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    • Oct 2, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Portsmouth, VA City Government Not In Tune With Cruisers

      Mile Marker 0 is a full-service marine supply business at One High Street Landing in Portsmouth VAThe 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

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    • Sep 27, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Lots of Bumps in the Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route

      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

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    • Sep 21, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      No More Tax-Free Diesel for Transients at Tidewater Yacht Marina, AICW Statute Mile 0, Norfolk, VA

      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

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    • Jul 25, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for “Those Who Help When You Need It”

      Captain Parky offers thanks for the many folks that cruisers encounter who just know how to help when and where they are needed.

      Subject: Help When You Need It
      Cruising News:
      We cruisers are always grateful for the kindness of strangers. Those who take us to the nearest grocery store or library. Those who give us good advice on local attractions or events not to miss. Those who will help us repair our engines no matter where we are and those who will find a badly needed part at reasonable cost. In these days of `Buyer Beware’ America, the following gentlemen in the Hampton Roads and Outer Banks area would be on my personal list for a Congressional Medal of Honor.
      1) Robert the Lock Keeper at Deep Creek Lock who never fails to give up to date advice about the Dismal Swamp and offers a cup of fresh made coffee and cake to start off your day at the 8.30am opening.
      2) At Manteo City Marina ‘“ kind and friendly Dockmaster Carl Jordan who helps all boaters find what they need to make their visit a pleasure. See www.manteowaterfront.com or call (252) 305 4800.
      3) Bob McBride, Owner of Mile Marker ‘0’ marine store at Portsmouth City Dock seven days a week. Bob will give you a ride to Walmart or find that badly needed part within four hours. See www.marinesuppliesportsmouthva.com or call (757) 673 4816.
      4) It’s not often that a fully experienced diesel mechanic will travel 50 miles to fix an engine or quickly polish your diesel fuel for reasonable prices. Based in Coinjock, Ken Moore does that and much more no matter where your boat is. See www.marinepro.com or call (252) 457 0016.
      These people will help you avoid the more prevalent outfits who think boat owners are made of money and cannot do without their national chain stores and overpriced marinas. We all know who they are! 🙂
      Cap’n Parky
      MV Pisces

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge 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 View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile 0

      Click Here To View Our Full Port of Call Entry for Coinjock, NC

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    • Jun 1, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Visit to Cape Charles, VA, Lower Chesapeake Bay

      Cape Charles is on the lower eastern shore of the Chesapeake, north of the entrance to the Bay.

      Subject: Cape Charles Town Marina just keeps getting better.
      Cruising News:
      UPDATE. Now you really have to come to Cape Charles. The showers are outstanding and private. Smitty and the staff really go out of their way to be helpful. Chad even helped unload the truck and carry it to the boat. What a swell bunch of people. The Wi Fi is snapping fast. The piers are beautiful. We’re going to try the new restaurant, “The Shanty” tonight for dinner. I know it’s going to be great!
      Jim and Talley Powell

      As Jim and Talley cruise northward leaving our coverage, Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their many colorful and informative postings. This editor is sad to see them move on. But I know from experience that the Chesapeake casts a strong spell that is difficult to ignore. I wish them much continued success on their voyage.

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    • May 17, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Top Rack Marina, Virginia Cut, AICW Statute Mile 8.8

      Top Rack Marina is just north of the Steel Bridge in the Virginia Cut at Mile 8.8

      Cruising News:
      Here we are again at the Top Rack Marina. Everyone knows about the great restaurant here, the Amber Lantern. And everyone knows about the great staff and service you get here. And everyone knows Brian and how he makes sure everything about your stay here is perfect. And Brian knows everybody. Need something? Ask Brian. This is the perfect location between the North Landing River and the Chesapeake Bay. Slip fees are free if you eat in the Amber Lantern. Diesel today (May 17, 2012) $357.9.
      That’s why we’re here again. And will be, time after time.
      Jim and Talley Powell

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s VA to NC Bridge Directory Listing For Steel Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Steel Bridge

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    • Apr 30, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Top Rack Marina, Virginia Cut, AICW Statute Mile 8.8

      Top Rack Marina is just north of the Steel Bridge in the Virginia Cut at Mile 8.8

      This morning as we exited the Deep Creek Lock, we turned south 1.5 miles to Top Rack Marina where we paid $3.79/gallon for diesel and you can stay at their dock for free if you eat dinner in the restaurant, which unfortunately is closed on Mondays, so we’re paying $1.25/foot while we wait for a diesel engine part tomorrow.
      Cathryn and Bob aboard “Next to Me”, 42′ Jefferson Sundeck

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s VA to NC Bridge Directory Listing For Steel Bridge

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Happy Times at Horn Harbor Marina (southern Chesapeake Bay)

      According to their web site, Horn Harbor Marina lies on Horn Harbor Channel at “HH,”the Mo(A) buoy 4.3 nautical miles southwest of Wolftrap Lighthouse.

