Reviews from James Levens (3)

Marina Review for Skipjack Cove Marina

Reviewed by: James Levens , Spectackular, on Oct 13, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

I was a transient here for a night - my first overnight away from my home port. I was a bit perplexed by the number of empty slips in this very reasonably priced, and appealing well-kept marina. I can only attribute it to the time and motoring commitment required to reach this part of the Sassafras. That said, the cruise up the river was beautiful, but not something I'd want to do every time I wanted to hit the bay. This would also lend itself to more motor yacht traffic than sailboat traffic. The fuel dock and office are at the river’s northern bank, and the sign designating the marina as you approach is large and clear, which is good because this area is crowded with marinas. I found the fairways to be ample size for easy maneuvering and backing into the slip. The dock hand was helpful and answered many of my “first-time ‘away-from -home-port’ stay” questions. Once you are tied up after a long motor up the Sassafras, the hilltop pool is not to be missed. Spectacular view of the Sassafras, many tables with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and the bathhouse is adjacent to the pool. The bathhouse provides private rooms with toilet, sink and stall showers in each. Very clean, very nice and very air-conditioned. There is a large picnic area with grills (since I believe they don’t allow grilling on the boats near the docks). There is on site restaurant, but we didn’t dine there. The setting is nicely landscaped and shows their efforts to create the “resort” setting they advertise. The vibe while we were there was notably laid-back. (it was a Thursday in August). The area in general seems welcoming to anchoring and your dinghy to shore, since I saw many sailboats anchored out. If there was anything to gripe about, it would be the “unwalkability” of the area in general – not a fault of the marina. We couldn’t easily meander our way from this marina to a restaurant at a nearby marina via the water’s edge without some acrobatics. You could walk on the street, but then you lost the view of the water. A fee-for-service water taxi would have been nice.If I was planning a season where I intended to really explore the Sassafras on my weekend cruises, this would be at the top of my short-list as a spot to get a seasonal slip. I’d say that its location in relation to the bay is distant so if you are looking for a spot that provides quick access to the upper bay, this isn’t it. The scenic cruise up the Sassafras makes the excursion worthwhile and I would encourage it at least once.

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Anchorage Review for Swan Creek

Reviewed by: James Levens, Spectackular, on Oct 13, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Once you motor around the Swan Creek Bar (if coming from the north) - legendary for its stealthy undulations, and into the channel, there is a bit of a motor past the busier Rock Hall fanfare, up into Swan Creek. This is a very easy task because of the well-marked channel. Once 'around the bend' you immediately feel like the motoring was worth the effort. I would suggest creeping slowly into Swan Creek as the depth changes are frequent and severe. Use the tide to your advantage (come in around high), study your recent chart, watch your sounder closely. Head right at G 15 and into the creek. That said, once in, I saw boats that I knew draw significantly more than my 4.5 draft nestled deep into the creek - favoring the western (port) side of the creek once past the little spit north east of Green 15. Don't go too far over to port, because it gets very skinny towards the coastline. This is a very popular spot, so if you want privacy and seclusion, this wouldn't be my first choice on July weekends. I was there on a breezy and rolly September night and held firm in the cakey, dense, grey Chessie mud. If your dingy is oar-powered, it can be a work out to get to one of the marinas' dinghy docks.

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Marina Review for The Wharf at Handy's Point

Reviewed by: James Levens , Spectackular, on Oct 13, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

I fell in love with The Wharf the first time I walked onto its docks. Its slip holders are 90% sailboats. The marina is a well kept, no-frills affair: No tiki-bars, live bands, floating kegs, etc. For me, the lack of these 'amenities' is actually a huge plus, so it really depends on what you seek in a marina, to judge if this is the right marina for you. The waterhouse is simple, clean and functional. The slips have running water and power service. The docks are solid. The family that manages the marina is fantastic. The hired staff goes out of their way to help you. Fellow slip holders are all very friendly.
Only gripes would be no provisioning available without a car, and stock of supplies is spartan. That said, the marina manager has an encyclopedic knowledge of systems, and a huge number of local contacts should you need services beyond DIY.
So, combine great people with a well-kept facility, reasonable fees, a great very peaceful location, and ample opportunity to witness one of the finest sunsets on the Chessie, and you have The Wharf at Handy's Point. I would encourage a stop for a layover or if you are shopping for a new marina.

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