Washington DC fireworks

[George Chamberlain]

Is anyone sailing up to see the downtown fireworks in DC this year? We are new to the area and we are wondering about sailing/ motoring up to see the show, then anchoring overnight. I don't see any kind of designated anchorage, and I wonder if we might get chased off by security because of the airport, Pentagon, etc. Of course the water is only a few feet deep, but my Oday 22 only draws 1 ft 11. Thanks for any replies...

 

[Wanderer138]

It's been a while but....

I used to live in the DC area and occasionally sailed on the Potomac. There were at least five marinas that might have transient slips. One was the Gangplank (bottom of 7th St SW), there was one just inside the Anacostia River (James Creek Marina?) and a second one a bit further up the Anacostia past the Navy Yard. Then there's the Washington Sailing Center at Potomac Landing just south of National Airport (noisy) and Belle Haven Marina just south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. There may be other places down around Old Town Alexandria but it's been a while.As far as anchorages go, I seem to recall people anchoring in the lee of Roosevelt Island north of Memorial Bridge but you may not be able to get past the 14th St Bridge because of insufficient vertical clearance.You might try calling the dockmaster at Belle Haven for some local information. Since you're so close, you could also drive up to DC one afternoon (all the traffic will be going the other way!) and check out some of these places ahead of time. I'd also suggest getting there early on the 4th so you can pick a good spot. Enjoy the fireworks and remember to keep a close watch afterwards for all the heat-exhausted boaters!PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[John Dawson]

DC/Baltimore

I've thought about it for years but never went thru with it. Last year the Post had an article about how popular it had become. You will have to contact the Coast Guard or DC Marine Police to find what restrictions will be in place, and if boats will be allowed to stay. The depth isn't the problem, but the 14th Street Bridge is, you will have to leave your mast down and go as a powerboat to get near. The closest formal mooring area is in the Washington Channel on the other side of Hains Pt.Last year we went to Baltimore Harbor which has a very organized 'mooring area', although its not very close because they shoot over the Inner Harbor. There is a public ramp down across from Ft McHenry on the north side.

 

[Griffin]

If you aren't there already...

You might find it difficult to get space. there is a designated anchorage off of East Potomac Park with the Marina there being cruiser-friendly.If that doesn't work, I always liked the mooring field, or the anchorage off of the Naval Academy in Annapolis.Good luck!Griffin.