OF THE LAKE Lady Boating

Her Skippers

The best way to experience Smith Mountain Lake is by boat, and few can compare to The Virginia Dare, an old-time attraction that makes new memories for hundreds of visitors each year.

by REED DILLON

Boating THE ISSUE

nameD aFTer The FirsT KnoWn english child born in america in the colony of roanoke island, the Virginia Dare cruise boat has been an icon and symbol of smith mountain lake for more than 33 years.

“The Virginia Dare is definitely our star attraction,” said garrett meyer, who with Darrin main owns the boat, the Virginia Dare marina and accompanying Beacon pub and portside Bar and grill. They bought it in 2018.

“people have come from all over the world to ride on her,” meyer said. “she has held up well over the years but does require frequent maintenance to keep her shipshape.” each year, the U.s coast guard gives the Virginia Dare a full inspection. a crew gives it a new paint job annually, and every five years, she is taken out of the water to have her hull and welds inspected. skipperliner industries in lacrosse, Wisconsin, built the Virginia Dare, which has sister ships all over the country, including at lake norman, north carolina, Bradenton, Florida, and one on the mississippi river. aside from sightseeing excursions, the cruise boat books special holiday trips, corporate and special event charters for weddings, graduation celebrations and bachelor parties. although each comes from diverse backgrounds, histories and experiences, each is united in his love for smith mountain lake, boating and people. clarke, originally from alexandria, is the newest Virginia Dare skipper. The longtime lake resident spent much of his life in sales and previously owned a printing company in lynchburg. a couple of years ago, clarke achieved his oUpV/ six-pack captain’s license, which allowed him to take up to six individuals on his private boat. oUpV stands for operator of Uninspected passenger

The 37-ton, 63-foot-by-20-foot faux paddlewheeler is powered by twin caterpillar diesel engines. The boat takes visitors on two-hour sightseeing voyages around the lake, averaging 150 cruises a year.

The law requires a vessel this size to have a coast guard-approved captain. The Virginia Dare has three — Victor clarke, Barry Bridges and gary Fisher. They take turns piloting her.