Good Practice Waters Near Annapolis

[goodiefun]

I just bought my first sailboat, which I am keeping in Annapolis. I previously sailed around Boston, where I knew of quiet spots where I could go to practice maneuvers on my club’s boats. I would like to take my boat somewhere quiet near Annapolis to practice handling it. Does anyone know of any good spots where I can do this without getting in the way of a lot of other boats? Thanks.

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by goodiefun

I just bought my first sailboat, which I am keeping in Annapolis. I previously sailed around Boston, where I knew of quiet spots where I could go to practice maneuvers on my club’s boats. I would like to take my boat somewhere quiet near Annapolis to practice handling it. Does anyone know of any good spots where I can do this without getting in the way of a lot of other boats? Thanks.

As long as you're not in one of the main channels, you can go anywhere you want on the Chesapeake. No need to make it any harder, just go sail and enjoy yourself!

[Pandor]

Originally Posted by goodiefun

I just bought my first sailboat, which I am keeping in Annapolis. I previously sailed around Boston, where I knew of quiet spots where I could go to practice maneuvers on my club’s boats. I would like to take my boat somewhere quiet near Annapolis to practice handling it. Does anyone know of any good spots where I can do this without getting in the way of a lot of other boats? Thanks.

I think all the noobs go down ego alley at the city dock to practice. At least that is what it seems like.

[JoeRobertJr]

Congratulations on the new boat! You can add your boat info to your profile, so others can put your questions in context. Annapolis can get pretty busy on weekends especially when there is a special event, but if you head out to the bay, it is wide open. Just watch for large ships and barges running north/south, and do your practicing away from the marked channels.

[4arch]

The area just north of the Bay Bridge, east of the main shipping channel, and south of Love Point tends to be pretty lightly traveled.

[shimari]

As others have said, the bay is a great place to learn. South of the bay bridge can be a bit crowded on the weekends and holidays.

Watch out for the crab pots and racers (Wed night), but heading further out gets you away from those. You'll have plenty of room to enjoy and learn.

[Cheechako]

I didn't find the bay near Annapolis itself that busy... just get out there and give it a go. PS: BYOW (Bring your own wind...)

[LouK]

You could consider the area just outside the outlet of Whitehall Bay its close in, you don't have to pass the bridge & has some nice anchorages. Like everywhere on the Bay, mind your depths

[ccwoodhead]

Congratulations! We would not advise going to Ego Alley to practice! Agree with others about the bay though. Fair winds.

[Hudson Force]

I'm sure Pandor's Ego Alley (the market slip) advice was good humor. There always seems to be lots of open space just a bit away from the main harbor area as others have said. There can be some fun space up the Severn to if the winds up enough. ...Enjoy!

[chriswheat]

I agree wholeheartedly, the waters near Annapolis are great for practicing!

[Dr. D]

Get out on the water during the week, though Friday is often busy. Monday through Thursday there is far less boats out than on the weekend. Its kind of like Costco.....