Every year, since basically the dawn of time, the Occoquan River Maritime Association has put on their annual Blessing of the Fleet event. This is a very special event that dates back to the old days when fishermen would get their boats blessed before heading out to the fishing groundsContinue Reading
With a cough, a slight sputter, and maybe a bit of leaking oil, The Pirate’s Guide to Boating is starting out yet another boating season, and this one promises to be even better than the last! Right out of the gate, we caught wind (not the “passed” kind) of aContinue Reading
This winter has been one of the harshest in memory. Most of us made it through, but the butcher’s bill was pretty high. Off the top of our collective heads, we counted 6 boats sunk, and at least 3 boat fires. Seems like after all this, we have earned aContinue Reading
So far, it’s been a tough winter for boats on the Potomac River. This is the second boat fire that we are aware of – this time on Aquia Creek off the middle Potomac River. Details are scarce at this time, but we are told it was a Silverton 44Continue Reading
Around 9:45 this morning, Capt Josh Hill of Potomac Marine/TowboatUS noticed smoke coming from a boat docked at a Neabsco Creek marina. Knowing this was a bad sign, he was able to get his fireboat on scene within five minutes. Unfortunately by that time, the boat was fully engulfed inContinue Reading
Every year, an intrepid group of boaters get together for what is really 2 separate events on the upper Potomac River – the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights! This year, the parade will be on December 7 at the Alexandria Waterfront, and the DC Wharf. Because this is actually 2Continue Reading
After years of bar closings, this year the Potomac River has become home to two exciting new bars that are quickly becoming popular among both locals and visitors alike. One standout is The Spot at Belmont Bay, a riverside gem known for its exceptional selection of bourbons and other liquors.Continue Reading
NOTE: The Pirate’s Guide to Boating is a non-political publication and always will be. We have no political preferences, unless someone starts offering free rum or something. However, our job is to notify the public about events on the river, and this is an event on the river, so hereContinue Reading
Every year on the fourth Sunday of September is World Rivers Day, which celebrates the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world. Much like last year, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network is puttingContinue Reading
On Sunday around 5PM, a good samaritan notified Captain Gilbert James of Towboat US (Potomac Marine) of a boat in distress near Fairview Beach on the Potomac River. The report was that a pontoon boat had capsized near Belvedere Beach during an afternoon thunderstorm, leaving five people in the waterContinue Reading