Firing Range on the Potomac

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

I became aware yesterday that the river between Cobb Island and Colonial Beach is a target practice area when I was intercepted by a Patrol Boat. I kept hearing the sounds of canons but I refused to think I was being shot at.So that's what the chart means for the Potomac for Middle Danger Zone? What about the Lower and upper danger zones? Is it for the same reason? Where is that fire coming from?

 

[Bad Obsession]

Information

I grew up in Colonial Beach so I can provide some information about the range. They don't shoot near as much as they use to. They usually shoot 16 inchers.The range is at the Naval Base at Dahlgren Virginia. The main battery is not too far from where the Rt. 301 bridge crosses over the Potomac. Dahlgren is an neat area and I use to race out of that yacht club when I lived in the area.The range is "hot" not nearly as much as it use to be. If the range boat is out it is "hot" but if you don't see the range boat sail on! They usually don't fire too much further than Cobb Island but I have heard of shots past St. Clemmins Island. The Range boat will tell you how far you have to go to avoid this area.I have sailed this area my whole life and I still keep my boat at Colonial Beach. It is a great area to sail and the range doesn't present much of a problem (it isn't hot very often anymore). If you have any futher questions I will try to answer them.

 

[Jim Seamans]

Just above you at Dahlgren

They test cannons and other wonderful military toys. If you look at your chart you will see yellow bouys that mark off the area. I'm not sure where the impact area is but they will challenge you to get out of the range. It's hot almost always Monday thru Friday.Read about them at the link....Nice seeing on the river Sunday. It was a beautiful day.re-edit - found another link that gives navy schedule for firing.http://www.nswc.navy.mil/wwwDL/RANGE/JimS/V Java

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice that they stop shooting on the weekends!

nm

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

Firing range

It must be a plot to keep me from sailing. Why does the Nautical Chart call the the lower Potomac the Lower Danger Zone and further up the Upper danger zone?Hi Jim! It was a pleasure to see you guys out on the River. I plan on going out next Tuesday if the Weather and the Navy allow it.

 

[Drew]

Danger Zones...

...on your charts of the Potomac around Colonial Beach refer to shoaling, not the firing range. That is a different issue!I got chased down by the range boats my first time there. And there I was, floating down the river in the world's largest white flag...

 

[David]

Firing.........

I keep my Pearson 26 at the Pirates Den Marina on Cobb Island. Back in June I was out in the Potomac and the orange patrol boat raced up to me and told me to stay close to the Maryland shore. I did and was in for quite a show. Every minite or two I heard a BOOOM!!! out of the north at Daglgren and seconds later a hugh splash miles down range and exactly 8 seconds later an incredably loud sound of the SPLASH!!! Went on for a few hours. Back in the late 60s I served on the USS Charleston LKA 113 and was in Veagues in the Caribbean when they were testing the New Jersy's 16" guns. We were 5 miles away and I saw the shock wave come accross the water and when it hit us the ship rolled. The noise was unforgetable!! Dhalgren now has a battery of 5" guns they use for testing. It still gets a little noisy though!David