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    • Familiarize Yourself With the AICW Channels Going Through Morehead City

      This writer has the distinct advantage of having spent a good part of his boyhood in Morehead City and Beaufort. Thus, there I times I think I could almost navigate these waters blindfolded.
      However, for those without such long standing local knowledge, I heartily endorse Captain advice below. There are LOT of channels in this region, and first timers could be hard put to follow the correct track on the chart, without some advance study.

      Cruising News: The southbound ICW channels approaching and through Morehead City NC is a difficult area if one isn’t familiar with them. We recommend that anyone transiting this area for the first time make sure they familiarize themselves with the twists and turns the southbound ICW channel takes as the charts are so congested, that they are hard to follow.
      Bob and Teddie Viola
      on “Lady T”

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    • Taylor Creek/Beaufort Anchorage (Statute Mile 201)

      The installation of private moorings on Taylor Creek has been going on for some years now. The town has chosen not to regulate this practive, at least not yet. I’m very sorry to hear the reduced swing room is one of the results of this activity. So many of us in the cruising community like to anchor on Taylor Creek and experience the delights of the Beaufort Historical District. Of course, you can always pick up a slip at the Beaufort Town Docks. Everything except a supermarket is within easy walking distance.
      If you do anchor on Taylor Creek, there are free dinghy docks at both the eastern and western ends of the pricipal waterfront. The westerly pier is particuarly convenient to the downtown shopping district.

      This anchorage is filling with moorings which, as far as I can tell, are not legal but remain nonetheless. While there is good depth in the part of the cut east of G’7’³, the narrower channel causes the current to run much faster than to the west of G’7’³. It’s easy to find enough water for boats drawing 7-8′.
      At the moment, there are two boats riding to Bahamian moorings, many boats riding on moorings, and the rest riding on one hook (our boat included), some with excessive amounts of scope out. The different swing circles makes finding suitable swing room a challenge (we saw one boat spend over an hour to find a usable spot and it took us three passes to get the hook set in the right place). A quick check shows very few boats are showing anchor lights or even a cockpit light as a low-level anchor light – not good news for an after sunset dinghy ride.
      There is some fetch from the west and somewhat less from the east, and virtually nothing to the north or south. But there’s very little wind shelter from any direction save to the north, and that from the buildings and trees on shore. While Beaufort has much to commend it, Taylor Creek is probably best rated as `advanced skills or better needed’.
      Rick Emerson

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For he Taylor Creek/Beaufort AnchorageClick Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Beaufort Town Docks

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    • Strong Recommendation for Jarrett Bay Marine (Statute Mile 197)

      The Jarrett Bay Marine Marine Industrial Park is located directly on the Core Creek portion of the AICW, north of Beaufort, NC. There are many other superb marine repair firms located in this park, including our good friends at Core Creek Marine. The Jarrett Bay Company itself, as described below, offers not only superb repairs, but fuel and some overnight dockage.

      If you are anything like us you are always on the look-out for reputable marine repair services that stand behind their work. If you find yourself in
      need of repairs while on the ICW in North Carolina we can heartily recommend Jarrett Bay Boat Works.
      We stopped at Jarrett Bay to have a leaking through hull for one of the main engine raw water intakes repaired. Upon inspection it was determined that both of these intakes had been repaired sometime ago in a less than satisfactoryt manner. We opted to have both of them done correctly, since we had 5,000 miles of the loop ahead of us. Everything appeared to be fine until the port engine through hull developed a small leak while we were in Canada. I called Roger Wetherington at Jarrett Bay, not sure what to expect, since I’ve had other repairs made where the mechanic didn’t want to talk to me when I was 200 miles down the river. I’m happy to report that after explaining the problem and agreeing that the leak was not serious, Roger agreed to make contact with a marina on the Tennessee River where we could have the repair made at his expense. To make a long story short we are headed to Aqua Yacht tomorrow where they will fix the problem and Roger at Jarrett Bay will pay the bill.
      In this case we got what we paid for. We would recommend Jarrett Bay to anyone needing repairs. They definitely stand behind their work.
      Bill & Kathleen

      I echo your attaboy for Jarret Bay. We were in Canada and had an electronic problem with our high-tech shifter and I had remembered others bragging on them, so I called them instead of the manufacturer and they went out of their way to ship us the parts we needed and then
      talked us thru how to re-wire everything over the phone spending hours with us.
      Just Relax

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Marine

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    • Sanitary Seafood Dock, Morehead City Waterfront (Statute Mile 205)

      Well, while I have eaten at Sanitary Fish Market from time to time, as far back as when I was 8 years of age, I must confess to never having docked here. And, wtih the new Morehead City Docks very close by, most cruisers would probably be better served by these city owned and operated facilities. However, as Captain Arnold relates below, it’s hard to argue with the price.

