For the second time ever, on Saturday, Oct. 20, the floating homes of Gangplank Marina will be open to the public. The chance to tour this unique community should not be missed. The self-guided tour at Gangplank Marina takes visitors inside at least 20 of the most fun and unique homes (and offices) in Washington, DC. Many shapes, sizes and styles of floating homes will give visitors a peek into life on the water. Owners and docents will also be available to answer questions about the boat-homes and the liveaboard and workaboard lifestyles. “The tour is a great opportunity to invite people to visit the Southwest Waterfront and experience some of the exciting things going on in the neighborhood,” Slipholders Association president Jason Kopp said.
The event is located on the Southwest waterfront, along the Washington Channel. Historically, the waterfront was the portal for newcomers and visitors to the Nation’s capital, as well as a busy center for maritime trade and fishing. Gangplank Marina is a 309-slip marina just steps from the National Mall and its many monuments and museums, and is the largest liveaboard community on the East Coast. For over 30 years, it has been home to a diverse group including professionals, families, artists, retirees, members of the military and others. The marina, along with much of the Southwest waterfront, is currently poised to undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment.
The tour will run in two shifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are available online at the web site www.dchouseboat.org. The tour is expected to sell out, so advance tickets are required (tickets will not be available on the day of the tour). Tickets are $20, though residents of the 20024 zip code can take advantage of a “neighbor discount price” of $15 per ticket. A portion of the proceeds from the tour ticket sales will benefit local charities in Southwest D.C.
Visitors who would like to get out on the water can take advantage of a special offer from tour partner DC Harbor Cruises, also based at Gangplank Marina. Tickets for a 60-minute Potomac cruise are available at a special discounted rate of $15, also from our website www.dchouseboat.org (cruise tickets alone are usually priced at $30). Available cruise departure times are 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Several of Gangplank Marina’s other neighbors will also be participating. Waterfront bar & grill Cantina Marina will offer a 10% discount to tourgoers, and local organizations such as D.C. Sail and others will also be present.
The Southwest D.C. Boat-Home Tour is sponsored by the Gangplank Slipholders Association, a nonprofit volunteer organization representing the boaters of Gangplank Marina, and the Port of Washington Yacht Club, a nonprofit social club promoting boating and Potomac stewardship. Additional information can be found at www.dchouseboat.org.
By Jess Dankert