ICW Norfolk to Coinjock

[Stephen Crompton]

Going to do this trip this weekend (9/22) from Portsmouth VA, just a leisurely cruise. Any advice or tips?

 

[Sea Gull]

My question back is why? It’s the most unsatisfying stretch of the AICW in my book.

That said, be sure to time your arrival at Great Bridge lock. After that, it’s pretty straight forward, but be mindful that Centreville has rush hour time restrictions.

We plan 4 hours for that 50 sm section.

 

[Stephen Crompton]

My question back is why? It’s the most unsatisfying stretch of the AICW in my book.

That said, be sure to time your arrival at Great Bridge lock. After that, it’s pretty straight forward, but be mindful that Centreville has rush hour time restrictions.

We plan 4 hours for that 50 sm section.

The boat is at a marina in Portsmouth and having never done any of the ICW before we thought this would be a pretty straightforward stretch to begin with (bridges and locks aside).

 

[Stephen Crompton]

The boat is at a marina in Portsmouth and having never done any of the ICW before we thought this would be a pretty straightforward stretch to begin with (bridges and locks aside).

Well that changed quickly, trip is now postponed as I slipped at the top of our staircase today and found out that I don't bounce as well as I used to. Black and blue all over!

 

[Sea Gull]

So sorry to hear this. I was going to suggest that the best part of the trip is the roast beef at Coinjock. Ironic because I would have told you order the meat cooked rare...or “black and blue”. (Sorry, couldn’t resist) Wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I thought Superman could fly? Kidding hope you feel better soon enough to make the trip...

 

[Jaybeaux]

My question back is why? It’s the most unsatisfying stretch of the AICW in my book.

That said, be sure to time your arrival at Great Bridge lock. After that, it’s pretty straight forward, but be mindful that Centreville has rush hour time restrictions.

We plan 4 hours for that 50 sm section.

I know this is an old thread, but we have a group planning the leg from Portsmouth to Coinjock and back. I understand that it is only 50 miles or so; one lock, several bridges, and currently, we have to work around Norfolk Southern Railroad bridges that may be in the "closed to navigation" position for 60+ hour stretches for maintenance. Being aware of all of that, at what speed to you travel while in "the ditch" and in Curritich Sound? That water looks pretty skinny in two dimensions: depth and width of channel. Do you run at planing speed or do you put about 1,000 rpm on the engines and just cocktail cruise?

Thanks for any advice you can give first timers.

Jaybeaux

 

[endless seas]

Update your charts.....

 

[Jaybeaux]

Update your charts.....

 

[Larry]

It’s all basically fast except when passing some marinas, definitely some skinny water but it’s OK.

 

[Sea Gull]

As long as you can get through the RR bridges in a timely manner, it’s about an hour to Great Bridge. It’s mostly slow speed in this section, but there are places you can pick it up a bit. The key is hitting Great Bridge lock at :20 past the hour.

After great bridge you have plenty of time to Centerville and again to North Landing. You can go as fast as you like in these sections, but there is no point because you will wait for the bridges.

After North Landing you can pick up to cruising speed all the way to Coinjock.

 

[FootballFan]

section south of great bridge has lots of stumps in the water if you move out of the channel. Not a problem unless you are meeting a barge, if you do have to move out of the channel be very careful.