Washington, NC Fueling Question
Received 6/21/06

We have a cruising club that is planning to cruise to Washington NC. Once in Washington, where can fuel be purchased for the return trip?
In the past we used Whichard's Beach Marina to obtain fuel. Unfortunately, they are no longer open.
Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated.
Lynn Zuzzolo
Vice Commodore
Cypress Cove Cruising Club
Columbia NC

Thank you. I found out that the Washington Country Club and Marina will provide gas to travelers. It is located just up the river from McCotter's Marina.
Lynn

Deep Waters at Daufuskie Island?
Received 6/15/06

Does Daufuskie Island have deep water baoting capabilities?
Victoria A. Dickinson
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
302.463.4720
vrobinson@comcast.net

Advice for Canada Customs
Received 6/14/06

I need some advice on St Lawrence, 1000 Islands and Canada Customs. We are going from Oswego and down the StL to Montreal and beyond. We have about 2 weeks for the leg. What is recommended to see the area and yet handle the US and CAN customs.
If you check in at Kingston then go back and forth across the river, I presume we must check in again if we touch land but what about just going over the water or anchoring? I have about a dozen bottles of wine on which I was told that I must pay some duty and tax. Does anyone know what the amount would be? What happens with multiple checkins?
The guides say the Canadian side is prettier but most towns and facilities are on the US side. Any recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
Greg and Susan Han
Allegria Krogen Whaleback #16

Bear Island, North Carolina Anchorage Question
Received 6/13/06

Is there any anchorage at Bear Island which is part of Hammocks Beach State in NC? I Know pontoon boats have some sort of a dock there, but would like to anchor a boat with three and a half foot draft.

Bahamian Diesel Prices Question
Received 6/12/06

What are the diesel prices in the Bahamas?
Carole Wiseman
M/V 7th Sojourn

Bahamian Diesel Prices — As of the end of May prices averaged 3.70 a gallon

Deisel prices in the Bahamas (Abacos) ran in the $3.50 range during our cruise there from Feb. thru May. May be a little higher farther south in the Exumas due to cost of delivering.
Winston
aboard "WinSue"

Safe Tampa, Florida Hurricane Dockage Needed
Received 6/12/06

We are looking for a safe place to dock our sailboat near downtown Tampa for the hurricane season, we have also found that all the marinas are being converted to condos or are full and there is an indefinite waiting list. There was a mention of Harbor Island marina. Any information on that would be great.
Lacey & David

This is not down town Tampa. But it is one of the noted and best hurricane holes in the area; Riviera Dunes Marina, Palmetto, FL. Just south of Tampa. Floating concrete docks and far enough up the Manatee River that surges are absorbed to some degree.
Hope this helps.
Winston
aboard "WinSue" Carver-444

Jekyll Island, Georgia to Savannah Question
Received 6/9/06

Hey y'all,
My wife and I are planning a short weekend hop from Jekyll Island to Savannah in July. We have a "go fast boat" as the sailors call them and I was wondering about how long it would take for those that've traveled on this route? We're docking at the Westinn Savannah. I was also curious if we decided to go outside what do other cruisers consider comfortable, acceptible seas? My wife's prefers a softer ride and I need to make this a good trip to keep her (and me) on the water. Thanks
Jamey
Chapparal Sig. 270

On 20 January 2006, my wife and I cruised from Savannah Bend Marina (Thunderbolt, GA) to Jekyll Harbor Marina. Our boat, MAX, is a 41' Maxum Express Cruiser. Cruising speed 23 to 24 knots. We followed the ICW and had no traffic problems probably due to the "off" travel date. The trip put 4.7 hours on the engines and covered 86 nautical miles.
The trip was pleasant with no delays or problems. There are no low bridges to open and few speed zones. This is a pleasant section of the ICW. You will be traveling farther than we did, but that additional distance shouldn't add too much time.
Doug and Ann Kendrick
aboard Express Cruiser "MAX"

Portsmouth, VA to Albemarle Sound, NC Bridge Question
Received 6/6/06

Is there a web site that has the bridge opening schedules from Portsmouth, VA to the Albemarle Sound?

Thanks,
Jerry Palmer on Briar Patch

Claiborne,
This is a bit late, but in answer to "Portsmouth, VA to Albemarle Sound, NC Bridge Question", I've found an online listing of bridge restrictions on the Hampton Yacht Club site:

http://www.hamptonyc.com/intercoastal_waterway_bridge_sched.htm

This site also has a link to a more complete Federal listing.
Cheers,
Allan DeWall
S/V "Cat Rageous"; Nonsuch 30U #232
Wrightsville Beach, NC

Stump Pass Inlet – Western Florida Question
Received 6/6/06

Can anyone give me the appx. GPS lat long for Stump Pass Charlotte County Florida?

STUMP PASS LOCATION:
N 26° 53.700', .W 082° 20.540'

New Pass, Sarasota, Florida Question
Received 5/6/06

Would someone send me information about going out to the Gulf through New Pass in Sarasota, FL. Is there a course to follow? What hazards?

