An anchorage noted for poor holding did not bother Captain Litchfield and ten other boats recently in what is certainly not the largest anchorage on the AICW, but it might well have the most unusual name.

When we got to Mile Hammock Bay, there were already 5 boats anchored. We found a spot just inside the basin entrance and dropped the hook. Later four more boats joined the anchorage making a total of ten boats (make that eleven counting the permanent resident). Considering the high wind situation (20 and gusting) we all needed maximum swing room. The wind stayed strong until sometime after 0130. Despite other’s remarks on holding, our Rocna held firm with only 5:1 all chain scope.
Captain Dick Litchfield

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Mile Hammock Bay

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile Hammock Bay

Miles Hammock Bay is really the ONLY secure anchorage between Swansboro and New River. Its entrance is subject to shoaling, and don’t dare go ashore. This is US Marine Corps property, and part of Camp Lejeune.

Spent a very calm night here on 21 Feb 2010. We were the only boat in the anchorage as would be expected this time of the year. Leaving the next morning we found two dredges at the New River Inlet. We did bump going past them but after calling the lead dredge, we found the right path and never saw less than 10 feet.
Larry Morrow

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

Caspers Marine is the closest facility offering transient dockage to the Swansboro downtown historic/shopping/dining district. And, it’s only a quick walk from Caspers to Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise, home to possibly the best fried seafood in the world!

We have stayed at Caspers a number of times on both our Endeavour 42 Sloop and our current Eagle 40 Pilothouse, and we cannot say enough about the marina and the town. Admittedly the marina is a bit exposed, but the docks and skill of the owner have always made us feel safe and secure. We were `stuck’ at Caspers with our sailing club for two days of gale force winds, gusting to 60, and everyone had a great time and never felt threatened. The owner is a real professional!
Capt Durl and Debbie aboard
m/v Season Ticket

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One of the best things about docking at Dudleys, is you can easily walk across the bridges and causeway to downtown Swansboro, and eat at Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise. They have the best fried seafood we’ve ever had anytime, anywhere! (do NOT go to Charleys and order broiled seafood).

We stayed at Dudley’s Marina for three days just after January 1, 2010. It was so cold that we had to cover the engine room vents to keep it from freezing, even with heat on. Dudley’s is a great place, and we should all support them for helping us keep the cost of cruising down. We were there simply because it was too cold to move. The cost was minimal, because of the $.75 per foot rate. A car is available for the short run to Swansboro and necessary grocery stores and even a Lowes. We look forward to returning in the spring.
Norman Mason

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dudleys Marina

Anchoring at the southern foot of White Oak River, abeam of the Swansboro downtown waterfront, has long been a popular thing to do. The presence of a town dinghy dock makes this an even more attractive proposition.
HOWEVER Captain Nichole is right on target in her posting below when she speaks of “strong” tidal currents which scour this anchorage. We, too, have had trouble when the current shifts. Clearly, extra care is called for when anchoring on these waters.

We anchored here last night and had a really hard time. We had dinner on a fellow cruisers boat and came back out to find our boat had dragged over 100 feet. We have a fishermen’s anchor that is rated for 60 foot boat (we have a 28 foot sailboat) and it was good and set when we left. When the current shifted the chain, the boat sailed around the anchor, fouled it and caused us to drift. (which has never happened to us before.) We grounded briefly which saved our boat from hitting any other boats but it was a tricky proposition to move the boat back to a good spot in that current, we set out a second anchor and spent most of the night checking it on the half hour to make sure we were staying in one spot. The current is swift and some of the holding ground is not great especially when the current switches, when we pulled up anchor today to go to Dudley’s Marina to sit out a blow(75 cents a foot by the way, worth it to not have to deal with an anchoring nightmare) our anchor had fouled again. Use heavy anchors if you are going to anchor here and try to be near your boat when the tide switches because it is a very challenging location.
Nicole

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Swansboro/White Oak River Anchorage

Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage is the only good spot to drop the hook between Swansboro and Wrightsville Beach. As Captain Bill notes below, we are guest of the US Marine Corps here, so all cruisers should act accordingly.

