Chesapeake Bay is an inlet in the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of the United States, divided between the territories of Maryland (the large northern part of the bay) and Virginia (the small southern part). It is also the estuary (the largest in the USA) of the Susquehanna River. It is located a short distance (southwest direction) from Delaware Bay, to which it is connected by the Chesapeake-Delaware artificial canal. The name Chesapeake comes from the Algonquin word Chesepiooc, which should indicate " a village by a large river ". It was the scene of the famous battle that bears his name, on September 5, 1781: it determined the surrender of the British General (and Governor) Cornwallis at Yorktown and, consequently, the conclusion of the American War of Independence. One of the most famous places, where sailors meet, is the Chesapeake Bay that extends from Maryland to Virginia, it is 330 km long and it is the paradise of water sports lovers, especially sailing. The bay has a width of 48 km, allows all sailors to navigate freely in its waters, also offering protection during crossings, the boats are protected in case of climatic changes typical of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is characterized by many inlets, formed by the many rivers that flow into its waters, where you can moor and spend hours in complete freedom and absolute tranquility. On the shores there are characteristic fishing villages such as Oxford, St. Michaels, Rock Hall with their marinas where you can dock and go ashore for a tour, or eat in one of the many restaurants typical of the place.
There are many sailing schools, both for children with Lasers and Optimists, as well as for adults and rental companies of large boats for sailing with more people.
The best season for sailing in the Chesapeake Bay is from April to November, in this period are organized many initiatives: festivals, fairs and sporting events, which welcome sailing enthusiasts from all over the United States.
One of the most beautiful cities that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay is Annapolis the capital of Maryland. Its name is a tribute to Princess Anne Stuart of Denmark, who later became Queen of England. In the late 1700s, Annapolis briefly became the Capital of the United States after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1973.
Due to its favorable location on the shores of the bay, one of America's most important and prestigious Naval Academies was founded in 1845 to train naval officers and marines.
Annapolis is home to several boat shows, two of which are internationally renowned, organized in the spring and fall, and are dedicated entirely to sailing. It is possible to visit the more than 100 boats moored in the harbor, and all the booths that display mainly nautical products for sailing.
