Known as America's sailing capital, Annapolis in Maryland is a favorite port of call for sailing charters worldwide. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy and is a national historic landmark.
It is so rich in historical heritage that the entire downtown are has been designated a National Historic District, including the 18th Century Annapolis Dock and Harbor. The city is filled with sailing and fishing vessels, which have naturally stemmed the rise of waterfront taverns, gourmet restaurants, raw bars, specialty shops in the surrounding areas.
Aside from sailing, Annapolis offers visitors other exciting activities. Tourists are sure to enjoy sailboat racing, harbor tours, dockside Summer Garden Theater, and water boat shows in downtown Annapolis. Other recreational activities include fishing, crabbing, swimming, tennis, and golf.
Annapolis is also very accessible. It is less than an hour's drive from Harbor Place in Baltimore and the US capital, Washington, D.C.
Chesapeake Bay
Maryland's capital city is also the place to find America's big backyard pond, the Chesapeake Bay. Spanning more than 400 miles, the bay is often dotted with sailboats of all sizes leisurely enjoying the winds and cruising along the shoreline.
But one need not be an experienced sailor to feel the sail winds of the Chesapeake Bay. Many large cruise boats in Annapolis double as floating classrooms. Here, passengers are taught the basics of sailing. They help in hoisting a sail and even get the chance to take wheel. Along the way, you will see the U.S. Naval Academy, Thomas Point Lighthouse, and other Annapolis sights.
Serious students can take courses at the Annapolis Sailing School, the country's oldest and largest sailing school. It offers three basic courses, lasting two, three or five days, plus a special four-part beginners course for area residents. Meanwhile, those who have more experience in sailing may opt to rent small sailboats and cruise the open bay on their own.
Once you have conquered the Chesapeake Bay, it is still good to stay around Annapolis for more relaxation. The city dock has lots of cafes, boat stores, restaurants and specialty shops, where you can mingle with sailors who are happy to share their tales of the day’s sailing charter adventure
When taking a sailing holiday in Annapolis, you can check out the 74-foot schooners "Woodwind" and "Woodwind II", which offer two-hour sightseeing cruises daily during the warm months. You may also rent sailboats from Annapolis Sailing School, from the Marriott, or from South River Boat Rentals in Edgewater.
Woodwind specializes in public sailing cruises, and each month has special, longer destination cruises to the Eastern Shore, waterfront crabhouses, and lighthouse tours.
"Woodwind II" offers private charters for corporate groups, company picnics, family gatherings, birthdays, reunions and cocktail parties. It provides an interactive and challenging team building program where guests can learn how to sail and race these schooners with their colleagues.
Other attractions
Outside of Annapolis, the Sandy Point State Park also provides boating, swimming, crabbing, surf fishing, and other water activities. Quaint waterfront villages lie across the Bay Bridge such as St. Michaels village, which houses the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In southern Annapolis, you will find the St. Mary's City, a historic town reminiscent of the early colonial days of Maryland. It features exhibits like the floating replica of the 17th century ship which brought some of the first settlers to Maryland.
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