      We kept our Boat at the Horn Harbor Marina , Boatyard & marine railway over the summer months while we went home. The staff at the marina took great care of our vessel. She went thru Hurricane Irene well protected and cared for. We have nothing but good things to say about this marina and the facilities that it has to offer. Floating slips, covered and open, gas and diesel, water and electric 50/30 amp. ship’s store , a pool, a very nice kitchen area and lounge, boat ramp, on site service and repair and wi-fi . Check them out on line @www.HornHarborMarina.com or call 804-725-3223, you will have a wonderful staff waiting to help you. Safely tucked away, Just inside the Chesapeake Bay at Port Haywood, Virginia.
      Thank you Horn Harbor marina for taking care of our vessel, a catamaran
      Sheila & Chris
      ” Neverbored”

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    • Nov 13, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Atlantic Yacht Basin Recommended (Chesapeake, VA, near Statute Mile 12)

      Cruisers needing a good harbor in a storm or excellent boat yard repairs or just getting those hard to identify and locate boat parts could not do much
      better than the Atlantic Yacht Basin in Chesapeake, just south of Norfolk, Virginia. Our boat, True North, spend two days in their capable hands and
      felt blessed.
      We have no business association with Atlantic Yacht Basin other than very happy customers.
      Stay Safe,
      Tom

      And, a very different point of view:

      As a counter to your good experience with AYB, my experience with them last year left me with a bad taste and unsettled as to the actual condition of my boat. Let me suggest that staying with your boat while its being worked on, or having pockets so deep as to not care, is probably the key to an acceptable outcome. Last July, I left my just acquired 1985 sundeck for some engine work recommended in the pre-purchase survey. AYB was recommended by the hired capt. I had at the time to help get acquanted with the boat and the intercoastal. I had estimates from the engine surveyor in Charleston and from AYB of around $3800. When I returned two weeks later
      to continue our travels, I was presented with a bill 3 times the estimate and way beyond expectations. Since then, while continuing repairs and updates on the boat, I have seen enough to infer poor workmanship (replacement ofthe wrong ignition keys at the wrong locations), and even the possibility of items not done (all desolved zincs in the supposed dismantled and cleaned heat exchangers after only 2 months in seawater and 2 months in fresh!). Clearly, I was a new owner, on a schedule, and with other distractions related to a business. Time and travel have improved the first handicape, the second, scheduling, has been a little slower to overcome, and the work related distractions are nearly gone now that I’ve retired for good. Please, avoid the situation I found myself in, even with a business like AYB. A good reputation or recommendation can’t make up for poor staff or distracted management.
      Jon Patterson

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    • Oct 31, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Watch for the No-Wake Zones at Pungo Ferry! AICW Statute Mile 28

      Fair warning and a word to the wise! Pungo Ferry lies along the North Landing River, just north of the VA – NC state line.

      Cruising News:
      A word of warning…yesterday traveling from Norfolk to Coinjock at Pungo Ferry we were stopped by skiff manned by three VA police officers. Our offense? Violation of a no wake zone. We are running a 55 ft. Fleming weighing 70,000 lbs. We had just done a slow pass of a small sailboat. The no-wake sign was buried in a marsh. Our wake was probably 6 inches. We were stopped and detained for about 45 minutes, while they also stopped other boats, mostly sailboats. They were “guilty” of doing about 6 knots…imagine that!! What huge wakes!
      Bob Scalia

      Came through today (11/2) no one in site. Could this have been a holiday prank?
      Ken Christian

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pungo Ferry

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    • Oct 31, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Great Dining at Amber Lantern Restaurant (Top Rack Marina)

      This is not the first posting we’ve had here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning the great dining at Amber Lantern Restaurant, hard by Top Rack Marina. Really must give this place a try SOON!

