It’s no secret that the Chesapeake Bay is home to some of the best
sailing destinations in the United States – Annapolis, Maryland is
America’s Sailing Capital after all! We’ve put together some great
resources and suggested itineraries for your charter experience.
PIER 7 AMENITIES
DISCOVER
EVERYTHING @ PIER 7
DINING & GROCERIES
RESTAURANTS &
GROCERIES
LOCAL SERVICES
SUNDRIES, SUPPLIES,
MEDICAL, ET AL.
DESTINATIONS
CRUISING THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Here are some of the amenities on the property at our charter base, Pier 7 Marina, that you can enjoy
before, during or after your charter.
Get the grill ripping, pop open a cold one, listen
to the live music from the The Pier restaurant,
and - if it’s a little chilly - stoke up a fire with
the provided wood in our fire pits. You are
welcome to use the beach chairs, picnic tables
and grills. Kindly leave our little beach area as
you found it.
PADDLE-BOARD & KAYAK RENTALS
Our on-site paddle board and kayak rental is the perfect place for you to rent a couple of boards or
even get you and your dog out on a kayak. Whoof on the Wharf is a brand new concept for those who
want to create avenues for dogs to be more a part of their humans' lives, and to create opportunities
for like-minded dog lovers to socialize.
https://www.piersevenmarina.com/sup/
Whoof on the Wharf +1 (667) 777-2275
JET SKI RENTALS:
Let the kids explore the river on a jet ski while you get your provisioning done.
https://www.piersevenmarina.com/jetski
South River Jet Skis (410) 212-4202
Local Dining & Groceries - all within a few miles of Pier 7 Marina
CVS Pharmacy
410-798-8715
3054 Solomons Island Rd.,
Edgewater, MD 21037
Target
(443) 837-3540
1911 Towne Centre Blvd
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dunkin Donuts
(410) 956-1176
033 Solomons Island Rd.
Edgewater, MD 21037
Giant Food Grocery Store
410-956-7472
13 Lee Airpark Dr,
Edgewater, MD 21037
(410) 573-9700
2504 Solomons Island Rd,
Annapolis, MD 21401
Olde Solomon's Wine & Spirits
410) 956-4054
3070 Solomons Island Rd,
Edgewater, MD 21037
Starbucks Coffee
410-956-8206
3059 Solomons Island Rd
Edgewater, MD 21037
Destinations
Our charter base at Pier 7 is located in Edgewater, MD about a 15-minute drive from Annapolis.
Annapolis offers history, incredible beauty, excellent dining, and a proud maritime tradition. One of
the oldest and best-preserved towns in North America, our local pubs have been visited by George
Washington and other prominent figures of colonial history. The United States Naval Academy is
based here - right on the Severn River. Dining options abound, with some restaurants within a 5-
minute walk from our docks. From Pier 7 Marina, you are a short sail to Saint Michaels (southeast),
Rock Hall (northeast), Annapolis, Galesville and the Rhode River (southwest) for your first night out.
Suggested Charter Routes
White Charter:
Edgewater/Annapolis to Galesville: 10.7nm (1:40)
Galesville to Tilghman Island: 16.7nm (2:30)
Tilghman Island to Oxford: 12.2 nm (1:50)
Oxford to Cambridge: 11.7 nm (1:50)
Cambridge to Solomons Island: 41nm (6:15)
Solomons Island to Deale: 38 nm (6:00)
Deale to Edgewater/Annapolis: 19nm (3:00)
Blue Charter:
Edgewater/Annapolis to Rock Hall: 26nm (4:00)
Rock Hall to Baltimore: 21nm (3:15)
Baltimore to Sassafras River: 35nm (5:30)
Sassafras River to Warton Creek: 13nm (2:00)
Warton Creek to Edgewater/Annapolis: 40nm (6:00)
Black Charter:
Edgewater/Annapolis to Galesville: 10.7nm (1:40)
Galesville to Wye River: 25nm (4:00)
Wye River to Saint Michaels: 9nm (1:20)
Saint Michaels to Rock Hall: 25nm (3:45)
Rock Hall to Edgewater/ Annapolis: 26nm (4:00)
Charter Location Information & Day Sail Options
ANNAPOLIS
Annapolis is the charming coastal capital of the US
state of Maryland. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay it
has a rich maritime history that still shines through
today; the US naval Academy is based here, alongside
a passionate sailing community. The preserved
colonial buildings and lantern-lined streets transport
you back to the Victorian era, yet the boutique
shopping and modern art on display will bring you
right back to the 21st Century. Transient moorings are
available on both sides of the Spa Creek bridge on a
first-come, first-served basis. Anchorages are located
on the Severn River, Weems Creek, Spa Creek, and Back Creek -
ref: https://www.annapolis.gov/
170/Anchorages. Water taxi service is available throughout the Annapolis area. VHF 68 or