Ocrocoke, North Carolina Marina Question
Received 5/6/06

We recently heard that a new marina has been established less than a year ago on Silver Lake, different from Anchorage Inn, Park sevice docks, and the docks at the Connunity store. Do you have any information about this?
We're planning a cruise there next week and would like to find out the name and phone # to inquire about prices and facilities offered.
Thanks, love your newsleter & guides.
Rob

International Yacht Center – Cypress Cove Marina (Columbia, NC) Question
Received 5/25/16

I just read in the Outer Banks Sentinel Business section (http://www.womacknewspapers.com/obsentinel/) that the former International Yachting Center marina in Columbia, NC has been sold and renamed Cypress Cove Marina. Apparently they offer 55 slips, serving vessels up to 50' in length along with typical services and a ships store. Transient as well as long term slip rentals are available.
Have any cruisers out there checked out Cypress Cove, and if so, what's your impression?
Mike Hanson

New Orleans to Orange Beach, Alabama Cruising Question
Received 5/22/06

I’m planning our yearly cruise from New Orleans to the Orange Beach Area. We usually spend the night somewhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and then continue in the morning. I’m well aware of the devastation from Katrina in that area and plan to skip spending the night. We can make the trip in about 10 hours but fuel might be an issue.
Does anyone know what the availability of gasoline is along the Mississippi Gulf Coast? From the research I’ve done so far, it doesn’t look good. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
Mike LeJeune, Sr.
Priority Systems, Inc.

Mike,
I travel frequently between Pecan Island and New Orleans, so you can fill at Morgan City, Houma and Lafitte. Filling at Lafitte should take you well past NO.

North Carolina Cruising Alternative Question
Received 5/22/06 For the last 29 years we have taken our summer cruises via Atlantic City to Block Island and further east. Several times the weather co-operated and we made Frwenchmans Bay etc.
I have been reading these notes and listening to the answers invoving the N.C. coast and bays. Does anyone have a suggestion? Our time is about two weeks between July and Augest. We draw 5 ft and sail out of Great Egg inlet on the Jersey shore. We are open to ideas.
Delphinis
Jeann.43

To begin with, I'll assume your Jeanneau 43 has an air draft of less than 65 feet.
If I had about two weeks to sail out of NJ and had "been there done" the North direction, I believe I'd head around to the Delaware bay/River and up to the C&D Canal into the Chesapeake Bay.
There are enough places to visit on the Bay that it could take you the next 29 years to see/do it all. For starters, Google "Chesapeake Bay Magazine". From there you'll discover a multitude of sites, guides, events etc.
For a book to read on the trip, I recommend "Tidewater Tales" by John Barth. It's a well written story about a couple taking their last cruise on the Bay before their child is born. They take turns telling each other stories about the sights they see and the people they meet, including a tall, thin, bearded "Captain Donald Quicksoat". The book personalizes many favorite spots on the Bay.
If you'd rather travel a little further south, then go to: http://www.ncwaterways.com/ and order your free map/chart of the entire North Carolina coast. Once you decide, you'll need to get the latest copy of Claibornes's North Carolina Guide. Claiborne's Guide is chock full of interesting, exciting and unusual places to visit. Neither of these publications is meant to replace the good ol' current paper charts, of course.
I would presume that you would go outside from the Jersey shore down to the mouth of the Chesapeake then duck into Norfolk, the beginning of thesouthern Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
Whatever you decide, I wish you an outstanding trip!
Captain Jack

ICW Newbie Question
Received 06/19/06

Hi: We're "newbies." We attended the southbound cruisers meetting in Beauford (I think) last fall. At the time we had a 25' Catalina. Since then we have graduated to a 41' Morgan Classic that is presently slipped at Castle Harbor in Annapolis. We will probably want to head South in Oct. and would find comfort in sailing w/ a group although we brought her up from from St. Petersburg, alone. I think we would like to officially join the ORG. and find out if there are any rendezvous pts. where we could meet to head South in the fall with other Southbounders.
Where do we start?
HAZ

Tarpon Springs to Steinhatchee (Western Florida) Question
Received 5/11/06

I don't know if this would be the correct site, but I'll ask anyway – how far is it from Tarpon Springs to Steinhatchee by boat? Thinking about scalloping there.
Thanks!

Re: Tarpon Springs to Steinhatchee (Western Florida) Question
It is about 125 nautical miles from Tarpon Springs to Steihnatchee.

Florida Keys – Marathon Boat Storage Question
Received 5/1/06

Good day to all cruisers,
My health has sidelined my body in NC but my 27 ComPac sailboat is in Boot Key, Marathon. Circumstances will force me to keep my sailboat in the keys throughout the hurricane season. It is insured, but I would like to go back to my boat in October not the insurance company!
Do you think it would fair well on one of the mooring balls, or should I haul it and store it in a local yard. Does anyone know how well boats faired last season on the mooring balls.
Thanks in advance…..I need the advice!
endoftheworldbar@yahoo.com
Thanks,
David Oliver
on Seasmoke.