There is one spot where getting an anchor to set can be more difficult. Directly in front and close to the large ramp can sometimes be a difficult spot, at least with CQR. Have had similar problem there twice now, and since it was sparsely populated, spent a couple of hours playing with scope, backing down/not back down, etc before giving up and moving further to the east(?) and edge of the charted white area resulted in good holding. One of only 2 spots that Kittiwake has had trouble more than once. While anchored the marines did some underwater navigation, and it was enjoyable to watch – Kittiwake was an obstacle. Remember, it’s the marine corps water (just like the bridge), and they’re usually nice enough to let us use it.
Bill,
s/v Kittiwake

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Boy, the incident Captain Arnold describes below would have put my heart in my throat, at least until the “wave” came.

A curious event – Early in the morning just by the Atlantic Bridge I saw what appeared to be a body floating in the water. I headed towards it and it suddenly waved at me! Turned out to be a Coastguard rescue practice and the gentleman concerned quite safe.
Arnold

The Camp Lejeune section of the Waterway, south of Swansboro, is always subject to closing when the US Marine Corps is conducting live fire exercises. Notices of such events can usually be found posted at marinas to the north and south, and on the local Notice to Mariners. Give Captain Paul at Swan Point Marina (St. M. 247, (910) 327-1081) for the latest info!

Subject: Firing Range
Cruising News: At SM 235.4 Southbound (239.7 Northbound) starts the Camp Lejeune firing range area. You are not to proceed if the lights are flashing. They were and we didn\’t. I figured since it was Labor Day and it was raining like all get out that they would not be firing so we proceeded to the lights without checking first. It took about 20 minutes by phone 910 451 3064 [correct, updated 12/ 15/2014] get the information that they had forgotten to turn the lights off when they left the range. So, proceeded without further adeu. Calling ahead would have been wiser and would have saved us the 20 minute delay which caused us to miss the next bridge opening.
Dave
on GB 46 At Last

Spoooners Creek is this writer’s old home port, so I can not help but feel nostalgic about this facility. A lot of changes have taken place here since Bruce Fetzer used to greet all arriving craft with his “Welcome Back to Spooners Creek.”
MANY of the new changes are very good things, however, and I join with Captain Rick in recommending this facility to the cruising community. And, let’s not forget, Spooners Creek is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Sept 2009 – Sea Breeze visited Spooners Creek Marina on the 8th. It is a condo development that rents some slips on a monthly basis and also a nightly basis to transients. They have gas and diesel. It’s entrance is just north of ICW Green # 9 ( not 12 as reported elsewhere). We found controlling depth in the entrance channel to be 6′ MLW. Deeper water in the basin (8′ +). At the entrance channel – #1 was a temporary green floating aid and red 4 was a piling with no sign board (#4 sign missing). When you enter the creek there is a sharp turn to port that is a blind turn due to a high concrete bulkhead to port. Well, it’s only blind to sailboats and others who have cockpits low to the water. If your helm station is 10′ or more off the water you can see over the bulkhead. Capt Keith is right’¦..this is a first class facility. Cleanest shower facilities we have seen on the ICW. Pool and boaters lounge. No laundry. Dockmaster Terry is very helpful and can be reached on his cell phone at 252-241-0770. He had no VHF when we visited. In additon to the Wal-Mart less than a mile away, there is a strip mall across the street from W-M that has the some mom & pop restaurants – italian, chinese, subs. Or Outback and others are a little further away but not too far. If you are craving pizza try Louigi’s in the stip mall near Sears and Hallmark.
Rick Parish

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Spooners Creek Yacht Harbor

Dudley’s docks and facilities are certainly not the newest or most lavish I’ve ever seen, but we’ve always found them to be adequate. My only problem is that when mooring here, you must either walk or take the marina courtesy car over the White Oak River Bridge and causeway to visit wonderful downtown Swansboro. Of course, the courtesy vehicle helps!
If you do make it to Swansboro, and you enjoy fried seafood, don’t dare miss Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise (no, I’m not making up that name). Their fried catch of the day is awesome!

