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Below, you will discover our COMPLETE listing of Virginia to the North Carolina state line cruising news/postings from fellow cruisers, arranged in chronological order, based on publication date.
Yellow Background Denotes Navigation Alert Postings
This sounds like a wonderful adventure. Contact Kacie Wallace at the email below to determine what requirements are needed to be a support vessel.
Cruising News:
On June 8, World Oceans Day, YOLO Board team rider Kacie Wallace and friend Kimberly Sutton will begin paddling up the North Carolina coast, from the South Carolina state line to Virginia. The two are making the trip to raise awareness of plastics pollution in the ocean. And they’re looking for a support boat to accompany them. kacie.wallace@gmail.com, or visit http://www.supthemag.com/features/industry-news/yolo-board-team-rider-to-paddle-300-miles-for-plastic-pollution-awareness/
You may also reference this website: http://paddleforthenccoastline.weebly.com
HB Koerner
Yea! we have a volunteer, but as Capt. Koerner suggests, stay in the loop and we will post progress reports as they come in.
May 19
I have contacted Kacie, and she has accepted the use of my boat for the support vessel. Having said that, I would like to keep other cruising sailors in the loop on this because, as we all know, stuff happens.
I have a 2007 Pacific Seacraft 31 cutter, Take Five, and will be traveling at about the same speed as the Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP’s). I will have Kaycie’s brother to assist me as crew. We have berths for everyone, and room for the boards on deck, albeit a snug fit at night.
I shall keep you up to date on our progress. I need to use the Cruisersnet website to locate a marina closest to the SC/NC border, and make reservations to that we may depart on or about June 8.
HB Koerner
Atlantic Yacht Basin, 757-482-2141, www.atlanticyachtbasin.com
Located immediately south of the Great Bridge Locks and Bascule Bridge, this marina offers an excellent full-service boat yard, with a long fixed face dock and covered storage on the well protected small inlet behind the yard. Fuel, water, electric and a working pump out are available. There is a well stocked marine store and the workmen at the yard are able to repair virtually anything on a boat.
Within walking distance of the marina are a number of restaurants, convenience stores and a major grocery store. This stop is a great place to restock and repair a boat when going in either direction. Both Enterprise and Hertz Local Edition will pick you up and drop you off at the marina when you rent from their nearby locations (in Chesapeake, VA).
Raymond Kurlak
Waterside Marina, 757-625-3625, www.watersidemarina.com
Located in downtown Norfolk on the east side of the Elizabeth River just opposite Portsmouth this marina is just a slight bit south of ICW mile marker zero. It is next to the Waterside Festival Marketplace, Town Point Park and the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus exhibits. There are many excellent restaurants and stores nearby, but no fuel or supplies at the marina itself.
The marina is built within an enclosed area that includes some floating docks and a fixed face dock (along the Marketplace walkway) for larger boats. The entrance is a relatively narrow opening with a tight turn to port on the far east end of the marina. There is one internal fairway that is also narrow and requires close quarters maneuvering.
This stop is great for sight seeing and as a final jumping off place before heading south on the ICW to transit the nine bridges (at various heights with various opening schedules) and locks between Norfolk and the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal. Conversely it’s a great end of the day stop going northbound before heading out to the Chesapeake Bay.
Raymond Kurlak
And a very good experience at Waterside:
Had a recent experience which Barb & I want you to know about. We were going to do the Dismal Swamp run from Elizabeth City to Norfolk for a few days stay at WaterSide Marina and had planned to stay at the Sheradon next door. First the weather got in the way which caused a days delay. New reservations were made with out any problem. Then an electrical problem in the tow vehicle caused us to call it all off. Were a couple of hours late calling the hotel ( they required 24 hours notice), Waterside said they were sorry we could not make it and were very gracious. The Hotel said we would be charged for two rooms. I made a couple of calls and got someone who understood our problem. NO late charges were applied. These two places will see us again in the future. Take care, regards
Reg & Barb Holden from Tarboro
Blue Water Yachting Center is at One Marina Road, Hampton City, VA, 757-723-6774, www.bluewateryachtsales.com
This marina is a convenient stop after a long travel day coming south on the Chesapeake Bay, especially in heavy weather. It is located on the Hampton River which is just west of the Old Point Comfort side of the Hampton Roads entrance channel to Norfolk Harbor. There is a narrow but well marked entrance channel to reach the Hampton River. The marina is a few hundred yards up on the port side of the Hampton River at the river intersection with Sunset Creek.
