Nothing better represents the way of life of Maryland watermen than the historic Chesapeake Boat known as the Skipjack . . ." Skipjack under sail on Chesapeake Bay.

Ranging in length from 25 to 50 feet, these boats have a shallow draft with centerboard and carry a single mast, two-sail sloop rig. Skipjack races are held each Labor Day weekend in the lower Chesapeake, off Deal Island, Somerset County.

The skipjack originated on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the 1890s and was better known as a small "two-sail bateau" with a V-bottomed hull. The craft evolved into a larger, hearty skipjack with a reputation for speed.

With a reputation for speed, skipjacks sometimes can resemble the fish as they come about quickly making continuous passes or "licks" over oyster beds. On Maryland's Eastern Shore, the skipjack originated in the 1890s. It was better known as a small "two-sail bateau" with a V-hull.

With a reputation for speed, skipjacks sometimes can resemble the fish as they come about quickly making continuous passes or "licks" over oyster beds. On Maryland's Eastern Shore, the skipjack originated in the 1890s. It was better known as a small "two-sail bateau" with a V-hull.

With a reputation for speed, skipjacks sometimes can resemble the fish as they come about quickly making continuous passes or "licks" over oyster beds. On Maryland's Eastern Shore, …

The skipjack originated on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the 1890s and was better known as a small "two-sail bateau" with a V-bottomed hull. The craft evolved into a larger, hearty skipjack with a reputation for speed.

Maryland's designated water trails total over 788 miles. As of December 31, 2024, there were 163,969 currently registered vessels in the State of Maryland that display the State vessel registration number, including over 19,134 personal watercraft.

As of 2019, Maryland has 480 Public Water Access sites to serve the general boating public. This number includes 249 boat ramps for motorized vessels, 219 soft access sites for non-motorized vessels and 12 other public water access sites that include docking facilities and wharves.

Tuckahoe State Park offers boat launches and rentals, canoeing, fishing, mountain bike and hiking paths, campsites, and picnic areas. Tuckahoe State Park (Queen Anne) (410) 820-1668; e-mail: [email protected]