Reviews from Gibson MacElhannon (11)

Anchorage Review for Harding Beach

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Aug 18, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

The channel and shoals around Harding Beach are constantly shifting. Do not rely on charts for this area. Eyeball navigation recommended and best for small or shoal draft boats. Note that there is at least 4-5' tide so take this into account when anchoring. Beautiful spot, amazing sandy beaches with easy dinghy but crowded on the weekends.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Bucksport Plantation Marina & RV Resort

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 5

Stopped May 2021 and found they're in the middle of a major expansion. They are currently as much an RV park as a marina but was told the expansion will include a full service boat yard with a large Travelift. Meanwhile good service, clean restrooms and showers and a friendly staff.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Coinjock Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 5

Only stop in a long, empty stretch of the ICW and worth it. Nice docks, friendly, helpful staff, and a pretty good restaurant to go with it. Get there early or call and reserve a spot as it can get crowded during the annual migrations up and down the ICW.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Great Bridge Dock #1 (Chesapeake, VA)

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 1

Docks a bit rougher than Dock #1 on the other side of the bridge but a shorter walk to stores and shopping and puts on the side of the bridge next to the lock. As mentioned in the other review there's propane fills at the Great Bridge Service Center about 1/4 mile walk.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Great Bridge Dock #2 (Chesapeake, VA)

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 5

Great stop. Excellent dock, very protected and it's free. Propane fills at the Great Bridge Service center about 1/4 mile walk. Also groceries and restaurants. Always stop here to get ready for the offshore hop to NY or on the way south to restock fresh groceries.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Willoughby Bay

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Good spot to overnight for an early start out of the bay going north or to time the rush hour bridge closing in Norfolk headed south. Some charts show shoaling in parts of the channel coming in but we never saw less than 8' at mid tide. Bay is wide open. Yes there was a LOT of helicopter training going on but stopped promptly at 9:00 pm. Some charts show a lot of buoys around the end of the bay with no information about what they are. When we got in it was obvious that they marked off a restricted area on the north side where construction is going on.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Jun 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

As mentioned, a popular spot but quite roomy. 8-10 boats when we arrived but found plenty of room to squeeze in. Good holding, easy access and great stopover on the way north or south.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Green Cove Springs Marina

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 3

Years ago GCS was a well kept secret. Inexpensive DIY marina in a protect spot up the St Johns River. Over time it got pretty run down, looked a run down trailer park, bathrooms were only slightly better than a cheap gas station on a dirt road and staff wasn't very helpful. Very few slips or dock space available as the end of the long pier deteriorated and was condemned and the moorings are questionable at best. New manager is cleaning up the place and work is planned on the dock and moorings. Hope it comes together.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Deep Point Marina

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 4

Nice marina. Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent laundromat on site. Only negative, not walking distance to much of anything.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Lake Tashmoo

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Anchoring has been restricted to two areas. There is a sign and map on a channel marker just inside the entrance. About one mile nice walk to town where there are several restaurants, groceries and shopping. Dinghy dock can be a bit crowded so bring a long painter.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Anglers Marina

Reviewed by: Gibson MacElhannon on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.4'

Rating: 5

Stopped here for fuel on a trip south to Florida. Very friendly, easy access, very protected. Happy to let us stay at the fuel dock a couple of hours while we got breakfast next door.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer