Chesapeake Bay

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For sheer scale and freedom, the Chesapeake Bay is one of the best sailing areas in the United States. The largest estuary in the US, it is 200 miles long, providing an expanse of shoreline to explore and a massive diversity of attractions from cosmopolitan cities to tiny islands and sleepy waterways. Soaked in American and naval history, offering incredible seafood feasts, landscapes and night life, Chesapeake Bay has enormous variety for sailing experiences. Chesapeake Bay was formed 10,000 years ago when melting glaciers caused the Atlantic ocean levels to rise. Today, it is dotted with historical cities to which you can cruise and moor up to enjoy. In Baltimore, with its world renowned Inner Harbour, you can get right into the heart of the city. The harbour hosts dozens of great restaurants and fun night life. Look out for the USS Constellation, a civil war ship which is permanently docked in the harbour and open to the public year round. Annapolis, known as the 'sailing capital of the world', will be a long anticipated stop for sailors. Maryland's capital city is home to its famous naval academy and the National Sailing Hall of Fame and Museum. The Bay also provides countless quiet and beautiful destinations to get away from the city bustle. Islands such as Solomens and Tangier are home to small communities and have strong sailing roots and therefore decent facilities. When eating in the plentiful seafood restaurants try the oyster and crabs which have been traditionally caught here for hundreds of years. Off the Maryland coast, you can still see the traditional skipjack, the state boat used for catching oysters in an area where laws prevent the use of powerboats for oyster fishing. Chesapeake Bay is famous for its fishing and there are plenty of companies which take guests out to the best spots. Due to strict fishing regulations it is best to have a guide or go on an organised trip. There are marinas and charter companies dotted up the bay which provide bare boat and skippered chartered as well as sailing courses and lessons.

4 / 5 Review by expert member Jane Ferguson