TowBoatUS now open on the “Private” side of Virginia's Lake Anna

Capt. Gary Jacobs and (R) deckhand Rick Fawley of TowBoatUS Lake Anna / Sorbie Cove © Scott Croft

Virginia's Lake Anna has long been divided when it comes to requesting on water assistance for routine boat breakdowns. Captain Gary Jacobs opened TowBoatUS Lake Anna on the "public" side more than a decade ago, but until recently, it was a challenging task to provide on water TowBoatUS assistance on the "private" side - a highly regulated portion of the lake that is home to a nuclear power facility.

Now Jacobs has opened TowBoatUS Sorbie Cove on this smaller portion of the lake that's separated from the main lake by a series of three dikes, giving boaters here swift access to towing, ungrounding or battery jump services.

This part of Lake Anna is known as the "private" side as only adjacent landowners are permitted to boat here. There are no marinas or public launch facilities. As the result of the power plant's waste heat treatment facility, boaters also enjoy warmer waters on this side.

"It used to be a very time-consuming process to respond to boaters on this side of the lake. We had to wait for access from a landowner or official, which often took time and added undue delay. Now we are here 24/7 and ready to respond anytime," said Jacobs.

Both of Jacob's Lake Anna ports are part of a nationwide network of more than 300 TowBoatUS locations that responded to more than 80,000 requests from boaters for routine on-water help last year.

Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, BoatUS offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for freshwater boaters and anglers for just $99 per year. Included are more than 25 benefits and discounts at lake businesses including High Point Marina, Pleasants Landing Marina, Performance Boats, The Dry Dock, and Lake Region Repair. Also included is a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration, and more.

The company has three 24-hour towing response vessels, easily recognized by their bright red hulls with "TowBoatUS" in white letters on each side. Separate from BoatUS towing services, the company also offers boat salvage, transport and environmental remediation services.

The fastest way to summon assistance from TowBoatUS Sorbie Cove or TowBoatUS Lake Anna is to download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain. Additionally, the company can be reached at 540-659-5397, by hailing on VHF channel 16, or by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869. More information can be found at BoatUS.com/Towing, or by calling 800-888-4869.