Join hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff in this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States as they document their exciting leg of the journey from Chesapeake, Virginia to Hampton, Virginia aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon. This episode is part of an ongoing series chronicling their northbound passage from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

In this episode, recorded live aboard the boat, Bela and Mike share real-time reflections from the cockpit and evenings at anchor or in marinas. They offer a firsthand account of the sailing conditions, navigation challenges, and memorable moments that defined this segment of their trip.

🧭 Topics Covered:

• Going through the only lock on the ICW

• Maneuvering through strong currents and shifting winds

• Sailing past historic landmarks and naval installations

• Tips for dealing with channel markers and tugboats

• Arrival logistics and docking strategy in Hampton Marina
  

🎙️ Bela and Mike reflect on the beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the contrast between the serenity of the Dismal Swamp and the busy commercial traffic near Norfolk. They also discuss the technical aspects of navigating this section of the ICW, sharing helpful advice for fellow cruisers.

📸 While the video version of this episode includes snapshots and brief video clips from their journey, this audio episode captures the authenticity of cruising life—complete with the ambient sounds of wind, water, and marina life.

Why Listen? Whether you're planning your own coastal adventure, dreaming of the liveaboard lifestyle, or just love the thrill of maritime travel, this episode offers valuable insights, humor, and the camaraderie that comes with sailing long distances. Learn from seasoned cruisers as they recount both the joys and lessons of this part of the East Coast voyage.

🔍 Keywords for Search/SEO: Sailing Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Virginia sailing, Intracoastal Waterway, Dismal Swamp Canal, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing podcast East Coast, cruising the ICW, Norfolk harbor, coastal navigation, liveaboard sailboat, sailing with Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff

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.

Thanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast — it helps more sailors and dreamers discover the show. Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

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.

Thanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast — it helps more sailors and dreamers discover the show. Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

In this episode of Sailing the East, host Bela Musits welcomes David Lage, a cruising power boater who recently reached out with a great suggestion: feature more power boating guests on the show. While Sailing the East has traditionally centered on sailing stories, Bela and David dive into the surprising number of similarities between life aboard a sailboat and a power boat.

Shared waters, shared challenges From navigating tides and currents to dealing with shifting weather systems, Bela and David agree that both sailors and power boaters face many of the same challenges. Whether under sail or engine power, boaters share the experience of reading the water, planning routes, and making real-time adjustments to keep a trip safe and enjoyable.

Topics covered in this conversation:

• How sailors and power boaters use similar navigation strategies
  

• The role of weather planning in both types of cruising
  

• Why understanding tides and currents is essential for every boater
  

• Docking and anchoring considerations for different vessel types
  

• How trip planning differs — and where it’s exactly the same
  

• The camaraderie between sailors and power boaters on the water
  

Learning from each other’s experiences Bela shares his own perspective as a sailor who spends long stretches aboard a Hunter 45 Deck Salon, often navigating coastal waters and inland routes. David brings the view from the helm of a cruising power boat, pointing out how systems, handling, and speed can differ — but also how the core skills and judgment calls are remarkably alike.

Both agree that the more boaters understand each other’s challenges and techniques, the stronger the community on the water becomes. From VHF radio courtesy to offering help at a dock, shared respect goes a long way.

Similarities between sail and power:

• Both require constant situational awareness
  

• Weather and sea state shape the day’s decisions
  

• Mechanical and system checks are critical before departure
  

• Good seamanship is universal — regardless of propulsion
  

• Trip memories are shaped by the people, places, and unexpected moments along the way
  

A conversation rooted in practical seamanship Listeners will appreciate how Bela and David keep the discussion grounded in real-world cruising experiences. They talk about the satisfaction of a well-planned day on the water, the occasional scramble when conditions change suddenly, and the joy of arriving at a quiet anchorage or favorite port.

The episode also touches on how both sailing and power boating demand a balance of preparation and flexibility. Even with the best charts and forecasts, you have to be ready to adjust course — something every experienced boater learns quickly..

Who should listen:

• Sailors curious about the power boating perspective
  

• Power boaters interested in sailing parallels
  

• New boaters learning about navigation, weather, and planning
  

• Anyone who enjoys on-the-water stories from experienced cruisers
  

About the show Sailing and Cruising the East Coast brings together stories from coastal and inland waters, from multi-day sailing trips to conversations with fellow boaters. Hosted by Bela Musits, the podcast celebrates life on the water — the challenges, the learning, and the rewards of time spent afloat.

Keywords for search & discovery: Sailing podcast, power boating podcast, cruising life, coastal navigation, tides and currents, seamanship, sailing and power boating similarities, liveaboard life, boating tips, marine weather, boating safety, anchoring, docking, Bela Musits, David Lage, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing adventures, boating community.

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike