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Southport Marina, Zimmerman Marine and Carolina Yacht Care Combine to Offer Free Weather and Navigation Briefs During the Spring, 2014 Transient Season (St. M. 309)

March 31, 2014 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Now here is an absolutely wonderful idea and a genuinely invaluable service to the cruising community, courtesy of TWO SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Southport Marina, and Carolina Yacht Care. Late every afternoon from April 2 through June 15 (2014), join Skipper Hank Pomeranz, co-owner of Carolina Yacht Care, on the docks at Southport Marina for an informal discussion of upcoming weather events. Hank is a retired US Navy meteorologist, and you can bet his information will be extremely valuable, based on the most up to date National Weather Service information available.” I can’t think of a better way to spend a late afternoon while northward bound on the AICW than exchanging information with Hank and fellow cruisers.

Skipper Pomeranz will also be covering AICW navigational issues, using both Local Notice to Mariners, and information from the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. We promise to keep Hank well supplied with the latest Waterway information, courtesy of both our own research and data submitted by your fellow cruiser!
Who knows, I may even pop down to Southport from time to time and participate in these sessions. Hope to see you there!!!!!

Headed north through Southport, NC this spring? The two things we hear most in discussions amongst cruisers are concerns for coastal weather, winds and seas and navigation issues on the ICW. Well Southport Marina, in historic Southport NC, decided to do something about it.
Teaming with Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) and Zimmerman Marine, Southport Marina invites you to join them during the Spring 2014 transient season for daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs on the Dock” – a free, one of a kind service geared towards transiting boaters. These informal discussions are an opportunity for you to join fellow cruisers at the end of the day for a presentation and interactive discussion on weather and navigation issues for the next leg of your journey.
Retired US Navy meteorologist, cruising sailor and owner of Carolina Yacht Care – Hank Pomeranz, will host the daily discussions. Hank will review the current National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings, analyses and forecast charts and discuss the resultant forecasts for winds and seas, precipitation, temperatures, fog and severe weather potential for the Carolina coast north of Southport.
On the ICW navigation side, Hank will draw from the US Army Corps of Engineers surveys, Notices to Mariners, recent fellow cruiser postings in cooperation with Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net and local knowledge.
And, you won’t have to memorize everything presented. They’ll have handouts you can take back to your boat and review at your leisure.
Briefings will be held daily from 2 April 2014 through 15 June 2014 at the marina docks.
Daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock”: yet another great reason to stop and stay with us at Southport Marina.
Hank Whitley, CMM
Marina Manager

And, here are some additional comments, courtesy of Skipper Pomeranz:

With regards to the briefs, the Navigation portion draws information from several sources – SSECN, USCG, USACE, cruiser comments, etc… “We” (meaning those of us who are performing services to our cruising brethren) have this unique opportunity to be standing in front of some of them daily and talking specific navigation issues.
I want to take advantage of this one on one and make a strong point that, as our fellow cruisers continue their journeys, their feedback into the knowledge base is critical in helping those who follow. They will leave here with a chart snippet and description from SSECN relevant to known or suspected problem areas. They will also have the latest USACE survey image for those areas.
Armed with that info, we will ask them to “pay it forward” and send an email describing their passage through the worrisome areas…an email to me, so that I can immediately update the daily brief and an email to SSECN, so you can have it for the biweekly Alerts and your website.
I will emphasize that reports from cruisers need to feature specific info…Date, tide level, draft, etc. Nothing is more frustrating than reading through comments without that info.
Hank Pomeranz

Hank Pomeranz has worked with us since we brought our Bristol 47.7 Frances to Southport from Maine in November 2013. He has proven to be highly conscientious and reliable with yacht services and has gone the extra mile for us at every turn. Hank is a real asset to local mariners. Having been caught by afternoon weather in small boats around front and in the river since 1969 – we will look forward to his information and thoughts on the weather and sailing and ICW conditions.
Van and Emily Beck

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
Good Words for Edenton, NC – off the AICW on Western Albemarle Sound

March 29, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Charlet Above To Open Chart View Page Centered on Edenton, NC

Edenton, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, holds a special place in my own heart. During my younger days, this historic community often served as a “base of operations” as my Father and I searched the waters of all the nearby rivers for that elusive quarry known as the largemouth bass. If Edenton actually sat along the track of the AICW, it would be as popular as Beaufort.

