Baltimore to North East by boat

Pilotage Plan: Baltimore, Maryland to North East, Maryland

Embarking on a journey from Baltimore to North East offers a delightful blend of scenic views, historic landmarks, and safe harbors. This route is particularly suitable for recreational day cruisers and weekend sailors looking for a relaxing getaway while keeping safety a top priority.

Route Overview

Starting Point: Baltimore, Maryland Your journey begins at the well-known Inner Harbor of Baltimore. This bustling area serves as a great place to stock up on supplies, fuel, and enjoy unique attractions such as the National Aquarium or the Maryland Science Center before setting off.

Navigational Path

1. Departing Baltimore: Starting your journey, you’ll navigate past the Key Bridge, keeping to the 2 nautical mile channel where significant commercial traffic can be found. Pay attention to the markers and buoys; ensure you're adhering to navigation charts that indicate depth and hazards.

2. Heading Down the Patapsco River: As you exit the harbor, you’ll enter the Patapsco River. Continue to follow the river southwest toward the Bay. Be mindful of the strong currents, especially near the approaches to Fort McHenry, where historical ships often anchor.

3. Entering the Chesapeake Bay: Once you reach the mouth of the Patapsco River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, you’ll find yourself in open waters. This is a great place to enjoy the vastness of the bay, but watch out for shifting winds that can create choppy conditions.

4. Navigating the Bay: Stay east of the shipping channels marked with buoys as you make way toward the Northeast River. You’ll follow the bay northbound, keeping a lookout for navigation aids. The lighthouse at Sandy Point serves as a great visual marker on your route.

Points of Interest and Shelter Options

• Sandy Point State Park:
About halfway to North East, Sandy Point State Park is an amazing place to stop and enjoy some nature. If the weather turns sour, the shallow waters can offer a good spot to take refuge. Just be cautious of other boaters and ensure you anchor firmly.

• Rock Hall:
A quaint waterman's town located on the Eastern Shore, Rock Hall is a great place to stop for lunch. The marina is lively, and you can chat with local fishermen or enjoy some fresh seafood.

• Chester River:
If conditions get unfavorable, detour slightly to the Chester River. It provides plenty of coves and inlets for shelter, with beautiful waterfront views and peaceful anchor spots.

Final Approach to North East

Upon departing from Chester River, continue north, frequently checking your depth sounder and closely following the channel buoys toward the North East River. The entry to the river is well-marked, but be cautious of shallows on either side.

North East, Maryland:Your destination can be found at the mouth of the North East River, just off the bay. The river has a welcoming atmosphere, with several marinas and waterfront dining options. Don’t hesitate to explore the quaint town, known for its charming shops and friendly community feel.

Safety Considerations

• Always check the local weather conditions and marine forecasts before departing from port. This area can experience sudden weather changes; having a reliable weather app like Windy or NOAA Weather can be beneficial.
• Be wary of speed limits in certain areas, especially near marinas.
• Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding wildlife and protected areas, particularly around Fisherman’s Island, where no anchoring is permitted.
• Carry a functional VHF radio to maintain communication with nearby vessels and the local Coast Guard.

Recommended Boating Apps

Enhance your journey with mobile applications to assist navigation and safety:

• Savvy Navvy: An excellent app that provides interactive charts, route planning, and real-time weather updates.
• Navionics: Use this for detailed marine charts and navigational aids along your route.
• Windy: This is ideal for checking wind conditions and weather forecasts before setting out.

In summary, this route from Baltimore to North East is not only a safe passage but a delightful exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. With ample opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and local culture, it promises both adventure and serenity on the water. Safe sailing!