PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
The Isabel Holmes Bridge (Hwy133) lies north of the northernmost Wilmington Turning Basin in the northeast Cape Fear River and has a closed vertical clearance of 40ft. Wilmington, NC, off the AICW, is a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
NC – AIWW – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER – NORTHEAST CAPE FEAR RIVER – DRAWBRIDGE CLOSURE
Mariners are advised that the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, at mile 1.0, across Northeast Cape Fear River, at Wilmington, NC will be closed to vessels requiring an opening from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 through 5 p.m., on Monday, June 4, 2012 to facilitate mechanical repairs to the center locks. The available vertical clearance of the in the closed position to vessels is approximately 42 feet above mean high water. Vessels able to pass the bridge in the closed position may do so but should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart: 11537.
Click Here For an Earlier Posting of Ongoing Restrictions on this Bridge
Capt. Miller shares good advice regarding northbound currents in the Waterway.
Subject: Favorable Current Northbound from Dock Holiday Marina
Cruising News:
We departed Dock Holiday Marina two hours after North Myrtle Beach low tide and enjoyed a following or slack current all of the way to Southport.
Subject: Northbound Boost from Current when Departing Southport
Cruising News:
We tried Skipper Bob’s suggestion of departing Southport one hour before high tide and found that we enjoyed a following current all the way up Cape Fear River and as far as Carolina Beach Inlet.
Max Miller
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Cape Fear Marina – Bennett Brothers Yachts is a truly class act indeed. The late Paul Bennett, who I was privileged to call my friend, left behind a shining legacy of a fine marina and a repair yard second to none. His first-rate, first-mate, Patricia Bennett, continues this same tradition, and I can say with no fear of relaying any sort of inaccuracy, that seldom will you find a better place to coil your lines or leave your vessel for servicing.
This fine facility is located upstream of the downtown Wilmington, NC waterfront, on the Northeast Cape Fear River (the starboard fork, cruising upstream). Soon after passing under the 42-foot Isabel Holmes – Highway 117 bascule bridge.
Come stop by Bennett Brothers Yachts and the Cape Fear Marina in Wilmington, North Carolina! We are located in one of the most picturesque southern cities on the east coast. Nestled along the banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River, it is the perfect spot to come for for a weekend or the season. A hurricane safe harbor, you can get on our reservation list to make sure you have a place to go if the weather gets ugly. We are a full service boatyard, celebrating 26 years in the business and have the
ability to do just about anything you might want to consider from a spanky paint job, electronics installation, engine alignment, gel coat repairs, etc. We are 5 minutes
from the Wilmington International Airport and just minutes off I-40. If you need to leave your boat for any length of time, we can provide a monthly maintenance service and can customize to your needs.
Give us a call anytime – 910-772-9277 or go to our website – http://www.bbyachts.com . Free ice and Free Wifi!
Submitted by Patricia Bennett,
President, Bennett Brothers Yachts.
After catching site of the short posting below which originally appeared in the AGLCA Forum, we check our own listing for Carolina Beach State Park Marina in the Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory, and discovered that we have had a note all along that “45″ feet with the maximum size vessel that could be berthed here. A telephone call on 4/19/12 verified the accuracy of this info!
We were told vessel length was limited to forty[-five] feet.
Jim & Pam
We stayed there earlier this week. We are 42ft and had no problem getting in or docking.
Great Value
John Sagel
“Seas 2 Day”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park Marina
Wilmington Marine Center is a combination marina and extensive repair yard facility which sits in a sheltered harbor along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River. This facility’s entrance channel cuts east abeam of marker #59.
Visitors should be prepared to find that Wilmington Marine Center is located in an industrial district. No shopping or dining is to be found within walking or even bike riding distance of the dockage basin. You will need a taxi to visit Wilmington’s many find restaurants and historic attractions.
We kept our boat at the Wilmington Marine Center for the 8 months in 2010/2011 while we were back in Florida for the fall & winter. Skip and his staff were wonderful. I cannot say too much about the level of service we received while there. When we were looking for a place to leave our boat for this layup period that we felt was protected against storms and was convenient to a boat yard, and WMC fit for us.
