NORTH CAROLINA – All Cruising News | Cruisers' Net

S/V Primadonna Located in Bahamas

January 8, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

A search for a number of weeks in response to a request (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=129228) by Oriental merchant, Pat Stockwell, has finally located the errant sailing vessel, Primadonna. Our thanks to Steve Petty for this story from TownDock, see http://towndock.net/on-the-cover/booby-primadonna.

SV Primadonna has been located although the crew may have been detained:
“SV Primadonna, aground at Booby Cay Island in the Bahamas. It is a tiny island of 300, not normally on tourist / cruiser lists. Apparently the vessel & crew entered the Bahamas without checking in with authorities. Pat Stockwell tells TownDock.net (http://www.TownDock.net) he was told the Primadonna crew may have been arrested – Bahamian authorities are harsher about the rules than they are in the USA. The photo was taken from a US Coast Guard helicopter – the Coast Guard patrols the Bahamas as part of a cooperation agreement with the Bahamas to fight drug trafficking. ” —Towndock.net
Steve Petty

If this is the Booby Cay that is just a bit east of Rose Island, which in turn is east of Nassau, it isn’t all that remote and I suspect the Primadonna crew will be in the not-so-comfortable confines of Nassau jail. Unfortunately, one bad apple like this can severely impact the reputation of the entire cruising community, as we have seen with the so-called “derelict” boat issue that has been used to create anti-anchoring ordinances in Florida and other places. When in reality the vast majority of the cruising community are themselves totally opposed to this type of behavior.
John Kettlewell

I doubt that these two would go anywhere near Nassau because of the entry fees into the Bahamas. I believe that they are aground between Booby Cay and Conception Island in the Bahamas. Conception Island is in a remote area and is a National Park in the Southern Bahamas. Very few cruisers visit.
There are two anchorages off Conception Island, one is located South of Booby Cay. The entrance to this anchorage is from the Southwest. If they tried to enter from the Northeast, between Booby Cay and Conception Island, the route is very shallow and full of rocks.
It’s too bad they did not sink in the really deep water a few miles from where they are. Word is that they were headed for Haiti or one of the French Islands. With any luck the Bahamas officials will confiscate their boat and throw them both in jail.
The good news is that they are gone from the US and are now someone else’s problem.
Dave Boxmeyer
Praise for Belhaven Waterway Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

January 6, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Belhaven Waterway Marina - Click for Chartview

Belhaven Waterway Marina is on the northeast side of the channel into Belhaven and Pantego Creek which lies to the west of Waterway statute mile 135.

Stayed here on 12/31/13. This was our first stay here but it won’t be our last. I Like this marina best in the Belhaven area. Nice couple running this Marina and they keep it very clean. It’s right downtown with several restaurants close by. We spent New Year Eve at Jacks. It is a great restaurant and bar.
Danny Styons

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven Waterway Marina
Report from Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 103

January 6, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage - Click for Chartview

Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage flanks the northern side of the Waterway, north of AICW markers #45 and #47. The anchorage lies east of the northern entrance to the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal portion of the Waterway.

We anchored here on 12/30/13. It was our second time anchoring in this spot. I really like this spot for the fact its right off the waterway. Just pull over between red beacon #46 and Bear Point. It is a muddy bottom and we were in 7 ft. of water. However both times we were there it was calm winds. I wouldn’t anchor here with strong winds from the south,east or west.
Danny Styons

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage
Praise for Southport Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309.5

January 5, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Southport Marina, a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.

I cannot say enough positive things about Southport Marina. I have been here for almost three weeks and will be here for a couple more as well. All of the staff are attentive, professional and pleasant. Excellent facilities, a short 10 minute walk into the heart of downtown Southport and a myriad of services available. Highly recommended for one night, a week or longer – and will return!
Jay Kuhn

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
News from Chowan County Tourism Development Authority

January 4, 2014 by: privmadia Leave a Comment

Historic Edenton State Historic Site

108 North Broad Street
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
252-482-2637
Free admission/Fee for Guided Walking and Trolley Tours
January
2 – 31
“Family Connections”
Themed tours of the Iredell House and Cupola House

Chowan Arts Council Cabin Fever

504 South Broad Street
Open Monday – Friday, 11 am – 4 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm
252-482-8005
January
2 – 31
Shoppers Sale, Get out, Have some fun, Find great bargains

