Sailing Miragevideo
The Final 80 Miles: An Overnight Sail Home to the Chesapeake Bay. From Norfolk to Solomons, MD.
July 22, 2026 · 11 min · 1K views · Chesapeake Bay
What this video covers
Vlad sails Mirage on an 80-mile overnight passage from Norfolk, Virginia, to Solomons, Maryland, marking the final leg of a journey from La Rochelle, France.Watch The transit through the Chesapeake Bay features 18–20 knot following winds and requires navigating shallow waters, particularly near the bay's center.0:46 During the cold night, with air temperatures dropping to 47°F (8.5°C), a diesel heater maintains cabin comfort.7:59 The vessel’s Airmar DST810 depth transducer malfunctions, displaying infinite readings despite depths of 5–6 meters.1:31 The route passes landmarks including Point Lookout and the Potomac River entrance.3:41 Upon arrival at the marina in Solomons, the boat is secured in a 70-foot slip.9:40 Planned maintenance includes removing salt buildup, addressing rust, and cleaning the hull to manage marine growth.9:40 The Chesapeake Bay’s salinity gradient, which transitions from brackish to nearly fresh water, necessitates adjustments for vessel draft compared to ocean sailing.5:38
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