Gregory Poole Marine repairs is located at the marina and DeMann Diesels, Tom DeMann and company, is located across the street. We had repairs done by both companies (bottom painting and misc other work at Poole and Cummins diesel maintenance at DeMann) and McConville Marine (Thrusters & HVAC).
John Weber
M/V Bombay Lady III
2005 Meridian 411 Sedan Bridge
Gregory Poole is no longer located here. They moved out in December, 2011.
G. L. Buzzell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington Marine Center
Wow, my hat’s off to Captain Colam. I’m just glad it’s his hands doing the rowing and not mine.
So, if are cruising on the NC – SC portion of the AICW, PLEASE slow down, and give Lewis a friendly wave as you pass. He needs all the support he can get from the cruising community!
Claiborne,
Lewis Colam just left Georgetown this a.m. He left the boat here at Harborwalk Marina and was hosted by a local couple here in town. He was headed up the Waccamaw today. If you remember, he is the guy rowing from Miami to New York. If you send out any alerts, you might include one for vessels to watch out for him. He planned on making it to Wilmington by the weekend.
Chris Carroll,
Operations Manager
Harborwalk Marina
Lewis is in Southport, NC with plans to spend the night [4/16/12] near the Carolina Beach Area this evening.
Theo McCormick
Deep Point Marina lies in the Cape Fear River via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20 and is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Deep Point Marina was the best place we’ve found. The people are GREAT and helpful, place was CLEAN, and the overnight rate was the best we found. we will stop back to see them.
Faith Olsen
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
This notice is a concern for captains that pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed vertical clearance of 65 feet. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (US 17) crosses the Cape Fear River well off the AICW in downtown Wilmington, NC, a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
The opening restriction, outlined below, means that those who pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed clearance, will be effectively barred from the downtown Wilmington City Docks, and Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, between March 1 and May 31 of this year, unless the three hours notice procedure, briefly outlined below, is instituted!
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER
Mariners are advised that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation at the Cape Fear Memorial (vertical-lift) Bridge, at mile 26.8, across Cape Fear River, at Wilmington NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on May 31, 2012; except that vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulation set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.
Chart 11534
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
Barnards Creek lies east of the Cape Fear River’s “Lower Brunswick Range” channel, approximately 2.5 statute miles south of the Wilmington waterfront. This spill occurred January 24th, and there has been no indication that navigation in the Cape Fear River would be affected.
Cruising News:
Millon gallon sewage spill at Barnards Crk. just s of Wilmington, NC.
Sherri
This spill would be equivalent to 33,333 yachts all dumping a 30 gallon holding tank at one time. With a $250. average fine for each tank dumped this would amount to a fine of $8,333,250.00. plus the damages to fisheries and pollution cleanup on shorelines. I certainly hope that the North Carolina Wildlife have jumped onto the people responsible in all fairness to the yachts they have harassed over the years. Where is the USCG ? Where are the Swat teams ? ..Maybe the cruising community should sue those people responsible. This is just one spill that they could not hide…What about the thousands of other communities dumping sewage every day into the AICW…
Capt. Rocky Johnson
Follow this link for additional info about this spill:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120125/ARTICLES/120129809/1177?Title=More-than-a-million-gallons-of-sewage-spills-into-Barnards-Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Barnards Creek
Sounds like a good time to abandon the AICW, and cruise upstream to the Wilmington Public Docks. I’m sure a good time will be had by all during Riverfest!
If you are inclined— why not proceed up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington and dock at the City Docks with numerous restaurants nearby. Dockage is around $1.50/ foot. This weekend (Oct. 7-9, 2011) is River Fest and there will be lots going on downtown if that sort of thing suits you.
