Potomac river and chesapeake bay crossing

Just bought an IP 32 and have to sail it down from the Solomons to Norfolk. Haven't sailed in 10 years and heard that it can be rough crossing the mouth of the Potomac. Can anyone tell me how rough it is? Maybe I should go east out into the bay to get across the Potomac entrance. I've been in a couple of storms in my old Dana 24 but this is new to me so any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

Jim,

If weather is bad, especially strong wind out of the S, you may see up to 6' chop with short period between waves. In those conditions while heading S we usually run under power and try to take the waves at a 45 degree angle. Incoming tide can play a part in that too.

Tom

Jim
We have crossed the Potomac River heading north and south at least 10 times. Yes it can be the roughtes part of the bay, but nothing your IP 32 cant handle. Waves are usually 1, 2 3 feet max. Here are the tricks. Try to plan your crossing when the current and the winds are going the same direction. Then try to reach SMITH POINT LIGHTHOUSE around slack tide, but this is not really that important. It is just always roughest at the south side due to the deep water of the river flowing up onto and over the Smith Point shallow waters and mixing with the currents in the bay. The biggest problem is when the winds are blowing 15-20 from the south or NW or anything North and then when the current changes (which can run 1-2 knots) if this current flow is opposing the winds, then it is roughest. So just study your tides and currents and tune into your wind directions and plan your crossing. There is no need to go way out to the middle of the bay from from Solomons to cross the Potomac. We run point to point to point. Leave Solomon, turn right, stay EAST of the TARGETS, head for Point Lookout and then run across the mouth for SMITH POINT LIGHT. You can run a course from the Targets directly to SMITH POINT, but if the winds are any thing WEST, then going east of the targets and using the shore for protection gives you calmer waters. After SMITH POINT, turn more to the right and head for your anchorage. We use FLEETS BAY and use DYMER CREEK area. Easy in and out and on a southerly run. Deltaville and Jackson Creek and used a lot, but it they are more out of the way.

Your next day, run DYMER CREEK to Hampton or stop in Whilloughby Bay.

Welcome to the southern Bay. Also, WELCOME TO THE IP FALMILY, you will love the IP 32. A great sailing boat.

Hayden in Charleston SC running MD to Miami and Bahamas

Thanks for the info. It will help a lot. Other than being cold and maybe wet it should go ok. Dymer creek sounds good for the night anchorage. I've heard others say it was a good stopping off point. It's been a long time, remembering all the little stuff to get on the boat like water, wet gear, food Etc. As for the shallow are near Smith Point, I'll just head for Smith Point light to avoid it if the tides are wrong or high winds.
Jim

TARGETS? I see a danger area on the chart and a prohibited circle area marked obstructions but am unclear about the targets. Can I head direct south from
cedar point ? If I stay east it looks as if I have to cross the bay. Maybe I'm not reading this right, sucks gittin old.

Jim

Jim
The Targets are the circle you are referring to. Just clear the circle and go on either side. I made a mistake. If you stay WEST of the targest, the circle, then you can use the shore for more protection if there is a NW wind.
Just leave Cedar point and head for Smith Point.

Hayden