Looking for suggestions to anchor out in Cape Charles, Va

[Lesliesailsaway]

Hi everyone. We have a 34' catamaran. We are taking a short trip to Cape Charles from Portsmouth, Va. We want to anchor out but not sure where. We would like to be close to take dingy to beach and into town for dinner. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Lesliesailsaway

Hi everyone. We have a 34' catamaran. We are taking a short trip to Cape Charles from Portsmouth, Va. We want to anchor out but not sure where. We would like to be close to take dingy to beach and into town for dinner. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I like to anchor out, but I would stay in the Marina at Cape Charles.


Kelly's Gingernut Pub is very good.

[ggray]

Anchor behind the concrete ships at Kiptokeke for your beach time, and then head to town.
I think I can remember seeing a boat anchored in the outer basin years ago, but doubt you could do it now.
Or you could have lunch in town, and move down to Kiptopeke for afternoon and night.

[Lesliesailsaway]

Thank you for your response.

[boatpoker]

Two free docks in Portsmouth. Go see a movie and have dinner in the Commodore Theatre ... a five minute walk from either of the free docks.
Ferry from the free docks across the river to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

PS Wisconsin photo is real, no photoshop.

[ggray]

Caveat to anchoring at Kiptopeake overnight, best anchoring is south of the fishing pier and the protection it gives. But it is exposed to SW wind. North of the pier would be better under those conditions, but the swimming area boundary keeps you from getting close to shore.

You could anchor if necessary closer behind the concrete ships in the deeper water, but be ready for strong tidal currents.

Anyway, this is one of our favorite anchorages. Lots of walking trails. You can dinghy to the beach, or tie up to the back side of the boat ramp pier. Take your PFD with you. Don't ask me why.

[Lesliesailsaway]

Thank you. Great suggestions.