugs, barges, cargo ships, naval ships of all sorts. Scoot right alongside some of the docked ones just to stay out of the main shipping channel.  Surprised at the reduced number of naval ships compared to several of our past trips along here. Amazing variety of vessels either passed us or we passed by them within just a few miles.

Have no idea what these are for, but it's a big construction project

More parts for that construction project arriving by ship

Considering the anchorage is just a short jog off the main channel it is amazingly serene.   Nice open place all to ourselves.   A bit shallow with 7' waters but that just means we need to put out less anchor chain.  We weather the thunderstorm that passes through without issue.  Nice heavy rain did a good job washing off some salt and grime. Brought in some cooler air but we'll have to see if it holds overnight.   Greeted by an awe-inspiring rainbow and sunset once the storm passed.  Just never know what each day will hold.  Jumping dolphins one day and double full length rainbows the next. 

The makings of a double rainbow never full materialized 

Benefit of a wide open anchorage with calm reflective waters. Full view of the rainbow

Sunset to the west..

Simply added even more color to the rainbow at the east.

Journey for June 10, 2026