Another 2 day dock courtesy city in North Carolia is Edenton. Another beautiful stop.
Alan

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Elizabeth City, NC’s Mariners Wharf City Docks Adds New Bathroom and Shower Building (St. M. 50.5, Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route)

March 21, 2014 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Entrance Into New Elizabeth City Showers

We are very pleased to report that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Elizabeth City, NC has just opened a new bathroom and shower facility immediately adjacent to the free (for 48 hours) Mariner’s Wharf city docks. What a GREAT addition to what is already one of the most cruiser friendly communities to be found ANYWHERE!

New Restroom and Shower Facilities Now Open in Elizabeth City
Recreational boaters who cruise into Elizabeth City, N.C., now have a place to freshen up and take a hot shower. Just in time for the spring travel season, new heated restroom and shower facilities have just opened in the Mariners’ Wharf Building at Mariners’ Wharf.
Just steps from the docks, the new facility includes separate men’s and women’s restrooms, one large shower room with a commode and sink, as well as a second shower room that is accessible for people with disabilities. The restrooms are free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is a $5 cash fee to use the showers, payable at either the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau office or the Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. office. Both offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
“We take our city’s reputation as the “Harbor of Hospitality®” seriously, and we hope our boating visitors enjoy these new amenities,” said Charlotte Underwood, director of the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
Offering free 48-hour dockage for recreational boaters, Elizabeth City is located in Northeastern North Carolina on the Intracoastal Waterway, halfway between Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. For additional information, call Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or visit DiscoverElizabethCity.com. For up-to-the-minute info on happenings and events visit ElizabethCityHASIt.com

What a great city! I’ve been visiting by boat since back in the day when the original Rose Buddies greeted everyone at the docks, and I go out of my way to return the favor by purchasing groceries, eating out, and patronizing other local businesses. One of my favorite ICW stops and a great reason to take the Dismal Swamp route.
John Kettlewell

AMEN! Kudos to Elizabeth City!
Another 2 day dock courtesy city in North Carolia is Edenton. Another beautiful stop.
Alan

Of course Alan is speaking of another SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Edenton Harbor City Docks, off the AICW on Western Albemarle Sound. For a complete report on Edenton, go to http://cruisersnet.net/?p=126199

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Dredging Underway at AICW/Shallotte Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 330

March 18, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

AICW/Shallotte Inlet Intersection – Click for Chartview

The much needed dredging of this AICW Problem Stretch is certainly welcome news, especially with the completion date occurring before the heart of the Spring, 2014 transient season.

NC – MYRTLE GROVE TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER TO LITTLE RIVER/AICW – SHALLOTTE INLET CROSSING
The Dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operations in the AICW at the Shallotte Inlet Crossing from 20 March until 13 April, 2014. The dredge and assisting vessels MISS LEANNE and PROUD MARY will monitor VHF-FM channels 13, 16 and 78. A Floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline associated with dredging operation will traverse southwesterly and upland along west shoreline of Shallotte Inlet to the Ocean Isle Fill Placement Area near Shallotte Blvd. Pipeline, vessels and established crossings will be visibly lighted and marked with floating buoys
in accordance with Coast Guard regulations. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made with dredge plant. Chart: 11534 LNM: 11/14

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
More thoughts on New NC Registration Fees

March 1, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Captain Kettlewell is responding to a lengthy discussion from last fall about NC’s attempt to require documented vessels to obtain NC state registration after 90 days in their waters. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123607 If you have any recent information about the new fees or answers to Captain Kettlewell’s questions, let us hear from you.

Has the NC registration fee come to pass and is it in force? Just curious, how much do the “ad valorem property taxes” amount to in reality for say a boat with a market value of $50,000? I realize the rates and assessments are different in different counties and towns, but I have never been able to get a straight answer as to how much average boaters pay in the end. Is there a source for that information by county? That could be a factor for people wishing to keep their boats in NC. I know that SC property taxes are quite hefty on boats.
John Kettlewell
Good Words for Topsail Channel/Island Anchorage, near AICW Statute Mile 265

February 24, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Topsail Island Channel – Click for Chartview

Topsail Channel Anchorage lies northwest of the charted marsh island southwest of the Topsail Channel’s unlighted daybeacon #14.

Just off the ICW with an easy entrance and exit. We found 10 foot of water at one hour before high tide. As you enter stay pretty close to the markers until you get up to the docks, at that point favor the dock side. We anchored just south of the charted shoal between the marker and the line of crab pots to the west. There is some high speed traffic past this point, but that stops when the sun goes down. You can hear the ocean surf. 4 bars on Verizon Air Card. If you are northbound, this is a good place to stay and than catch the Surf City Bridge opening, 3 miles north, the next morning.
Dave Boxmeyer

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Topsail Island

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Topsail Island
Praise for Bridge Pointe Marina, off the AICW, On the Trent/Neuse River, New Bern, NC

February 22, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Bridge Pointe Marina – Click for Chartview

Bridge Pointe Marina, a new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the southern banks of the Trent River (off the Neuse River), opposite the downtown New Bern, NC waterfront. This fine facility re-opened last Fall after more than a year of rebuilding their floating dock system which sustained major damage in hurricane Irene in August of 2012. As you can see from the comments from Skipper Fay and Mike, the rebuilding has been a big success!

