Northern Route Itinerary

Highlights: Onancock, Tangier, Reedsville, Deltaville, Cape Charles

Typical Itinerary

(The itinerary is subject to change due to weather and other factors. Several ports of call and locations may include Yorktown, Tangier Island, Hampton, Fort Jefferson, Mobjack Bay, Kiptopeake, Salt Ponds, or other locations in the Southern Chesapeake Bay sailing area)

Day 1 (arrival day): 

Upon arrival, participants will stow their personal gear and then go out for a swim check. Over the course of the rest of the afternoon and evening, participants will get to know one another, become oriented to the boat and its systems, and become acquainted with the route.

Day 2:

From Cape Charles, we will sail north to an anchorage in Onancock Creek off of the Eastern Shore. Along the way, participants will learn basic sailing, navigation, and other skills for operating a vessel. Participants will also become acquainted with the scientific equipment aboard the boat and practice using it.  That afternoon and evening, we will explore the anchorage using kayaks and learn about the aquatic ecosystems of the Eastern Shore.

Day 3:

From the anchorage at Onancock Creek, we will travel to Tangier Island and dock for the evening. There we will meet with a local guide who will talk about the rich and unique history and future of the community. We will also have a chance for more hands-on science by exploring the role sea level rise plays in coastal communities.

Day 4:

From Tangier Island, we will sail across the Bay to Reedsville on the Western Shore. Here we will explore the Fishermans Museum and talk to a local fisherman about the importance of the fishing industry to this area. Possibly enjoy some of the local seafood.

Day 5:

We will sail south to Deltaville, to anchor off a creek and kayak to Dameron Marsh Natural Area where we will explore the marsh, do water quality testing and possibly explore the beaches for a threatened animal that lives in the sand.  Possibility of visiting the Deltaville Museum to learn about the maritime history of the Deltaville area beginning with the catastrophic impact of the Delmarva meteorite 35 million years ago and leading into the more modern period of wooden boatbuilding beginning in the late 1800s.

Day 6:

We return to Cape Charles for disembarkation. Participants will deep clean the vessel and participate in a debrief before leaving for home.​