Anchoring in the Vinoy Basin, St Pete, Fl

timjet

timjet

Member
Jan 14, 2010
236
Tampa, FL
Boat Info
'98 355 ACMY
Engines
Cummins 6BT 330 M3's
Am planning a cruise next week to include an overnight anchoring in the Vinoy basin. Has anyone anchored there recently? Is it safe and is there a place to dinghy ashore. We want to visit a couple of restaurants.
Thanks
 
The vinoy basin has very good anchorage as long as there is not an east wind as it gets very rough. There is a small beach for a dingy or maybe use the docks at the vinoy. There are enough restaurants close by but bay walk is almost empty now. We enjoy staying at the resort but will cancel if there is an east wind over 10 mph , I don't like rockin and rollin all night.
 
Is there a charge for using the docks for a couple of hours to get a bite to eat? Also, where is the beach to dinghy ashore, and is it safe to leave a dingy there?
 
I would call the dockmaster and ask him, if its not too busy they probably wouldn't charge you. The beach area is in the northwest corner of the basin-is it safe? Not sure- I have never left my dinghy there before. The marina charges a few bucs a foot per night and is well worth it, you can use all the facilities(pool, fitness, tennis, golf and spa) and has good security.
 
Thanks Big Daddy II. I'll give them a call. We're planning a 5 day cruise around the area and prefer to anchor out when possible. Twin Dolphins was our one planned marina visit, but I'm very concerned about loosing my dinghy around the downtown St. Pete area so we may consider tying up at the Vinoy.
Were you the guy that did the month long cruise up to Baltimore? If so, enjoyed reading your log.

Thanks,
Tim
 
Hi
I just read your post about the Vinoy. I am leaving from Maximo Marina to the Twin Dolphin. Is it an easy trip any suggestions. Going to follow the channel next to the Skyway. Is it safe. Also the water does get ruff at the Vinoy when the wind is blowing. There are public docks at the St Pete Marina next to the Vinoy. They are metered like car parking, but the meters don't always work so it ends up being free. Thanks
 
We stayed in the north basin a few months ago on our return trip from the Keys. The first 24 hours you don't need to even need to check in with the dockmaster and there is little sand area to dingy ashore. You will need to climb up the seawall but not a big deal. I felt my dingy was safe there and had no issues. The area is very cool and we had a good time. Make shure you wash all mud from your anchor rode as it smells bad when it gets in the locker
 
Floridays said:
Hi
I just read your post about the Vinoy. I am leaving from Maximo Marina to the Twin Dolphin. Is it an easy trip any suggestions. Going to follow the channel next to the Skyway. Is it safe. Also the water does get ruff at the Vinoy when the wind is blowing. There are public docks at the St Pete Marina next to the Vinoy. They are metered like car parking, but the meters don't always work so it ends up being free. Thanks
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I went to the Bradenton Yacht Club a few weeks ago and traveled up the river to Twin Dolphin Marina. It's well marked but stay in the channel because it can get skinny on a low tide.
Downtown St. Pete has alot to do with many restaurants and bars. The Vinoy is cool and the St. Pete marina is right next door along with the St. Pete Yacht Club. You should be able to find a place for your dinghy with no problems all with a couple minute ride form the basin.
 
I was the original poster and stayed at the Vinoy docks. We enjoyed the Vinoy pool and a nice evening walking around downtown St. Pete with a wonderful dinner at Moon underwater. All was well until about 11 pm when the wind picked up and changed to the East. I had to add additional lines and we rocked and rolled like crazy. Never again.
 
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