Great Bridge Battlefield Park is on the west side of the Waterway as it passes through the friendly town of Great Bridge. As Skipper Holtbakk relates, the 24hr free docking is strictly enforced. If you need to stay longer than 24hrs, we heartily recommend SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin, just south of Great Bridge Bridge.

Hi,
I like you to know that the 24 hour docking is enforced in Great Bridge VA. I docked between the bridge and the lock 5/16/15 1100 hrs. At 1858 hrs on 5/17/15 I was told to get off the dock or receive a summon to appear in court for overstaying the 24 hr limit. I asked if I could stay until morning, but no way. It was just two boats docked at the time, so it was not a question of space.
Stein A Holtbakk

Our thanks to friends Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for sharing this research:

Larry, We have been researching the incident reported on cruisersnet regarding the boat owner being forced to leave the seawall between the lock and the bridge. I received a reply from the City and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The following is their reply…

We apologize for any inconvenience or aggravation this situation may have caused you in your travels through Chesapeake. Our research continues to show us that 24-hour mooring is the norm, on unpaid slips, for this area of the Intracoastal Waterway. As you may be aware, 24-hour mooring is dictated by the City of Chesapeake City Code and Parks, Recreation and Tourism policy. Furthermore, the Army Corps of Engineers’ lease agreement with the City of Chesapeake requires staff to enforce this code as written. The justification and enforcement of this code is important because, at any point in time, we have multiple vessels waiting to utilize the pier on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year, for instance, we had a significantly increased number of unfortunate issues with some boaters tying up at that dock and leaving for days, sometimes weeks at a time, which left little to no room for other visiting patrons. Additionally, we received numerous complaints, especially at the specific location, from other boaters, neighbors, the bridge tender, Army Corps of Engineers and Chesapeake Police Department regarding vagrant boaters visiting this and other local areas within our City. In order to keep our docks consistently available, safe, clean, and welcoming, the Chesapeake Park Rangers have been given the directive to use their discretion to enforce this City Code. The Rangers do, however, have the discretion to make the determination as to what type of enforcement actions are appropriate for problems both they and community members identify. `Zero tolerance’ policies can sometimes be viewed as `zero intelligence’ policies which have the net effect of eliminating a Ranger’s discretion. We encourage and expect our Rangers to use their best judgment in abating certain offenses. They will always go out and talk to the vessel’s owner before making any determination, unless the owner becomes unavailable. There are many situations where a discussion, or possibly a warning, achieves the same if not a better result than strict enforcement does. To this end, we sincerely hope you understand our objectives and will continue to visit Chesapeake’s waterways again in the future. If you have any questions or need any assistance during your travels to Chesapeake, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Barber
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1224 Progressive Drive, Suite 200
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 382-6411
mbarber@cityofchesapeake.net

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s NC-VA Bridge Directory Listing For Great Bridge Lock

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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

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As Captain Healy noted below on AGLCA’s Forum , northbound cruisers enter the Canal just north of Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28.

The day you passed us, we went into the Elizabeth City free wharf [Mariner’s Wharf] just after you guys went into Pelican Marina. (What a perfectly nominal crossing of the Albemarle, eh!) We left EC Saturday morning and travelled up to Portsmouth’s High Street Basin after a fuel stop at Top Rack. We also had the Dismal all to ourselves; well, except for a couple of canoes. We draw 4-1/2 ft. We never touched, even once! We saw water depths of 6-1/2 ft or better the entire way. We spent our time this trip looking for the stone mile posts that were placed on the canal during a widening and renovation project in the 1820s. Many have been found/restored/replaced in their original positions by a group called the Virginia Navigation & Canal Society. The Deep Creek lockmaster that we all know and love – Robert Peek – is a canal historian and a key contributor to that effort. We did actually spot many of the markers. Funny that it’s the first trip out of 10 or more canal transits that we even knew they were there! Too often asleep, I guess.
That said, I definitely agree, people using the Dismal Swamp Canal should make way at slow bell. On previous trips through the canal, we have touched a time or two or three. We always travel at slow bell, and we recommend that if following another boat, you do that at a distance of 1/2 to 3/4 miles. That way, if that boat picks something up off the bottom, it has time to settle back down before you get to it. We have never had any damage; not ever. The canal is 22 miles from South Mills to Deep Creek. Boats that clear through either lock at 08h30 will make the other end for 13h30, so you have 5 hours to travel 22 StM. That’s less than 5 StM/hr, and should be easy even at dead idle. If you get to the other end early, you just have to keep station there until locking time. Keeping station in the canal can be a challenge – especially if there are a cluster of boats all doing the same dance – if there’s any wind to speak of. SLOW BELL!
Don’t be afraid of it. Just go slow and “smell the roses.”
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

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Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Atlantic Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located at Mile 12 just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge. Skipper Schucker’s comments are from AGLCA’s Forum.

