Portsmouth Virginia offers great sightseeing, seafood and a view into U.S. naval history

Anchor in front of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum.

Virtual Cruise of the East Coast: Portsmouth, Virginia

 Re-posted in part from the article written by George Sass Sr. / Published: October 1, 2013 Yachting Magazine. Photos added for story enhancement.

Our next leg takes us 50 miles south to Portsmouth, Virginia, where we plan to stay a couple of days to re-provision, see the sights and visit family in Virginia Beach. The marinas in the area are spread out between Hampton and Newport News on the north side of the Hampton Roads waterways, and Norfolk and Portsmouth on the south. Virginia Beach, southeast of Norfolk, also has a number of marinas accessible from the Atlantic Ocean by navigating the sometimes-tricky Rudee Inlet.

As we make our approach to Portsmouth, we pass Naval Station Norfolk on Sewell’s Point, where we get a glimpse of a couple of aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers in port. Naturally, we give this area a wide berth, staying closer to the west side of the deep channel. This impressive facility supports up to 75 ships serving in the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea.

Mile marker "0" AICW is located between Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia.  Photo by Allen Graves.

Over the years, we've found the Portsmouth area to be the most accommodating for us when traveling up and down the ICW. It’s close to mile zero of the ICW, and its renovated waterfront provides an attractive expanse of public green space and walking paths. An added bonus is that it’s just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk’s Nauticus marine museum and science center, the tour-able battleship USS Wisconsin and the Waterside Festival Marketplace. We choose the Tidewater Yacht Marina for its comfortable amenities and convenient location to Portsmouth’s Olde Towne section.

After getting settled in at the marina, we walk to North Landing Park, one of the landings for the ferry to Norfolk’s Waterside. Following the waterfront for a couple of blocks, we come to High Street Park, another ferry landing where we find a number of cruising boats tied to the bulkhead for free. There’s no electricity or water, and while there are signs posted that say overnight docking is not allowed, we’re told that a couple of these snowbirds have been here for a day or two without being hassled by city officials.

On the corner of High and Water streets is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Covering 250 years of maritime history, the museum offers a look back at how America’s oldest and largest naval shipyard came to be so influential during Colonial days, the Civil War and especially recent times. Nearby, the U.S. lightship Portsmouth, built in 1915, is on display. We continue our walk along the city’s Path of History and discover a pavilion displaying the immense Fresnel lens from Hog Island Light, which began its service in 1896. At 10 feet high and weighing 1,500 pounds, it’s one of the largest and brightest lenses of its kind.

Riverfront pavilion displaying the immense Fresnel lens from Hog Island Light. Photo by Joe Elder.

Walking west on High Street toward Olde Towne, we pass the Children’s Museum of Virginia, which we've heard is the perfect place to stop when cruising with kids. Fun train rides and the new Bubble Room are designed to keep the little ones entertained for hours. For us, though, it’s happy hour, so we stop at the recently reopened Gosport Tavern on High Street for an early dinner of good old-fashioned fish ’n’ chips.

The Gosport Tavern located at 702 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA  Photo by Joe Elder.

Here is a link to the complete article online from Yachting Magazine website.

Alliance That Keeps ICW Working is Focus of Annual Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Conference Slated for Nov 18-19 in Portsmouth, VA

Photo Caption: Gaining funds to dredge problem areas on the ICW, like this one in Georgia, is an annual but necessary chore for AIWA. (Photo credit: Troup Nightingale, TowBoatUS-Brunswick)

When: November 18 - 19, 2010

Where: Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center, 425 Water Street, Portsmouth, VA,  23704

What: The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA) will highlight the unique alliance that was created over a decade ago between recreational boaters and commercial navigation interests at its annual meeting, November 18 - 19 in Portsmouth, VA. It will also showcase how waterway users continue to collaborate to keep the waterway open while reinforcing its importance to the economy of the southeastern US and the nation. 

A highlight this year is a luncheon presentation on last summer’s East Coast Ocean Policy Expedition with a team from Duke University that examined the waterway’s role as a transportation system as well as its identity with the fabric of life in the southeastern US. Led by Dr. Linwood Pendleton, ocean and coastal policy director at the university’s Nicholas Institute, the boating expedition covered the northern 200 miles of the Atlantic Intracoastal, from Beaufort, NC to Norfolk, VA, aboard Pendelton’s 38-ft trawler, Indicator. 

