Memorial Day is coming, and with it starts the unofficial beginning of the boating season on the Chesapeake Bay. Here are a few reminders to help everyone get the most out of Oyster Harbor's waterways and piers.
Speed - Watch your speed in the back end of Fishing Creek and near people's docks in Oyster Creek. Maryland law forbids speeds over 6 knots within 100 feet of boats on moorings, or docks on shore. The back end of Fishing Creek, near the US Coast Guard station, is a mooring field and a no wake zone. No matter where you are, you are responsible for your wake! Watch for kayaks, dinghy sailors and kids in small boats.
Trailers and cars - The parking areas by the three piers are for residents and guests utilizing those areas, and for overflow community parking. You may not use if to store trailers or leave cars for long term parking. The community launch ramp has space for only a few cars and trailers. Please leave your trailer only if you will be gone for a short period. If you are launching your boat for the weekend, or longer, please take your car and trailer home. If you leave your boat trailer or car for an extended time, it may be removed at your expense.
Boats left - If you do not have a slip, but want to leave your boat at an OHCA pier for an overnight, send an email to myself or Claire. We may have a temporary slip for you, or you can use one of the new floating docks we will be adding soon. Docking your boat for more than an overnight is not permitted. OHCA has never permitted mooring non-slip leased boats to community docks and will begin enforcing the rule and removing boats that abuse it.
Best of the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Magazine has published its Best of the Bay 2012 list. Follow the link to find the best places the explore this summer.
http://www.chesapeakeboating.net/Media/Feature-Stories/Best-of-the-Bay-2012.aspx
We wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day and Summer boating season.
- Oyster Harbor Piers and Harbors Committee Chair