The Barker House

505 South Broad Street
Open Daily 10 am – 4 pm
252-482-7800
January 6 – 1/31 closed for repairs to the first floor
2/1/2014
Open as Edenton and Chowan County’s welcome center

The Cupola House

408 South Broad Street
January 6 – 1/31 Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 3 pm and Sunday 11 am – 2 pm
1582 National Historic Landmark operating as interim welcome center

Chowan Golf and Country Club

1101 West Sound Shore Drive
252-482-3606
Waterfront Golfing/Event and Weddings

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Edenton Harbor Town Dock

Colonial Park South Broad Street

252-482-2832
Night Time Opening Restrictions Ended at RR Bridge, AICW Statute 203.8, Morehead City, NC

January 4, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Morehead City RR Bridge – Click for Chartview

With a closed vertical clearance of 4ft, Morehead City Railroad Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 204, immediately south of the Newport River Bridge.
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AICW)
Mariners are advised that the general operating regulations, set out at Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5, have been reinstated at the Carolina Coastal Railroad Bridge across Newport River, at AICW mile 203.8, in Morehead City, NC. Since October 2012, the drawbridge had been operating on a temporary schedule to facilitate extensive rehabilitation. The re-established operating regulations require that the drawbridge open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given. However, the drawbridge is normally maintained in the open to navigation position at all times and only closes for passing trains and/or maintenance. In the closed position to vessels, this single-leaf bascule drawbridge has a vertical clearance of approximately four feet, above mean high water. Chart 11541 January 4, 2014

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Railroad Bridge
Hearty Endorsement of Carolina Yacht Care (Southport, NC – Statute Mile 309)

December 17, 2013 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Wow, what a great endorsement of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, based in Southport, NC! If you are anywhere near Southport, and you need yacht services, NOW YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL!!!!

While transiting to Miami from the Chesapeake on MV The Gator, my Outer Reef 65, I had the good fortune to stop in at Southport, NC. Southport is a quaint, friendly town with excellent marina facilities. We stayed at Southport Marina. While there we needed a ride to a laundry facility and were referred by marina staff to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) who, in addition to other services, runs a shuttle from area marinas. The shuttle is on demand and inexpensive and we used it several times.
During our shuttle runs we learned that cYc provides a host of services for transient boaters. One of those services is monitoring boats when owners are unavailable. So, when weather interrupted our plans to continue south and with Thanksgiving drawing close, I left The Gator in their hands for 10 days over the holiday, during which time they monitored the boat daily, made adjustments and kept me informed of her status. We were in touch almost daily and I had the sense that they were looking after The Gator as if she were their own.
As happens, the delay also impacted my crews’ availability and I found myself without crew to finish the trip. I called Hank and asked if cYc might be able to provide crew. While this was not an advertised service, Hank adjusted his schedule and crewed for me himself. His competency and professionalism underway during the four day transit were typical of the same levels of service he applies to the other aspects of his business. I suspect his 30 plus years in the Navy and experience as a cruising sailor contribute a great deal to his expertise, level of detail and professionalism.
It is rare when you can truly find a single business dedicated to every need of the transient community and with a singular focus on customer service.
In short, I would strongly endorse Hank and his crew at Carolina Yacht Care to any transient boater needing services in the Southport, NC area.
Jim Hammel
Owner/Captain, The Gator
Outer reef 65

As the Marina Manager at South Harbour Marina in Southport I also heartily endorse Hank @ Carolina Yacht Care. Our laundry is right at the end of the dock but we have also used Hank for his shuttle and other services. He is dependable, professional, and his extra customer service efforts certainly makes my marina look good too! He can be trusted to give my customers good value.
Bill Gregory

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Gallants Channel Bridge Replacement to Begin in February, 2014, Beaufort, NC, near AICW Statute Mile 201

December 16, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Gallants Channel Bridge - Click for Chartview

The Gallants Channel – Grayden Paul Bridge (US 70 in Beaufort, NC) is off the Waterway and the construction of a new bridge will affect those southbound cruisers making use of the Gallants Channel to visit the Beaufort waterfront. The construction was first proposed in early 2012, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81432.

