Back Creek Inlet - Annapolis

About

Introduction:

As you can see in the image above, Back Creek is all about one thing: boats. Back Creek is one of two pieces of water that push their way into the city of Annapolis from the Severn River. While Spa Creek is home to the prestigious Annapolis Yacht Club, U.S. Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis, Back Creek is on the shores of Eastport (also known as the “Maritime Republic of Eastport”), which prides itself on being a laid back easy-going community of seafaring individuals. It is also the town’s maritime and marine industry center.

The image above is a view from the northeast looking southwest over the Back Creek entrance. The right side of the image is the Eastport section of Annapolis, with Horn Point Harbor, East port Boatyard, JWorld, Muller Marine, Seafarers Yacht Club and Mears Marina lining up on the right (north) side of the Creek.

On the left (south) side of the inlet is Chink Point and the famous Annapolis Sailing School. Leading down the shoreline from here is Port Williams Marina, Annapolis Landing marina, Port Annapolis Marina, and all the way at the head of the creek is Bert Jabins, the largest repair yard in Annapolis.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 12283.

To Approach Back Creek from the Chesapeake Bay, first depart the main Chesapeake Bay Channel to the west from quick flashing green buoy “WR87,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N35 55.968 W76 23.546. Once you have picked up quick flashing green buoy “WR87,” set an approximate course of 301 degrees magnetic for 1.8 miles to intercept flashing red bell buoy “2.”

Once you have picked up flashing red bell buoy “2,” set a new course of 316 degrees magnetic and follow it for three miles until you see flashing green “1E,” which is the beginning of the channel into Back Creek. Next up is flashing red “2E,” quick flashing green “3” (at the Chink Point jetty), and then flashing green “5” into the creek. Whatever you do, do not cut daybeacon “7” short. You most assuredly run aground if you do. Give it a good distance.

There is an anchorage, and also city run moorings up the creek about a half-mile form green daybeacon “7,” and you can also find more moorings and anchorage space up past Port Annapolis Marina and near Bert Jabins Yacht Yard.

Slip space is tight on weekends an holidays. Calling ahead for reservations is a must.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.