The marina has floating docks with slips and T-heads and wide fairways in the transient dock area. The fuel dock is located around the bend on the Sunset Creek side. There is an excellent seafood restaurant (“Surf Rider”) in the marina. This marina has a swimming pool, rest room facilities, and is well maintained. The dock office sells a few supplies.
Raymond Kurlak
My family has made the trip from the charted anchorage at Hospital Point in Norfolk to Elizabeth City a number of times in a single day, including an hour or so at the Visitors Center, with no problems. If you have had similar experiences, please let us and the crew of Rainshadow hear from you.
The Dismal Swamp Canal, the AICW Alternate Route, departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Will be making south passage through Deep Creek ICW in early June. Looks tricky for timing to get to the northern lock in time if leaving from Norfolk. Our goal is to get to Elizabeth City in one day. The bridges will be obstacles for marine traffic during rush hour. Seems like it would be better to stay overnight near the ICW split than in Norfolk. Any ideas on what works best for this?
Rainshadow
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Great Bridge Lock - Click for Chartview
As Capt. Conover states this should not happen often. Have you heard of similar issues of who controls vessels in the lock? Let us hear from you.
Just a warning. Last year a sailing vessel in the locks got rigging stuck in the lights, a light was damaged..and while the vessel was under control of the “dockmaster”..and against maritime law..the vessel was charged 5K for repair of the light. someone really needs to check with the lockmaster, and get the RULES. Once a vessel is under control of the locks..lines tied or handled by the shore crew..who is responsible for damages. When does the control go back to the captain. I would think as soon as vessel EXITS the lock, not when the lines are tossed (and the vessel raised up into the light system). This should not happen often..but flooding cause a several foot rise..and with a sailboat with a 65 ft mast/and a 8 foot topsail..(sideways)..they sure got a scare and a BIG BILL.
Joan Conover
SV Growltiger
Hampton VA
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s NC-VA Bridge Directory Listing For Great Bridge Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Great Bridge Lock
Salt Ponds Entrance Channel - Click for Chartview
This dredging is certainly good news, because even at its intended depths, this narrow inlet can be daunting, especially in rough weather when the perpendicular-to-the-shore channel can look like surf. Once inside it is very pleasant and protected, but do take your fellow cruiser’s advice and call Salt Ponds Marina before attempting an entrance. Salt Ponds is on the western shore of the lower Chesapeake, 4 nautical miles north of Old Point Comfort.
Subject:
The entrance has been reported shoaled in to 3.5 ft at high tide. Dredging is being done, but the City of Hampton, VA says it will be two more weeks until they have finished the second pass. So, people need to call the marina before trying to enter (VHF 16 for Salt Ponds, or call 757 850 4300), I do not have a contact for Southhall Landing the other
marina impacted by this event. Most boats are stuck at dock until this is corrected.
Update:
The dredging of Salt Ponds Inlet is almost complete. At completion the depth will be 9 feet at MLW for a width of 50 feet.
Nonnie
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Salt Ponds
Deep Creek - Click for Chartview
This dredging project will take place in the Dismal Swamp/AICW Alternate Route on the north side of Deep Creek Lock. Deep Creek departs westward from the Waterway immediately south of the high-rise bridge at I-64. Barge traffic in the narrow portions of Deep Creek should be your only concern.
VA – ELIZABETH RIVER – SOUTHERN BRANCH – NORFOLK TO ALBEMARLE SOUND (AICW)/DEEP CREEK – DREDGING
Norfolk Dredging will be conducting dredging operations in Deep Creek Yard (1 nm south of the I-64 bridge) from 17 April until 05 May, 2013. Dredge material will be transported by barge to the Norfolk Dredging facility at Great Bridge. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are
usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels.
Chart: 12206.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
The Dismal Swamp Canal, the AICW Alternate Route, departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6. See the link below to read an earlier article on the pros and cons of the two inland route choices south of Norfolk.
Question:
We are preferring to take our Trawler thru the Dismal Swamp Canal this June… I just read an article stating this passage is not recommended for boats over 50 feet. Our Defever is 55′ LOA -by 17′ wide with a draft of 5′ . Should we avoid this experience and use the Virginia Cut based on boat size or do boats of our size typically do well with normal slow cautious traveling thru the DSC?
