Pilotage Plan from Havre de Grace, Maryland to North East, MD
Overview This trip from Havre de Grace to North East offers a delightful cruise along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, perfect for recreational boaters seeking a blend of scenic beauty and navigational challenges. The route is approximately 10 nautical miles, ideal for day cruisers and those new to piloting in the Chesapeake waters. With its varied landscape, the journey showcases the serene waterways, historical landmarks, and a chance for spotting wildlife. Let's dive deeper into what you can expect along the way.
Leaving Havre de Grace As you cast off from Havre de Grace, take a moment to appreciate the views of the Susquehanna River's mouth, where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Pay attention to the local traffic; this area can be busier with both commercial and recreational vessels. Remember to stay within the marked channels, maintaining safe speeds to avoid wakes that could impact smaller boats.
Navigational Aids and Hazards Upon departing, keep an eye on the navigational aids along the way. The Havre de Grace Lighthouse is a notable landmark shortly after departure; it marks the entrance to the Susquehanna River. Monitor your charts carefully—particularly note the shoal areas along the eastern shore. For this segment of your journey, the suggested passage is to keep toward the main channel and avoid shortcuts given the shifting sandbanks.
Shelter En Route Should the weather deteriorate—which can happen quickly on the Chesapeake—there are several points where you can take refuge. The North East River, which you will soon approach, offers excellent shelter from wind and waves, with ample anchorage available. Additionally, you can seek harbor at Turkey Point for a temporary stop. This area not only breaks the winds but also offers beautiful views of the wooded shore.
Points of Interest As you navigate, consider taking a break at the southern tip of the Rising Sun area, where you can indulge in the experience of capturing local wildlife or simply enjoy your lunch onboard. The historic structures dotted along the shoreline provide a charming backdrop, and the local flora and fauna are particularly vibrant in the spring and summer.
Reaching North East, MD As you draw closer to North East, you’ll cross open waters where the scenery shifts—lush green hills rise above the shoreline, and quaint towns emerge. Pay attention to the buoys indicating the navigation channel leading into North East River. This is where you’ll have to maintain a watchful eye for local boating traffic, as this waterway can get busy with other recreational boats and docks.
Once you have entered the North East River, the entrance is wide, but be sure to navigate correctly past any private docks. There are several marinas where you can stop if you wish to explore the town or refuel. Be mindful of any local speed restrictions, especially within the river banks to minimize wake damage to the shoreline.
Safety Considerations Keep in mind that the Chesapeake Bay can be unpredictable. Ensure your vessel is adequately prepared with life jackets, communication devices, and a solid understanding of the weather forecast before heading out. Before setting sail, it’s wise to check local advisories or harbor reports for any updates or restrictions that may apply on the day of your voyage.
Recommended Apps To bolster your navigational ease and awareness, consider using apps like Navionics for chart plotting, but make sure to include Savvy Navvy for its user-friendly interface that simplifies routes with updated buoy data and local information.
Conclusion This journey from Havre de Grace to North East presents an appealing mix of nature, history, and navigation challenges perfectly suited for recreational boaters of all skill levels. Whether you are savoring the sites, pausing to shelter from unexpected weather, or simply indulging in the beauty of the Chesapeake, you're sure to find enjoyment on this rewarding cruise. Safe travels!