Transiting the Chesapeake Bay - North and South
August 1, 2026 · 47 min · 236 views · Prickly Bay, Grenada
What this video covers
Transiting the Chesapeake Bay north and south is the focus of a seminar led by Tom Tersey, Frank Bummer, and Captain Yvonne Brandt — an ASA instructor who teaches for Maryland School of Sailing and, when in Grenada, for a school called Living the Dream.0:46 The discussion covers overnight versus multi-stop passages, with Tom preferring a straight overnight run over a four-day hop-and-anchor approach because port entries add significant total time underway.8:49 Ship traffic is identified as the primary overnight hazard, requiring coordinated watchkeeping, radar with MARPA tracking, and AIS — with the caveat that not all large vessels carry AIS.14:19 Sudden 50-knot squalls from local storms are flagged as a second major risk.3:20 Current management strategies include staying in mid-channel when current is favorable and moving to the edges when it is adverse.26:37 The Potomac–Chesapeake confluence is called out for producing conflicting tides and severe wave action.27:15 Chesapeake Bay Bridge transit procedure is detailed: use the auxiliary channel, not the main span, and keep reds to port when northbound.42:02 The Delaware Bay passage from Chesapeake City to Cape May — roughly 80 nautical miles — is addressed, with NOAA current tables recommended for departure timing.25:00 Jellyfish (nettles) and their seasonal northward migration are noted as a swimming hazard.16:28 Tug-and-tow awareness and staying near but outside the main ship channel are emphasized throughout.37:30
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