410.263.0033. The dinghy dock is located at the end of Ego Alley in downtown Annapolis.
HARNESS CREEK
If you’re looking to get comfortable with your charter
while still close to Pier 7 - or looking to be near-by at
the end of your charter, we recommend Harness
Creek, on the north side of the South River. This
creek is part of Quiet Waters Park. Harness Creek is
protected enough to be known as a hurricane hole for
area boaters. On any given summer weekend, you’ll
find a mixed assortment of boaters of all types - sail,
power, kayakers, paddle-boarders, canoes, jet-skies,
and more. It’s party-central at the mouth of the creek
and there’s a quiet area a little further west on the
creek. Other South River creeks to explore: Aberdeen
Creek (deep, less protected, but good anchor holding), Glebe Creek (tucked away, fairly protected),
and Church Creek (protected, tree lined, good paddling).
ST. MICHAELS
St. Michaels is a ‘must’ stop on the Chesapeake. A
charming colonial seaport town that is a favorite
among sailors and their families, St. Michaels has
great restaurants, including the excellent Inn at Perry
Cabin (reservations and sharp casual clothes
required). You can visit the Maritime Museum and get
to know the history of the Bay, or just spend the day
browsing the quaint shops throughout town. If you
make arrangements in advance with one of the
many marina's or the Chesapeake Bay Maritime
Museum in advance, your slip will be ready and
waiting for you. Or, you can drop anchor in the Miles
River or St. Michaels harbor and catch the Harbor Shuttle water taxi into town, call VHF Channel 71.
Ref: https://www.stmichaelsmd.org/Arriving-by-Boat
GALESVILLE
Galesville is along the western shore of the West River.
Getting there takes you by the Thomas Point
Lighthouse, the oldest screwpile lighthouse still in
operation on the Chesapeake. Galesville is isolated
with calm waters and picturesque enough to warrant
cooking out. However, if you don’t feel like cooking,
there are some fun restaurants ashore. Head over to
Pirates Cove for good seafood and excellent views, or
check out Thursdays, where there are great views of
the river from the comfortable covered deck. Dockage
is available at the Hartge Yacht Harbor, transient slips
are available at Pirates Cove restaurant, and there is plenty of safe anchorages available on the West
River. Ref: https://hartgeyachtharbor.com/slips-moorings/
OXFORD
Oxford is a quiet town on the Eastern Shore that was
the first port of entry into the colonial states. It sits on
the mighty Choptank River and is known for its
boatbuilding, quaint shops, waterfront parks, fine
restaurants, and many full-service marinas with
swimming pools. Mears Yacht Haven offers just about
the best location in town. The broad water views and
secure protected slips provide deep water
accommodations. Off Oxford there is an open
anchorage in the Tred Avon between the #2 buoy and
the entrance to Town Creek. This is acceptable for a
late night arrival, but I would not want to stay here during the day. The constant power boat traffic
on the river makes this unbearable.
Anchorages are readily available on the river, but Town Creek itself is tight and busy, has less than
perfect holding. You can also head for the anchorage in Dun Cove off Harris Creek, which is one of
the best by far. En route you are likely to see the Oxford-Bellevue ferry and dozens of tiny sailboats
from the Tred Avon Junior Sailing Camp. Otherwise try Goldsborough Creek or Plaindealing Creek to
get away from the crowds in unspoiled settings. Plaindealing Creek with 10' of depth is immediately
across the river from Oxford, and due north of the Town Creek entrance. Further up the river is
Trippe Creek which offers a large, but well protected anchorage.
