We originally planned to start the 2022 Chesapeake Chase on June 10. To see how well plan and reality matched, and to travel along with us on our adventure, read the posts starting at Chesapeake Chase: The 3 P’s.
Here is a big picture outline map of the Chesapeake Chase. Markers show some of the potential crew change stops, though many more were possible. Additional crew information is available here.
The plan was to head up the ICW past Charleston, anchoring out along the way, and–depending on crew interest and weather–either take a shortcut offshore or take the Waccamaw River past Georgetown and then the ICW through Myrtle Beach before relaxing and replenishing for a few days at the Safe Harbor Southport, NC marina.
Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
Continuing up the Cape Fear River, then cutting across to the ICW inside the Carolina Beach barrier islands, we’d head for Morehead City, our gateway to Pamlico Sound. Choosing from numerous potential stops on the west side of the sound (such as New Bern, Oriental), we’d then use the Alligator River/Pungo River Canal to reach Albemarle Sound. From there, we’d traverse the Great Dismal Swamp Canal to reach Chesapeake Bay at Norfolk, VA.
Chesapeake Bay
Once on Chesapeake Bay, we planned to journey north on the west side of the bay and return south on the east side. A first stop would likely be the Yorktown area, which also provides access to Williamsburg and Jamestown. Headed north, additional stops could include:
- Deltaville/Rappahannock River
- Potomac River/St. Marys/Washington DC/Mt. Vernon
- Solomons
- Annapolis/Severn River
- Baltimore
- Havre de Grace/Chesapeake City/C&D Canal
The trip south on the east side is less urban, but just as historic (and maybe even better eating). Stops could include:
- St. Michaels
- Choptank River/Oxford/Cambridge
- Smith and Tangier Islands
- Cape Charles
Now on the way home, we’d head south through the sounds on the east/barrier island side, with possible stops at:
- Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Currituck Sound/Coinjock
- Pea Island
- Hatteras
- Ocracoke
Back through Morehead City, we’d follow the ICW and/or enjoy time offshore–weather permitting–for our return to Port Royal.
Along the way, we’d anchor out or stay at marinas based on crew preferences, access to shoreside attractions, supply needs and beauty of surroundings. Target return to home port was August 5.
So, join us vicariously, and see how we did: Chesapeake Chase: The 3 P’s.