We stayed here two nights. $1 per foot $7 for 30 amp $15 for 50 amp electric. They have lots of mechanics on site, but book ahead (remember Memorial day is coming up).
1/2 mile to a shopping center with grocery, ABC, five different places to eat, Dollar store, fabric store, Radio Shack, etc.
It’s cool to watch all the mega boats go by waiting for the bridge (so no wakes).
Fuel was $2.449 for less than 200 gallons, $2.399 for over 200 gallons. A deal! (14 May 2015)
We got our rugs steam cleaned by Benchmark at 757-358-4700, entire boat for $60 and a $20 tip. And I know you are going “I can rent a machine for $35 and do it myself” And while you can, it is well worth having a pro do it.
They got both “mystery” stains out.
When she estimated she said $60 and I said “You are sure, $60 and a $20 tip will cover it”. She smiled and said yes and they did a great job. Far, far better than I could of / would have done.
AYB is at the south end of the Great Bridge draw bridge either up the VA canal or 7 miles south of the Dismal Canal
Foster Schucker
Quo Vadimus
Nowhere OK
1993 Bayliner 4588

Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

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As Skipper Paul reports the old Steel Bridge is no more, replaced by a 95ft fixed bridge. While his report is definitely good news for other cruisers, we offer him condolences on a missed dining opportunity and we’re delighted that Paul could laugh at himself! See /?p=106464 for the remaining construction details.

On Friday, April 10, northbound, I stopped at Great Bridge at 1545 thinking I would be held up until 1800 at Steel Bridge. To my surprise (and chagrin), the next morning lock-though brought me to a functioning high-rise `steel bridge’; the old low-slung steel bridge was no more. Another on-the -hour obstruction gone south of Norfolk. That’s the good news. Had I known, however, I could have kept on and dined that Friday evening at one of my favorite spots along the AICW, Portsmouth’s Cafe Europa, That’s the source of my chagrin.
Paul

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Dominion Blvd. Bridge

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As noted in the many positive reports and from my own personal experience with their repair work, Atlantic Yacht Basin is the best! AYB, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located at Mile 12 just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge. Skipper Gubler’s good words are from AGLCA’s Forum.

Our boat was since october in the Atlantic Yacht Basin und we got the best service. James knows most of the problems a boat can have. He even got our hydraulic crane repaired, 2 other yards didn’t succeed. I can recommend AYB for all the work you need and the docking under roof is great.
Rene Gubler
Blue Rosy V

Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

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Hampton Public Piers are located on the western shore of the Hampton River, approximately 11 nautical miles north of Statute Mile Zero.

The Hampton Public Piers can be a convenient and affordable stop, not far off ICW routes. They have decent showers. Wifi is weak if not near the office.
The setting is fairly urban. There are several restaurants and bars within walking distance, groceries a cab ride away. Road noise from the bridge and surrounding streets dies down somewhat after dark. Various locals walk the dockside paths at all hours.
River currents and tides can be strong, crossways to the slips, so docking may be difficult, as the finger piers are quite short.
Neil Woodside

Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hampton Public Piers

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This lovely photo-log of a voyage through Dismal Swamp Canal, sent to us by close friend of Claiborne Young, Ed Kukla, is taken from Ed’s blog site, Cruising Aboard Freedom. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1. Along the canal is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. Sit back and enjoy the ride…

Not So Dismal
Heading south from Norfolk, VA to the Albemarle Sound of NC can be accomplished two ways on the ICW (intracoastal waterway). In the past we have taken the Virginia cut. This is a straight forward route with just one small lock that raises you less than a foot. It is longer in distance but shorter in time. The Dismal Swamp Canal is the other option. It was constructed in the 1790s. George Washington was a staunch supporter and investor of this hand dug canal. We decided to take the swamp this time to enjoy the scenery and history.

Here we are approaching a lock. The lock tenders also have to operate the lift bridge for you.

The canal, we were told, has a minimum of 7 foot depth down the middle. This was true except for some of those logs laying on the bottom. We managed to thump into a few of them.

You can see some logs along the lush shoreline.

We even saw a little bit of fall color.

The trees would overhang the canal in areas. We had to take care not to clip them with our mast.

The canal is very narrow, sufficient for the 1800s but a little tight for modern day boats.

