You know boating season has arrived when the Blue Angels roar into Annapolis for U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week. The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, informally known as The Blues, thrill spectators each year with a variety of high-speed, aerobatic precision-maneuvers above the Severn River. If you join the hundreds of boats headed to the Severn for top-notch viewing, here is what you need to know.
Practice on May 20: Around 10:30 a.m., the restricted zone in the Severn River will be closed to all unauthorized traffic. It’s good to be anchored by 11 a.m., the time when the jets usually circle. Around 2 p.m., the practice show begins. Around 4 p.m., the Severn River will be open to all vessel traffic.
Show on May 21: Around 1:30 p.m., the restricted zone in the Severn River will be closed to all unauthorized traffic. Around 2:00 p.m., the show begins. Around 4 p.m., the Severn River will be open to all vessel traffic.
Both days the restricted zone must be kept clear of anchored boats throughout the duration of the shows. You will be moved if you are anchored in this zone, which is roughly the Severn River between the Naval Academy Bridge and Spa Creek.
Rafting and anchoring tips
The more boats that show up to tie together or anchor near one another, the more complicated it can be. Have fenders and extra lines ready before you arrive. If you’re rafting, check in with the “mother ship,” to find out whether the crew wants you to come in on port or starboard.
Dropping the hook with so many boats nearby requires plenty of situational awareness. Try not to anchor too close to other boats, keeping at least three boat-lengths’ distance. Let out enough line (scope) to ensure your anchor will hold (Pro tip: if the line is headed straight down to the water, it’s not long enough). Be aware that many of the boaters, especially kids, will be swimming off their vessels, and remember that all of this is weather-dependent!
Learn more at blueangels.navy.mil. For more tips on anchoring safely, click to proptalk.com/summer-anchoring-raftup-tips.