The north and south banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal between Reedy Point, Delaware, and Sandy Point, Maryland, are lighted by mercury vapor luminaries, spaced 500 feet apart and supported on poles at a height of 25 feet mean high water. They are designed to illuminate the bank at the water's edge to assist ships navigating the canal at night.
Monitor VHF channel 13 when in the canal for important information on traffic movements. The canal traffic dispatcher is located at Chesapeake City and should be informed immediately in case of engine failure. No anchoring is allowed in the canal, and all sailboats must proceed under power. Sailboats and low-powered vessels will do well to await a favorable current. Two-to-3-knot currents may be encountered.
Large ocean-going ships transit the canal regularly. Pleasure boats should not impede the passage of these vessels.
An anchorage basin on the south side of the canal opposite Chesapeake City is a convenient stopover for vessels. The entrance and basin have reportedly been dredged to 10'.
This information is taken from REED's Nautical Almanac, East Coast, 2003. All information contained herein is correct to the best of our ability and knowledge. Be a "prudent mariner" using this information. If you have any suggestions, corrections, additions or improvements, click here to send us an e-mail.
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