      Cruising News:
      Wow what a great gormet meal and the dockage is free. We highly recommend this Restaurant, Could be the best on the ICW.
      Ron & Audrey aboard Lucky Girl

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    • Oct 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Two Thumbs Up For Top Rack Marina (near Chesapeake, VA)

      Cruising News:
      We stayed at Top Rack Marina, ( just before Dominion Highway Bridge) Chesapeake VA last night. They have the cheapest Diesel in the area. They also have some slips available. We have a 62′ Vicking. She is really too big to stay here but they made it work. For smaller boats it is perfect. The folks here are very nice and helpful. If you dine at the Restaurant and spend at least $75.00 the stay at the Marina is free. The Restaurant is five star. Food, presentation, service, ambiance is perfect. Will be back.
      Claudia Young

      Cruising News:
      Still the best stop for either the Coinjock jog, or the Dismal saunter. Free overnight and electricity if you eat in the really outstanding Amber Lantern. $336.9/gallon diesel.
      Dock boys waited for us until after 6:00pm due to a delay at the Gilmerton Bridge and a really long coal train. Fuel, pump out, outstanding dinner, and a good night’s sleep. We’ll come back this way again and again.
      Jim & Talley

      Cruising News: Amber Lantern Restaurant Top Rack Marina
      Wow, what a great gormet meal and the dockage is free. We highly recommend this Restaurant, Could be the best on the ICW.
      Ron & Audrey aboard Lucky Girl

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    • Oct 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dockage and Dining News From Great Bridge, VA (Statute Mile 11.5)

      The following discussion has been copied, with all author’s permission, from the MTOA List Serve. All of us at the Salty Southeast Crusiers’ Net continue to highly recommend a membership in the MTOA for ALL trawler owners. You won’t find a better bunch of cruisers anywhere.
      The one and only lock on the primary AICW North Carolina – Virginia Cut/Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal route, is located at Great Bridge. The discussion below centers around dockage and shoreside opportunities at this location.
      I have never had the good fortune to sample the dining attraction reported on below by Captain George, but it WILL be on my to-do list, effective immediately!!

      Just a Note we passed through Great Bridge on 9/28 and stayed at the south dock before the bridge and found a couple of boats had been there for a few days and were staying longer the stay is posted for 24 hours but some are not doing that so the wall can get over loaded very fast. You can also tie up to the wall on the other side as long as you stay back from the bridge so the tow’s can get by, you have to tie to the trees or drive a stake in the ground. When we went through the bridge the dock on the east side had signs on it that it was closed for the park construction my guess is that you can use it but it looked very hard to get off the boat because of the construction fence barrier.. just our observations.
      Larry & Margie Ross
      Wanderin’ L&M
      55′ Hampton

      While you are at Great Bridge DO NOT FORGET to eat at Franks 2 Italian Restaurant.It is located north of the Great Bridge in a shopping center just past Kellys Pub.Frank is from NY and his food is very good.If you like N.Y. pizza then you must stop at Franks.I love good Italian!
      George Kay
      Summer Slopes
      36 Marine Trader

      We came through Great Bridge on Oct 19. The Lock Master told us that the dock across from Atlantic Yacht Basin had been closed off and docking banned by the company building the museum on that site. The usual wall between the lock and bridge had been full the night before and the locktenders let people tie up to the entrance wall on the Norfolk side of the lock. She also said that tying up to the trees on the left side between the lock and bridge was risky as commercial traffic had priority on that side and could demand that you move.
      Chuck Berry

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    • Oct 13, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Good Experience with the “Carolina Loop”

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop programThe so-called “Carolina Loop” cruise consists of a journey north on the Dismal Swamp Canal, to the Norfolk, VA area. Most cruisers stay here for night or two, then cruise south via the AICW principal route, alternately known as the “North Carolina – Virginia Cut” and the “Albemarle – Chesapeake Canal.” This latter passage flows through a lock at Great Bridge, VA, then down the North Landing River, across a dredged passage bisecting northern Currituck Sound, through a canal bisecting the marina rich, but tiny village of Coinjock, NC, down the North River to a short hop west on the Albemarle Sound, and finally north on the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City, NC. This latter community is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and has the deserved reputation of being one of the most cruiser friendly stops anywhere.
      Of course, you can start the loop at any convenient place, and there are variations, but the account above lays out the general route. It’s a great trip!

