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. The transit through the Chesapeake Bay features 18–20 knot following winds and requires navigating shallow waters, particularly near the bay's center. During the cold night, with air temperatures dropping to 47°F (8.5°C), a diesel heater maintains cabin comfort. The vessel’s Airmar DST810 depth transducer malfunctions, displaying infinite readings despite depths of 5–6 meters. The route passes landmarks including Point Lookout and the Potomac River entrance. Upon arrival at the marina in Solomons, the boat is secured in a 70-foot slip. Planned maintenance includes removing salt buildup, addressing rust, and cleaning the hull to manage marine growth. The Chesapeake Bay’s salinity gradient, which transitions from brackish to nearly fresh water, necessitates adjustments for vessel draft compared to ocean sailing.
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