RALEIGH – The Coast Guard approved a bridge permit application from N.C. Department of Transportation for the US 70 bridge replacement project. This milestone represents one of the first steps required to begin a bridge replacement project across Gallant’s Channel in Carteret County. Coast Guard received over 100 comments during the preliminary and public comment periods that were taken into consideration for the approval of the permit.
Bids will be opened on January 21, 2014 and the contract awarded in early February. The bridge replacement project is scheduled to be complete by September 15, 2017.
Charles R. Cox, PE
NCDOT – Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gallants Channel
Report from Little Alligator River Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 82

December 15, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Little Alligator River is the northernmost AICW anchorage, short of the often choppy (read that as “downright rough”) Albemarle Sound. Of course, you can always choose to berth at Alligator River Marina, just north of the bridge (a. k. a. “Miss Wanda’s place), or, on the opposite banks, “South Lake” is a real possibility as well.

Spent a night here in Oct. 2013. We had a NE wind about 15 knts. so we went all the way in just around Rocky pt. and anchored in 7 ft. of water. Had no problems. Two other boats spent the night with us. Did have lots of crab pots at the mouth. Just follow your chart plotter and the depths will match whats on the chart. At least my did. All in all I would rate this as a good anchorage.
Danny Styons

Claiborne, We often use this anchorage and prefer to anchor past Mill Point in the 8 foot area for better protection. We have sat out some nasty weather here comfortably.
Chuck and Susan. Trawler Beach House

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Alligator River Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Alligator River Anchorage

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
IMPORTANT – Enlightening Study About the Economic Benefits of the AICW

December 12, 2013 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has chosen to apportion an unusually large amount of line space to what we feel is the very important story presented below. If you have even a passing interest in EVER cruising the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, we urge you to read and study all the text and graphics below. We believe, at least for the AICW, this is one of the most important articles ever published on the SSECN!
On 11/22/13, I had the good fortune to be a speaker at the annual Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association conference in Charleston, South Carolina. I spoke about how the entire Southeastern USA marine business is predicated on the semi-annual “snowbird migration,” and, should the AICW become an unviable avenue for this twice a year migration, the entire pleasurecraft industry in our part of the world would be fundamentally altered.
However, before I made my presentation, everyone’s eyes practically popped out of their collective heads at the information imparted to the conference by Mr. Harry Simmons, Mayor of the town of Caswell Beach, North Carolina. Mayor Simmons gave all attendees an up close and personal look at an in-depth, economic survey of the Atlanic Intracoatal Waterway’s economic benefits! This report was primarily funded by North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association, which owns the published results, with major support from North Carolina Sea Grant and the NC Dept of Environment & Natural Resources. It was prepared by noted economic experts, Dr. Jim Herstine, Ph.D., Dr. Chris Dumas, Ph.D. (both of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington), and Dr. John Whitehead, Ph.D.— Appalachian State University. All of which is to say that this study/report comes with some genuine expertise and impressive credentials attached.
I think it fair to say that the entire audience was stunned when we learned that:

For every $1.00 of Federal expenditure on maintaining the AICW, there is an economic return of $26.00

For every $1.00 of NC State and local government expenditure, there is an economic return of $29.00

WOW, I only wish I could find any sort of investment that would yield these sorts of return! Are these totally amazing stats or what!!!

Please take a moment to peruse these three excerpts from the study’s graphic, executive summary:

And, finally, take a look at what would happen if the AICW ceased to be a viable avenue of migration and commerce. NOTICE THE 53% OF BOAT OWNERS THAT WOULD ABANDON CRUISING ENTIRELY IF MAINTENANCE OF THE AICW WAS FURTHER REDUCED!

Given these professionally prepared and researched figures, YOU MIGHT THINK THAT OUR POLITICIANS WOULD BE DESPERATE TO FIND MORE FUNDS TO SPEND ON AICW MAINTENANCE RATHER THAT THE INDIFFERENT ATTITUDE MOST SEEM TO SHOW TOWARDS THE WATERWAY!

