Spa Creek Inlet

About

Introduction:

Spa Creek, off of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, is the gateway to Annapolis, the “Sailing Capital of America,” and state capital of Maryland.

Annapolis is 27 miles from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. It is located on the Severn River. Annapolis average annual rainfall is 39.03 inches per year. Annapolis average temperature is 55.6 degrees F. The average low temperature is 35.5 (winter) degrees F. The average high temperature is 85.2 (summer) degrees F. Annapolis elevation is 92 feet above sea level.

Annapolis also plays host to the Volvo Ocean Race every four years, with the next visit scheduled for 2010.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Charts 12283 and 12282.

Annapolis is located up the Severn River from Chesapeake Bay. The city technically lies on both Spa and Back creeks, and both are home to an expansive marine industry.

Flashing red “4” marks the approach to Annapolis from the Severn River. Once you have cleared this mark, follow flashing green buoy “5,” and them make sure to give flashing white “HP” (marking the Horn Point Shoal) a wide berth. Green can “SC” is the final aid. Spa Creek is home to downtown Annapolis, a large mooring field and the city administered slip at Market Slip.

The city administered moorings spot Spa Creek at its mouth, but limited anchoring room is available if you look for it. A popular, but bumpy anchorage is right off the Naval Academy near Triton Point before the inlet. Pay heed to all in-the-water buoyage and regulations less you get a visit form the DNR Police or the city.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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