Fireworks in DC

[Fred Molden]

We are thinking of going to DC for the 4th of July. Anyone have suggestions for traveling up the Potomac and seeing the fireworks from a boat? Anchorages, marina's, side trips? We are a sail, 55ft mast 4 1/2 ft draft

[___/)ances With Sails]

Yeah! Save me a seat and I'll keep the coolers full 'n cold!

[Dave Skolnick]

I did this several times when I had a powerboat on the Occoquan. Its fun. The powerboats anchor off the tidal basin and have a great view. Unfortunately the 14th St Bridge has a vertical clearance about 18 ft. Some sailboats anchor in Washington Channel but the view from there is pretty obscured. There is a good spot to anchor out of the channel off National Airport, but the Coast Guard asked me to move on when I tried to anchor there in 2002. You might call CG Station Washington [phone] and ask if that is still a restricted area and if so will the restriction be lifted for the 4th. Holding above Gravelly Point just below the bridge is poor. There is a small area deep enough in the basin of the Washington Sailing Marina but the channel is painfully long and the area is small and not marked.

Marinas: Gangplank, Capital Yacht Club, Washington Marina Co, and James Creek are all long but doable walks to nice viewing areas for the fireworks. The Washington Sailing Marina (VA side) and new National Harbour (MD side south of the beltway) are reasonable places to operate from. There isn't any public transportation from the Sailing Marina that I know of.

Gangplank is closest to the Metro. James Creek is the only one with fuel.

If you go and do anchor out be on guard that lots of the boaters have little anchoring experience and even less piloting in the dark. I would stay put with all my deck lights on until the melee after the fireworks is over and then go to bed. YMMV.

sail fast, dave
S/V Auspicious