VA Beach / James River / Chickahominy Summer 2013 Meet Up?

jaywoodz

Member
Nov 12, 2012
522
Richmond, Virginia
Boat Info
1999 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 350 MAG MPI Horizon w/V-Drives
Can we do a VA beach meet-up or James River/Chickahominy this summer? I'd say if we get 8+ boats, it would be a success. I'm really interested in doing it and getting all the leg work done to make it happen, etc. I think it would be a lot of fun.

I know that a bunch of people from this particular topic tend to live on the Chesapeake, and are around the MD, DC, Baltimore area. Just from this forum alone, I've seen so many meet-ups, events, etc with other CSR members and random Sea Ray Owners from that particular area. It's hard for us Richmond/James River/Chickahominy to get up to all of your meets and tie-ups for several reasons. I think the gas alone for me to come from the Appomattox would be over $2k there and back (Baltimore, MD).

If anyone is interested, leave it here and if we get enough involved, I'll start making plans and setting dates.
 
Hey Jaywoods, I live on the Eastern shore of Md. How far is it from Cape Charles to the location you would be getting together. I could trailer down to there and save on some fuel.
 
Nodrog, from Cape Charles to Jordan Pt is just short of 100 miles.

JayW, I'm in!
 
I'm just shooting out ideas. If we want to really make it accessibly to boaters in Hampton and VB. Smithfield Station or the other spot there on the Pagan River. Kingsmill, but they can get pretty full in the summer months. I can talk to my dock master about slipping there at a very reduced rate....but members need to look at their charts, we have a fixed bridge you must get under. It's walking distance to Jamestown, plus they rent bikes and paddle boats for those who wish to explore the island. Safe deep water anchorage at Jamestown Beach.
 
Hey Jaywoods, I live on the Eastern shore of Md. How far is it from Cape Charles to the location you would be getting together. I could trailer down to there and save on some fuel.
Unsure at this point, but I want to brainstorm some ideas that will be easy on everyone's wallets.
 
I'm just shooting out ideas. If we want to really make it accessibly to boaters in Hampton and VB. Smithfield Station or the other spot there on the Pagan River. Kingsmill, but they can get pretty full in the summer months. I can talk to my dock master about slipping there at a very reduced rate....but members need to look at their charts, we have a fixed bridge you must get under. It's walking distance to Jamestown, plus they rent bikes and paddle boats for those who wish to explore the island. Safe deep water anchorage at Jamestown Beach.
I'm down for that idea. That's not far from me, or a few other people. Even VA beach may attract more people from up north. Let me know how the talk with your dockmaster goes. I'm open to the va beach idea, or any of the ideas you listed. I've been to Smithfield Station.
 
The biggest issue would be the bridge. 11'8" clearance. The dock master will be in tomorrow
 
Smithfield places us in a nice atmosphere w/ great docks. Times are tight. Those who want to double up to split fuel costs could stay at the hotel. Ditto Hampton. The city dock are nice. There is usually something going on every weekend.
 
Waterside Marina, 15.00 per night with fuel over on the Portsmouth side
I'm home today, if folks have some places in mind post the spot and I will make the calls for prices.
 
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Waterside Marina, 15.00 per night with fuel over on the Portsmouth side
I'm home today, if folks have some places in mind post the spot and I will make the calls for prices.

I guess I was looking for more of a 'scenic' spot to stay.. anyone else feel the same way? I enjoy the city life, but I believe Portsmouth is fairly busy with car and boat traffic. I've never been to that marina, but I'm very familiar with Portsmouth.
 
Jamestown would be $15 per night, but has no power hookups.

Jay, I do feel the same, I'm just looking for that middle ground between Cape Charles and your end of the river. Smithfield or Deep Creek are around the middle area.

Rescue also has a marina, near the mouth of the Pegan River
 
I believe Smithfield Station is going to give you the most bang for the buck. The town is nice with lots to see and do. The Luter family (Smithfield hams) has done a lot with thier own money to preserve the place. The marina/hotel is top notch as are the Pack's, the owners. The shower facilities aren't the Ritz Carlton, but they are more than acceptable. I have never been disappointed at the restaurant.

Just bring your best docking skills or arrive at slack tide! That river hauls butt in both directions and only if you are really lucky will the wind and tide both be working in your favor. Not to worry. Even in the calmest of conditions Randy or Brian Pack will be there to help you tie up.

For the record, I have no financial interest in Smithfield. IMO, it's just that nice.

My 2 cents.
 
I love the place but I do agree....bring your best docking skills! The town is walking distance, food is top notch, and the folks there seem to love boaters

From Cape Charles to the mouth of the Pagan 43.0 miles
From Jamestown 23.5 miles
From Jorden Pt 62.5
 
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Seems to me, Smithfield Station would be a great spot. I've been there on an overnight stay, but not with the boat. I went down there last month and stayed the night. Had dinner and breakfast the next morning. How many would be able to meet up? That's the question. I'm always down for even if it's just two of us. I don't need an excuse to take my boat out :smt038
 
I love the place but I do agree....bring your best docking skills! The town is walking distance, food is top notch, and the folks there seem to love boaters

From Cape Charles to the mouth of the Pagan 43.0 miles
From Jamestown 23.5 miles
From Jorden Pt 62.5

Are those driving miles or nautical miles? I'm pretty sure it's not 62.5 nautical miles from Jordan Point to Smithfield Station... I could be wrong though.
 
Jay, I used my navonics program on my iPad. Plotted from the Jorden Pt to the mouth on the Pagan. It just says miles. Folks up that way would have the longest run. I will re plot and see.

I've got a call into the marina, they can deal with about 30 boats, depending on size. Also it would depend on the weekend or days planned
 
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I'm in no matter the distance. I checked my last trip to Deep Creek to see what that came out to be 24.5 miles. I don't remember how long it took but I took a slow easy ride, maybe two hours there
 

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