Bridgepoint is a gem. Jessie the dockmaster is outstanding as is the staff at the hotel. Very helpful. Unless you can caught a ride with the “crowd at dock” taxis’ do not seem to be regulated very well, as you never know how to prepare for charges as they are private and not metered. New Bern lacks dinghy docks which is sad for the downtown merchants, walk or bike across the bridge. Beautiful town.
Fay and Mike

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bridge Pointe Marina
Shoaling Reported in Hatteras Inlet Channel, Pamlico Sound, NC

February 12, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Hatteras Inlet – Click for Chartview

Hatteras Inlet lies well off the Waterway, on the eastern edge of Pamlico Sound. This narrow, unstable seaward passage cuts the southern reaches of Hatteras Island and the northern strands of Ocracoke Island. We have had Navigation Alerts posted in this inlet for some time (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=76962 and http://cruisersnet.net/?p=76962) and, despite recent dredging (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123320), we still advise that no one attempt to make use of this inlet channel without very specific local knowledge!

NC – CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported between Hatteras Inlet Buoy 2 (LLNR 28645) and Hatteras Inlet Buoy 4 (LLNR 28650). Chart: 11555. LNM: 06/14

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hatteras Inlet
Dredging Begun at Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 321

February 12, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection – Click for Chartview

Dredging at this Problem Stretch is certainly welcome news at this perennial shoaling area. For more news on the dredging projects in this area, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135309

NC – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND AND CAPE FEAR RIVER TO CASINO CREEK (AIWW)– LOCKWOODS FOLLY – DREDGING
The Dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operations at the Lockwoods Folly Crossing on the AIWW from 11 February until 23 March, 2015. The dredge and assisting vessels MISS LEANNE and PROUD MARY will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. A floating and submerged pipeline will traverse southwesterly along the west shoreline of the Inlet to the Holden Beach Fill Replacement Area. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine
construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 11534. LNM: 06/14

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Ice Cream Shop Recommendation in Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309

February 8, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Southport, NC – Click for Chartview

Cruising with our pre-teen daughters in a small trawler with limited refrigeration meant that ice cream was the most sought after commodity whenever we went ashore, regardless the time of day. I wish we had had the recommendation offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
After you come down the Cape Fear River, preferably not in rolling, breaking waves with wind and current opposed, and you pull into the Provision Company for some nice fresh seafood, why not top off your meal with, wait for it, ice cream! All you have to do is walk out the front door of the restaurant, which by the way has great food and service, turn left and you will see ICE CREAM, in big letters at Flava’s. You can’t miss it. This day’s selections would be Rocky Road for the hubby (chocolate all the way) and Birthday Cake for me. I have a confession to make. I really have a thing for Birthday Cake ice cream. You get the painfully sweet icing part, usually blue, little bits of yummy cake and, if you are lucky, some crunchy bits of brightly colored white chocolate. My granddaughter and I share this passion. I tried their Birthday Cake and it was good. A nice end to a seafood meal.
Susan Landry

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport, NC
Dredging To Begin in Shallotte Inlet, near AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 330

February 4, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Please note that this dredging project is in the inlet proper, not the Waterway intersection. However, dredging of the Inlet/Waterway intersection is scheduled to begin soon, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135309

NC – CAPE HATTERAS TO LITTLE RIVER INLET – SHALLOTTE INLET/OCEAN ISLE INLET – DREDGING/BEACH NOURISHMENT
The Dredge E. W. ELLEFSEN will be conducting dredging operations and beach nourishment at Shallotte Inlet from 14 February until 31 March, 2014. Dredged material will be transported to the beach via a submerged pipeline. The dredge and assisting vessels will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 11520. LNM: 05/14

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Good Advice for Navigating Motts Channel, Wrightsville Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 283.3

February 1, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Motts Channel - Click for Chartview

The Motts Channel cuts into the southeastern/eastern flank of the AICW, a short hop south and southwest of the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge, just past the host of marina facilities which congregate south of this span. This channel is often used by cruisers heading for Seapath Yacht Club, and on their way to and from the very popular anchorages on the Banks Channel, which comprises the eastern extreme of the Motts cut.
Over the years, the west end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Captain Booke’s advice is in response to an earlier Navigation Alert for this channel, http://cruisersnet.net/?p=105878

There is plenty of water coming off the ICW into Motts Channel if you put your boat against the southern shore. Mid Channel is usually shallow.
Henry Booke

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Motts Channel
Boatyard Recommendations for Central NC Coast

January 31, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

This discussion of mechanics and boatyards comes to us from our friends at Trawlers Forum (http://www.trawlerforum.com/) and, while the list contains both pros and cons, it does not reflect the opinion or endorsement of Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. However, we invite you to add your favorite NC mechanic or boatyard to the list!

