Baltimore is best known for its harbor, which is port to large cruise ships that set sail for week-long or longer excursions to destinations such as Bermuda and the Caribbean. For people with less time to spare, however, there are several three-day large sailboat or yacht cruise options disembarking from Baltimore. On these brief, yet fulfilling voyages, passengers explore the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay.

Blue Goose Charters

Blue Goose Charters offers three-day, captained cruises on the Bristol Goose, a comfortable, 35 foot Senator trawler, which boasts a double cabin and sundeck. The “St. Michael’s Plan” cruise departs from the Anchorage Marina in Baltimore. On the first day, the boat sails along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, arriving in picturesque St. Michael’s for the evening. The second day is spent cruising along the western short of the Chesapeake and arrives in Annapolis by late afternoon. On the third day, the boat departs Annapolis in the early afternoon, returning to Baltimore. Passengers have the option to eat dinners aboard the boat or to dine ashore. The Bristol Goose also provides overnight cabins, although passengers can pay for on-shore lodging if desired. The three-day cruise cost $1,795 in 2009.

Blue Goose Charters P.O. Box 433 Severn, MD 21144 410-647-2583 800-874-6673 bluegoosecharters.com/

Getaway Sailing Charters

Getaway Sailing also offers a three-day, Chesapeake cruise package. Getaway has a fleet of four large sailboats, ranging in size from 22 to 34 feet. A unique attribute of Getaway is that its captains encourage passengers to get involved with sailing the boat. Experienced sailors have the opportunity to practice and develop their cruising skills, while those with little experience can learn the basics. Excursions depart from Baltimore's West Marina. The cruise itinerary is flexible, with possible destinations including Annapolis, St. Michaels, Rock Hall, Swan Creek, the Magothy and Chester Rivers, and Worten Creek. All captains are Coast Guard licensed. Prices for a three-day cruise in 2010 range from $1,400 to $2,560, depending on the size of the boat chartered.

Getaway Sailing, Ltd. 2700 Lighthouse Point Suite 230 Baltimore, MD 21224 410-342-3110 getawaysailing.com/

Let's Go Cruising Charters

Let's Go Cruising is another provider of a three-day cruise of the Chesapeake that embarks from Baltimore. Passengers cruise on one of Let’s Go Cruising’s Jeanneau or Fountaine Pajot yachts, the largest of which is 49 feet. These luxurious yachts provide voyagers with amenities such as walk-out cockpits, large sleeping cabins and elegant deck salons. On the three-day trip, passengers spend the first, full day touring the Inner Harbor of Baltimore by water. On day two, the yacht cruises to Great Oak Landing, a 70 acre resort marina that features golf, swimming and dining. The third day, which includes a sail under the Bay Bridge, ends in the towns of either Kentmorr or Annapolis. Contact Let's Go Cruising directly for current rates.

Let’s Go Cruising 222 Severn Ave. Annapolis, MD 21403 410-263-1818 888-995-BOAT letsgocruising.com/

About the Author

Catherine McNally published her first article, a piece on protecting confidential business information in "Thomson's Tax, Corporate and Accounting Alert" in 2004. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from McGill University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

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