Don Mellinger
We take a 5.5 foot draft sailboat with 13 foot beam through twice a year. Your beam should not be a problem. If you have skegs neither should your draft…
However, given your size it would be best to be lead boat or leave a fair gap between your bow and the next boat’s transom. Even at the Corps speed limit request, boats with broad flat sections aft will suck punky debris from the bottom which take a while to settle.
Also it there have been recent heavy winds it is quite possible some of that debris will still be solid.
Tree overhangs are cut back very frequently. But it is possible for one to lean out during the night. Generally, this is a showpiece for the Corps.
Chris and Janet
I do have a few lingering questions:
Will the length of our Trawler (55′ LOA) be an issue finding overnight docking at the welcome centers and at the free docking in Elizabeth City?
Also in the unlikely event due to a canal blockage or bridge or lock issue requiring a turn around in the canal to back-track north would our 55′ LOA be an issue in doing a turn-around? I just don’t have a good feel for how wide the deeper water in the center of canal extends??
Thank you for your advice!
Don Mellinger
Click Here To Read An Earlier Discussion on Cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Gilmerton Bridge - Click for Chartview
Captain Mike Glover was kind enough to send us this excellent photo of the newly reconstructed and re-opened Gilmerton Bridge in Norfolk.
Great shot! For those not familiar with the Gilmerton – there are actually two bridges shown in this photo. The closer, open, span is the automated Norfolk Southern RR bridge; Gilmerton is the closed lift span.
Allan DeWall
Gilmerton Bridge from the South
We just get the Gilmerton Bridge construction completed and another project begins – lasting until 2017! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this replacement project will have fewer navigation disruptions. Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge crosses the Waterway north of Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA.
VA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL
Mariners are advised that construction work, by McLean Contracting Company, will commence in February 2013 and will extend through March 2017 for the replacement of the existing Dominion Boulevard/US 17 (Lift) Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, at AIWW mile 8.8, in Chesapeake, VA (commonly known as the Steel Bridge) and its approaches, with a new 95-foot high-level fixed bridge and new approaches on essentially the same alignment. (Latitude 36o 44’ 10” N, Longitude 76o 17’ 40” W). The operation will consist of construction of a new bridge, removal and replacement of the bridge fender system, demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a second new bridge, along with in-water work involving pile driving, concrete pier construction and girder erection. Tugboats will be used and will monitor VHF Channel 13 in the event that mariners need to contact the contractor. Mariners should check for future notices on this replacement bridge project and use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart 12253
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Dominion Blvd. Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dominion Blvd. Bridge
We just received this late breaking word from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply. PLEASE drop by after the first of the year, and visit these fine people in their new location. And, PLEASE, SUPPORT THEM, as we always ask, whenever possible, that you support all our SSECN sponsors!
Dear Claiborne
Mile Marker 0 Marine supply is moving to 607 High St. Portsmouth Virginia 23704. The phone number is still 757 673-4816.The email is still milemarker0@cox.net. We are still doing the same programs for all of the mariners and look forward to them coming to see us this year. Please come and visit us at our new location January 1,2013 Please let all of the members know.
Thank you for all your help
Bob McBride
Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at statute mile 28, has been closed for maintenance for several weeks and, except for small craft, the repairs essentially closed the Dismal Swamp Canal to navigation. With repairs now completed, the Dismal Swamp Canal is once again open for navigation. The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Supt. Joy Greenwood reports the bridge repairs have been completed and the Canal has reopened for transient boating traffic. Please help us get the word out!
Thank you!
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Larry and Claiborne,
Thanks for sharing the message. We were only closed for four and a half days due to hydraulic work on the bridge which crosses over the Canal to the Dismal Swamp State Park. We had a boat make the 1:30pm locking at Deep Creek and stay with us last night. If you’re still traveling south, we would love to see you.
Donna Stewart
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dismal Swamp Canal Swing Bridge.
So GLAD to hear that the public pier in downtown Hampton, VA is fully back up and in business. Boy, the tornado described below must have been truly SCARY!
Hi Claiborne,
Chesapeake Bay thunderstorms are legendary. But we’re not sure anyone ever expected a tornado to hit Downtown Hampton!
On June 1st, a tornado touched down at the Downtown Hampton Public Piers, churning winds of 98 miles per hour. It was a Friday evening—and the start of the Blackbeard Pirate Festival—with the event tents up and docks full of visitors.
Charlene Clark and the band were playing and Ron on bass (and camera) caught it all!
Miraculously, no one was hurt as everyone took shelter inside the hotel. But the downtown marina and nearby Hampton Yacht Club were damaged.
