The Chesapeake Bay- Our current cruising ground

A few facts about the Chesapeake Bay  

1. It is the largest estuary in the United States. Estuaries are important  biologically diverse ecosystems where thousands of species of birds, mammals, fish and other wildlife depend on the habitat provided.  The habitat provides the place for the animals  to live, feed and reproduce. The protected waters of the estuaries are called the "nurseries of the sea" for the protection provided for the young developing animals.  
2. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia.  This has a huge important economic benefit for the areas around the Bay.  The areas around the Bay benefit from tourism, fisheries, and recreational activities.  The protected waters of the Bay allow for ports/harbors  which are important for shipping and transportation.  
3. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin includes more than 150 rivers/streams and  covers  an area of over 64,000 square miles. The rivers and streams provide the fresh water input for the estuary.  Without the the freshwater the estuary would increase in salinity.  The increased salinity would have a negative impact (death) on aquatic life which have adapted to the conditions present.  
4. Chesapeake Bay is over 200 miles long. At its narrowest point it is 2.8 miles wide and 30 miles at its widest.  The length of Bay and the varied width of the Bay allow for a very unique sailing experience that some may even call epic.  The winds are dynamic and ever changing, winds funnel down the rivers and explode over open water. The southern Bay has the benefit of  sea breezes which often provide great sailing conditions even in the summer when winds tend to be the lightest.  
5. And most importantly: The Chesapeake Bay  has 11,684 miles of shoreline.  All that shoreline means a plethora of cruising grounds to explore.  The Bay offers quite anchorages with access to local towns and villages, where local watermen carry on the Bay's tradition.  Also worth mentioning is the treasure trove of historic places located within the Bay such as Jamestown and Tangier Island

The Wikipedia link if interested in more detail's about this great body of water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_Bay

Janus Anchored off of downtown Hampton, VA. 

The city of Hampton is located in the Hampton roads area of the Chesapeake bay.  It is one of our favorite places to visit in the southern Chesapeake Bay.  The anchorage is well protected and after a short dinghy ride you have access to all the fun the city has to offer.  A few worth while events include Hampton Bay Days,  The Black Beards Festival, and for the racing sailor there is Southern Bay Race week.   All summer there is the Saturday Summer Street Fest with free live music and more.  Did I mention there is  free Wifi, and one dollar showers at the city pier for those anchoring out.  For more info check out Hampton public pier

Happy Sailing  from Nikki and Ray