Background: While tourism interests, the academic community and state and local governments recognize the waterway as an asset to the region, funds for dredging and maintenance are lacking. For that reason the meeting agenda includes a post-election update on the new Congress plus sessions covering the environment, tourism and coalition building. The conference begins on Thursday, Nov. 18 with a “State of the Waterway” presentation from the US Army Corps of Engineers, which is charged by Congress with maintaining the waterway.

Who: AIWA is the waterway’s principal advocate in the nation’s capitol and state houses. Its goal is to ensure the waterway remains a viable transportation link and economic engine, which has become an annual challenge.

For a full agenda and other information, go to Atlintracoastal.org. BoatUS — Boat Owners Association of The United States — is a charter member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association.

Cruising the ICW Near Mile Marker "0" Please share your experience with us!

Boaters visiting Olde Towne Portsmouth at the High Street Landing

Have you recently visited Portsmouth, Virginia or plan to visit us as you cruise along the Atlanitic ICW? Please share your experience with us as well as other boaters traveling the ICW! Your opinion matters, so let us know what we can do to improve your stay.

 Please E-mail your comments to cjosephelder@gmail.com (pictures are great so please include them) or leave your comments below so we can post them on this blog site: Welcome to Mile Marker "0" AICW.

 You can also stop by and visit us at Skipjack Nautical Wares located at the High Street Landing, tell us in person and pick up our NEW Unofficial Boaters Guide to Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia!. We look forward to hearing from you and have a safe and memorable trip as you pass through the Virginia waters of AICW and beyond! Click here to go to our most recent Mile Marker "0" blog posts.

Mile Marker "0" AICW Entertainment: Portsmouth Native Joins Joe Maniscalco for First Local Performance on May 1st

By David Cartier

Author "A New Day in Olde Towne"



Mile marker "0" on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway AICW is the place to be this weekend. There's a lot happening here in Olde Towne Portsmouth that you won't want to miss!

When Portsmouth native Sherri Williams Holland steps up to the microphone at The Deck Restaurant (Tidewater Yacht Marina) on May 1, for the first time performing in her hometown as key member of a band. It’s no secret that other venues around Hampton Roads (and beyond) have enjoyed Holland’s singing talents and she has quickly become a favorite around the area.

Holland performs regularly with well-known, Hampton Roads performer Joe Maniscalco as part of the Two*Can Jam Band. The group features Maniscalco, MargaritaBill on vocals (Bill Kendra) and Sherri Linn on vocals and harmonica (Sherri Williams Holland).

The Deck Restaurant in Olde Towne Portsmouth will be hosting an Oyster Roast and Deck Party on May 1, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy all you can eat oysters and a bottomless cup.

So, how did Holland land this gig with one of Hampton Roads most noted performer? It's an interesting story that I enjoy telling. She was in the audience about 18 months ago - on summer evening - enjoying Maniscalco's performance. A friend wanted to hear Holland sing and approached Maniscalco with the idea. He invited her to join him on stage and after two show-stopping numbers, Holland had his attention. They started a dialogue about performing together.

About the same time, Kendra had a similar experience with Maniscalco.

Then, in August 2009, the three of them performed together at a Sandler Center Why Not Wednesdays! event and introduced the band. By the crowd's response they knew they were on the right track. Since then they have performed in venues from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg.

The custom of recognizing talent was not new to Maniscalco. He regularly invites local musicians to join him on stage and perform a song or two with him. That’s the kind of person he is. He always available to help -- and support - others anyway he can - as a business partner, entertainment director. fellow musician and/or mentor. Maybe that's why 54 Hampton Roads musicians came together for a benefit to help their friend last February (click here, to see related story about Maniscalco)

Maniscalco has been entertaining professionally for more than three decades - as a solo act, duo or trio - in 38 states and 11 counties. While versatile in most genre, his trademark is Trop Rock tunes -- a musical gumbo of reggae, soca, calypso, beach music, surf instrumentals, celtic rock, oldies, blues and steel drum sounds. Also, during a performance, you can expect him to cover a few Motown, Buffett, country as well as Beatles tunes. Maniscalco’s song list comprised of more than 1,000 songs.