So, what can we do about this. Quite simply, if you want the AICW to continue, not only for those of us cruising now, but for future generations as well, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net once again urges ALL members of the cruising community to join the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (http://www.atlintracoastal.org/). For only a tiny investment of $25.00 a year, we can be assured that the rather astounding economic study alluded to above will be plopped front and center into every state and Federal politician’s lap. I can’t think of any better way to spend a measly $25.00! To join the AIWA, please visit:

http://www.atlintracoastal.org/join-aiwa

For those who would like to learn more about the AICW Economic Study, please follow these links:

Executive Graphic Summary:

AIWWbenefits

Full Text of Economic Study:

AIWWstudy

While I applaud efforts to build political pressure to fund maintenance of the ICW, in today’s climate there had better be a “Plan B” somewhere ready to pull out if that doesn’t work. Let’s face it, the ICW serves and benefits a fairly narrow slice of the U.S. population (including me). Accordingly, a lot of the members of Congress probably don’t even know what it is. How many votes will we get from Wyoming and Arizona? Commercial use isn’t helping much any more, so it’s up to us.
While an alternative plan might diminish the chance for more help from Washington, someone had better start to figure out how we might collect user fees. After all, in some cities people who want to drive in the downtown in rush hour have to pay extra for it. Think transponders. While not wanting to go too deep into the pun category, I think user fees are “the wave of the future”, and we had better wax up our surf boards.
K. C. Moore, Jr.

Claiborne,
I should have added the comment that the ICW problems predate the country’s recent budget problems and the sequester, etc. by many years. The challenge involved in getting money from Washington started to really bite when the Corps stopped dredging between Port Royal Sound and the King’s Bay channel…and this was about five years ago. The job got even tougher since Congress abandoned the
earmark practice. Earmarks got things like this done…and they are pretty much gone.
K. C. Moore

If you’ve not already joined BoatUS you can be heard in Washington, even if your state representative is not a boater…http://www.boatus.com/news/gastax.htm
David Burnham
Repairs Underway to Bonner Bridge, Oregon Inlet, Pamilco Sound, Outer Banks, NC

December 11, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Oregon Inlet - Click for Chartview

Shoaling in the Oregon Inlet has become so severe that it is undermining the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet resulting in the closure of the bridge to road traffic in October. A on-going dredging project of the Inlet channel has become critical with the weakening of the Bonner Bridge. For more on this story, go to: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=129461

NC – CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET – BRIDGE REPAIRS
Emergency repair operations will be conducted on the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge commencing 05 December, 2013 and will be continuing until completed. Operations will be conducted 24/7. Mariners are requested to remain clear of the work area and transit at a NO WAKE speed. Chart: 12204. LNM: 50/13

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oregon Inlet
USACE Maintenance of NC Inlets to Resume

December 11, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Carolina Beach Inlet/AICW Intersection - Click for Chartview

This agreement between USACE and the NC DNR is certainly good news for cruisers since the inlet intersections with the Waterway have always been notorious areas for shoaling. The article below is from the Port City Daily of Wilmington, NC and was sent to us by Captain Tom Beaty. For the complete story, go to: http://portcitydaily.com/2013/12/10/state-federal-agreement-lands-to-keep-shallow-draft-inlets-open/

Aerial of Carolina Beach Inlet. Credit: Google Maps.

North Carolina and the federal government have finalized a deal to continue dredging in shallow navigation sites like Carolina Beach Inlet and the Shallotte River, touted as crucial components of the coast’s economy.
Announced Tuesday between the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), it provides an outline for resumed maintenance of federally authorized shallow-draft inlets and channels through September 2017.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Carolina Beach Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Initial Dredging Work at Oregon Inlet and Bonner Bridge Completed, Pamlico Sound, Outer Banks, NC

December 11, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Oregon Inlet - Click for Chartview

Shoaling has been steadily increasing in the main channel of Oregon Inlet for several years (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=52021) prompting SSECN to recommend that cruisers with a draft over 3ft avoid the inlet and that shallow draft vessels should attempt the inlet only with very exact local knowledge. Shoaling had become so severe that it was undermining the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet resulting in the closure of the bridge to road traffic. The dredging project had been ongoing since October and became critical with the weakening of the Bonner Bridge. The article below is taken from Dredging Today, http://www.dredgingtoday.com/

“I want to sincerely thank all of the hardworking NCDOT crews and the dredge crews for pushing through the harsh elements to try to complete this repair work as soon as possible,” said Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. “I also want to thank the residents of the Outer Banks for their patience during this process, and our outstanding NC Ferry employees for all of their efforts to keep the residents connected.”

Crews with the N.C. Department of Transportation and the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company LLC Dredge Alaska completed dredging operations Sunday night at the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge on N.C. 12 over the Oregon Inlet in Dare County.

