Mile
Marker Zero – The Intercoastal Waterway
The Intercoastal Waterway, or ICW,
is a toll-free channel - part canal, part natural waterway - that stretches
1,090 statute miles between Norfolk and Miami, Florida.
The Intercoastal Waterway, offers boaters a unique opportunity
to travel according to seasonal changes, making the voyage a popular cruise.
Skippers can plan their cruise down the Intercoastal Waterway such that it lasts
almost any length of time, depending on speed and the route.
For the most part, the Intercoastal Waterway waters are
sheltered, although a few stretches, such as Albemarle Sound, can be quite
rough. The route is profusely marked
with daymarks and lights. Occasionally,
buoys are used in areas where shifting bottom conditions prevail. The overhead
clearance limit is 65 feet maximum. Because several bridges are slightly under
spec, boats needing more than 62 feet of clearance may have problems navigating
the Intercoastal Waterway. Vessels drawing up to 8 feet can transit most
sections of the Intercoastal Waterway, but those drawing more than 6 feet may go
around from time to time.
Ocean Marine Yacht Center
Dry storage, 80-ton Travelift,
1250-ton Synchrolift, rail transfer system, mega yacht service building. Slip
sizes range from 35 to 65 feet. One thousand feet of linear dockage accommodates
yachts up to 400 feet in length. 1 Crawford Court, 757.399.2920, toll-free
800.292.9858.
www.oceanmarinellc.com
Tidewater
Yacht Marina
Located in the heart of waterfront festivals, you can walk,
bike or ferry to many area attractions in Portsmouth and Norfolk. With 350 slips
in a protected basin, amenities include new floating pool and satellite TV. One
of the area’s best seafood restaurants, a ship’s store and groceries are on the
premises. Get special discounts on diesel fuel over 200 gallons. Transients and
annuals are welcome at Tidewater, voted one of the “Top 10 Marinas” by Boat &
Motor Dealer Magazine. Elizabeth River, S. Branch, Mile Marker Zero, ICW, 10
Crawford Parkway, Portsmouth. 757.393.2525, 888.390.0080,
www.tyamarina.com.
Portsmouth
Boating Center
Dry storage, service, brokerage, slips, travel lift, fuel.
1244 Bay Street. 757.397.2092.
www.portsmouthboating.com -
ports.boat@verizon.net
Nautical Boats and Marina Boatyard
200 slips, wide
piers. 3825 Adams Street . 757.483.6148
Scotts Creek Marina
135 deep slips, swimming pool,
full-service, fuel, ships store. 6 Harper Avenue. 757.399.2628.
scmarina@rcn.com
Virginia Boat and Yacht
Complete travel lift service,
monthly slip rentals, engine and fiberglass repairs, brokerage, fuel, towing.
3515 Shipwright Street. 757.673.7167.
Safe Boating Courses
A boating safety course is a great way to
learn how to be safe in the water. Taking one of these courses is recommended
for all boaters. They teach you about how to operate and maintain your boat,
navigation, rules of the road, fire prevention, weather safety, and more. There
are many courses offered around the Chesapeake Bay region and online course are
being offered now, also. Follow the links below for more information:
• USCG Auxiliary boating
safety courses.
• U.S. Power Squadron courses.
• Virginia Boating Safety Course online.
• Maryland Boating Safety Course Directory
• BoatSafe.com online courses.
• Boating Safety Institute of America.
• Boat US Boating Course Directory.
Weather
Starboards Boaters Blue
Book
