Virginia Beach / Chesapeake Bay Area

[SV Someday Came]

Hello

Can someone please make a recommendation for a marina in the Virginia Beach / Chesapeake Bay area? I have a 35 foot sailboat -- dont need liveaboard now, but do want to know which area in which to start looking for a slip for my boat that has good marine services - and things to do/places to eat for weekend fun. I will be there this coming weekend to look for possible places to live and for a slip. I know NOTHING about the East Coast, less about Virginia! Might be taking a position up around Petersburg, but I do not think there are marinas in that area.

Thank you

Michael

[Cruiser2B]

Look at Bay Point and Little Creek Marinas, These are in the Norfolk/Virgin Beach area. No real Sailboat marina that can accomdate your boat in Virginia Beach. I really like sailing out of the Little Creek area. If you are military active or retired you can keep your boat at JEB Little Creek for $4/Ft, most area marinas are about $7-8/ft

[ohdrinkboy]

2nd for bay point. if you are lucky you can watch the seals train.

[casual]

Matthews CTY Mobjack Bay,if relocating in Petersberg about 2 hrs away,lots of good sailing and friendly folk's

[cruzer757]

Some good places in Hampton. I can vouch for Salt Ponds Marina. I was there for a year and very reasonable rate, direct access to the Bay, nice amenities, floating docks and they don't mind live-aboards. Right across the creek from Salt Ponds is Southall Landing. I don't think it has much in the way of amenities and not keen on live-aboards.

There are a few others in Hampton but I've only stayed at Salt Ponds. I've got some friends over by Hampton City dock. I think Customs House Marina is right downtown.

Very few choices for sailboats on the Va Beach/Norfolk side but much more on the Hampton/Newport News side.

I was also up in Deltaville for this past summer and it's much more geared towards sailboats. It's a small town about an hour and half from Va Beach or Richmond.

[perkie43]

I was here decades ago as a kid. I only know of its existence and have never used it. But it's at the southern end of VB.

Virginia Beach Rudee Inlet Station Marina Slip Rentals, Fishing Charters, Fuel & Restaurants

[cruzer757]

Rudee Inlet is still there but I'm not sure sailboats can get in there. It's on the Atlantic side of Va Beach, not the Bay..

BTW - in some areas draft is an important consideration.

[Gene :^)]

http://www.atlanticyachtbasin.com/

Right in Chesapeake next to Great Bridge Bridge. Major stores and restaurants in walking distance. Deep water. On ICW at mile 12.

http://saltpondsmarinaresort.com/

Very nice facility in Hampton. Quiet and relaxing. Fuel dock, swimming pool, restaurant, tiki bar on site. Deep water. Right off the bay, sailing minutes after leaving dock.

[sailor0007]

Look in the Deltaville, VA area, many great marinas and 1.5 hours from Petersburg.

[sailor0007]

Try dycboat.com

[MysticGringo]

Originally Posted by cruzer757

Some good places in Hampton. I can vouch for Salt Ponds Marina. I was there for a year and very reasonable rate, direct access to the Bay, nice amenities, floating docks and they don't mind live-aboards. Right across the creek from Salt Ponds is Southall Landing. I don't think it has much in the way of amenities and not keen on live-aboards.

Southhall Landings allows liveaboards. There are several who do. The amenities are very nice, pool, tennis courts, showers, and two saunas. It's in a gated community, so it's very quiet. A short kayak/dinghy ride to Salt Ponds tiki bar. And it's less expensive. 10 minutes you're downtown Hampton, or 5 minutes you're on a great uncrowded beach that still allows dogs.

[jacob30]

I just left Bay Point Marina this summer. I think it is your best option if you want to sail while you are there. Very close to the Little Creek Harbor entrance. There are a few good restaurants nearby as well but not in the middle of what the area has to offer. You would need a car. Downtown Norfolk or Portsmouth would be more conducive if you do not want a car. VB is out of the question except for a small portion of Rudee Inlet and I am not sure if there is much of a Marina on the side you can access (There is a bridge that limits mast heights on the main side of Ruddee Inlet).

[cruzer757]

Originally Posted by MysticGringo

Southhall Landings allows liveaboards. There are several who do. The amenities are very nice, pool, tennis courts, showers, and two saunas. It's in a gated community, so it's very quiet. A short kayak/dinghy ride to Salt Ponds tiki bar. And it's less expensive. 10 minutes you're downtown Hampton, or 5 minutes you're on a great uncrowded beach that still allows dogs.

I've definitely seen some nice boats over there. When I was looking around I called them up and was told they already had too many live-aboards. So, seems they have a limit. But sounds nice if you can get in. I'm sure it was just a matter of timing.

Hampton has a lot going on in the Summer. Every Saturday night downtown has music and street party. They also host the Blackbeard festival.

[Waterway Guide]

Great advice by all. There are marinas up the James River if you want to live aboard closer to your work. This would not be as convenient for sailing the bay, but could cut down considerably on your commute. Jordan Point comes to mind. You'd need to check for availability.

[WebWench]

York River Yacht Haven.....on the York river directly across from Yorktown. Great amenities, allows liveaboards near williamsburg.