Initial scans are promising; however, it will be several days before NCDOT can determine the success of the dredging. Approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sand were pumped during the weekend from the main navigation channel of the Oregon Inlet to the location at Bent 166 underneath the Bonner Bridge where scour, or the erosion of sand from bridge pilings, caused NCDOT to close the bridge on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

For the rest of the story and more photos, go to: http://www.dredgingtoday.com/2013/12/10/usa-initial-dredging-work-at-bonner-bridge-completed/

For a Local Notice to Mariners on repairs to the bridge, go to: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=129657

Local Notice as of December 17, 2013:
NC – CURRITUCK BEACH TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET
Dredging in Oregon Inlet has been completed at the main navigational span under the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge to a depth of 15.0 feet MLW. Mariners are cautioned to use only this channel due to shoaling in other areas. Chart 12204 LNM 51/13

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oregon Inlet
Oriental Merchant Requests Your Aid, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

December 7, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Charlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Oriental

The owners of Inland Waterway Treasure Company in Oriental are seeking to determine the location of a vessel that until recently was anchored in Oriental Harbor and subsequently was towed to Morehead City. The red sailing vessel, PrimaDonna (see link below for photo), has since left the Morehead City area and its whereabouts are unknown. If you can assist in locating this vessel, do not contact SSECN, but please contact Pat or Laurie Stockwell directly at 252-249-1797 or IWPC@dockline.net.

Claiborne,
Good morning! It’s Paul Fairbank, The Boonedocks, Oriental.
I don’t know if you have heard of the problems here with a French boat, Primadonna. The owners left this eyesore at anchor in our town harbor for over a year, managed to swindle a local do-gooder out of nearly $3000 and left to avoid a small claims judgment.
The search is on for Primadonna.!!
The full story from Towndock at http://towndock.net/news/have-you-seen-primadonna
Perhaps your readers could help. It might even save them some grief.
Thanks,
Paul Fairbank
The Boonedocks
Sent by PAUL FAIRBANK
From “Paul’s Bunker,” at VILLAGE HARDWARE & MARINE SUPPLY
DO IT BEST No. 3444
ORIENTAL, NC 28571
(252) 249-1211

There may be two sides to this story but the articles are fairly clear. I do hope they can resolve the issue. Another reminder to not co-sign checks or loan money.
Sonny

Please let me know when you have the fund raising for Pat. I will be sending money. A person as nice as Pat should never have this happen to him. I am proud to call him friend.
Vicki Willis
Praise for R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, AICW Statute Mile 157

December 3, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

R E Mayo Seafood Docks – Click for Chartview

In June of 2012, I cruised to R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, one of our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. It was a very interesting visit indeed, and I think I can say without any fear of telling an inaccuracy, this is one of the most unique facilities that has ever chosen to support our web site.

I’ve worked out of Mayo’s many times in the past. Their ships store is not a “West Marine”, but rather more of a commercial fishing marine supply. It has always had what I needed to get the job done (ships husbandry-commercial diver). I highly recommend them for what your BOAT needs!
Catfish Younce

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For R E Mayo Seafood Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of R E Mayo Seafood Docks
Good Words for Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route

November 30, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28. For the Center’s winter hours, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=128131

I have now been retired 3 years, after 23 years as Director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. I want to thank each and everyone who choose to travel the Dismal Swamp Canal. I realize the dockage is small but most the time it will meet your needs. It is the only place where you can witness nature at its best and learn of its history. Bike rides are available, clean restrooms and grounds. Try it once and I promise you will return……..”Happy Cruising”
Penny Leary-Smith

The Welcome Center has provided so much needed respite over the years while cruising. The staff certainly are always very informative, and encouraging no matter what time of the day we have visited. Its great to have ‘the Dismal Swamp’ available to us; such a blessful experience – its like riding down a country lane viewing nature in its natural sitting. For me its a ‘slice’ of America, kinda like Yellowstone (a piece of history that I wish everyone could experience). My husband as well as fellow cruisers we know, are praying that tax dollars don’t ever allow it to go away. We encourage everyone to try it – along with a stop by to talk with Robert Peak & say “Hello” to his pal, “U-Turn”; since he’s an extremely sweet pet, you might wish to have a doggie treat ready.
Ginger Thompson

Penny,
Thank you for all you have done. This applies to all your staff as well. It has always been one of our favorite stops.
Jim and Sandy Davis
S/V Isa Lei

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Divergent Thoughts on Cruising the AICW Dismal Swamp Alternate Route

November 26, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route the only inland option, has prompted discussion of the Dismal Swamp’s cruising characteristics, good and less than good.

