Top Boat Charters

Here's a riddle for you. What combines fun living space, transportation, exciting waterfront views, fishing, swimming and partying, while costing less than a house rental at the Jersey shore? Ever hear of a sailboat charter? I'm talking about yacht size boats that can accommodate 4 to 8 people, where you can go from waterfront town to waterfront town, enjoying the live-aboard boating lifestyle without the expense of ownership. Gather round mateys while I spin a yarn of a week or weekend on the briney Chesapeake Bay, the nation's premier sailing setting.

HAVEN CHARTERS

20846 Rock Hall Avenue
Rock Hall, MD 21661
http://www.havencharters.com/

For 10 years, before walking the ownership plank, I chartered my boats from Haven Charters at Rock Hall, Maryland where you go from a secluded and sheltered cove to the open Chesapeake Bay in 20 minutes. From there it's a 4 hour exhilarating sail to either Baltimore or Annapolis, 6 hours to picturesque St. Michaels. The Haven fleet of 24 cruising boats ranges from 32 to 47 foot sloops, cutters and catamarans. The smallest at 32 feet comfortably sleeps 4 cruisers, is capable of Caribbean passages and offers all the amenities of a yacht. The cost for a weekend of sailing and sunning can be as low as $950. But five days, midweek checks in at only $50 more. Take a look at the whole fleet and prices at http://www.havencharters.com/.

The operation is run by a dynamic couple, Jaqueline and David Fife who are both licensed Captains and experienced oceangoing sailors. They'll plan an itinerary, offer provisioning tips and if you don't have a sailor in the crowd, Jacqui and Dave will get you a skipper. For directions, cruise over to: http://www.havenchartersbareboat.com/charts.shtml

GRATITUDE YACHTING CENTER

Rock Hall, MD 21661
http://www.gratitudeyachting.com/index.php

The Gratitude Yachting Center occupies that vibrant tip of land where tranquil Swan Creek flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Gratitude is unique for its fleet of deep keel, ocean going Island Packet yachts. The full keel and broad beams that characterize the Island Packets make them ideal for cruising comfort with roomy interiors, abundant deck space and a bow sprit for lounging over the sea spray. When I chartered with a 2 year-old aboard, the choice for stability was a Packet from Gratitude. An ideal starter boat for a couple or couple and child is the compact 27 footer. A weekend aboard is $850 plus taxes and, as with most charter boats a powerful auxiliary engine keeps you going even on those rare days when the wind fails to fill the sails. Check out the fleet and the pricing at: http://www.gratitudeyachting.com/charter.php. The Gratitude Yachting Center also offers a motel on the property for family or friends who may prefer spending nights ashore. To get there follow directions for Haven Charters and continue another mile till you run out of land.

BAY SAIL

Tidewater Marina
100 Bourbon Street
Havre De Grace, MD 21078
http://www.baysail.net/

Within an hour of Center City we find the beginning of open Chesapeake Bay waters were sailors can leave the office and be slipping away from dockside in the time it usually takes to get home. With a base at Havre De Grace, Maryland, Bay Sail is our closest full-service Chesapeake charter operation. Go for a half-day, a day or a full week. Bay Sail gets you out on the open waters and secluded creeks and coves for whatever time you want to spend. Day-sail charters are a perfect way to tune up sailing skills in preparation for cruising charters to yachting destinations further south. Check out the fleet and charter prices at: http://www.baysail.net/rates.html. Bay Sail also offers lessons for new budding sailors, while strolling the town of Havre De Grace opens the door to a relaxing day in shops and at a table, piled high with fabled Maryland steamed crabs.

GETAWAY SAILING

2700 Lighthouse Point
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
http://www.getawaysailing.com/Charters.html

You might hear the expression, "bareboat". It's not what you think. It simply means, you're renting (chartering) the boat without a Captain. It's your boat and your responsibility for the length of the charter, pretty much like a shore house or a car. On the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore's Canton section near the Inner Harbor provides a destination and bareboat or captained charters. Go for a day, a week, or options in between. An 18 footer for two can have you cruising the Inner Harbor or sightseeing on the Patapsco River to Fort McHenry or the working waterfront that is home port to the Navy's fleet of modern transports and hospital ships. Or, choose a larger cruising sailboat that can easily take 6 adventurers for a week or a weekend, exploring the vast reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Getaway Sail also provides Captains if you don't have a sailor in the crowd and instructruction to begin grooming one. Steer a course to boats and prices at: http://www.getawaysailing.com/OurFleet.html For directions, go to: http://www.getawaysailing.com/ContactUs.html

ANNAPOLIS BAY CHARTERS

7080 Bembe Beach Rd.
Annapolis, MD 21403
http://www.annapolisbaycharters.net/index.php

If Annapolis, Maryland is the nautical capital of the east coast, Annapolis Bay Charters is the heart of charter boat sailing on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Its fleet is composed of an amazing flotilla of yachts ranging from 32 to 54 feet, Most of this armada of mono-hull and catamaran cruisers is capable of spanning the world's oceans. Cruising from Annapolis, a 3-day weekend opens the horizon for a visit to historic St. Michaels, within a four-hour sail or scores of snug anchorages on picturesque coves, creeks and rivers. Then a leisurely sail back to the Severn River and the familiar landmark of the United States Naval Academy. For a look at the Annapolis Bay Charter fleet and pricing, cruise over to: http://www.annapolisbaycharters.net/ourfleet.php

For directions, go to: http://www.annapolisbaycharters.net/images/drivingdirections09.pdf

BLUE CRAB CHESAPEAKE BAY CHARTERS

Sharp Street Pier
Rock Hall, MD 21661
http://bluecrab_cc.tripod.com/

So you're not sure if you want to jump right in. Try an hour-and-a-half skippered cruise, margaritas and music included to get a feel for the free-as-the-air lifestyle. See my friend Captain Mark Einstein, skipper of the 36 foot Crab Imperial. He'll show you the ropes, a great time, put you behind the helm and have you coming back for more. Full disclosure here – I have sailed many times as first mate with Captain Mark on the Chesapeake and crewed the Crab in the Caribbean. Mark charges $30 a person and carries up to 6 passengers per cruise.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Your charter boat will be fully equipped with a stove, all cooking and dining utensils. Boats have adequate safety equipment including life jackets, flares, VHF radio and life slings. Many boats are fitted with GPS units – all have current chart books. All paper products are provided.

You bring linens, personal toiletry items, bug spray, sunscreen, hats and a bathing suit. Do not bring street shoes. Boat shoes are required. Going barefoot on deck isn't a great idea either. Stubbed toes and scorched feet from sun baked rails are painful. Ask my wife.

One member of your party will have to have sufficient sailing experience for a "bareboat charter". That will include providing a sailing resume, recommendations from sailing schools or owners you have sailed with. A log book helps.

Now cast off and enjoy the adventure.

By Jay Lloyd