Messick Point

Beginner to advanced


Keith Knight getting air at Messick Point on a strong SW day


Back River from satellite

Back River can be sailed in almost any wind direction, depending on your launch site. The North launch is called Messick Point and faces almost due S and will work on WSW to NE winds. The South launch is called Factory Point. It faces NNW and works on WSW to ENE winds. The shallow waters provide a Hatteras-like venue, especially convenient in the cold months. Just watch out for shallow waters at low tide. The launch site is at the end of Messick Road in Poquoson, next to the Poquoson Yacht Club.

Good points: Large, grassy parking area very close to the water, very shallow water, sandy to muddy bottom; concessions within a couple of miles. Primo spot for sailing on E, S, and W winds. iWindsuf meter on site.

Bad points: Very shallow at low tide; no public bathrooms on-site, occasional snakes; mosquitos can be bad.

 
 

Overhead view of Messick Point
Courtesy of Todd Ferrante

 
 

Perspective view of Messick Point

 
 
Directions

From I-64W in Hampton take Magruder Boulevard exit toward NASA. At the 4th light, turn right onto Armistead Avenue. Turn left onto Wythe Creek Road and you will drive by NASA on your right. Continue into Poquoson and turn right onto Little Florida Road at the first light after the little bridge. The stores at this intersection will be your last chance for food and bathrooms. Follow Little Florida as it becomes Poquoson Avenue.

From I-64E from Richmond, take the 256B exit (Victory Blvd.) to route 171. Follow this road all the way into Poquoson. At Wythe Creek Road, continue straight into Little Florida Road. The stores at this intersection will be your last chance for food and bathrooms. Follow Little Florida as it becomes Poquoson Avenue.

 
 

Look for this church on the right and slow down.

 
 

Turn left at the blue house onto Messick Road and follow it to the end at the public boat ramp. Continue around the hill and turn right onto the dirt driveway to the beachfront.

 
 

View of Messick Point from NASA Langley Research Center's 757.

 
 
Tides


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