For diesel repair, we have had a lot of great results with Coastal Diesel in New Bern. Prompt, on-time scheduling and a team of very good mechanics. They are basically a mobile service and will come to you. It can be pricey, but once it’s done, it’s done. They just rebuilt my mechanical injector pump last week and rebuilt my genset last year. Good bunch of guys.
Deaton Yachts in Oriental is a good all-around yard. The complaints we’ve heard from there was that their time management isn’t that great. They have trouble meeting work deadlines. In disclosure, we have used their mobile service, but have not hauled out there. They have an onsite parts department and that’s a huge plus.
Wayfarer’s Cove in Arapahoe, NC is a good general yard. It’s a bit isolated from civilization and the yard, with its dirt lot instead of gravel, leaves you boat very dirty, plus, power hook-us are spotty. They have one of the best fiberglass guys in the area that works there. Tom runs the place quite well and is an honest guy. He will quote you a price and stick to it. If he falls short anywhere, it’s that he’s a bit edgy and sometimes hard to get in touch with. No email either.
I have called Bach Marine on several occasions, but have never used them. They always came in with the highest quotes and Kenny, while very knowledgeable, I have felt that I would have the same issues that I have with Sailcraft. Just a bit too “old school” with billing and communication.
Our new guys are True World Marine and Lightning Yachts. Both are boat builders (or former). They are both located in the marine industrial park where Jarret Bay is. True World is a very neat and well kept yard with good power and new facilities. Lightning Yachts is a repair place just up the road that can do about anything with boats. Both respond quickly to emails and will take the time needed on the phone to make sure all bases are covered.
Chuck Courtney is a mobile guy (Power and Sailboat Repair). He’s a good honest guy, but is very busy. I have used him a couple of times and he’s been good. I don’t think he’s the best engine guy (I would use Coastal for that), but he’s an good electrical guy.
If you want to do some snooping around, go visit Morehead City Yacht Basin and see who’s working on the boats there. Ask Mike (dockmaster) and ask for some recos.
Hope this helps.
Tom & Bess Beaty
m/v Skinny Dippin’
Severe Grounding at AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 280

January 29, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

AICW/Mason Inlet - Click for Chartview

The SSECN has imposed a “Navigation Alert” for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet since August 5, 2013, and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=127818). Below, Captain Sonia and crew confirm the need for extreme caution in any passage through the Waterway/Mason Inlet intersection.

We grounded there with a 5,5ft draft. While our rudder was free, our keel was stuck and our depth sounder showed 5 ft. We could however not move. We were towed by Seatow and fell onto our side and was towed for about 60 feet on our side before stabilizing. Our rudder was bent and our boat twisted, which resulted in serious damage. As we understood from both Seatow and Boatus, the barges create pockets with walls over an extended area. Be very careful and pass within 20 feet of the docks [red side].
Sonia

Not having been there I can’t speak for this particular grounding, but in many similar situations I have seen and been involved in on the ICW the best course of action when aground is to put an anchor out towards deep water and wait for tidal help before trying to get off. Near Mason Inlet there is usually at least 3 or 4 feet of tide. Many times I have pulled my own boat off of groundings with no damage by doing this. Often you can pull the bow around towards deeper water as the tide helps and then winch yourself in the right direction. Generally, within the ICW you are sheltered from wave action and there is no great danger in simply waiting. On the other hand, trying to tow a boat off that is hard aground often leads to damage. Of course if the boat hit near high tide and/or you are in an exposed location that would alter your choices.
John Kettlewell

We came through this area, southbound about one hour after low water on 1/23/2014. We were aware that this was a problem area and were moving very slowly. As we proceeded the depth started to decrease very rapidly. We kept moving towards the red side and finally found enough water, we draw about 3 1/2 feet, to get thru. We did kiss the bottom once. This is not the place to be at low water.
David Boxmeyer

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Mason Inlet
High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