In most areas there is no room to pass other boats so you follow the same ones into the locks and your speed is set by the slowest boat in front of you.

The slow speed was no problem for us but the power boat behind us was not very happy.

The ICW is known for its tannin stained water that stains the hull of your vessel. The Dismal Swamp has the darkest water we’ve seen…..coffee?

We really enjoyed this picturesque route. Will we do it again next year? Stay tuned.
Ed Kukla
S/V Freedom, Endeavor 42

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Atlantic Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and long-time favorite repair yard, lies directly on the path of the Waterway immediately south of the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA. Give them a try, you will be glad you did!

We had September weather in August, so why not a little August in September? Seriously though, this chunk of time after Labor Day might be a little warm, but we are expecting a beautiful fall season here at AYB – particularly with so many people passing through. People come to AYB when they are looking for a quick stop, a home base, or a trusted place to get work done.

Right now is a great time to come by for the Fall Bottom Painting Special. Book your job to take place between September 15 and December 1, 2014 and you will get $40/ft power wash, light sanding, 1 coat of paint plus $5.00 a foot haul in and out. Excessive scraping or additional work may incur an additional charge. It’s also a great time to check out what is happening with all of your underwater equipment and surfaces (see below for more tips).

For the full Newsletter, go to: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=3271550552cb1ac3554d70054&id=09089ca701&e=757d12f986

Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin

Our thanks to Stacy Parker for this article on the Waterway. For the full story from PilotOnline.com, go to: http://hamptonroads.com/2014/09/cities-unite-protect-intracoastal-waterway

Cities unite to protect, promote Intracoastal Waterway
By Stacy Parker
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 10, 2014
VIRGINIA BEACH

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway meanders through Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, paying no mind to city boundaries. So why should city leaders when it comes to protecting the natural resource?

Virginia Beach planners decided to take a broader approach to the waterway last year. They had begun to create an environmental strategy for the North Landing River, part of the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. It called for marketing the river to boost tourism and creating a long-term protection plan.

From Rule 35 of the USCG Navigation Center for Inland vessels:
Rule 35
(a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:

(i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:

one short blast to mean “I intend to leave you on my port side”;
two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”;
three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”.
(ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.
(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. [Such | This] signal may be supplemented by at least five short and rapid flashes.
Remember that “Port” and “Starboard” always refer to your vessel.
Our thanks to the AGLCA and the Burkes for this good advice and reminder to review the Rules of the Road!

We live on the waterway just south of Mile Marker “0” and in the last week there have been two occasions of “five” whistles by passing tugs pushing barges. The Southbound tugs sounded signals at approaching Northbound cruisers. Each event was started by the tugs sounding appropriate passing whistle signals . . . the cruisers ignored the proposal, and the five whistle signals followed. Vessels passed very close, fortunately there were no mishaps. Norfolk is a very busy place and as the summer season is soon to begin, and, with the looper meeting taking place here in Norfolk, please know that we urge every boater to monitor channel 13 in the Harbor and to talk early to approaching large ships and tugs. Call them on 13 as soon as you see them. They will work with you and like very much to hear you on the radio, channel 13. They then know you see them, have a better feeling regarding your competence, all resulting in understanding and a reduction in everyone’s level of concern. Be sure you have a clear correct understanding of the Rules concerning One Whistle and Two Whistle passing. Be safe out there.
Charlie & Bonnie Burke
M/V SONATA (GB42 Ocean Marine Portsmouth)

IMHO it is not wise to use actual horn signals. Commercial vessels rely on radio communication and they are unlikely to be able to hear your puny horn’“use VHF channel 13! Other pleasure boaters may be able to hear your horn, but 90+% won’t know what it means and it will just cause anger/confusion. Instead, first try contacting the other boat on the VHF’“usually channel 16 works for pleasure boats. Failing that, assume the other boat may do something unexpected and don’t try to cut it close in a narrow channel until you know it is safe to pass. If you do get a horn blast from another boat it often means `pull over to your starboard, I’m coming through’ irregardless of what the actual horn signal means. So if you hear one blast from astern and you see a fast boat coming up don’t immediately swing to port! The chances are very good they don’t understand what one horn blast means.
John Kettlewell

I have noticed that from Louisiana to Florida’s west coast, most recreational boaters, and all commercial skippers use the terms `one or two whistles’ according to the rules. On the east coast from Florida to NC, most recreational boaters say I am passing you on the port or starboard side, which can be very unclear in an overtaking situation. Is this a regional thing? Also, I have handled court cases involving boating accidents, and disregarding the proper sound signals will certainly work against you in that venue.
Berwick Duval