At 56, Maniscalco is a multi-instrumentalist, playing six- and 12-string acoustic guitars, flute, harmonica, autoharp and steel drum/steel pan. He frequently amazes his audiences by playing two trumpets -- simultaneously and in harmony. According to Maniscalco, most horn players play in the middle of their mouths and use the muscles from both sides, but he plays each off to one side or the other.

On the national stage, Maniscalco has opened for a long list of acts including Jimmy Buffett, Faith Hill, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Daryl Worley, B52 and Lee Greenwood.

Locally - and around the country - Maniscalco has appeared in venues from Portsmouth and Richmond to Key West and Seattle. Portsmouth residents will recall him performing at a number of local establishments including: Griff's Restaurant, Barons Pub, The Flagship Restaurant, Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Mario’s Restaurant. Last February I had the pleasure of hearing Maniscalco and Kendra perform at Montgomery Grill in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Holland was on vacation at the time.

Everything I heard about Maniscalco was true. He is every bit the outstanding musician and entertainer as others had told me! Combined with the talented vocals of Kendra, it was an enjoyable evening. Kendra adds his own personality to the show and the two really work well together.

I expect the three of them combined will be performing more around Portsmouth in the weeks and months to come. That’s why I am looking forward to hearing Holland sing in Portsmouth.

For more information on the Two*Can Jam Band, contact Fran Pigott Harding via email at fpharding@gmail.com or at 757.353.0711.

If you plan to go this Saturday...
The Deck Restaurant is located at 10 Crawford Parkway (Tidewater Yacht Marina) Portsmouth, Virginia. 757.398.1221. Call for tickets in advance - $25 each.

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just Email me, at cjosephelder@gmail.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained if requested). Please share your experience with other boaters (both good and bad). We would also love to post your comments and pictures that you've taken while visiting us here in Olde Towne Portsmouth as well as your travels along the AICW.

Nautical Flea Market and Yard Sale Comes to Portsmouth

By David Cartier

Author "A New Day ion Olde Towne"

Here is your opportunity to sell, swap, barter or buy and visit with boating friends.

Ocean Marine Yacht Center will hold its first Elizabeth River Boat & Nautical Yard Sale and Flea Market on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The event will take place in the Ocean Marine parking lot on Wavy Street, south of the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at Harbor Center in downtown Portsmouth. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Got Nautical Stuff? Interested vendors should clean out their vessels and/or storage lockers for items like marine equipment, dive gear, marine products, clothing, electronics, antiques, fishing gear, nautical arts and crafts, boats on trailers, etc. In other words, if it's nautical, bring it!

Vendors will not be charged a fee; admission is free for all. Vendors should bring their own tables and/or tents.

To sign up, call Ocean Marine Yacht Center at 757-321-7432. The deadline to register for this free opportunity is Thursday, April 22, 2010.

My recommendation is to show up early because with most flea markets and yard sales, the best stuff will be leaving early. Boaters traveling the AICW might find that one-of-a-kind item that they're searching for, so if you're passing by, give it a try!

Ocean Marine Yacht Center, One Crawford Court, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704.

About Ocean Marine Yacht Center
Ocean Marine's prime location is just one half mile south of Mile Marker Zero on the Intracoastal Waterway, and its unrestricted access from sea. They are located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Marina at Ocean Marine Yacht Center consists of 122 all-floating slips accommodating boats to 65' as well as 1500' of alongside dockage for larger (mega) yachts. All slips have water, telephone and cable television, and electricity hook-ups. Wireless Internet Service and a Courtesy Car are also available. Restrooms, showers, laundry room and ships' store are located in the Dockmaster Building.

A certified 'Green Marina', Ocean Marine Yacht Center was built to meet and exceed the stringent requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Upon check in, you will receive a welcome package containing information about local shops, restaurants, pubs, museums and scheduled events on the downtown waterfront, all within walking distance of Ocean Marine Yacht Center.

Ocean Marine is more than just a marina. It's the most modern, state-of-the-art yacht repair facility on the East Coast of the United States. The facility provides refit and repair, dockage and storage to yachts of all sizes. It's no wonder why Ocean Marine was selected as "Marina of the Month" in the January/February 2010 issue of Marina Dock Age magazine. "Ocean Marine's biggest business its its megayacht repair facility, which is an environmental caretaker" - Marina Dock Age magazine.

