Sailboat rules for VA coast?

[LR Max]

In two weeks I am visiting my friend who lives on the VA coast. I'll be dragging up a sailboat and plan on sailing out in the sea (if the weather and seas permit).

I'll be carrying a whistle and flares, anything else I need? Boat is under 15 feet so I don't think I need registration. Any rules/regulations I need to know about other than don't be stupid and stay away from big-ass ships?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Rugbier]

is it a open sailboat ( i.e Cadet ) , a Hobby Cat?

I think you must have it Registered, also don't forget Life Vest for the number of occupants, a portable Radio a must ( I assume none on the boat )

 

[LR Max]

Have it registered even though its non-powered and under 15 feet? Hmmm. Its an open boat, a Chrysler Pirateer. Its fancy, got a

Indeed, life jackets for all and a radio. Will be worn at all times. Lord knows when the boat dumps, its nice not having to worry a lot about sinking.

We won't be going out far, definitely well within eyeshot of land. No transatlantic BS.

 

[Rugbier]

If I am not mistaken ( and someone who knows more can chime in ) , when you are on open waters, you must have a registration, I have my tender ( Dinghy ) registered, which in essence has no power of its own and it is only 11ft.

I was required to have a vessel number on the Sail of my Windsurf in certain areas.

I think for non powered vessel ( under 16 ) it is nominal like 20.00 for 2 years, so mind as well

 

[95.D1.Rick]

Waterproof bag with good flashlights,batteries, cell phone, h.held gps, h.held VHF. I would bring a small anchor, and at least 250' of anchor rode, like 1/2". Its fairly shallow <60' out there, and you can drop the hook if the wind dies. Light yourself up if you do though.

 

[bldgrn1990]

It has to be registered. If you are using it on the public waters of VA. Yes which includes the ocean. The Coast Guard frowns a little on unregistered vessels.

 

[pwp]

h.held VHF.

this is a must, if you do not have one, standard horizon makes a nice one that floats, and not too pricey.

 

[apg]

What part of the coast are you heading to?

For boats less than 16', there are not that many requirements, Coast Guard or otherwise. The following is a summary for small craft operating on inland or 'coastal' waters and less than 16'

All vessels have to be registered, but that could be your home state. Have the paperwork handy/up-to-date.

One CG-approved PFD per person. Doesn't need to be worn....

No distress signals are necessary, unless sailing after dark.

All boats need to carry some kind of horn or whistle.

Less than 16' don't need any nav lights, unless it's after dark. Temporary ones will work for that....

There's no CG requirement for a radio on small craft; it's 'recommended' only.

If you have a motor, then you need a fire extinguisher.

Not sure if you need a canoe paddle...winds around here can be notoriously fickle this time of year. Dead calm one minute, blowing like stink the next....

I grew up sailing the local waters. Let me know where you are going and I can recommend some neat places to sail - or to launch....

Cheers

 

[LR Max]

Thanks for all the input.

Probably gonna be BS'ing around in the Chesapeake. Also not doing anything hardcore, just gonna go out for 3 hours at a time or so. Definitely in before dark. Oh, and the boat is a NC boat and is 13 feet long.

I've got a whistle, air horn and some flares just in case. Took the boat out this weekend and made sure it was in tip top shape.

Going to be watching the tides like a hawk. Make sure we don't get caught in a tide or anything unusual like that.

Should be a fun time! The boat is bigger than my laser but with the jib it'll haul the mail if there is a strong, constant wind and all hands are on the rail. Just in case, there is a paddle on board. Haven't used it yet, kinda like wheelin'. Carry a spare, never need it.

 

[apg]

I've won many a race by playing the tides right, but the only places you have to be truly concerned are the inlets - like Lynnhaven or Rudee Inlets in Virginia Beach. When the tide is really moving, it's no place to be in a small sailboat in a light breeze....

That said, you can access the Lynnhaven River system at the city's boat launch ramp at 64th St. Lots of small craft sailing in Broad Bay, plus one side is uninhabited - First Landing State Park.

Norfolk has surprisingly few public boat launch sites. 13th View St. at the west end of the Ocean View neighborhood is one of the few. It gets real popular/crowded on weekends (be right quick launching and recovering or folks waiting get rude....), but you have direct access to Willoughby Bay and the 'scenery' of the largest naval base in the world, if that floats your boat. Don't get too close.... I've had a .50 cal trained on me more than once.

Cheers