      Mile 205 – Morehead City. I docked in Morehead City at the Sanitary Restaurant just past the City Terminal behind Sugar Loaf Island ($10 for 24 hours). Excellent sea food at the restaurant – and there is a convenience store within walking distance. No power or water however.
      Arnold

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Morehead City Docks

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    • Morehead City Docks (Statute Mile 205)

      We have had several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about the Morehead City Docks, which have only been in existence for about a year. A few months ago, I visited these piers for myself, and discovered that they are located on the western (or, you might think of that as southern) end of the dowtown Morehead City waterfront. They consist of modern, floating docks, and all the retail businesses and restaurants in downtown Morehead City are within easy walking distance.

      We are currently in a slip at the new Morehead City Docks. They are floating docks with water and electricity for $1.50 foot. Plans for shower/restroom/laundry facilities are in the works. Right next to a nice waterfront park with trash bins. Very well lit at night.
      Ed & Eva Higginson
      S/V Makai

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    • Ruddy Duck Tavern Docks (Morehead City, NC, Statute Mile 205)

      The Ruddy Duck Tavern, located in the heart of the Morehead City, NC waterfront, has made an appearance before on the Net’s “North Carolina” cruising news section. I have yet to sample the bill of fare here, but everyone agrees that it is awesome! Now, it looks like they have free dockage (for restaurant patrons I’m sure) as well. Also, note Captain Feller’s remarks below about the adjacent Morehead City Docks, and the pier at Sanitary Fish Market.

      Subject: Morehead City, NC
      Cruising News: As you’re headed south, be sure to tie up to Ruddy Duck Tavern’s free dock and enjoy their fare. The facility and decor are very nice, service was superb, and food was awesome as well as surprisingly low priced. This restaurant is located next to Sanitary Restaurant and is definitely a stop to not miss.
      Laura Lane Bender

      The city docks were free for the day with electricity and water….fyi ruddy did not have water when we were there……sanitary was only $20 flat fee, no elect or water……we stayed at both
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Ed & Eva Higginson S/V Makai -  October 10, 2009 - 7:53 pm

        We are currently in a slip at the new Morehead City Docks. They are floating docks with water and electricity for $1.50 foot. Plans for shower/restroom/laundry facilities are in the works. Right next to a nice waterfront park with trash bins. Very well lit at night.

        Reply to Ed
    • Town Creek Marina (Beaufort, NC, Statute Mile 201)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      39. Whether you approach Beaufort by way of the Russell Slue – Gallant Channel, or the charted channel coming in from Beaufort Inlet, this is one of the most popular ports of call in North Carolina, or anywhere else on the Waterway for that matter. Again, I know MANY of you visit Beaufort time and time again. Please share your recommendations and observations concerning this historic, exciting community with your fellow cruisers.

      Responses follow:

      Town Creek marina. Where do I start? Nice friendly helpful people. They do need to work on communication skills with their own
      employees better but their attitude is good overall. They got us into some tight spots coming in and again trying to pump out and again trying to pump out again on our way out. The pump out never did work and its not particularly easy to get to. Made more difficult by them not telling us until we were upon it that there is a shallow area and you need to cut a corner….hard to not go aground. This could have been avoided in our face to face talk when we scheduled the pumpout.
      As we pulled in, we had a perfect approach, with hand waiting at the dock……then as we got closer, he left and ran to another boat which was already tied and secured to help them with their spring lines……which made us have to circle and approach again…..twice.
      He was a kid….a nice kid we became fond of but again…….such a busy marina needs better skills and communication.
      The restuarant on site is excellent. Staff is family oriented and likeable and helpful. We just got the feeling they are in over their heads with so many boats…….and they are not set up to be as attentive to transients as they could be tho they did try.
      Clean facilities and dog friendly with of course lots to do nearby. We will probably stay somewhere else on our way back south tho. We were fairly frustrated when we left.
      Marin

