Any cruising on North Carolina’s Albemarle Sound, but, as it so often seems, particularly the AICW’s north to south trek across the sound’s easterly waters, can be a ROUGH and ready experience. It’s not by accident that the Albemarle is known as the roughest body of water on the Eastern Seaboard.
So, to be crossing Albemarle Sound with water spouts in view (see below), is downright scary!

Crossing the Albemarle yesterday was `interesting’. The wind was generally 10 knots or less and the waves were around one foot so from that stand point it was one of our nicer crossing. But we saw 5 water spouts! Only the first one was of any concern to us, about a mile or so off our port bow. Fortunately it dissipated after a few minutes. The other water spouts formed behind us about 2 or 3 miles off. Several sail boats were near them but all was ok and again they dissipated quickly.
It was interesting that the rain showers that spawned the water spouts were neither that strong nor intense; no lighting or thunder, no heavy rain, visibility was good, etc.
Bob & Lynn Williamson
On Legrace in Elizabeth City