I’ve included a couple pictures and a screenshot of the tornado’s track. The first picture shows piling and dock repair and replacement, the second a safe m/v Semi-Local tucked into the adjacent keyhole basin, know as “The Cove.”
Fortunately, the marina is back to full capacity thanks to speedy repairs. And DHPP is truly a great place to stop this fall and stage for a southbound ICW migration.
We visited there recently and met up with the new and excellent dockmaster, Jake.
As usual, the facility was a pleasure with its across-the-street access to waterfront Hampton. If you’re looking to rent a car, Enterprise has an office right next door. Or, if you want to explore locally, you can borrow one of the marina’s courtesy bikes and head over to Fort Monroe’s beaches, now open to the public as a National Park.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
In an earlier, MUCH READ posting here on the Cruisers’ Net, we reported about an unfortunate situation that has developed on the Portsmouth, VA downtown waterfront, whereby the city has erected signs which seem to preclude overnight dockage (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=98289). Captain Bob McBride, proprietor of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply, reports that these regulations are NOT being enforced, but this situation has still had a serious effect on his business, as well as any number of other firms operating near the downtown waterfront.
Now, Captain Bob has sent us a photo, pictured here. He comments on this pic:
The couple on the boat will verify that he [the police officer] said the signs were coming down but was not sure. he also helped them tie up and said to stay as long as they wanted.
Bob
The note below has been sent to the SSECN from Captain Bob McBride, owner of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Mile Marker 0 Marine Supplies, located in Portsmouth, Virginia. As you will read, the situation along this community waterfront will provoke a lot of head scratching within the cruising community.
Apparently, the city has put up signs along the waterfront (see below), which seem to ban overnight docking. Captain Bob reports that these regulations are NOT being enforced, but this situation has still had a serious effect on his business, as well as any number of other firms operating near the downtown waterfront. You know, sometimes I truly believe that if anyone is elected to public office, they must sign a pledge to abandon ALL common sense.
Anyway, WE URGE THE CRUISING COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT CAPTAIN BOB, MILE MARKER 0 MARINE SUPPLY, AND ALL THE OTHER MERCHANTS IN DOWNTOWN PORTSMOUTH! These new, apparently unenforced, regulations are NOT their idea, and, in fact, they are fighting them tooth and nail. So stop by, talk with Captain Bob, and express your support (and give him some business)!
Many boaters heading south have enjoyed over the years a friendly stay at the Portsmouth landings. The city has put up signs saying “NO DOCKING from 12:00 to 6:00 am. Many boaters are afraid of the possible consequences should they tie up and spend the night. The city is not enforcing it but the boaters are not taking any chances.The other week we had a successful Trawler rendezvous and over 60+ boats were at Tidewater Yacht for a week. We hosted a cocktail party for the trawlers assoc. and had over 100 people in our store and they are still talking about the great time they had and the fellowship.They confronted the mayor the day he addressed the group and encouraged him to take down the signs.His response was not positive but that of a politician up for re-election in November. I had a meeting with him the next day,and asked that the city change their perception and direction, his answer was the same,as when he spoke to the Trawlers.I told him the word was travelling fast through the boating community not to stop in Portsmouth Va.If something was not done and soon we would lose a tremendous amount of business from a great group of travelers.
I appreciate all that you do.
Bob McBride
This is one of our favorite stops and MM 0 is a great stop. Bob McBride is outstanding and Portsmouth is a great town. We have stopped here many times. We wrote the mayor and all the council-folks an email asking them to reconsider. Google Portsmouth and you get a link to do the same.
John Winter
I would highly encourage boaters to stop by the southern- most Portsmouth marine basin to visit Captain Bob at Mile Marker Zero Marine Supply. We stayed during the hot weather in July and Captain Bob welcomed everyone into the refreshing air conditioning of his shop to do Internet or just sit and talk about boating. His hospitality is legendary among those cruisers who stay in the basin. We stayed for a while with a group of British sailboats and had an incredible time. Downtown Portsmouth has wonderful restaurants and a great historical area, and Captain Bob is known to invited boaters back to his house for a dip in the pool and a barbeque. Again, if you are going to stop anywhere on the ICW, make sure to stop in Portsmouth and say hi to Captain Bob at Mile Marker 0.
Walter Conner
We were rousted out of the basin by a cop 4-5 years ago. He said that overnights weren’t not allowed. Fortunately, he kicked us out at 8 AM, after we had a good nights sleep and just tas we were leaving anyhow.