Myrtle Beach to Norfolk, VA Cruising Question
Received 5/1/06
We are brand new to cruising and are wondering how many days we should give to a casual cruise from Myrtle Beach to Norfolk along the ICW in a trawler that speeds along at 7-8 mph. We won't plan to spend more than 5 or 6 hours a day with our anchor up. Thanks so much for any help.

Hello, fellow cruisers, whomever you are.
It is about 365 statute milles from Myrtle Beach to Norfolk. Running for 8 hours/day at 8 mph, you should be able to get to Norfolk in about eight days. However, you are on a casual cruise, so I would suggest that you allow about three weeks to complete the voyage. Using Claiborne's guides you will find many wonderful places to stop for a day or two and enjoy the scenery, people, restaurants solitude and other cruisers.
I'll name just a few places that are worth an extra day or two (miles are approximate):
Mile 310, Southport; Mile 295, just out of Snow's Cut a turn to starboard will put you in a channel to Carolina Beach and a beautiful anchorage;
Mile 283, Wrightsville Beach anchorage, very nice;
Mile 244.5 Mile Hammock Bay, a dredged basin for military use, but anyone may anchor there. Unless there are operations, it's so very peaceful;
Mile 229, Swansboro anchorage in the White Oak River;
Mile 205, Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City;
Mile 204 Beaufort is worth a good two or three days.;
Mile 184, New Bern is worth a detour up the Neuse river;
Mile 180 Oriental, we spent three days there and could have done more, there's anchorage, free dock if you can get it, and plenty to see and do;
Very important: after we traveled north on the Neuse R.- Pamlico Sound we discovered exactly why it's known as the "washing machine". Do wait for little or no wind out of the north before heading up it.
Mile 157, R.E. Mayo Co, inexpensive though quite rustic side tie dockage. If you get there while they're open, you can usually get a great deal on FRESH fish to cook for dinner.
Mile 150, here's your chance for a 25 mile detour up the Pamlico R. to visit the wonderful little town of Washigton, NC;
Mile 135, Bellhaven, great restored old mansion serving excellent dinners;
Miles 100 to 85, numerous anchorages along the Alligator River, or pull in to the Alligator River Marina at Mile 84, just past the bridge. While I've never traveled the Dismal Swamp Canal, It's something well worth doing. The town Of Elizabeth City spreads a wide welcome mat for cruisers,
After that wonderful welcome, it's on to Norfolk.
Hope you enjoy the trip, no matter how long it takes!
Captain Jack

Bahamas Channel Question
Received 5/1/06
I wonder if anyone could give a heads up on the new entrance channel into Bimini? I understand that they have dredged across the bar and there are markers leading the way in. Any way points for the channel available? Also wonder if Bimini Sands marina can accommodate 5' draft at this time?
Thank you for any info.
Steve
aboard "Aurora"

There is a new harbor entrance at Bimini. It is shorter, farther from the beach and 12' deep. Still rolly in a west wind however.
Waypoints:
N 25:43.016, W 079:18.989 (outside)
N 25:42.658, W 079:18.459
N 25:42.681, W 079.18.261
N 25:42.830, W 079.18.158
N 25:43.105, W 079:18.033
Note:If using US Noaa charts or older chartplotter charts, the last 3 waypoints appear on land. These waypoints were made at site with Garmin 182C reporting error of 30'.
Lee Haefele
Nauticat 33 Alesto

Bimini Harbor entrance
I sailed to Bimini Saturday May 20. The harbor entrance was marked with buoys. The dept was over 13 ft. and we had 8.5 dept. at Weech's Bimini Dock.
Capt. Rich Davison.

Commissioning Recommendation Needed

Received 4/27/06

We are looking for a location to do final commissioning on a 52' sailboat; late fall of 06 or spring of 07. We'll need a marina/yard able to help us with any last minute alterations.
The boat is a 52' LOA, 6.5' Draft, 14.5' Beam, 17 ton Disp., Cutter. The mast head is 70' above the waterline.
We will need a location that can launch us and help us commission this boat. We will need to live aboard, or nearby, during this process. We would appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Bill Mueller
yachtEOS@msn.com

Hudson, Florida Channel Question
Received 4/03/16

The channel into Hudson, FL was scheduled to be dredged in 2003. Does anyone know if that has occurred? The last report I have is shoaling to 3' in places.
Ron Smith
St. Petersburg, FL

I saw a question about the Hudson channel further down the list. Please let Ron know that Hudson channel is awful. It is 3ft in places, nice rock right off the boardwalk by the last green marker into Skeleton near center channel, slightly to west.
You can email me if you need more info,
everlastusfishing@hotmail.com
Warren

Lockwood Folly Inlet – ICW Intersection Question
Received 4/15/06

Question: What is the status of Lockwood's Folly Inlet? Has it shoaled in from last Fall?
S/V Tatiana
The Brittons Hudson, Florida Channel Question
Received 4/14/06

The channel into Hudson, FL was scheduled to be dredged in 2003. Does anyone know if that has occurred? The last report I have is shoaling to 3' in places.
Ron Smith
St. Petersburg, FL