The Blue Angels May 19^th, 2026 Demonstration

Blue Angels 2026

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Boating Safety Reminder National Safe Boating Week is May 16th - 22nd! Before heading out for the season, take a few moments to review important boating safety items: Inspect life jackets and safety equipment Check navigation lights and batteries Review fire extinguisher expiration dates Verify bilge pumps are functioning properly Make sure lines, shore power cords, and fenders are in good condition Always stay aware of changing weather conditions More Boating Safety Tips

Chesapeake Bay Boating & Sailing News  May, 17, 2026 

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Coast Guard Station Annapolis to Host National Safe Boating Week Event

Summary: In preparation for the upcoming boating season, U.S. Coast Guard Station Annapolis, alongside the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is kicking off National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22, 2026). The global safety awareness campaign focuses on encouraging responsible practices on the water, highlighting safe boating strategies, and hosting public safety events across the region.

• Safe Boating Campaign: The annual initiative serves as a major public awareness effort to promote essential on-the-water safety habits for recreational boaters.
• Public Safety Day: The Maryland Natural Resources Police will host a public safe boating day event at Sandy Point State Park on Saturday, May 16, featuring educational demonstrations.
• Station Operations: Subject matter experts will be sharing safe boating best practices, and operations permitting, response boat crews will perform live safety drills off the Annapolis pier.
• Source: U.S. Coast Guard News

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Rock Hall: A Hub for Sailors and Shore-Lovers

Known as the "Pearl of the Chesapeake," Rock Hall is leaning into its musical and maritime roots this May. Whether you're interested in technical sailing events or local legends, the town's calendar is packed.

• Rock Hall Triathlon (May 30-31): Note for mariners: the harbor will be closed to boat traffic from approximately 7:45 AM to 11:00 AM on both days to accommodate the swim portion of the race.
• Bob Dylan 85th Birthday Tribute (May 21): The Mainstay hosts a special "Pub Nite" featuring 'Captain Mark and Friends' to celebrate the legend's milestone.
• Pirates & Wenches Weekend Preview: Mark your calendars for August 7–9, 2026, as the town gears up for its massive annual family-friendly festival.
• Rock Hall Reopenings: Haven Harbour Marina Resorts has officially reopened its popular waterfront venues, including Admirals Beachside Bar at Haven Harbour South and Passages Bar & Grill, catering to returning spring boaters.
• Clean Marina Certification: Environmental restoration efforts continue on the Upper Bay, with Haven Harbour South in Rock Hall and Lighthouse Point Marina in Baltimore City earning official Maryland Clean Marina designations for superior water quality protection.

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St. Michaels & Talbot County: Sailing into History

• Maritime Museum Fleet Upgrades: In St. Michaels, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) entered the final stages of its electric refit development for the historic 1920 buyboat Winnie Estelle, highlighting a push toward modernized, sustainable tech in historic bay fleets.

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Baltimore & The Northern Bay: Festivals and Fly-Ins

Further north, the activities shift toward a blend of quirky traditions and aviation history, perfect for those exploring the Upper Bay.

Sail250 Maryland Festival Preparing for Summer Launch in Baltimore Harbor

• Summary: Looking ahead to the summer, Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Fells Point are preparing to host major maritime festivities for Sail250 Maryland from June 26–28, 2026. The expansive event will celebrate international maritime heritage by bringing a massive fleet of tall ships, Navy vessels, and marching crews directly to the Baltimore waterfront.
• Tall Ships & Fleet Displays: Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view and step aboard an international flotilla of visiting tall ships and active Navy vessels docked along the Inner Harbor and Fells Point.
• Parade of Nations: A community favorite, the "Kids on the Bay" Parade, returns to the harbor featuring marching crews from the visiting international ships alongside the Quantico Marine Ceremonial Band.
• Airshow Festivals: Multiple waterfront venues, including the newly developed Baltimore Peninsula and Martin State Airport, will simultaneously host airshow viewing festivals, flyovers, and pilot meet-and-greets.
  
• Source: Sail250 Maryland 2026
• Chestertown Tea Party Festival (May 22-24): A major Upper Bay event featuring a reenactment of the 1774 protest, complete with a parade and "tossing the tea" into the Chester River.