This week at Experience Days, we were given a great opportunity to talk to Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters. This company operates authentic sailing excursions across the Chesapeake Bay, also giving you a chance to sail for yourself! Keep reading for more details from the Captain himself…

Hi there! Please can you tell us a little bit about how Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters began?

In the 1980’s, I operated a sailing excursion on the Barnegat Bay in NJ. However, being born and raised in Baltimore, I always preferred the Chesapeake Bay.  Back in 1994, I discovered a very popular and secluded crab house just about 45 minutes sailing time from City Dock in Annapolis. That was the beginning of Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters. I began doing lunch and dinner cruises from City Dock to Cantler’s Crab House. This was called the “Crab Cruise”. I continued this until 1998, when I moved to our present location at Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall.

Oh wow, you’ve had lots of experience then! What would you say the best thing about sailing is?

The best thing about sailing is the feeling of freedom that comes from harnessing the power of the wind. I believe that by moving through the water on a sailboat, one can experience true ownership of the world in which he or she lives. A sailor can ultimately possess a completely private universe that is slowly and constantly moving in his or her direction – stimulating each of the senses. When you are underway on a sailboat, the world is your back yard. You don’t have to hurry after it because, eventually, it will come to you. You don’t have to buy it because you already own it.

What makes your sailing experiences different for your customers?

Our sailing adventures are not just a narrated tour, nor are they historic heritage experiences where the guest is detached from the operator. Our experiences are authentic, relaxing, sometimes exciting, yet very safe, scenic cruises on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. We work hard to make sure our guests feel as though they are cruising with friends and not with overbearing tour guides. The object is to make the experience unique, intimate and individualized.

The tours sound very interesting, would you say your experiences are suitable for everyone?

Maybe not for everyone but, definitely for anyone who wants to have a unique and memorable experience. We get many group celebrations, weddings, engagements, and all kinds of special occasions. Or no occasion other than to simply celebrate the power of freedom, and to enjoy a different perspective of the world we live in. I don’t generally like the word “tourist”, but we do get many guests who have never been to Rock Hall before. We want these folks to know that they have discovered something special, and we work hard to make sure they come back.

I know you have a few boats in your fleet; do you have a favorite or most popular?

The Crab Royale (40’ Irwin MKII) is our primary boat. She is a beauty, performs well in light or
heavy air and is very comfortable.

Sounds great! Finally, would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our experiences with your customers.