DEALE
Deal is a waterfront fishing village located on the
Western Shore of the Bay. It is the home to Herrington
Harbor North, which has a beautiful bayside pool and
600 protected boat slips surrounded by a beautiful
countryside atmosphere. For anchorages, refer to
https://www.waterwayguide.com/directory/anchorage-free-dock/maryland/deale
.
SOLOMONS ISLAND
Solomons Island is a cozy, working fishing village at
the intersection of Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent
River. With lots to do, Solomons has quickly become a
favorite of all our charters. There are plenty of great
restaurants and shops as well as fossil hunting at
Calvert Cliffs, the Calvert County Marine Museum and
the Drum Point Screwpile Lighthouse. It is best to sail
to Solomons in two days. A great itinerary is stopping
at Harrington Harbor on the way down and St.
Michael’s on the way back. Visit Solomons Island, MD.
There are plenty of safe anchorages available in the
Solomons Island basin. Ref:https://www.waterwayguide.com/anchorage/2-142/solomons-islandbasin
ROCK HALL
A fisherman’s town where the food is as fresh as the
day’s catch. There is abundant wildlife, it hosts many
festivals, and is a haven for boaters and artisans. Visit
Rock Hall, MD down and St. Michael’s on the way
back. Swan Creek is one of the most beautiful and
protected anchorages on the Bay and is located on the
North side of the town of Rock Hall. It is minutes from
restaurants, shops and marinas and has been
consistently awarded Best Anchorage on the Northern
Bay by Chesapeake Bay Magazine.
South of Rock Hall, along the Chester River, are several
popular anchorages such as Grays Inn Creek, Cacaway Island, a wide anchorage on Lankford Creek,
the beautiful Corsica River, and the quiet Davis Creek which is located near a marina.
Heading North out of Rock Hall, Tolchester Beach, Fairlee Creek, Still Pond, and Worton Creek are
all convenient and lovely anchorages. Still Pond, while a shallow anchorage has been voted "Best of
the Bay" by Chesapeake Bay Magazine. In Worton Creek you’ll find 3 marinas and a restaurant.
CHESTERTOWN
Located in the the upper eastern shore on the banks of
the Chester River. This charming colonial village is
surrounded by the bountiful fisheries of America’s
greatest estuary. It is the home of the HMS Sultana, a
replica of a British Royal Navy Schooner that patrolled
the American coast from 1768-1772, preventing
smuggling and collecting duties. Regarding
anchorages, Reed Creek is a wonderful anchorage on a
mostly uninhabited creek directly off the Chester
River. Both Langford Creek and Reed Creek lay off of
the Chester River. If you’re looking for a beautiful town
to explore from water, motor or sail up to Chestertown
for the day and anchor in one of these two great anchorages for the night.
WYE RIVER
The Wye River is 16-mile tributary of the Bay. It is
popular because of the many secluded anchorages, nice
fishing and natural beauty. There are unspoiled
gunkholes along the river that make crabbing there a
treat. Visit Wye River, MD and Crab House. Best of all,
there are countless, secluded anchorages. Start with
Drum Point, which provides both calm shelter and a
breeze. Pull dinghies onto the beach at the point to go
on shore. Wine berries in July and the rope swing on
the beach remain perennial favorites for us. A walk
along the shoreline may reveal one of the many hidden piles of large oyster shells eaten by others
frequenting Wye Island long ago.
BALTIMORE
Baltimore is a busy port with restaurants, shops, and
attractions. From Harbor East Marina, you can take a
water taxi to all the sites. Catch a baseball game at
Orioles Park at Camden Yards, or go to the famed
National Aquarium to see some of the 16,500
specimens. The 12-mile trip from the open bay is
relatively easy and filled with interesting things to look
at along the way. On the way up, you should stay alert
for barges and ocean-going shipping, though by
staying just outside the channel, you can get close to
these behemoths without any concern. Along the way,
a substantial industrial complex opens up on both sides of the river, providing great entertainment as
cranes and trucks unload cargo, looking like Tonka trucks from out in the middle of the Patapsco.
