Favorites
Weather
Thunderstorm approaches in Newport harbor
Northwest Atlantic Briefing Package
NOAA's Latest GRIB Files
National Data Buoy Center
All BoatUS members are eligible for their own member web site, which allows you to personalize weather reports (both marine and cities). We really like to customize it for our area of travel as it allows us to get weather information for the entire trip in one place. BoatUS Member Page
National Weather Service Marine Forecasts
Barometer Bob's weather forecasts for the Abacos, Bahamas are highly valued by cruisers. Barometer Bob
National Hurricane Center
NOAA's Latest GRIB Files
National Data Buoy Center
All BoatUS members are eligible for their own member web site, which allows you to personalize weather reports (both marine and cities). We really like to customize it for our area of travel as it allows us to get weather information for the entire trip in one place. BoatUS Member Page
National Weather Service Marine Forecasts
Barometer Bob's weather forecasts for the Abacos, Bahamas are highly valued by cruisers. Barometer Bob
National Hurricane Center
Navigation
Following a route on the Garmin 5208
NOAA provides the latest navigational charts as a free download. NOAA Charts
The Army Corps of Enginners maintains web sites with current information on the AIWW depths throughout various states. They even provide waypoints for some of the most shallow areas. Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: North Carolina
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: South Carolina
Dozier's Waterway Guide maintains a web site with up-to-date information. Waterway Guide
Active Captain's site encourages visitors to provide regular updates, which benefit others.
Lake Okeechobee Waterway depths from Army Core of Engineers are the most up-to-date.
The Army Corps of Enginners maintains web sites with current information on the AIWW depths throughout various states. They even provide waypoints for some of the most shallow areas. Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: North Carolina
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: South Carolina
Dozier's Waterway Guide maintains a web site with up-to-date information. Waterway Guide
Active Captain's site encourages visitors to provide regular updates, which benefit others.
Lake Okeechobee Waterway depths from Army Core of Engineers are the most up-to-date.
Cruiser Websites
Boats in Hopetown harbor
Our friends, Roger and Amy of Newburryport, MA, made a circumnavigation on their Pacific Seacraft 40, Shango.
We met Miami, Shelly and Ryan on Yume in Marathon in 2014. They train service dogs and had one named Goose on board who was an ambassador for their work. Ryan is now on his own, and Miami and Shelly have moved to a fifth wheel. You can follow their travels on their blog. Miami and Shelly's Traveling Life
Merry and Wiley joined us in Charleston, SC in 2011 for travels south. Here is their blog about their travels from Chicago south and back again. Les Miserables
Dick and Libby have been our neighbors at least twice: once on the hard in Deltaville and once on a mooring in Marathon. Libby makes beautiful pine needle baskets and has tried to teach Cathy to do the same. They travel on a Westsail 32 named Tarwathie.
Bob and Sandra travel on one of Orion's sister boats, another Beneteau 36cc, We've spent time with them in Marathon and a few other places. Their boat is called Carpe Diem.
Chris and Margaret, our friends from Solomons traveled the ICW aboard their boat, Lunasea back in 2006-7. Read about their journey on their blog. Lunasea
We met Ray and Heather at Manjack Cay, Abacos, Bahamas where we joined them to travel back to Florida. It was a pleasant trip and we continued to travel together as far as Charleston, SC. Sea Holly
We met Miami, Shelly and Ryan on Yume in Marathon in 2014. They train service dogs and had one named Goose on board who was an ambassador for their work. Ryan is now on his own, and Miami and Shelly have moved to a fifth wheel. You can follow their travels on their blog. Miami and Shelly's Traveling Life
Merry and Wiley joined us in Charleston, SC in 2011 for travels south. Here is their blog about their travels from Chicago south and back again. Les Miserables
Dick and Libby have been our neighbors at least twice: once on the hard in Deltaville and once on a mooring in Marathon. Libby makes beautiful pine needle baskets and has tried to teach Cathy to do the same. They travel on a Westsail 32 named Tarwathie.
Bob and Sandra travel on one of Orion's sister boats, another Beneteau 36cc, We've spent time with them in Marathon and a few other places. Their boat is called Carpe Diem.