      Click Here For More Information On Town Creek Marina

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    • Cape Lookout Anchorage (off Beaufort Inlet)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      41. From Morehead City and Beaufort, cruisers can take a short trip out into the briny blue by way of Beaufort Inlet, and then track their way east to the state’s most popular anchorage, Cape Lookout Bight. Please share your memories, impressions and advice about anchoring in Cape Lookout Bight.

      Responses follow:

      At least a short visit is a must to Cape Lookout. Quiet but great beaches and safe mooring. Make sure your dog is on a leash or the fuzz will get you!
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      Cape Lookout is our favorite – much better than Chesapeake. We usually sail outside from Wrightsville to the Cape in about ten hours. A shark chased our line. Snorkled 7/20 and saw rays, sea urchins, zebra fish and found dozens of live lettered olives (we do not take live shells). Shelling is fantastic. Last year we collected whelk shells and ate oysters we collected at low tide.
      Wright and Gladys Anderson
      First & Ten

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    • Morehead City Yacht Basin (Statute Mile 203)

      Morehead City Yacht BasinOn 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      40. Just before the AICW crosses under the high-rise Newport River Bridge, south of marker #39, cruisers can take a turn to the west, and follow a marked channel to Morehead City Yacht Basin (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). I think this is a superb facility. Who else has stayed here? Please share your observations. Did you find any good dining spots within walking distance?

      Responses follow:

      We stayed at Morehead City Yacht Basin overnight before continuing to Masonboro Inlet the next morning. They are as friendly and accommodating as ever ($2/foot/day plus electric, but with a 10 percent BoatUS discount, very clean, well run facilities). We prefer this marina to getting entangled in the mass of boats and tourists at the Beaufort docks. Tried to eat at the closed-on-Monday Ruddy Duck because we heard it was exceptional, settled for the Sanitary Fish Market, which is good. In the past we have tried Floyd’s 1921 restaurant, the shortest walk of all, in an large old house visible across the water from the marina (also closed on Monday). The food there is very good, with a full service bar.
      Chuck Tontsch

      Took fuel and stayed at Morehead City next night – good spot, helpful staff & reasonable prices. Plenty of restuarants to choose from with easy walking distance. Also one Mini-Mart type store for basics but real groceries or hardware, etc are not in walking distance.
      John Thayer
      M/V Anna Suzanne

      Our previous stop was Morehead City Yacht Basin. We chose this marina based on your guide recommendations as well as first hand recommendations from a cruiser we met in Myrtle Beach, SC. We heard more than one negative comment regarding a marina in Beaufort, so decided to stay at MHYB. We spent a week both going north and returning south. Using the courtesy car from MCYB, we visited Beaufort, but enjoyed docking in Morehead.
      Mike and the other folks working there made our stay more than enjoyable. Such friendly people. The laundry facilities are great. The courtesy car, even though not free (10.00), was most helpful to drive to the newly opened Harris Teeter. We re-stocked our larder during both stays.
      On our trip up, we enjoyed lunch and dinner on the 4th at Floyd’s, just a few steps away from the Marina. Great food and friendly service. The restuarant offered access to the 2nd floor porch during dinner so we could view the fireworks, hence our eating two meals on the same day at the location. It was great to watch firework displays from both Atlantic Beach and Morehead City from such a position.
      If anyone is looking for a true NY deli, sample the New York Deli in Atlantic Beach. Small place, but great food. They also offer pasta and other italian dishes for lunch as well as a Friday night dinner. Very nice people. The Admiral stated this rueben had the “right stuff!”
      Perry & Kathy Sellars
      M/V Marsh Mellow

      Click Here For More Information About Morehead City Yacht Basin

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    • Beaufort Town Docks (Statute Mile 201)

      On 7/24/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      39. Whether you approach Beaufort by way of the Russell Slue ‘“ Gallant Channel, or the charted channel coming in from Beaufort Inlet, this is one of the most popular ports of call in North Carolina, or anywhere else on the Waterway for that matter. Again, I know MANY of you visit Beaufort time and time again. Please share your recommendations and observations concerning this historic, exciting community with your fellow cruisers.