Passing by Fort Carroll – with its many cormorants, pelicans, and ruins – and then under the huge
span of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is neat. Nearing the downtown, you then slide right by Fort
McHenry, getting a similar view as Key did when he wrote the Star Spangled Banner. The Northwest
Harbor between Fells Point and Canton, in a well-protected spot surrounded by marinas and condos.
The anchorage here is at least twice the size of the Inner Harbor anchorage in 18-22 feet of water.
SASSAFRAS RIVER
The picturesque Sassafras River, situated on the
northern eastern shore, is a Chesapeake treasure.
About eight nautical miles upriver on the Sassafras is
the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow at
Georgetown, a great destination to lie back and
unwind in a quiet, unhurried location.
Navigation is easy. If anchoring out is your thing, there
are several great small creeks where you can drop the
hook for the night. On the south side of the Sassafras,
Lloyd Creek comes up first from the west, but only has
one- to two-foot depths—not suitable for anchoring. Next heading east is Turner Creek, which has a
somewhat tricky entrance, but has a nice nine- to 11-foot sliver where you can drop anchor.
Freeman, Island, and Woodland Creeks (which share a common entrance) have some areas in fourto
five-foot depths where you can anchor, but they are open to the north and also exposed to wakes
from passing river traffic. You can also anchor away from the designated mooring areas in
Georgetown-proper in 16- to 20-foot depths or head up under the bascule bridge (five-foot vertical
closed clearance) to some other great anchoring spots. Georgetown lies on the southern shore and
Fredericktown on the northern, but most boaters consider it all part of Georgetown.
WHITEHALL BAY
As a respite from the hum and buzz of
downtown Annapolis, Whitehall Bay beckons from a
mere three miles away. Large, reasonably deep, and
protected from winds from the west, north, and east,
Whitehall Bay marks the confluence of Mill,
Whitehall, and Meredith Creeks and lies southwest of
the Bay Bridge. Half an hour, more or less from
Annapolis, Whitehall Bay opens up a world far
removed from the crowds. The anchorage embraces
many boats, leaving ample space for solitude, friendly
rendezvous, or raft-ups.
At the confluence of Whitehall and Meredith Creeks
sits the 250-year-old estate of Whitehall. Originally built by Provincial Governor Horatio Sharpe, who
returned to England in 1773, the house and estate were restored to their colonial appearance in the
late 20th century by Charles Scarlett, Jr. and recently opened to the public on a limited basis. To the
southeast wraps a spit of beach ending at Hackett Point. Birds, fish, and boaters with shallow-draft
vessels love to explore the shallows in this area. Migrating waterfowl hang out here in abundance in
the fall. Osprey frequently dive for fish just off the bow, while cormorants and bald eagles grace the
sky. We like to hang out here with friends—a quick trip away from the dock when all of us get too
caught up in land life to get any farther away.
TILGHMAN ISLAND
Tilghman Island is located on the eastern shore of the
Chesapeake Bay at the periphery of Maryland’s Bay
Hundred Peninsula. The island is wedged between
Eastern Bay, the Choptank River, and Harris Creek.
Tilghman Island is a spectacular destination in its
own right and this island is not to be missed. The
quiet community on Tilghman Island was originally
settled in 1656. It is known for oysters, crabs, and the
watermen who harvest them. At one time during the
peak of the Tilghman Packing Company, the island
boasted four villages, a boatbuilding industry, and
many residential communities. Today, the island is a mixture of undisturbed countryside, small
agriculture, and private homes. Tourists come to Tilghman for a taste of traditional Chesapeake
culture, heritage, and beauty. The Tilghman Waterman Museum is a must-visit to learn more about
the island and the people who settled it.
Tilghman is located just southeast of Poplar Island and is connected to the mainland by the Knapps
Narrows Bascule Bridge. Along Knapps Narrows you will find several welcoming marinas, inns, and
restaurants with dockage.
The eastern shore of the island is welcoming to Chesapeake boaters, though open to winds from the
east. With prevailing westerly winds or in settled weather, shelter and a comfortable roadstead
anchorage can be found tucked in near Dogwood Harbor. Here you will find several restaurants and
welcoming marinas. Tuck in as close to shore as your draft will allow, where you will find good
protection from the southwest through the northwest.