Chris and Margaret, our friends from Solomons traveled the ICW aboard their boat, Lunasea back in 2006-7. Read about their journey on their blog. Lunasea
We met Ray and Heather at Manjack Cay, Abacos, Bahamas where we joined them to travel back to Florida. It was a pleasant trip and we continued to travel together as far as Charleston, SC. Sea Holly
Sailing Clubs
Cape Fear Yacht Club celebrates the Kentucky Derby
We joined the Sailing Club of Washington to acquire basic sailing skills. They did a GREAT job and the people are wonderful. If you are in the Washington D. C. area on Thursday night, join them for a Social Sail. Sailing Club of Washington
Cathy and I were invited to join the Cape Fear Yacht Club on its trip to Little River, SC. We were one of 19 boats on this trip and had a wonderful time. This is a GREAT group of people. If you are ever in Southport, NC, look them up. We will. Cape Fear Yacht Club
We were invited to join the Sailing Club of Oriental for the last outing of 2007 on the South River. Although we didn't know anyone, members of the club made us feel at home. Everyone gathered on one member's boat bringing a dish to pass. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. Sailing Club of Oriental
We joined the Old Point Comfort Yacht Club based out of Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. It is inexpensive and has a lot of cruising, educational, and racing opportunities. For the cruiser, it has reciprocity with Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association and/or the Yachting Club of America.
Cathy and I were invited to join the Cape Fear Yacht Club on its trip to Little River, SC. We were one of 19 boats on this trip and had a wonderful time. This is a GREAT group of people. If you are ever in Southport, NC, look them up. We will. Cape Fear Yacht Club
We were invited to join the Sailing Club of Oriental for the last outing of 2007 on the South River. Although we didn't know anyone, members of the club made us feel at home. Everyone gathered on one member's boat bringing a dish to pass. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. Sailing Club of Oriental
We joined the Old Point Comfort Yacht Club based out of Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. It is inexpensive and has a lot of cruising, educational, and racing opportunities. For the cruiser, it has reciprocity with Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association and/or the Yachting Club of America.
Marinas: Chesapeake Bay
Solomons Harbor
We are frequently asked about our choice of marinas in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite marinas is roughly arranged in sequence from North to South.
Liberty Yacht Club Marina: Edgewater, MD
St. Michaels Marina: St. Michaels, MD
Spring Cove Marina: Solomons, MD
Somers Cove Marina: Crisfield, MD
Jackson Creek Marina - Deltaville, VA
Fishing Bay Harbor: Deltaville, VA
Riverwalk Landing: Yorktown, VA
York River Yacht Haven: Yorktown, VA
Hampton Public Pier: Hampton, VA
Liberty Yacht Club Marina: Edgewater, MD
St. Michaels Marina: St. Michaels, MD
Spring Cove Marina: Solomons, MD
Somers Cove Marina: Crisfield, MD
Jackson Creek Marina - Deltaville, VA
Fishing Bay Harbor: Deltaville, VA
Riverwalk Landing: Yorktown, VA
York River Yacht Haven: Yorktown, VA
Hampton Public Pier: Hampton, VA
Mooring Balls: Chesapeake Bay
St. Mary's Cove mooring field in Annapolis
We are frequently asked about our choice of mooring balls in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite ones is roughly arranged in sequence from North to South.
Tidewater Marina: Havre De Grace, MD
Sailing Associates: Georgetown MD
Swan Creek Marina: Rock Hall MD
Lankford Bay Marina: Rock Hall MD
Annapolis Mooring Field: Annapolis, Md
Zahnisers Marina: Solomons, MD
Tidewater Marina: Havre De Grace, MD
Sailing Associates: Georgetown MD
Swan Creek Marina: Rock Hall MD
Lankford Bay Marina: Rock Hall MD
Annapolis Mooring Field: Annapolis, Md
Zahnisers Marina: Solomons, MD
Marine Services and More
Teak repair in Deltaville
Annapolis Sailing School
Annapolis Yacht Sales: Tim Wilbricht - We can't say enough good things about Annapolis Yacht Sales and Tim. He patiently talked to us about our plans and placed us in the ideal boat. His service and support after the sale has surpassed our expectations. It's been a wonderful experience working with Tim. He has more
Boat Owner's Warehouse
Boat US
When Cathy had a problem due to unseen mold on Orion, we thoroughly cleaned her with a solution of bleach and water. Although it helped, it wasn't sufficient. We contacted Certified Mold Treatment and Brad promptly responded to our need. He pumped our boat full of ozone. It made a significant difference. Certified Mold Treatment
When Orion Jr needed her name decal, we got it for a very reasonable price from Name My Boat.
Although we aren't divers, we joined DAN due to its cost effective medical evacuation insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN)
We had heard very good reports about Deltaville Boatyard up and down the coast. Our experience with their services has been excellent. Deltaville Boatyard
Annapolis Yacht Sales: Tim Wilbricht - We can't say enough good things about Annapolis Yacht Sales and Tim. He patiently talked to us about our plans and placed us in the ideal boat. His service and support after the sale has surpassed our expectations. It's been a wonderful experience working with Tim. He has more
Boat Owner's Warehouse
Boat US
When Cathy had a problem due to unseen mold on Orion, we thoroughly cleaned her with a solution of bleach and water. Although it helped, it wasn't sufficient. We contacted Certified Mold Treatment and Brad promptly responded to our need. He pumped our boat full of ozone. It made a significant difference. Certified Mold Treatment
When Orion Jr needed her name decal, we got it for a very reasonable price from Name My Boat.