Edmond Badham
COSMO
Wilmington, NC
Very good news indeed that fall mariners can cruise the AICW between Wrightsville Beach and Georgetown, SC without having to worry about Hurricane Irene damage. Also, notice Captain Divers good words about SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, SC
No storm damage or obstructions of any kind between Georgetown SC and Wrightsville Beach NC.
In Georgetown dined well at the River Room and Thomas’s. Great new floating docks at Harborwalk Marina.
ICW between Myrtle Beach and Southport now sets a new standard for dock density without benefit of boats. Not the prettiest or fastest stretch of the Waterway.
Tom Divers
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
Ports of Call Restaurant (phone: 910-457-4544) is located at 116 N. Howe St, only a few block east of Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. With a Mediterranean menu of entrees ranging from $15-$25, the restaurant has received many good reviews.
What can I say? In Southport there are several good resturants, but Ports of Call is one of the best. Not a big menu, but what’s there is excellent and if you like sauces, nowhere in Southport can you find better.
It’s so good, my wife and I will be there tonight to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
Give it a try. If you like excellent cuisine, this is the place.
Stephen Gageby
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
The “channel” described in the message below leads from Cape Rear River marker #41, south and southeast until it rejoins the path of the AICW at marker #162A, just west of Snows Cut’s westerly mouth. In years past, this passage was navigable, but shoaling on its southernmost leg, northwest of #162A, has changed the status of this cut to “dinghies only.”
Coming south from Wilmington, Manfred is not the first cruiser to be tempted to try this shortcut channel to avoid going the extra 5 miles south and then northeast to rejoin the Waterway just west of Snows Cut. The three legs of the channel are charted at 11ft, 10.5ft, then 2ft!! Manfred is absolutely correct when he recommends this shortcut only to “zero” draft vessels.
We are declaring a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Navigational Alert for this so-called channel!
Cruising News:
Cape Fear River Shoal
Following the ICW from south to north, between St M 300/ St M 295 in the Cape Fear river. An excursion to Wilmington NC was made. Coming back to the ICW, from Wilmington, a small channel is marked from G41“ to ICW R 162A“ leading to the ICW, east of the main river channel.
At marker „1“ we were on ground, showing 3 ½ feet, 2 hours after high water. Calculating back to high water at this day, the depth would be only 5 ½ feet. This passage can not be recommended at any time, only boats with “no” draft may use it with excessive care.
Skipper Manfred Rausch aboard SV Balimara, Bonn Germany
I too fell victim to this shortcut, having no problem navigating this at flooding tide going up river, tried it on the way back, and at red 4 found 3 feet needing 4. Sea Tow had to thread the needle to get to me with his motors tilted. Think markers need to be removed, or at least re-worked.
Skipper Mike Williams aboard s/v Chardonnay
Hmmmmm!
Cruising News:
Hi All,
Passed Carolina Beach State Park/Marina Yesterday, July 12-Its [been] restored at millions of dollars facility that I have enjoyed many times over the years-one small boat docked out of perhaps 60 slips-Last fall I stopped there after hours with my 43ft Trawler and pulled up to the T dock,as I always have, checked into the office in the AM to register-as normal.
A totally empty marina-not a boat anywhere-basically the same situation as on July 12.
CBSP, has been the only marina that I have stayed in that requires “proof of ownership”, Documents or Registration-I accept that/fine.
Last fall, I was asked/told that docking on the T head was no longer permitted, and I should move my boat to a slip —I pulled out instead-I had called in advance and asked if they could accomidate 45ft boats-sure a the T head I was told by the phone operator. Now I am told to slip in and if I stick out a bit-well thats no good either-in a totally empty marina.
Methinks some of the problem is with the “Ranger on Duty”, the kind in a green uniform with a gun on their hip-and a bit of an “attitude”—like walking with your dog down the dock and being addressed on the loudspeaker about leashes being reguired-again in a totally empty marina–There may be some other issues at CBSP-all new and rebuilt–but its a shame that a great public facility is
EMPTY.
Kevin Kearney
JOLIE-northbound
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park Marina
One of the Cruisers’ Net’s newest sponsors, Deep Point Marina keeps racking up the good reviews. This facility’s marked entry channel lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.