      Responses follow:

      June 28-29, 2009. I spent a delightful time at the Beaufort Town Docks. The dockmaster was friendly and helpful. The Boardwalk Cafe has a great breakfast buffet. I enjoyed the pancakes. While some people want to sit outside I found it nicer in the air conditioned inside at a high table where I could look out along the boats in the harbor and I did not need to wait for a table.The Maritime Museum is excellent. I spent a happy few hours there. One warning. If you go in their excellent library and sit in a soft chair to read their current sailing magazines you will probably fall aslelep.
      Keep up the good work.
      David Hughes
      Expedition
      Out of Blackbeard Sailing Club

      We are currently in Beaufort and are doing the tourist things. We are happily anchored across from the US Post office, in about 12 feet of water, well `INTO’ the channel. I was at the museum when it opened this morning and stsyed for four hours. It is a fun spot to be.
      Tommy

      We love Beaufort. Cute shops and great restaurants. We suggest you try The Grocery for lunch or dinner. Courtesy cars available and wooden nickels for free beer at the marina restaurant. Hard to beat.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

      Click Here For More Information On the Beaufort Town Docks

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tommy -  July 25, 2009 - 2:43 pm

        We are currently in Beaufort and are doing the tourist things. We are happily anchored across from the US Post office, in about 12 feet of water, well “INTO” the channel. I was at the museum when it opened this morning and stsyed for four hours. It is a fun spot to be.
        Tommy

        Reply to Tommy
    • Ruddy Duck Tavern – “A Great Find” (Morehead City, NC, St. M. 205)

      Morehead City Yacht BasinWow, sounds like a great place, not only super food, but a 50-foot dock open for all patrons. If you’ll excuse me, I think I need to make lunch plans today in Morehead City.
      And, oh yes, let’s not forget. The Ruddy Duck Tavern is within walking distance of the Morehead City docks, and the slips at Morehead City Yacht Basin, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      A terrific find for those transiting the Beaufort – Morehead City area. The Ruddy Duck Tavern is just west of the well known and mediocre Sanitary Fish market in the Morehead City center.. It has a 50′ floating dock that is free if you eat there and boy will you be glad you ate there.
      We had one of the best meals ever. Fresh seafood – the owners boat is out front and he catches his own fish every morning. We shared a huge fish combo platter with light battered shrimp,
      oysters, clams, and a huge fillet of fresh mackerel. Service was great, prices ~19 for top entrees and ~14 for others. Google the name and read other reviews.
      It was Wed night and the place was packed. Waterfront deck or inside. One of the two owners is Brazilian. The Brazilian flare for food shows through.
      You can be sure we will stop here on the way south.
      Greg and Susan Han
      Allegria — Krogen Whaleback #16

      Subject: Morehead City Restaurant
      Cruising News: Thanks for letting us know about that great restaurant in Morehead City, NC- The Ruddy Duck Tavern! Great food and reasonably priced. Ate there both nights that we stayed in Morehead City.
      S/V recess

      There is another good restaurant on the water in Beaufort, NC (300 Front Street). Just a mile [actually, several miles – editor] from the Ruddy Duck Tavern. It’s the Main Street Grill. They have a web site so check it out. I have eaten there and it is 5 stars. They have on the water dining. and a dock for boaters.
      Jan Mancini

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. jan mancini -  July 17, 2009 - 1:20 pm

        There is another good restaurant on the water in Beauford nc. Just a mile from the Ruddy Duck Tavern. It’s the Main Street Grill. They have a web site so check it out. I have eaten there and it is 5 stars. They have on the water dining. and a dock for boaters.

        Reply to jan
    • Morehead City Municipal Docks (Statute Mile 204)

      Like Peg and Jim, we recently visited the Morehead City municipla docks. They are located on the western end of the downtown waterfront, and seem to be very well sited and constructed.

