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