January 29, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview

These reviews of Spoon River restaurant come to us from our friends at Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/). Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business a little over a year and is open seven days a week. They are located just off the waterfront and are listed as:
Spoon River Artworks and Market
263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC ‎
(252) 945-3899
And their Facebook address is:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoon-River-Artworks-and-Market/471584979558789

My wife and I just had dinner at Spoon River restaurant in Belhaven, NC.
It was one of the top 5 meals I have ever had a chance to sit down to. To put things into perspective, I regularly eat at the finest chophouses and seafood restaurants in the world entertaining clients and enjoying the fruits of our sales channels…. on the company dime… DC, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philly, DC, London, MX City, Paris, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, etc… So, we spare no expense. I am a snob and this makes me highly qualified in this regard
The encore to this awesome meal was the pricing which BLEW us away. For 2 person meal that would have easily cost us 250 in DC, including a very good bottle of wine, full meals, and deserts that were so big we could not finish them…. 75.
So, we highly recommend the unexpected pleasure in Belhaven.
Zboss

We live nearby and can second that report.
We had lunch there this fall and were quite impressed both with the food, and with the reasonable prices.
My only suggestion would be for an improvement in the wait staff. The young gentleman that served us could certainly have been more attentive.
Still highly recommended!
redsky49

We had three meals at Spoon River (northbound in the spring and back in the fall) and we are just constantly amazed by the quality, presentation and service they provide. Small town, BIG surprise. We will be back.
Win Benbow
High Praise for Sailcraft Service Boatyard, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

January 23, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Whitaker Creek - Click for Chartview

Sailcraft Srvice Boatyard is a full service boatyard located at 1218 Lupton Dr, Oriental, NC 28571, (252) 249-0522. www.sailcraftserviceboatyard.com/
The yard lies on the western side of Whitaker Creek, just east of Oriental Harbor.‎

I have traveled down the AICW for the past four years from Northport ny to fla. I have a catalina c 400 2005 sail, mystical paradise… I stop by every trip to have all my maintenance work done at sailcraft service in whittaker creek oriental nc. the service provided and the facilities are fantastic. from the owner manager Alan to the mechanics and office crew Shannon etc, the quality of service is phenominal.. it is a full service or do it yourself yard. prices are fair quality is tops. THe yard is walking distance of everything in town. They occasionaly lend a support vehicle in extreme cases. Tony Pozun NY

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whittaker Creek
Oriental In-Water Boat Show April 11-13, Neuse River, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

January 22, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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

Oriental Harbor, on the Neuse River, is a very popular cruisers’ destination.

April 11-13 The Oriental Rotary Club presents the largest in-water boat show between Savannah and Annapolis. Expect to find 100 exhibitors showing new and used watercraft of all types – sail and power, yachts to kayaks, cruising and fishing – with many in the water for sea trials. A large array of maritime and nautical goods and services will also be presented. 2014′s show will again feature a Nautical Flea Market and a free water taxi to and Oriental’s town dock. New this year will be a Down East craftsman who will build a 14 foot rowing and sailing skiff on-site. The skiff will be given away at the show.
Paul Olson

Oriental Harbor - Photo by Town Dock - "Look at all the available space!"

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Oriental Harbor

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Oriental Harbor
Pumpout Log Required or Enforced in NC?

January 19, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

If you have any recent information about NC’s log requirement, let us hear from you. Apropos to this discussion is the new Key West regulation requiring a pumpout log (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=133955). And apropos to both situations is this ongoing discussion on Trawler Forum concerning a pumpout log requirement – or lack thereof – in NC. Got to: http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s27/nc-pumpout-log-13076.html
Praise for South Harbour Village Marina, AICW Statute Mile 312

January 11, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

South Harbor Village Marina - Click for Chartview

Here are good words for South Harbour Village Marina from the Skipper of Second Base, as originally posted on Cruisers’ Forum. South Harbour Village Marina is one of the southernmost marinas in NC, south of Southport.

I gunk hole as much as I can to keep costs down. With a big cold front, I pulled in for a couple nights at South Harbor. It was a record low and despite the challenges the cold weather brought they take care of business no matter the conditions. This is a good stop for 3 things- waiting on the weather window coming in, or heading out, from Cape Fear, and catching a football game at the Dead End bar & grill which is right at the dock and open 7 days/nights even off-season. The other advantage is they are directly on the AICW and not one meter off the route. A welcome oasis after all the inevitable current and traffic on the Cape Fear River.
When you get off the river, try to stay on the outer transient dock – get your fuel right there and enjoy the best, sunny views.
SecondBase

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Harbor Village Marina

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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