Caroline Loop 2nd Time

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
FYI;
Yesterday I was able to go to my marina, Marina at Marina Shores, to check on prices for anyone interested in using it as start or gathering point.

If we can get 10 or more boats we can get dockage for $1.00/ft/nite which will give you all membership discounts at the gas dock and free, pool, showers, a secure dock and on site restaurants. WM is within walking distance. Normal rate is $2.00/ft/nite. I think they can handle at least 20 boats on the dedicated 'E' Dock. All docks are keyed with limited access.

There isn't anyone looking at the 4-6 June period for the Tall Ship Parade and Norfolks Harborfest 2012, yet. The marina is abt a 2-3 hr run to NFLK and a 40 NM to Smithfield Station, to help give you a sense of distances.

If the WX is messy with small craft warnings it is sheltered and gives access to some protected water day cruising in the Lynnhaven area. Several ramps are available locally.

This could act as a jump off point for the James River run, though I must admit it is a stretch of abt 2.5hr to the mouth of the James River from here.

The POC at the marina is: Taylor Malbon or Shenlyn Covington. If I may help in any way, please let me know.

Art
 
Art,

Thanks for the information on your marina, sounds like a great place. I have one concern about leaving from there and that is if it is blowing, that part of the bay is nasty. I have been there when ocean going tugs have complained about the seas in the bay. Since this will be only a long weekend cruise we will not have the time to wait for better conditions.

Tivo mentioned Bennett Creek Marina, do you have any information on it. Last year that was one of the marinas we thought about for the Carolina Loop, but found Centerville Waterway Marina which was on the loop. Looks like Bennett Creek would be a good starting point for the James. Ant thoughts?

Dick
 
Dick,
I only know what I read in the chart book, saying the approach depth is abt 2ft.; else, all other stuff is fine.

You are right abt the lower Ches. Bay. I have run 6'-8' chop here and it is not fun. That is why I chose the marina I did, so I could at least get out and not limited to a small within a short breakwater, like at Little Creek and - still being within 25 minutes from the house.

Gathering at Smithfield Station for a Friday nite and making the run to Richmond area Saturday may work better.

Art
 
The 2ft approach to Bennetts creek is only at extreme low tide. They have big 40'+ yachts tied up in Bennetts Creek. No C-dory will ever have difficulty, even during an extreme low tide. The channel is well marked and wide, very easy. Our boats float in knee deep water with engines down, and ankle deep with engines up (I have tested this). Bennetts Creek was doing some rebuilding, we should check and see how it is coming and if they can accomodate. Ramp is super easy there with ample parking.
 
Tivo,

I tried to call but they are on there winter hours. In 2 weeks I will be down that way and will stop in to see how it looks.

Dick
 
Dick,
Regarding a possible James River trip:
I've been doing a bit of homework on this issue and am not done yet, but here is the information that I have so far.
We had the channel to Bennett's Creek dredged a few years ago, so the channel for us is no problem.
I'll be talking to the Bennett's Creek staff tomorrow for more details from them and they do have lots of parking for trailer rigs, so that and the ramp are a go.
Smithfield Station on the Pagan River in Smithfield has a marina that can easily accommodate our group. They have a very nice lodge, pool, bathhouse and a fine restaurant. They charge $2' for mooring and rooms get booked early so if you have interest, you must book early. www.smithfieldstation.com
River Rest Marina and Resort on the Chickahominy River can accommodate our group with no problem. They are about 10 miles off of the James with deep water all the way. In addition to the marina, they have a restaurant and hotel with a pool and a bathhouse from transient . They charge $2' for mooring. www.riverrest.com
Jordan Point Marina in Hopewell has floating piers, a snack bar that serves breakfast and lunch, a bathhouse and a pool. They are too far from the town of Hopewell to walk, but are only 1/2 mile from a restaurant that the marina stated that they help with transportation. They charge $1.75' to moor. In Hopewell, there is a city marina that can't accommodate our crowd and another marina farther upstream and they can't/won't help us. www.jordanpoint.com
There is a city pier in downtown Richmond, but it is not on a very good side of town...
Best regards,
Steve Baum
 
Steve,

Thanks for all that information. I e-mailed Rocketts Marina in Richmond and they have slips, facilities and two restraints. I will call them this week for pricing and number of available slips. Is Rocketts in a decent part of town, I am not familiar with Richmond.

Dick
 
Additional information for marinas along the James:
Today I spoke to the folks at Bennett's Creek Marina...as per my previous comments, parking for our group for a long weekend cruise is okay. They do not have gas, showers or pump-out facilities and the price for mooring will be provided to us closer to the time were would be arriving.
I also spoke with the folks from Rockett's Marina in Richmond. They don't have gas yet, but the pumps are planned to be in by April. All docks are floating and they do have a bathhouse. Mooring cost is $30 (their minimum fee). There are no hotels on premises, but there are three restaurants on the premises and the entire facility is a gated community. Leaving the facility does put you in an industrial area, so it would be a cab ride to get to other dining areas of downtown Richmond.
Best regards,
Steve Baum
 
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