      Subject: Morehead City docks at StM204
      Cruising News: Just to remind y'all of the presence of the subject docks.  There are 8 slips, brand new, with water and electric, behind Sugarloaf Island at Morehead City, less than 1/2 mile off the ICW.  The transient price is $1.50/ft, and that includes electric, so very competitive for the area.  Coming from the north, turn towards the city immediately past the State Seaport and follow the channel around.  Marinas to starboard.  Coming from the south, follow the charted channel to the west behind Sugarloaf Island.  The channel carries 5 ft at -0.6 MLW, which is what we had when we arrived yesterday.  Marina to port.  The current can be swift, so docking will be easier within an hour or less of slack.  The shoreside setting is a park on a riverwalk.  Today, there is no shower house/restroom onsite, but plans are in place to add those amenities this summer, and they should be in place by the time of the fall migration south.
      The location is 1 block from the library (free wifi).  It's two blocks off Arundel St (NC Rt. 70), the main drag in the downtown area.  There are several restaurants (Sanitary, Raps, others) within a couple of blocks walking distance.  ACE Marine and Rigging is located at 600 Arundel, about 3 blocks, and an easy walk.  Mel Smith, the manager at ACE Marine and Rigging, is a fine guy who offers the best prices on heavy line/rode, heavy electric wiring and maintenance supplies (oil, filters, oil absorbant pads, safety equipment) anywhere the waterway. There is major grocery shopping at Lowes food store at 17th, but that's a bicycle or taxi ride away.  There is a West Marine store, a significant bike ride or taxi ride away on Arundel (Rt. 70).
      Morehad City is a good stop.  Enjoy!
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
      currently at Morehead City, NC

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    • Great Report on Town Creek Marina & Repair Yard, Beaufort, NC

      Always good to hear about great marine repair firm, and it sounds as if we have a very good one in Morehead City and Beaufort. Read on!

      I just wanted to forward a truly great cruising experience.
      We have an electronic 5 KW generator (BTW: I will never again, if at all possible, buy another fancy genny with all the bells and whistles, give me the old fashioned, if it runs it generates) that had yet another electronic sensor go bad.
      We were in Beaufort NC and I called Town and Country Marine (the authorized generator warranty repair facility). Eric the tech drove over to the Sanitary Restaurant ($10/night, no hook ups) and took a look at the problem and said he would order parts. We proceeded to go over to Beaufort Town Docks ($2.25/ft I believe, plus electric, grade c bathrooms), where we stayed for two nights (didn’t need the genny here so no hurry on parts). I called Margie at TCM and she asked me what I was doing paying for slip fees at BTDs; she told me to get right over there, no slip fees, since they were doing the work.
      Due to a bunch of circumstances, we ended up staying at TCM from Thursday through Wednesday morning. Eric made several trips to the boat, troubleshooting
      the problem and getting parts. When it was all said and done the bill was only $17.50 for part shipping, as the generator was still under warranty.
      They treated us like Royalty, let us use the facilities, courtesy car. Everything.
      I wouldn’t even begin to promise everyone that anytime you stopped for maintenance work you will get this type of royal treatment. The most important thing was they kept us informed. Told us what was happening; when there was a delay, we knew about it. They treated us with the best of customer service. And yes they advertise in the Waterway and Maptech cruising guides.
      So when you swing through Beaufort NC, and you need a slip for the night or if you need some work done, give Margie or Steve a call, and tell ’em Happy Clamz
      sent you.
      Leslie and Doug
      Happy Clamz


      Click Here For More Information On Town Creek Marina

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    • Visiting Morehead City and Beaufort

      Here's some GREAT cruising advice about visiting two of North Carolina's most popular ports of call!

