Where to launch my future sailboat in Tidewater VA

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John

I want to buy a trailerable sailboat approx. 22' to 26' in length in 2005. The problem is I'm not sure where I could launch it. I live in Chesapeake VA. Any suggestions? *o Happy Holidays to all. John
 
Jul 12, 2004
285
Catalina 320 chestertown
*pop Idea

Either buy a Chesapeake Bay touring book at your local boat store or call the fish and wild life organization, think they have a book on public launch sites. Paul
 
M

Mike Collier

What I know about the area

might help. No matter where you find to launch, they will probably charge a launch fee of a few bucks. Along with quite a few marinas at Ocean View and Little Creek, there are a number of places I'd check into in Virginia Beach and Norfolk along the Chesapeake on either side of the Bridge Tunnel. There is a public ramp in Hampton at the town docks. However, Norfolk Boats Works has a ramp. They will allow you to launch and leave your boat on their yard--for a small fee. It might be worth it. You could leave it rigged and the next time out all you do is drop in the water. Call Cathy and talk to her about it. Just talking to her will be a treat--she has never had a bad day.
 
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Joe Phibbs

it had better be a short term stay at NBW

It has to be a short stay at Norfolk Boat Works. Gentrification hit the docks with a thud: they lost their lease and all will be moved out by 2005. That leaves you with the basic questions? 1. How are you going to use the boat? cruising overnight or day-sailing. Overnight means secure storage for trailer, etc. so pay the bucks, drive to where you want to launch from and enjoy exploring the bay. For daysailing, consider traffic, not only in rush hours. Willoughby public dock is free and allows easy access to Hampton Roads. Race every Thursday. 2. How much work do you want to do? Places like Cobbs, Willoughby Bay, etc. might cut you a weekend special, to leave boat in water, tied up. If I were you, I would make a plan to visit each tributary each spring weekend, starting with Western Branch from public boat dock at Portsmouth City Park(free), Southern BRanch from Great Bridge Locks Park(free), Eastern BRanch from near downtown, then up to Chuckatuck, over to Hampton, tow her to Hampton, Deep Creek (the Newport News DC), and Poquoson. Take in Harborfest and the rest of the boaters' weekend gatherings. Take care, Joe
 
Dec 2, 2003
10
Catalina 30 Newport News, VA
Lots of places on the Peninsula

If you don't mind the drive, the peninsula has many public launches. I have a 30 foot Catalina (not quite trailerable) on Deep Creek off of the James River. The James River is a great place to sail. When there are 3 foot seas on the bay the James is usually quite docile with similar wind. I had a Macgregor 26 that I learned to sail on and after a few months I got quite tired of raising the mast and pulling it back down to trailer it every time I wanted to sail. Different strokes for different folks though, Whatever you get I hope you have fair winds and just get out on the water! Don
 
Dec 2, 2003
10
Catalina 30 Newport News, VA
Lots of places on the Peninsula

If you don't mind the drive, the peninsula has many public launches. I have a 30 foot Catalina (not quite trailerable) on Deep Creek off of the James River. The James River is a great place to sail. When there are 3 foot seas on the bay the James is usually quite docile with similar wind. I had a Macgregor 26 that I learned to sail on and after a few months I got quite tired of raising the mast and pulling it back down to trailer it every time I wanted to sail. Different strokes for different folks though, Whatever you get I hope you have fair winds and just get out on the water! Don
 
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Bill O'Donovan

Try this

Follow the ads on page 2 of the Saturday Virginia-Pilot and ask the sellers where they launch. Pilot probably has the best list of boats for sale in Hampton Roads.
 
B

Bill O'Donovan

Try this

Follow the ads on page 2 of the Saturday Virginia-Pilot and ask the sellers where they launch. Pilot probably has the best list of boats for sale in Hampton Roads.
 
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