The information below from Captains Ashley and Carol is important. It’s good to know that the “Carolina Beach Anchorage” does not have holding ground appropriate for heavy weather. We have never dropped the hook here when the wind really had its dander up, so this is news to me, but news well worth knowing!

This is good anchorage in but not in heavy weather. My boat and one other were anchored here in a heavy NE gail, winds 35 kts and greater. Both of us dragged and tried reanchoring several times. We both finally had to go to a marina. The marina at marker `4’³ was kind enough to let us both tie up at his fuel dock for 2 days. All of the bridges going north were closed due the high winds and there was no traffic anyway. The locals told me afterwards that the bottom there is not good holding in heavy weather.
Ashley and Carol,
S/V Blind Date

I anchored in this location in Oct 2001, with a Catalina 400. Plenty of room
Jim

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