Sailing around Maryland
Maryland is virtually synonymous with sailing and seamanship - so much so that the state is nicknamed the "Sailing Capital of the World" and "America's Sailing Capital". From the nation's beginnings on through the U.S. Naval Academy of today, with its legacy of maritime traditions in Annapolis, Maryland has always played a key part in our nation's history. In 1633, the Ark and the Dove sailed from England with 140 passengers on board. Some four months later, they arrived at what would later be called St. Gregory, at the mouth of the "Petomeack" River. Fifteen years later, in 1649, Maryland was already being called America's Sailing Capital. You can share in that long history by sailing the waters today.
It's not just tradition that draws sailors to Maryland's waters. There's a beauty and a challenge to sailing the Atlantic there, and plenty of places to explore and discover! Chesapeake Bay is a wonder of nature in and of itself! One place to start or choose as destination is Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort. With 365 slips, a fuel dock and ship's store, restaurant and bar, it's already a worthy place to dock for the night. But they add a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, picnic, volleyball and barbeque areas, 28 showers and laundry facilities, making it a proper resort. Catering is available too. This is just one of the many ports to call on in the area.
With that much history in one place, it would be a shame if you didn't treat yourself to a tall ship cruise to supplement your own small vessel adventures. There are several to choose from. The Mystic Whaler, for example, has lobster dinner cruises, day sails, and weekend getaways as well, aboard a 110' old style schooner with new style conveniences. Journey through Fisher's Island Sound for a unique perspective. Make landfall in St. Michaels, and visit the quaint village there, then travel up the Miles River and enjoy a gourmet meal before sailing out again. Next stop is Chestertown, a town with brick sidewalks to take you to antique shops and modern restaurants. See the Georgian and Victorian architecture, and wander through the historic district before setting sail again. During the summer months, you can add a run up to Newport, Rhode Island, for a true sailor's history tour!
Of course, you don't have to take a charter. You can enjoy these same destinations aboard your own vessel as well. There's no end to the wondrous sights and scents and sounds, the feel as you glide through the sea under sail, harnessing the power of the wind!
The birthplace of America is right there in Maryland. Her verdant hills were the cradle that nurtured democracy, and the view is as compelling today as it was hundreds of years ago. In fact, cruising from the deck of a sailing vessel may be the only chance to see it as the founding fathers did so many years ago. Such an exquisite location and experience is impossible to put to words. Experience the wonders, natural splendor, the richness and history of it all, and then you'll know why Maryland is still the Sailing Capital of the World.
