Community Partner SPOTLIGHT: Sail nauticus
Your name: Vincent Tophoff
Your position: Operations Manager
Company name: Sail Nauticus
Website: nauticus.org/sail-nauticus
Phone Number: 757-664-1052
Business Address: 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk
Industry: Community Sailing Center
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Sail Nauticus and how you got there:
I joined Sail Nauticus as a member in 2018 when I moved from New York to Norfolk, and it has been one of my best decisions ever!
Sail Nauticus is a community sailing center operated as part of the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our programs include the Sail Academy, adult sailing memberships, skills clinics, group outings, and summer camps. We are a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community brought together by a passion for sailing and our local waterfront. For new sailors and seasoned skippers, the membership program removes the stress of boat ownership and makes the joy and beauty of sailing in the Elizabeth River (the “Blue Elizabeth River Trail!”) a reality for everyone.
For a nominal annual fee (only $445 until August 1, but $750 after that date), our members enjoy unlimited access to our fleet of Harbor 20 sailboats. They can participate in daily activities such as sail training, social sails & sail racing, and bring their family and friends sailing for free.
How did you get connected to the Elizabeth River Trail?
Interestingly, with our Harbor 20 sailboats, you can sail pretty much the same trail as the “Green ERT” in either direction (and beyond). Hence the name “Blue ERT.”
In addition to sailing the Blue ERT, my friends and I also enjoy hiking or riding the Green ERT. Typically, we combine our trip with a visit to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, The ODU waterfront & pier (Whitehurst Beach Park), Lambert’s Point Public Open Space, Smartmouth Brewing Co, Plum Point Park, and Todd’s Bistro, of course!
Given your background and the nature of what you do, what benefits do you feel the trail has for the community?
I have noticed that both the green and the blue ERT are not only “for” the community, but they also create the community: after seven years in Norfolk, I estimate that I met about 80 percent of my friends here via one of the trails! Pretty much every day we meet up and do something together.
Due to the relaxing nature of our activities, we dubbed our community “Norfolk VAcation Village,” with the cheesy tagline “Where the sun never sets” (as it actually does so on the Portsmouth side of the river 😊).
What’s your favorite trail moment?
That’s for sure when we realized that the Elizabeth River Trail Mile Marker 0 is actually standing here on the dock of our Sail Nauticus campus!
While riding or hiking the trail, you may have wondered why the mileage goes up either way you go. The reason for that is that both ERT directions branch out from the famous but also reclusive Mile Marker 0 (you won’t even find it on the official ERT online trail map). I bet you have never seen it, but you are more than invited to stop by and look for it yourself!
While you are here, don’t hesitate to check out our fleet of Harbor 20 sailboats and step into our offices to meet our staff.
(Note from the ERT: He’s right, mile marker zero isn’t listed on our map. Unfortunately it’s hard to get to because of the construction and cruise ships. Not to worry, we’ll find an accessible place for it and are working on a whole thing to highlight our maritime connection. But, thank you, Vincent, for calling us out!)
Favorite Trailgrazing spot? (i.e. best local food spot steps from the trail)
After our sails, we often enjoy a snack and a drink while watching the ships come by.
Do you think that you would enjoy Sail Nauticus as much as we do? Why don’t you come out and experience it for yourself? Now is a great time to join:
- We are in the midst of a beautiful sailing season (and we sail year-round).
- We have organized activities every day: sail training, social sails, racing & women on the water.
- No sailing experience needed. We will teach you. Fun guaranteed!
Best view of the Elizabeth River from the trail?
From our Sail Nauticus campus, especially the sunsets.
