Things to Do

These 6 Virginia Boating Clubs Promise On-the-Water Fun

Whether you own a yacht, love rowing, or are just a casual boater, you’ll want to bookmark these local establishments.

By Kate Oczypok August 8, 2023 at 10:46 am

Northern Virginia has lots of options for water-related recreation. Check out these boating clubs before summer ends.

Aquia Harbour Yacht Club

Worried about boating safety? The Aquia Harbour Yacht Club in Stafford will ease those concerns. The recreational boating club, established in 1975, promotes safe boating through education. Its motto is “Boating Safety, Education, the Environment and Fun.” 1415 Washington Dr., Stafford

Fairfax Yacht Club

Open year-round, Fairfax Yacht Club offers 170 open and covered slips that accommodate boats up to 50 feet in length. The club is great for families, as it includes a five-acre lot with picnic and grilling stations, a firepit, and more. 10721 Old Colchester Rd., Mason Neck

Freedom Boat Club of Northern Virginia

Freedom Boat Club of Northern Virginia is membership based, with several locations throughout the area. Members have access to a fleet of boats without the difficulties that can come with boat ownership. Staff handles all maintenance, cleaning, and storage of boats. Woodbridge, Stafford, Lake Anna, and Richmond

Occoquan Boat Club

This club along the scenic Occoquan Reservoir offers both competitive and recreational rowing. It hosts regattas in the summer and fall and does a lot to support youth rowing in the area. 10450 Van Thompson Rd., Fairfax Station

Old Dominion Boat Club

The Old Dominion Boat Club was founded in 1880, making it the second oldest boat club in Virginia. Its membership is based on individual, not family, membership. It has an operating marina with limited slips for boat owners, and members are involved in club operations like taking care of grounds and planning events. 0 Prince St., Alexandria

Virginia Boat Club

The nonprofit Virginia Boat Club’s mission is to promote rowing in the Greater Richmond area. Members range from beginners to former national champions. The club offers its members the opportunity to enjoy miles of scenic recreational and competitive rowing. Plus, they can participate in regattas from the local level all the way to national. 4708 Old Main St., Richmond; 3800 James River Rd., Midlothian

Feature image by Faris/stock.adobe.com

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Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.