Weather on the Chesapeake Bay can change with barely a moment’s notice. A sunny day can become a vicious storm that will put you and your boat in peril. Knowing what is coming your way is the key to a successful day trip on the bay. First and foremost, check the marine weather forecast for your area before leaving the dock. Winds may be calm inshore, but the Bay could be rockin’ and rollin’.
NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System has real-time, accurate readings of wind and gusts at https://buoybay.noaa.gov/locations. Check data from not only where you are starting but also a buoy near your destination. Also access the most recent marine weather reports directly from your VHF radio aboard your vessel.
Always heed the coast guard warnings of impending storms, Small Craft Advisory, or Gale Conditions. If you must ask, YOU are a small craft. Small Craft applies to all recreational craft on the water, small or large, and are announced because real dangers exist. This warning system was created to keep you safe. Heed foul weather warnings and stay home.
Even when you’ve done your homework and it seems like a good weather day on the Bay, a pop-up thunderstorm can ruin an afternoon. Keep your eyes on the skies throughout the day and check weather sources often. If you see dark clouds looming on the horizon, head for port. If you can’t make it home, take safe harbor in a tributary, or small creek. Anchor up and wait out the storm on the leeward side of a cove.
During the storm, be sure to check and re-check that your anchor is holding. The last thing you need is to have the wind blow you aground when you are huddled in the cabin trying to stay dry. When the sun pops out again, you can head for home without angry clouds and 4’ waves scaring your crew.
Check out these on-line resources to learn more about good boating practices and a few phone apps which will help you to become an informed, weather-wise boater so this boating season can be your safest yet. BoatUS Foundation’s Weather for Boaters course at https://www.boatus.org/weather/ NOAA Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System https://buoybay.noaa.gov/locations BoatUS Towing App – Weather and assistance on the water https://www.boatus.com/towing/app.asp Dark Sky App – “Hyper-local, weather with foul weather alerts” https://darksky.net/app/