I am curious as to why our members are concerned about the Great Bridge Lock being closed. There is enough water and the locks are open on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the passage is prettier than the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal. We have traversed both many times and prefer the Dismal.
It’s true that there are more marinas on the C and A and you may have to run a generator at Elizabeth City or at the anchorage above the E. C. bridge but the distance is the same for each passage. True the lower Pasquotank River is open to the wind but then so is Currituck Sound.
Jim Bertch

Jim, rarely do I disagree with you, but this time I do! It cost us a pretty penny last time we went through and we’ve been there and done that, and we now prefer the Virginia Cut. OHH and BTW it appears that the Great Bridge Lock is open again. No word on whether it is permanently fixed or what, but right now they are operating on a normal schedule!
Hans

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route Versus the North Carolina – Virginia Cut Route Primary AICW Passage

November 26, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route the only inland option, prompted this discussion of the Dismal Swamp versus the North Carolina – Virginia Cut (a. k. a. the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal) on the AGLCA Forum.

Obviously each boater makes their own decisions but the Dismal is my absolute preference over the Va Cut. that said I am a shallow draft boat (3′) and have keel protected props. I have found that there are different risks for both routes depending upon your individual boat. We always thump something coming thru the Dismal but so far no damage, and also the Pungo for that matter. The Va Cut bridges are difficult for us to time, as we are a slow boat so we are often waked badly by inconsiderate captains on large yachts transiting the Va. Cut making a schedule. There is commercial traffic on the cut as well and the long narrow channel reach across the Carrituck Sound in weather can be a real bear. I also find that the approaches to the bridges on the upper end of the Virginia Cut has it’s dangers with the stumps lining that narrow channel. Often not visible until they poke out from a wake trough.
So for us the very protected easy relaxing transit of the Dismal is the attraction and it has many more anchoring/docking options than the cut. When weather blocks the crossing of the Albemarle we often hang out at Elizabeth’s (sometimes referred to as Robert’s) Dock between the Swing bridge and the deep creek lock chamber. Deep water extremely protected free dock with easy walking to the town that has everything the cruiser could require in the adjacent shopping Center. No electric and sometimes you can get water if the tap is on. We prefer this spot to trying to jam into Elizabeth City among a backlog of boats trying to wait a weather window.
Again the decision is of course dependent upon your situation and boat.
cruise safe, stay warm but have fun

We agree whole heartedly in preferring the Dismal Swamp route over the Dreadful Currituck Sound route. In our dozen cruises along the east coast we’ve visited the canal 10 times (leaving 2 for the Dreadful route). Same reasons mentioned in the above article, plus the canal and the river leading to it from Elizabeth City is beautiful and unhurried. We’ve never had an issue with our four foot draft. The new nature center is worth a visit.
Bob McLeran/Judy Young

Absolutely agree with the comments above. Add that a visit with Robert Peak, lockmaster at Deep Creek is one of the pleasures of the trip. For a small adventure, take the dinghy, canoe or kayak up the feeder ditch, use the marine railway to get it to lake level and enjoy the almost perfect roundness and natural beauty of Lake Drummond (just be sure to note a landmark so you can find your way back off the lake).
If you visit the state park and walk or bicycle on the trails, take seriously the warning about Lyme disease carrying deer ticks. We didn’t and had multiple tick bites resulting in a round of antibiotics when we reached home a few days later.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Captains Chuck and Susan Report on Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309

November 26, 2013 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Southport, NC, which plays to three SSECN sponsors, Southport Marina, Zimmerman Marine and Carolina Yacht Care, is a delightful riverside community with which I have long lasting, personal ties. It was on the banks of the “Old Basin” that I had the good fortune to live aboard my parents 48-foot wooden sportsfishermen during the summer months, between the ages of 10 and 15. Talk about an idyllic existence.
My father had a good friend and local skipper here, Captain Sonny Potter. If Captain Sonny couldn’t find where the fish were biting, it was time to return to the dock. We had many a rare day fishing off the Frying Pan Shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
While today, Southport is far more frequented by visitors than was true during my boyhood days, this delightful community’s charms remain very much intact, and it is one of my very favorite personal ports of call.
And so, when SSECN strategic partners, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, filed their delightful article below, it was with much pleasure that I set their account up to be published here on our web site.
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!

