Newport, RI to Norfolk area...

[ma5645]

Hi,
I'm planning to move the boat - Swan51, 6ft draft - to the South this winter.
Presently, the boat is in Newport, RI. I was suggested that the starting point would be to move the boat from RI to Norfolk area during the October time frame, wait for the end of the hurricane season, and then move further South.

Any recommendation where to keep the boat in Norfolk area? Or, should I go more South to Carolina(s)?

Thanks,
Michael.

[TheOffice]

Hampton is close to the Norfolk airport. Yacht club and marinas. Narrow channel, but enough water for your boat. From there, you are looking at Morehead City NC or Charleston. Depends what you want to do with the boat over the winter. Hampton rarely ices up, but it could make for cold sailing!

[Beausoleil]

we've stayed at Tidewater Marina in Portsmouth and at Bluewater Yachting Center in Hampton. Both were reasonably well run back then (2009/10).

If you head south at the beginning of November, you should miss the early frost/freezes. I don't know if you've done the ICW before, or even if you're planning on going outside for most of the trip, but the segment between Charleston SC and the Ossabaw Sound south of the Savannah River is beautiful - you should do it at least once!

[Roniszoro]

Tidewater has always been a good choice. But you won't be going down the ICW with you mast height. Or you'll be going down the ICW until the first bridge at which point you'll (1) either be turning around or (2) losing you mast.

So the question is: What do you mean by "south"? If south is Florida and the Bahamas, there is a route. If "south" is the Caribbean, then that is a different route. Please advise.

Capt Ron

[Scott Berg]

I'd opt for the Hampton Yacht Club
Good restaurant, nice crowd.


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[sailing_gal]

A little more out of the way, but less expensive and still within walking distance to stores--- in Little Creek is Cobbs Marina- a no frills, but very reasonably priced place. Owners are very nice. Right across the creek is Little Creek Marina- bigger, marina- a little pricier.

[evbeck]

we second Little Creek. close to airport, rental cars and quick to Bay and Atlantic. no frills but some basic good restaurants walkable. Navy bugle starts and ends days.

[lsearite]

Just left Tidewater in Portsmouth. Have made it my stopping place going north and south for the last 3 years. Good marina and things to do within a walk.

See you on the water!
Louise Seawright

[roberthowell]

if you are planning to go outside after norfolk then baypoint marina is the closest to the big blue my wife and i live there at the end of c dock on a power boat and are sailors at heart.

[Beausoleil]

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

Tidewater has always been a good choice. But you won't be going down the ICW with you mast height. Or you'll be going down the ICW until the first bridge at which point you'll (1) either be turning around or (2) losing you mast.

Oops - should have checked his mast height first! So scratch the ICW route...

[sailing_gal]

Then it should be Cobb's in LIttle Creek- best jumping off spot for going off shore out of the Bay.

[Galues]

We had ourTrimaran in Salt Ponds marina Hanpton for 9 months from October to June this last year and can highly recommend it ,peaceful ,club feeling and great assistance from Gene and Cindy and very reasonable rates (also known as a hurricane hole )
Have also had work done to boat at Cobbs Marina while friendly staff and close to airport I found it a bit industrial for over a week stay.
But both good choices for different reasons

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by sailing_gal

A little more out of the way, but less expensive and still within walking distance to stores--- in Little Creek is Cobbs Marina- a no frills, but very reasonably priced place. Owners are very nice. Right across the creek is Little Creek Marina- bigger, marina- a little pricier.

Cobbs has recently installed all new floating docks. There are some beautiful boats parked over there right now.

Also with the change of seasons, we will be having more Northerly winds so you won't be getting the sanding dust from folks working on there boats in the yard

Speaking of the boatyard, they have two large lifts if you need to pull your boat for any reason. They also used to have a deal of $8.00/ft in the yard from November-February

http://cobbsmarina.com/

[ma5645]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions.
The boat is presently within Little Creek Marina. ( Cobbs did not have place... ).
Thanks once again.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by ma5645

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions.
The boat is presently within Little Creek Marina. ( Cobbs did not have place... ).
Thanks once again.

How do you like the marina? We may be down there next year.