      If you can, stay at the Beaufort Muni Docks, as recommended above. Across the street from the marina is Clausen's  Have a derigible.  You can also anchor in Taylor Creek, but it can be crowded and tight.
      If not in Beaufort town, there are two other choices locally.  The Morehead City Yacht Basis is a good stop.  It's right off the main ICW channel, to your left going north, after you pass under the high rise
      bridge at Radio Island.  On the corner of 6th St. and Arundel St., visit ACE Marine and Rigging.  No place like it anywhere, and excellent prices.
      And in Beaufort but on the Newport River side, there's Town Creek Marina.  It's out of town, but bikes would be adequate.  Be careful getting in there; make sure your charts of that harbor are up to
      date.  Use the Gallant Channel, but confirm with the marina.  There is a lot of shoal water in that area, and at least on older charts, a channel shows that has actually been closed to navigation for years. The marina itself is a good stop, with a restaurant and a large service/parts operation onsite.
      Someone else mentioned the Cape Lookout National Seashore bight.  It's a very cool spot, and I recommend it highly.  Be aware of the weather when you go, as the trip from the Beaufort Inlet to the Bight is 8 miles or so, and offshore.  Beam seas can be quite bouncy in the shallow waters of the NC coast when the winds are up in the Atlantic.
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
      currently at New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

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    • Spouter Inn Restaurant, Beaufort, NC

      I second everything Skipper Fowler says below. Spouter Inn is absolutely wonderful.
      Spouter Inn is located directly on the Taylor Creek – Beaufort waterfront.  They have some dockage of their own, but only for vessels as large as 36 feet or so. Fortunately, Spouter Inn is within easy walking distance of the Beaufort City Docks, right on Front Street
      .

      Hello Claiborne:
      Just wanted to let you know that we have been visiting Beaufort, NC this weekend, and we had the good fortune to have both lunch and dinner at Spouter Inn restaurant. We are very pleased to report that everything is just the same as when we last visited. Owners Robin and Matt are still there. The Bird Shoal sandwich for lunch, and the Scallops Parmesan for dinner, are both to die for. Oh yes, Susie had the "Eggs Orleans" for Sunday brunch. This was a delectable combination of English muffins, crabcakes and poached eggs, all covered with Hollandaise sauce. Yuuummmm!
      Thanks for letting us know about Spouter Inn in your North Carolina cruising guide. If you ever need any help with your restaurant reviews, let me know!
      Skipper Fowler

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    • GREAT Hardware Store in Morehead City, NC

      The "Ace Hardware" store described below is within easy walking distance of Morehead City Yacht Basin (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR), or several other marinas along the downtown Morehead City waterfront. I agree with Captains Ron, Peg and Jim. This is an excellent hardware/marine store, in a very advantageous location for cruisers.

      There is an amazing Ace Hardware [in Morehead City, NC] which is really a marine store. Perhaps the phrase "commercial chandlery" is more appropriate as they appear to support the local fishing trawlers."
      Ron Rogers

      Business's name is "Ace Marine and Rigging."  Their "primary" business is 1/2" and bigger wire rope and fittings for commercial fishing, workboats and dredges.  Manager is Mel Smith.  Business location is 600 Arundel Ave, MC, NC, 28557.  Contact number is (252) 726-6620, or (800) 622-7592.  Excellent stock of 316 SS connectors at the best prices I've seen anywhere; i.e., 5/8" 316 SS bolt 'n pin shackle for $25 bucks.  Also great prices on large boat cable in 2-0 and 4-0 sizes, Racor filters ($6 for the 500 size) and oil diapers.  They have excellent stock and pricing on bulk 3-strand nylon line for anchor rode and homebrew dock lines, and on chain.  It's also a full line ACE Hardware, complete with very large size tap and die in stock.  Call them if you know what you want, and Mel will ship.  He's a superb guy.  Ron is right!  It's a unique and amazing place!!!  By far the best on the east coast.
      No connection; just a very happy customer. 
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,

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    • Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage

      Even though it's not near the AICW, Cape Lookout Bight remains the most popular anchorage on the North Carolina coastline. That's because it's a wonderful natural habor, and the nearby beachcombing can be spectacular.
      The best way to reach the bight is to cruise out Beaufort Inlet for a safe distance, and then cut east, paralleling Shackleford Banks (staying WELL offshore), and then enter the harbor by a marked entrance.

