EP-151: Sailing from Coinjock to Chesapeake, VA - Cruising the ICW on a Hunter 44

Join hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff on another exciting leg of their journey sailing the East Coast of the United States aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. In this episode, they travel from Coinjock, North Carolina to Chesapeake, Virginia, sharing their real-time experiences navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), docking at unique ports, and discovering the rich maritime culture of the region.

This episode is part of an immersive podcast series chronicling Bela and Mike’s voyage relocating a Hunter 44 DS sailboat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. Each episode dives into a different stretch of the trip, offering practical tips, local highlights, and a candid look into the cruising lifestyle.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Reflections on their departure from Coinjock Marina, a well-known ICW stop with a legendary prime rib dinner.
  

• Details on the day’s route up the North Landing River, passing through scenic canals, swing bridges, and marshland.
  

• The arrival into Chesapeake, Virginia, including docking at a free public dock in the heart of the city—an unexpected but welcome discovery for cruisers.
  

🌊 Cruising the ICW: A Firsthand Look Sailors, aspiring cruisers, and East Coast adventurers will appreciate the firsthand look at traversing one of America’s great boating highways. Bela and Mike share both the technical details—bridge clearances, marina amenities, and route planning—as well as the joys of discovering charming towns and relaxing on deck after a long day underway.

⛵ Why Chesapeake, VA Stands Out Chesapeake isn’t just a waypoint—it’s a cruiser-friendly city with a free city dock located directly on the ICW. Bela and Mike discuss their experiences docking here, the nearby amenities, and the welcoming nature of the local boating community. It’s a perfect example of how these lesser-known stops can become highlights of a longer voyage.

📸 Watch the Video Podcast Too The video version of this episode includes scenic clips and photos from their journey. While the audio is recorded in authentic cruising conditions—at anchor, at the dock, or even under sail—the visuals bring listeners closer to the experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coinjock to Chesapeake is a classic ICW route with peaceful riverside scenery.
  

• Chesapeake’s free city dock is a hidden gem for East Coast cruisers.
  

• Preparation and local knowledge make every leg of an ICW journey smoother and more enjoyable.
  

📍 Cruising Details from This Leg:

• Departure: Coinjock, NC

• Arrival: Chesapeake, VA

• Distance: ~35 nautical miles

• Waterway: Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

• Highlights: North Landing River, multiple bridge transits, peaceful cruising conditions
  

Whether you're planning your own ICW adventure, dreaming of sailboat life, or just love hearing about real-world sailing journeys, this episode offers a detailed and authentic glimpse into the realities of coastal cruising.

Keywords: sailing podcast, East Coast cruising, Intracoastal Waterway, ICW sailing, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, Chesapeake VA free dock, Coinjock NC marina, liveaboard life, sailboat relocation, East Coast sailing journey

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes as Bela and Mike continue their journey north! Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

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