Southport Town Dock - on the Old Dockage Basin

Southport, NC by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Southbound from Wrightsville Beach, it can be an easy run down the AICW and the Cape Fear River if you have the right wind and tide conditions. On the day we made the trip, it could not have been better. It was anchor up at 0730 in Wrightsville and we were tied to the town dock in Southport at 1045. Light winds and the outgoing tide made for a fast, comfortable trip and as we entered the basin at Southport, it was like seeing an old friend once again. The basin is just off the AICW channel as you make the turn off the Cape Fear River. This is a small basin with room to anchor a few boats, and several free docks available at some of the restaurants: The Provisioning Company, Fishy Fishy Cafe and The Yacht Basin Eatery. They allow overnight dockage if you eat at their establishments. There is no power or water at the docks and these are floating docks. The tidal range here is about 5 feet.

Southport Visitor's Center

At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from Bob and Kay Creech, a very nice couple that lives across the street from the town dock and offers to provide any service you might need. Bob and Kay are Port Captains for MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) and have their boat docked inside the basin. They are very knowledgeable about the area and are also very experienced boaters.

We have eaten at many of the restaurants that surround the basin at one time or another, including the newer Frying Pan, and found them to be excellent. The atmosphere ranges from funky outdoors to the magnificent view at The Frying Pan. The menus are typical fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches to steak and salad dishes. One important establishment is Flava’s Ice Cream Shop. We never miss it when we stop here. They were, however, about to close for the season on November 1st and had a limited number of flavors. They will open again in the spring.

Southport Shops Along Howe Street

Just a couple of blocks walk from the waterfront is downtown Southport. You will find another typical historic Carolina waterfront community with many shops, restaurants, galleries, antique shops and boutiques. From the town dock or anchorage, walk down Yacht Basin Drive to either Bay or Moore streets, and then head east. You may want to make your first stop at the Fort Johnston/Southport Visitors Center to pick up information before you set out on foot to explore. The friendly ladies at the center will assess your needs and provide you with brochures and pamphlets to guide you on your exploration of Southport. The beautiful building that now houses the Visitor’s Center, built in 1810, provided living quarters for military officers and belonged to the U.S. Army until 2006.

One of the pamphlets provided allows you to take a self-guided tour of historic Southport. The Visitor’s Guide points you toward major historic sites and the innumerable shops and restaurants along Howe, Moore and Nash streets. It also lists the many events that occur annually in the seaside village including the Southport Spring Festival held every Easter weekend on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday. Also, the Waterfront Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (between May and September) on the grounds of the Visitor’s Center on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston. Southport holds 3rd Fridays between May and August from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with music and food. Stores also stay open during those hours and the atmosphere is quite festive. Other local events include a wooden boat show in late September, tours of historic homes, fishing tournaments and a Christmas boat parade. A recent claim to fame for Southport is being the location for the filming of the popular television series “Under the Dome,” based on a Stephen King novel.

Fishy Fishy Cafe and Docks

If the anchorage and docks in the basin are full, Southport has a couple of great marinas available. Southport Marina is just to the west of the town basin in its own protected basin. It only takes one a few minutes longer to walk from there to the downtown area. They also have a service yard if you are in need of repairs. A bit farther down the waterway is South Harbour Village Marina, where we have stayed on occasion. We have always been offered a ride to the store or a vehicle to use while there. They also have a couple of eateries on site if you don’t feel like cooking. Unfortunately, downtown is not walking distance from South Harbour Village. Other than major provisioning, which will likely require a cab, loaner car or long bike ride, Southport is truly a walking town. We enjoy our visit each time we stop here and have difficulty passing it by.

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
More on Town Creek Inner Anchorage, Beaufort, NC, AICW Statute Mile 201

November 25, 2013 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Town Creek Anchorages - Click for Chartview

Town Creek is east of the south end of Gallants Channel in Beaufort, NC, east of unlighted daybeacon #1.

I anchored in town creek. It is a nice location. It is crowded and there are some long term boats there (and some sunken boats). They are on multiple anchors. When I pull my anchor I had picked up someone’s rode. I was able to easily free it with the boathook.
Galen

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Town Creek Inner Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Town Creek Anchorage