Although we aren't divers, we joined DAN due to its cost effective medical evacuation insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN)
We had heard very good reports about Deltaville Boatyard up and down the coast. Our experience with their services has been excellent. Deltaville Boatyard
Fawcett Boat Supplies
When our Cruisair SMXII control failed, we sent it to Flight Systems, Inc. for repair. As we didn't know which of two circuit boards were broken, we sent both boards to them. They tested both boards, finding one of them to be good; no charge while repairing the other for less than 1/3 the cost of a new replacement.. In less than one week, we had them back. On top of it, we were given a one year warranty on their work.
For electrical supplies -- cables, connectors, switches, you name it -- we have found an excellent supplier in GenuineDealz.com. They offer quality parts at a good price, with fast shipping. We have used them repeatedly for various projects on the boat.
Whatever your boat needs, Merri-Mar is the place to get it done! The most mechanically experienced cruisers that we have met throughout our travels, rely on Merri-Mar's expertise and guidance. Jay and his team are 1st Class! Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
Bruce is a first class sail maker. He spent the time necessary to understand our expectations of a sail. Then he carefully examined the boat to be sure he could meet our needs. When there was a problem installing the new sail due to a rigging problem, Bruce saw us through to a successful conclusion. Since that time, he is always available to answer our questions. Neil Pryde Sails: Bruce Empey
When we visited Key West, we were delighted with our sunset sail on the Schooner, Spirit of Independence. It was a treat to see the crowds on Mallory Square from the water, and the atmosphere on board was so pleasant, uncrowded and relaxed. Try them out if you're in the area.
West Marine
When our Cruisair SMXII control failed, we sent it to Flight Systems, Inc. for repair. As we didn't know which of two circuit boards were broken, we sent both boards to them. They tested both boards, finding one of them to be good; no charge while repairing the other for less than 1/3 the cost of a new replacement.. In less than one week, we had them back. On top of it, we were given a one year warranty on their work.
For electrical supplies -- cables, connectors, switches, you name it -- we have found an excellent supplier in GenuineDealz.com. They offer quality parts at a good price, with fast shipping. We have used them repeatedly for various projects on the boat.
Whatever your boat needs, Merri-Mar is the place to get it done! The most mechanically experienced cruisers that we have met throughout our travels, rely on Merri-Mar's expertise and guidance. Jay and his team are 1st Class! Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
Bruce is a first class sail maker. He spent the time necessary to understand our expectations of a sail. Then he carefully examined the boat to be sure he could meet our needs. When there was a problem installing the new sail due to a rigging problem, Bruce saw us through to a successful conclusion. Since that time, he is always available to answer our questions. Neil Pryde Sails: Bruce Empey
When we visited Key West, we were delighted with our sunset sail on the Schooner, Spirit of Independence. It was a treat to see the crowds on Mallory Square from the water, and the atmosphere on board was so pleasant, uncrowded and relaxed. Try them out if you're in the area.
West Marine
Medical
Before setting out on a cruise or even a day trip, it's a good idea to be sure that you can handle any medical situation. Take a first aid and CPR course from the Red Cross at a minimum. We especially like their Wilderness First Aid Basics course since you are away from any immediate medical assistance.
We worked with our doctor to develop an extensive first aid kit for cruising. At first, we tried to fill prescriptions made out to the ship as mentioned in the article, but when they couldn't be filled, we had them made out to us individually. For the lower cost medications, we filled them for both of us to avoid any issues of practicing medicine without a license. Expensive ones were purchased for one of us with the hope that the other one could choose to use it himself. Since Publix offered a number of free prescriptions (discontinued in 2022), we filled them at one of their convenient locations.
Before setting out on a cruise or even a day trip, it's a good idea to be sure that you can handle any medical situation. Take a first aid and CPR course from the Red Cross at a minimum. We especially like their Wilderness First Aid Basics course since you are away from any immediate medical assistance.
We worked with our doctor to develop an extensive first aid kit for cruising. At first, we tried to fill prescriptions made out to the ship as mentioned in the article, but when they couldn't be filled, we had them made out to us individually. For the lower cost medications, we filled them for both of us to avoid any issues of practicing medicine without a license. Expensive ones were purchased for one of us with the hope that the other one could choose to use it himself. Since Publix offered a number of free prescriptions (discontinued in 2022), we filled them at one of their convenient locations.
