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Mason Neck- Station Moved Overview
For N clockwise to the S launches along the Potomac River at Washington Sailing Marina, Belle Haven Marina, Kim's Beach @ Mt. Vernon, Collingwood @ Fort Hunt, Fort Belvoir, and don't forget the big daddy, Leesylvannia State Park in Woodbridge. Kim's Beach, Collingwood and Leesylvannia are for intermediates and above, and it is not wise to sail there alone unless your good, esp. Leesylvannia.
Mason Neck: Best winds are from SW thru NW.
Mason Neck notes:
entrance fee- $3 weekdays, $4 weekends
Small cartop boat launch area.
Consessions: Drink machine.
Shallow water and side-on conditions when winds are southwest clockwise through northwest equating to an excellent location for beginners.
Mason Neck is shallow water sailing. At low tide when the water is low, sail more to the middle of the bay to prevent any obstructions on the bottom. At high tide, sailing is OK closer to the shore. River sailers should be aware of floating logs, etc. on the surface, especially after storms. Fin choices: weed fin or a short fin.
Best to sail a NW wind to the left of the launch towards the point. The wind is strong and cleaner due to the long wind fetch. In contrast, sailing to the right is fluky due to the reduce wind fetch. Safe cold weather location.
No parking at the launch area; one has to park back up at the main lots.
Washington Sailing Marina is located on the west bank of the Potomac River just south of Washington National Airport.Best winds for the South. River sailing is a bit gusty. Watch for the mud flats off the tip of the south end of the runway.
Daily $4 fee.
Grassy rigging area.
Clockwise,NNW to NNE and SSE to SSW are the favored winds for Potomac River sailing.
South winds are best.
Thanks to the New England Windsurfing Journal for contributions to this site description.
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Regional Directory
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| Season: |
Spring/Fall |
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| Water: |
small chop |
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| Ability Level: |
beginner,intermediate |
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| Familiness: |
Very good |
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| Parking: |
100 yards away |
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| Launch: |
sandy beach |
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Maps & Directions
To Mason Neck: Take exit 163 off I-95. Left off exit ramp just under the bridge. 3rd right onto Armistead. Right at light on to U.S. 1. Go 0.8 mile then left at light onto Gunston Road (Route 242) go 4 miles. Park is on right.
For Washington Sailing Marina, follow signs to National (Ronald Reagan) Airport. The Sailing Marina is just to the south of the airport on the George Washington Parkway.
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is located on top of the visitor's center at Mason Neck State Park. This new site should pick up the important, and popular directions of southwest clockwise through north.
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