Board unanimously approves lease with York River Cruises for tall‑ship dock space at Riverwalk Landing

Economic and tourism staff presented a proposed lease and the board on March 18 adopted Resolution R25‑36 authorizing the county administrator to sign a lease with York River Cruises LLC for docking space at Riverwalk Landing.

James (Jimmy) Scruggs, dockmaster and waterfront operations supervisor in Economic and Tourism Development, said the lease follows the retirement sale by Greg and Laura Losey and that Eric Losey intends to continue the tall‑ship operations (Schooner Alliance II and Schooner Serenity). The agreement sets a fixed dock rate and a per‑passenger head tax and designates the vessels to dock at the T‑pier, the pier furthest from the Coleman Bridge.

Scruggs told the board the recommended resolution preserves a waterfront tourism amenity that offers day sails, sunset cruises and special events. He said the operators plan to run primarily April 1 through the end of October, weather permitting, and potentially longer for special events such as the county’s maritime festival. Staff confirmed pier anchor‑line repairs were completed and would not affect docking.

Supervisor Roehn moved the resolution. The roll call vote recorded yes votes from Supervisors Holroyd, Drury, Roan, Shepherd, Noell and Roehn; the motion carried 6–0.