      I did the Carolina Loop last year from up in the Chesapeake to Norfolk then to Coinjock, Elizabeth City, Great Bridge, Norfolk and home. It was a total of 245+/- miles. It is a wonderful short trip with a lot of wilderness and undeveloped river country. It was not a difficult trip from a navigation or logistical point of view but a nice introduction to canal, river, sound and swamp cruising. I recommend it as a test cruise and short adventure for anyone in the Tidewater area. There are three locks (Great Bridge, South Mills and Deep Creek), a few bridges and some open sound to traverse. The only real issue is the limited opening times of the locks. That changes from time to time based on water levels so check before you leave as to what schedule they are operationing on now. In Coinjock there are two marinas for fuel, food and lodging. There are many in Norfolk and Portsmouth and Elizabeth City has free docking at the town docks but not power. Water depth was never an issue but be alert to snags in the Dismal Swamp part and the North Landing River sections. Have a good time.
      Jim Wagner
      (Daddy’s Dream

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mariners Wharf Docks

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Midway Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Midway Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coinjock Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Coinjock Marina

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    • Oct 10, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Free and Inexpensive Dockage Between Norfolk, VA and the AICW Split at the Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route

      Now here is a REALLY USEFUL posting for all who are cruising south on the AICW, from the Chesapeake, this fall. What a great listing of free (or inexpensive) dockage. I only wish Captain Parky had provided Lat/Lon positions for these five finds. If anyone has Lat/Lon’s for any or all of these, PLEASE e-mail that info to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.

      Cruising News:
      Thanks to Robert and the boys of Deep Creek Lock the Dismal Swamp Canal is now free of the dreaded intake blocking duckweed. If you’re a cheap and mean sailor like me, there are several free docks in this area.
      1) Portsmouth City Docks – either one – 48 hour restriction but not enforced.
      2) Chesapeake City Landing just south east of what was the old Jordan bridge. Next to a park and shops within walking distance.
      3) Great Bridge Lock – great for stores and Canadian geese
      4) Elizabeth Dock at Deep Creek Lock. Capn Bill, who built it, has just kindly finished another at Marker 19 on the Dismal Swamp Canal. And of course a little further down the Visitors Center where you can get water and lots of info.
      5) The least expensive marina docking in the area – Scotts just north east of Portsmouth. The least expensive marina for fuel – Top Rack Marina just north of Steel Bridge.
      I’ve spent over a month going from to another, meeting many nice cruising
      friends along the way.
      Happy gunkholing
      Cap’n Parky on Pisces

      I e-mailed Cap’n Parky, and asked for more details on the locations of these free and inexpensive facilities, and received the following reply:

      My emphasis is that it is possible to find free docks in this area despite the attempts of the two big marinas (Ocean Marine and Tidewater) to place time restrictions on them – which nobody enforces fortunately. Cruising traffic is very much down from two years ago – presumably because of the poor economy – and I find that most owners these days are seeking good places to moor out and dinghy in – as well as free docks.
      Cap’n Parky

      Great timing for this we will be making our first trip south through there in a copule of weeks (Oct 21 ish)
      JIM Lady

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    • Oct 4, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Accolades for Mile Marker “0” Marine Supplies (Portsmouth, VA)

      Mile Marker 0 is a full-service marine supply business at One High Street Landing in Portsmouth VAOf course Captain Anderson found that Mile Marker “0” Marine Supplies went the extra mile. After all, they are our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!

      I’m a full time liveaboard cruiser and appreciate the information, and its’ presentation, on your website. Additionally I want to give an endorsement to Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply. Bob, the owner, will do anything – I mean it anything – to satisfy the customer. He drove to his paint supplier just to get me a quart of paint. He offered to take me shopping, look after my cats, and take me to the airport. There is free overnight dockage right in front of the store. It doesn’t get any better and I want to pass that on.
      Mike Anderson

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    • Sep 28, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Good Report from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop programThe Great Dismal Swamp Canal route southbound departs the primary AICW – North Carolina-Virginia Cut, south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Mile 10.6. Elizabeth City at statute mile 50.5 is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      We traversed the Dismal Swamp canal today. We highly recommend this route as a quiet, picturesque “Lewis and Clark” channel to reach Elizabeth City. Both locks are on full schedule. The floating debris was no more than usual. Water depth was at least 6.5′ and over 7.5′ in many sections. There was no smoke in the air although the swamp fire is not fully contained. There was no excessive vegetation, as there had been earlier in September.
      We’re tied up tonight at Elizabeth City and had a great dinner at Cypress Creek Grill across the street. We’re headed across Albermarle tomorrow before the forecasted front kicks up the wind.
      Capt. Wendy Young aboard “Blue Crab” Island Gypsy 32.

