Waiting at Norfolk

So we made it safely to Norfolk and are now moored at the Waterside Marina waiting for the weather to turn to allow us to head to Charleston.  From last post we had a couple more days on the water to get to Norfolk - man that Chesapeake Bay is big!  One day was sailing entirely with the wind gusting over 30kts.  We set deep reefed main and staysail and the boat was very comfortable.  We anchored once more overnight at a sheltered bay off the main Chesapeake waterway and got up the following day (Sunday), to the wind having dropped to less than 10kts forcing us to motor the final 5hrs leg into Norfolk.

I think I am right in saying that Norfolk is the centre for the US Navy.  There are a number of other key areas around the country but this is one of the, if not the, primary ports.  Here there is Norfolk itself and also Portsmouth which is across the Elizabeth River.  For all intents and purposes its one big city with the Naval base making up a large part of it.  As we lined up on Hampton Roads to enter the shipping channels an active naval vessel was coming in behind us from the Atlantic.  It was far enough away that we did not have to maneuver away but close enough to see as it steamed in behind us and then was met by tugs firing water cannon and finally as it docked at the Naval slips .  The naval ships are pretty awesome to see on the water even if you have to stay at least 500m away.  There are warships all around the docks.  Coming into the inner reaches of the harbor is a large naval dockyard with grey ship after grey ship lined up along numerous jetties jutting out into the harbor channel.   The first two ships we saw were aircraft carriers and then there are all manner of frigates, destroyers and support vessels.  It is very impressive and you can see why the US is considered the world superpower.  

We continued along the entrance channel down the river.  Norfolk is also a busy commercial port with bulk carriers and cruise liners moving around.  Its about 10 miles from the start of Hampton Roads into the marina which is located right beside the downtown area.   We motored through the various channels to get to the marina gawking at the ships lining the waterway.  It is always very interesting approaching a new city from the water.  At the marina we were directed to a berth on the outside wall of a jetty and tied up just in front of an old three masted schooner.  The marina location is fantastic and we had a look around downtown Norfolk for the first day, after some school of course.  The town was quiet but its a really pleasant place and very neat and tidy.  Believe this is where Douglas MacArthur was from.  There is also  a huge mall within walking distance so Nic is extremely happy.  We ended up at the mall and while we were in the Apple Store saw Stevie Wonder – obviously had to explain to the kids who this guy was.  Let me tell you even famous personalities get bald and put on weight as they grow old!  The Apple Stores in the states are always mobbed.  There would be twenty support staff and if you have a technical question you have to book a slot to see one of these guys.  But the whole feel of the place is like a computer club.  It is incredible how Apple have managed to foster this and it’s the same at every store we have been to. 

Norfolk Mermaids

The next day after more school we went to the Nauticus Centre which is the Naval museum here in Norfolk about 5 minutes walk away.  Great museum with loads of exhibits that interested the kids but also plenty of history on the American Navy from the Revolution to present time.  The centrepiece is the battleship Wisconsin which is just spectacular.  It has not been long decommissioned and was actively involved in the bombardments during both Gulf Wars.  One thing about the States is that the opportunities to see things like this is fantastic especially for the kids.  We finished off the day with dinner and a film – first time in a cinema since July.

Bow of the Wisconsin

AB's Sam and Calley

Kids at Nauticus

We have two days left now to see a couple more sights, to do some laundry and provisioning and get ready for the sail to Charleston.   The trip around to Charleston will be the longest consecutive leg yet at around 450Nm.  This will entail spending 3 nights out at sea.  We have decided to take on a crew member for the trip to share the load of the night watches.  It should make a huge difference.  His name is Dan Meggit and he joins us later today.  He is from Beaufort in North Carolina and seems to be pretty experienced.  Its interesting looking for crew because there is a certain dynamic that needs to work as its such a close space and I guess this is even more relevent when its a family sailing.  You just have to rely on how he sounds on the phone and any references you can get.  He would be in a similar situation though noit knowing what the baot or crew are like.  The kids especially Calley very interested in this development.  In addition to taking on crew another added precaution we have taken for this leg is to contact a weather routing service.  These guys will, for a small fee, analyse the weather and give you the optimum departure time and if necessary routing directions.  There is a storm system moving up from south so currently we are waiting for that to pass over today and should be looking at a Thursday pm or Friday am departure.  The marina if filling up with other boats waiting to do the same.

Did we mention it is bitterly cold now.  Drops to 4 deg during the night.  This was definitely not in the brochure!

Saw these two on a passing boat