Destination - Yorktown, VA Town Docks

Another favorite weekend destination for us is the York River. It is a short sail (or motor) from home and provides a great getaway. There are many options for mooring on the York. I have to admit that as many times as we've been up there, we've really only gone to one of two places, the town docks on the South side of the river, or York River Yacht Haven on the North side of the river. Both are great.

I'll start with the town docks. They are located on the South side of the river near the base of the Coleman Bridge. The town put in a little retail center with colonial themed buildings near the docks where you can get your Starbucks, ice cream, or battlefield souvenirs. There are also a couple local restaurants nearby, and really the whole town of Yorktown, including the historic battlefield park, are within easy walking distance of the docks. There is a nice swimming beach for the kids too. Yorktown hosts frequent events near the docks all through the boating season, including dances, concerts, farmer's markets, and festivals.

Ti' Punch at the town docks

The crew enjoying shore leave at the beach

 Checking out the shops

A 688 Class Submarine making its way to Yorktown Naval Weapons Station

USCG Cutter Cochito stopped for a visit - this was in addition to the daily RIB training by the BM students

Cochito crew gave us a great tour including the bridge and engine room - nice people

 Yorktown Power Station - a prominent landmark on your way upriver

 Yorktown Victory Monument - site of the final battle of the Revolutionary War

There are a couple of down sides worth mentioning. The dockmaster can be a bit crusty. I like to think he's one of those rough characters with a heart of gold, but some people think he is just a jerk. The bath house is quite a walk away from the docks and is shared with the commercial development. They are functional, but not ideal. The water at the docks is quite deep with a significant current running in the river. Docking can be challenging if you aren't expecting the current boost. Finally, due to it's proximity to the Coast Guard's Boatswain Mate's school, the docks get used (all day long sometimes) by young Coasties practicing touch and go landings in their RIBs. Think noise and engine exhaust.