Five Fair Rivers: Sailing the James, York, Rappahanock, Potomac, and Patuxent

by Robert de Gast

"Good-humored, observant, and knowledgeable, Robert de Gast is an ideal cruising companion on the historic rivers of the Chesapeake's lower Western Shore. In an unconventional small boat with a four-inch draft, he takes us where few other sailors can. Five Fair Rivers will delight all who love Tidewaterland." -- John BarthA devoted sailor, Robert de Gast takes his inspiration for these trips from Captain John Smith who, while exploring the Chesapeake...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801850797
• ISBN13: 9780801850790
• Release Date: July 1995
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Small Sailboat Exploration

As a sailor who relishes using a shallow draft boat to explore remote water passages, I thoroughly enjoyed Five Fair Rivers by Robert DeGast. His modest 21' sailboat with 4" draft brought him up the rivers on the lower western shore of the Chesapeake Bay to for a close-up investigation of the both the historical aspects of the Virgina Tidewater and their current state. DeGast's writings reminded of Tom Horton, another good writer who has poked about the Chesapeake Bay and shared observations about this fascinating estuary. Thoroughly recommended for all small boat explorers and those interested in the natural history of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.