      One anchorage NOT to miss: Cape Lookout Bight.  it's worth the 6 miles out the inlet, beautiful place!  We took the tender around the back of Shackleford to see the wild horses. Good holding (although our 110lbs Claw started dragging just a little in 40kts wind…), plenty of water, great beaches to walk on.  It's going on my mandatory stop over list.
      We spent one night on the hook in Cape Look Out bight, a must do stop if the ocean isn't too rough between beaufort inlet and the bight (unless you draw little and can sneak inside).  Take the dink to the beach, lighthouse, etc… and the back side of the Shackleford banks to see the wild horses. Terrific anchorage, plenty of room, good holding although our 110lbs claw started dragging early in the night when the winds reached about 40kts. didn't come loose but a slow drag forcing me to haul anchor and move up toward the entrance… Not much fun to relocate in 40kts at night although I
      can't blame the anchor, 110lbs on a 70 footer enclosed FB isn't storm anchor grade…  
      Pascal
      M/Y Charmer (70' Johnson)
      live cel helmcam at www.sandbarhopper.com

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    • Important – Geographic Changes At Shackleford Banks (near Beaufort Inlet)

      Shackleford Banks is a long, somewhat thin island that flanks the eastern side of Beaufort Inlet, almost opposite Fort Macon. This isle's western tip almost touches Cape Lookout, but is separated from the Cape by Barden Inlet. For years, cruisers, particularly those of the weekend variety, have anchored behind (south of) Shackleford Banks, and dinghied ashore to beahcomb and hunt for shells. One of my earlier shelling finds here, a large conch, currently sits atop this writer's desk.
      There has always been shallow water to watch for around Shackleford, and running around here is a not uncommon occurrence, particulary for non local captains. Now, Captain Bently reports below that the shape of Shackleford has changed, and these changes are apparently not reflected on the NOAA charts covering these waters (11547 and 11545). Read his note carefully before naviating the waters near Shackleford Banks!

      I've been sitting on this announcement, as I've been hoping that the propagation will improve.  For safety's sake, I can't sit on it any longer.
      We recently anchored overnight, staging, at the Shackleford Banks, south of Beaufort NC.  Please see chart 11547.  The weather has made EXTREME changes in the contours of the banks.  Per the chart, the northwest tip had what looks like a barrier island or spit and an inland marsh.  In the past, we've walked the dogs there.  It is now long gone.  There is a channel of deep water that runs along the island, as it did before, but that channel has moved south, and appears to now be at the southern edge of that previous marsh.  The range marker is now in the middle of the channel (we passed to the north of it.)
      Note that the current edition (8/2008) of the downloadable NOAA raster chart doesn't not yet reflect these changes.
      If you are traveling to the Shackleford banks, read the water and keep your eyes away from the electronic chart (it's too frightening to be traveling through the center of an island.)
      Safely,
      Bentley
      SaltyPaws

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    • Cedar Creek Anchorage (Staute Mile 187)

      Cedar Creek is the only really good anchorage anywhere near the ICW between Neuse River and the Morehead – City. There have been several earlier postings on this page concerning the sunken or semi-sunken wreck here, so watch out for that hazzard.

      Subject: Cedar Creek anchorage MM187
      Message: Cedar Creek anchorage, just off Adams Creek at green “9” at MM 187 is a great anchorage. Room for a number of boats in water that runs about 7.5 feet deep. Only caution: a sailboat sunk in the anchorage several years ago – its mast used to be visible, but now the mast is gone and the sunken boat is marked with PVC pipe and several orange floats. Just avoid them as you pass and anchor further to the east.


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    • Good Report on Morehead City Yacht Basin (Statute Mile 204)

      I’m glad Captains Nita and Rick found such a warm welcome at Morhead City Yacht Basin. As I’ve often said, after its total rebuild several years ago, this is one of the BEST marinas from North Carolina to New Orleans. And, of course, they are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      MOREHEAD CITY (9/3 – 9/8, TS Hanna). We went to the MC Yacht Basin there because it is on the north side of US 70 and better protected than the marinas along the waterfront. They took us in with a warning that we might have to evacuate, but were very friendly and helpful. Many of the slip owners were taking their boats up to Core Creek for haul out, while some others (like us) were coming in for refuge! The town was semi-closed, but we enjoyed suppers at Floyd’s, Sanitary Seafood, and the Ice House. There is a courtesy car available (for $10 rental) for grocery and other shopping. About 0600 Saturday morning we had gusts to better that 60 mph. Several of us had canvas casualties, but no serious damage.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On Morehead City Yacht Basin

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