From the quietest place to the noisiest place literally in one day. Well almost, again shipping the boat from Homma La. to DC.. I sailed from Port A. to Homma and spent 6 months helping a freind with his refit of a CT 54 while (Laura) went to work in DC. If you have not been to DC it is a must see and by boat even better. There is a great free anchorage and 2 marinas with dingy access, I recommend the Capital Yacht Club (say hi to Kelvin and JP for me) you will not be dissapointed. On a side note if you are not familiar with Active Captain check it out and read the CYC reviews. There is too much to see and do in one stay so pace yourself, it is the city and the helicopters, jets, sirens, and general noise is at frist diconcerting it will blend in and it is a great stop. Things to do: the dead presidents walk, start at CYC past the fish markets then Jefferson,Rosevelt,MLK,Korean,Lincoln,Vietnam,Enstien,WW-II,Washington and back to the CYC bar (Robb the bartender 5 stars). Do 1 Smithsoinian muesum per day then back to the CYC bar. Do you see a pattern yet? If you eat on the Mall try the American Indian Museum the food was great (I had the buffalo/duck burger). Way,Way to much to write about but if you are going drop me a line and I can give you more info. Dont forget to stop an anchor at Mount Vernon, sitting on the bow wih your coffee as the sun comes up on George's home is memorable. (Easily done but drop me a line and I will give you some of that ever important "local knowledge").
If your boat is under 18' air draft (sorry no sailboats unless you have a tabernackled mast like us) you can go noth of DC approx. 5+ miles to 3 sisters and anchor in the Potomac and not see any signs of the city, it is beautiful and hard to belive you are trully in the center of the DC area.