The mega yacht repair facility is second to none, boasting a 1,250-ton Syncrolift capable of hauling yachts to 235' via a ground level rail transfer system to an impressive paint/repair building capable of housing two megayachts simultaneously. Both bays of the indoor paint repair facility offer a cascading water wall washdown system, smooth paneled walls, overhead and recessed surround lighting, pressurized ventilation system, and heated floors for year round operation. In addition, Ocean Marine has unrestricted access from sea and offers 1500' of alongside dockage. The Refit Projects link lists some of the most beautiful privately owned megayachts that have called to Ocean Marine Yacht Center since its inception in April of 2002.

At Ocean Marine, their technicians are qualified to repair engines, transmissions, air conditioning, refrigeration, steering and hydraulic systems. The skilled and well-seasoned yard crew handles fiberglass and gelcoat repair, bottom paint, stabilizer, propeller, shaft and strut repairs. In addition, Ocean Marine features an 80-ton Travelift, a complete parts department and engine showroom.

A note about the auther: Throughout his hospitality career, David Cartier has been responsible for marketing destinations from Maine to Virginia. He will share the latest on the people, events and what’s happening in historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth. David, along with his wife Betsy own and operate Starboards Coffee Kiosk at High Street Landing, where they provide area information to locals, visitors and boaters alike. David regularly contributes articles to Mile Marker "0" and other Skipjack blogs.

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just Email me, at cjosephelder@gmail.com  I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained if requested).


Please share your experience with other boaters (both good and bad). We would also love to post your comments and pictures that you've taken while visiting us here in Olde Towne Portsmouth as well as your travels along the AICW.

Green Your Boat Cleaning Routine

BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water

Most of the cleaners performed similarly well in the cleaning performance tests, with a few stand outs and a few disappointments. We did not find much correlation between environmental impact and cleaning performance. Meaning that generally the "greenness" of a cleaner did not impact its ability to clean.

Regardless of your choice of cleaner, how you use it can determine your environmental impact as much, if not more than, the toxicity and degradability of the product itself. Factors such as how much you dilute a product, how much you use, and where you clean your boat all contribute to the amount of product that ends up in the environment. Here are some tips to remember:

Rinse your boat often to prevent dirt
and debris from accumulating.

Rinse your boat regularly with fresh water to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Follow the dilution recommendations on all cleaning products. It is important to use the cleaning product as specified – whether applied directly to the hull, mixed in a bucket, or attached to a hose. We found that in most cases where the product had a range of recommended dilutions, that the stronger mixture worked equally well as the weaker mixture. So save yourself some money and stick with the weakest recommended solution that works. Use an environmentally friendly general boat soap for an overall cleaning, then spot treat those troublesome stains with a stronger product. We found that regardless of "green" claims, the five cleaners that were directly applied with a spray or a paste were hundreds, to thousands of times more toxic when used as directed than the 15 boat soaps that are mixed with water in a bucket. Minimize runoff of any cleaning products by using a towel after harsh spot treatments.

Biodegradability - relates to the amount of time it takes a substance to break down into harmless components.

Toxicity - relates to the negative effects of the substance on all types of organisms.

Use more concentrated cleaners for
 spot-treaments and use a diluted boat
 soap for all-over cleaning.

Phosphate-Free – Means that a compound is free of phosphates. Phosphates have long been used in many cleaning products and fertilizers. They can also be found in sewage, urban and agricultural runoff. Phosphates promote plant and algae growth that can be harmful as it depletes oxygen in the water needed by other organisms.

Post Consumer Recycled - Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste. Post-consumer materials include recyclables collected in commercial and residential recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals.

Always follow the instructions on the

 product's label. If there are multiple

 options for dilution, choose the weakest.

Recyclable – the product is suitable for recycling though common methods. This product does not necessarily contain any recycled content.

Recycled – composed of materials that have been recovered. Recovered materials are wastes that have been diverted from conventional disposal such as landfills for another use. Recovered materials include both pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes. Pre-consumer materials are generated by manufacturers and processors, and may consist of scrap, trimmings and other by-products that were never used in the consumer market.