We just left . . . the Deep Point Marina.WHAT A GREAT STOP. We recommend the Marina.The docking price is right $1.14 a foot,with free laundry and swimming pool.Their organization donated hundreds
of dollars worth of door prizes to the southern [MTOA] rendezvous.Please stop and say hello.Located of the Cape fear river at red marker #20,next to the Bald Head Island ferry.The bald Head Conservatory has been very kind to MTOA.Try and support them.
George Kay
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
Deep Point Marina is reached via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20. These good people are one of our newest Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net sponsors
4/19/11- Stopped at Deep Point on our way North from St. Augustine Fl to Portsmouth NH. This is on its way to being a nice stop. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Once all the amenities are done we will be back. Very protected, good stop in bad weather.
Capt Glenn Kiedaisch
Thanks to Cruisers Net we found a new jewel of a marina. In Southport, NC we “just went in for fuel” to the new Deep Point marina because we noted a very good price on fuel. Rob the marina dock master made us feel so at home that we ended up staying two nights and the price was right. $1.14/ft. with our Boat US discount. The baths and showers were extra clean and new, the pool looked great and the staff was so friendly and helpful. We definitely will be returning. The people can make or break the marina experience.
Thank you Cruisers Net for keeping us informed and helping us to save some money on fuel and I am sure this service helps to spur competition in the fuel market. I know that we don’t even consider buying fuel from a marina who will not respond to your price inquires. Keep up the great work.
Capt’n Joe aboard S/V C-Note
We just left The FLETCHERS at the Deep Point Marina.WHAT A GREAT STOP.Chuck and Joy are super friends and Port Captains.We recommend the Marina and a hello to Chuck and Joy.The docking price is right $1.14 a foot,with free laundry and swimming pool.Their organization donated hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes to the southern rendezvous.Please stop and say hello.Located of the Cape fear river at red marker #20,next to the Bald Head Island ferry.The Bald Head Conservatory has been very kind to MTOA.Try and support them.
George Kay
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
The historic city of Wilmington, on the Cape Fear River about 11.5 miles off the AICW, has worked long and hard over the past decade to update their waterfront, and make it more visitor and cruiser friendly. While there is still room for improvement, cruising visitors will now find some good city docks in the heart of the downtown business/historic district, and a very fine private marina/yacht manufacturer/repair yard, a bit farther upstream.
Wilmington City Docks: $1.50/’ plus elect. Public restrooms- locked after hours, no showers, no laundry. Hilton Hotel has new manager and cruisers staying at town docks in front of hotel are no longer welcome at Hilton pool and restrooms. Overpriced for what they deliver, but still a delightful stop. Caprice Rest. on Market St. very good steaks and service. Upstairs, quiet and delightful.
Skipper Hank Evans aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington City Docks
Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina is a superb marina and repair yard facility near downtown Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear River. These good folks are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
Ms. Tricia Bennett, President of this fine organization, has asked the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to help rally support within the cruising community to obtain the necessary permits to dredge their facility. It’s my understanding the state has already approved, but now they need a little help with the “fed boys.”
Dear Claiborne:
I am writing to see if we get some support from your cruising community for maintenance dredging at the Cape Fear Marina. As you know, we been located on the Northeast Cape Fear River since 1997 and some of the slips have silted in. We have applied for all the permits required and it is now time to get some public support! We are not looking to expand the marina, just make sure all the slips have enough water. Details of the entire permit process and background can be found at www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands.. We are an NC Certified Clean Marina and want to make sure we can accommodate folks in all our slips! .
Letters supporting our marina maintenance dredging can be sent by mail to:
Mr. Dave Timpy
Wilmington District
Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28402
Thanks very much for spreading the word. We really appreciate it!
Best Regards,
Tricia
Patricia Donovan Bennett
President
BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS, INC.
Cape Fear Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Cape Fear Marina
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Isabel Holmes Bridge