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

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    • Aug 4, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Shoaling at Pungo Ferry Bridge Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 28

      Pungo Ferry Bridge crosses the Waterway at mile 28 and has a vertical clearance of 65ft. The anchorage is charted at 9-12ft.

      Subject: shoaling
      Cruising News: There is shoaling at the anchorage at the Pungo Ferry Bridge spot just north of the bridge across from the old closed marina. This would be the anchorage to the right of the bridge as you are facing south.
      Sami and Barry
      s/v Ever After

      There is limited tie up at closed marina at Pungo Ferry. There was no hassle for overnight tie up. 40 foot ketch said all anchorages listed in area are shoaled over, so this closed marina is only place to stop. Actually there is channel around back of marina and more space if your boat is shallow.
      Fishing boats used Channel to ramp behind closed marina. Channel was about 20 wide. It could handle 10 foot beam easily, maybe 12 foot. At least 4′ deep, probably more.
      I suspect that a trawler type boat could comfortably tie up in back. It would provide protected anchorage.
      Ed Kroposki

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pungo Ferry Bridge

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    • Jul 31, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report on Hampton River, North of Mile Zero, VA

      For those of you not wanting to fight with the crowding around Norfolk and Portsmouth, our friend Peter TenHagen suggests a quieter, less congested alternative. The Hampton River departs Hampton Roads north and west of Old Point Comfort approximately 11 nautical miles north of Mile Zero.

      A sleeper of a municipal pier is the Hampton Piers on the Hampton River which runs north a ways when you come to Old Point Comfort whether north or south bound. A long stretch on the east side of the channel from red daymark Number 20 to a marina farther up is designated for transient anchoring and will comfortably hold half a dozen boats. Hampton Piers recognizes anchorees as valuable visitors to the City of Hampton and provides them a dinghy dock, trash disposal, water, and free use of their fleet of well maintained single speed bicycles for getting around town. They also offer showers for $1 each – as far as I am aware the only thing they charge for. On Fridays and Saturdays in the summer a free jitney bus runs a 30 minute loop up to the huge Peninsula Mall from noon to midnight both days. A Food Lion supermarket lies a 10 minute walk from available dinghy dockage on the short canal west of the Blue Water Marina. And dockage is only $1.25 a foot this time of year usually with lots of available slips. The Hampton River is quiet for the most part (some fish processing docks make a bit of noise) with an enforced 5mph no wake zone throughout – kayaking is pleasant and there are some areas where wildlife abounds. All in all a good layover heading north or south around the Norfolk area with friendly welcoming people to greet you.
      Peter TenHagen

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hampton River

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    • Jul 19, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Looking For a Less Expensive Slip In Norfolk, VA

      The following exchange of information is copied from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association forum, an organization, by the way, we continue to HIGHLY recommend!
      LOTS of good info here about marina facilities in the southern Norfolk, VA region!!!

      I have recently purchased a Marine Trader 40 Sundeck and will begin my journey later in July from Charleston, SC to my home in Racine, WI. I need to be home in August for two weeks and am looking for a less expensive slip in a Marina near Norfolk. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
      Dennis Barkow
      Aboard Reunion, Marine Trader 40 Sundeck

      We stayed at Ocean Marine for two months in the fall of ’09 and enjoyed it immensely. It is in Portsmouth, very convenient and well run.
      Hal

      Try Cobb’s Marina, Norfolk, 757-588-5401 and Scott’s Creek Marina, Portsmouth, 757-399-2628. They are most likely to have the lowest transient prices. Both are listed in the Skipper Bob Marinas Guide.
      Ted Stehle, editor
      Skipper Bob Publications

      Check out Rebel Marine. Really nice folks. Not too near downtown, but not far from the airport.They have a courtesy car for local shopping.
      Mitch

      We stayed at Cobbs Marina last summer for three weeks and found them to be excellent. Close to restaurants, and shopping and buses for traveling into town.
      Please be aware that if you choose to use Cobbs, when you enter the channel into little creek you are transitting a naval amphibious base and have to call channel 12 to request permission to transit the inlet. Turn right at the large orange buoys as these mark the perimeter of the base. Also you can refuel across the creek from Cobbs marina.
      Mike and Gail Preston
      Happy Hours V

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