Since then I’ve heard of many others who stayed there without incident.
Dick Mills
We really enjoyed our stop at Portsmouth. Had coffee at the Kiosk, bought some needed marine stuff from Capt. Bob, and enjoyed dinner and a movie at the theater just up the street.
To whom could we send a note to let the “city fathers” know we cruisers want to continue to enjoy their waterfront without worrying about being told to leave on short notice.
Judy&GeneKoetitz aboard Lo Que Se A
We always stop in Portsmouth on our way north and south in Spring and Fall. Sorry to hear about politics putting a stop to our visits but that is what will happen.
Jim Angel
The Trawler Association that Capt Bob Hosted at his business was the MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Assoc) while they conducted their Northern Rendezvous 2012 in Portsmouth. Mile Marker Zero Marine Supplies hosted a very nice party for MTOA and we sincerely appreciate his hospitality and the good food.
Salute to Capt Bob @ Mile Marker Zero Marine Supplies
Capt. Bob Kovach
After featuring the above article in our 10/5/12 SSECN Alert, many cruisers e-mailed and asked for names and e-mail addresses of Portsmouth, VA city government leaders, so they could send their thoughts to these officials. We asked Captain McBride to pass along this info, and he has responded:
We need to let the mayor know as well as the other council members. This is an election year for the council and the mayor does have opposition. Mariners can go on the city web site and get their e-mail address.The web site is http://www.portsmouth.gov
Thank you for helping us, as it is really a matter of existence since many of the mariners stop outside the landing and use their binoculars to check out the signs, and then they continue on their way.I even have a photo of a Portsmouth police officer assisting a boater to tie up and our landing. He told the boater that they were not enforcing the signs and that they would be coming down soon.
the question is if that so why are they dragging their anchor.
Thank You
Bob McBride
I got a nice reply from the mayor of Portsmith just now. It was very nice and he said that “Perhaps we are missing out on the best way to do this.” and stated that the city should talk with local marinas to see what can be done. I gave him Capt’n Bob’s website, phone #, etc. and thanked him. I cc:d the commissioners.
John Winter
The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6. See the link below to read an earlier article on the pros and cons of the two inland route choices south of Norfolk.
Cruising News:
Having gone through the Dismal Swamp route a few times in the past and also being on the leading edge of the annual migration south this year, we would like to report that our passage resulted in our going bump at least 10 times that eventually resulted in a broken shaft. We draft 4 1/2 feet and although we did see the ACOE barge working away, we experienced our bumps occurred both up and down stream from them. Just fair warning especially to all powerboats, you may want to think again before attempting this route this year as the risk may just not be worth it.
Doug Cordello
We’re disappointed to hear Mr. Cordello experienced problems. The Army Corps of Engineers has the Elizabeth II barge and crane in the Canal currently to do cleaning and debris removal of stray logs and any other problems they may find. We are grateful they managed to secure funding in the budget and scheduled the crew in the waterway late summer to try to tame nature. The Dismal Swamp Canal is such a beautiful treasure, we do our best to make her as hospitable as possible.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
We have to agree; the articles we read elsewhere said that the dismal swamp canal was cleaned, and we wanted to enjoy the ride, so we took it. We were one of two trawlers and 12 sailboats that went through the lock at one time. We also draft 4.5 feet and just had our props trued and balanced, running perfectly. We had about five serious bumps and now the vibration is back, so we are hoping it is just the props and not the shafts. Many of our travelers said the same thing.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
Click Here To Read An Earlier Posting on the Dismal Swamp Canal
Tidewater Yacht Marina
Top Rack Marina
Tidewater Yacht Marina is located on the west side of Town Point Reach in the Norfolk, VA harbor, hard by AICW mile zero. . Their website is www.tyamarina.com.
Top Rack Marina is just north of the Steel Bridge in the Virginia Cut at Mile 8.8. Their website is www.toprackmarina.com
Hi Claiborne,
Figured SSECN readers would appreciate an update on Tidewater Yacht Agency’s (STM 0.3) previous loophole policy of selling diesel to transiting out-of-state boaters tax-free.
Unfortunately, those days are gone. We visited there this week and were told they now were only selling tax-free to charter and international vessels.
Not all bad news … heading south, Top Rack Marina (STM 8.4) prides themselves as the lowest-cost option in the area and continues to beat local competition by as much as 50 cents per gallon. Nice!
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Town Point Reach
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Steel Bridge
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