8-17-09 Currently staying at Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro, NC. Not much of a tide change daily, so the old fixed wooden dock is fine. Especially for .75 per foot and free electric. Plus a car to use for short trips. The owner is a bit curmudgeonous, but the rest of the employees are great. The historic district is nice, with lots of shops and restaurants.
LuAnne Woods

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

On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following quesiton:

47. West, northwest of marker #65A, the AICW begins it approach to an intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Before reaching this crucial intersection, cruisers can usually cut off and anchor on Mile Hammock Bay, near Statute Mile 244.5. Lately, US Marine Corps maneuvers have prevented mariners from anchoring on these waters. The adjacent land is part of the huge Camp Lejeune Marine Base. Who has tried to anchor on Mile Hammock Bay? Were you allowed to drop the hook? Was it a secure overnight stop?

Responses follow:

Anchored there mid July this year without any hassle from the military. Two other sailboats were there ahead of us. Last year passing through that area we were delayed (the ICW was closed) due to military maneuvers. Kind of interesting to watch but glad it wasn’t in the sweltering heat.
Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

We did spend an eveing in Mile Hammock Bay. The 2 sailboats nor we had any holding issues but another trawler who was using nylon rode and not enough of it dragged aground after spending almost 2 hrs trying to set his anchor and gave SeaTow some b’ness. He was scary and we wanted him to experience the security of a marina for the nite but he gave it another go and used 2 anchors which worked well.
Bill & Laura Bender
M/VKindred Spirit III

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Mile Hammock Bay

On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

45. The delightful village of Swansboro will be spotted northwest of marker 46. There are two transient friendly marinas to choose from, or you could brave the swift currents and anchor on the westerly reaches of White Oak River, and dinghy ashore to the small town pier. Who has visited Swansboro? Where did you dock, or did you anchor? Please give us some shoreside dining and docking recommendations.

Responses follow:

We anchored just downstream of the bridge in July 2008. Good holding. A fair weather anchorage with currents no more or less strong than those all along the coast from Beaufort, NC to Fernandina Bch, FL
Rick

We docked a Casper’s Marina overnight, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, although the one unisex non-climate controlled shower and restrooms are just adequate. The face dock can be very rough from wakes on the White River and Intracoastal and is wide open from the southwest, but with good fenders it is okay. The water normally quiets down in the evening, but the band plays on until late from a shrimper’s bar near the southeast side of the bridge. The music was good, though
Chuck Tontsch

We anchored out in Swansboro near the bridge. We got there fairly late and had to jostle for a while to get right. Actually we moved 4 times before we felt right. We did not get to go ashore but it looked cute and we will try to do so on our way south and look forward to reading about it more. Our recomendations would be to get there early for a good spot. It gets a bit close there with the bridge, docks and big fishing vessels forming a three sided anchorage. A bit daunting in windy conditions if its crowded, which it was.

We stayed at Caspers Marina there in June 2008. Good experience. We ate dinner at Icehouse Restaurant and were very pleased with the food and service. Nice waterfront location. For breakfast I highly recommend Yana’s. Wonderful food and friendly service. Swansboro is a fun place to visit and has some interesting shops.
Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

I think Swansboro is one of the most overlooked little towns along the ICW. They have a number of small and simple restaurants with great food, some cute little shops and very friendly people. If you stay at Casper’s Marina, it is an easy walk into town. Speaking of Casper’s, this marina is exposed to the ICW right at the place where the channel speed drops from 25 to No Wake. Needless to say, there are plenty of recreational day boaters who don’t respect that go zooming by (or very close) to the marina. If you stay there, insist that you stay on the inside of the fuel dock which acts as a breakwater. I spent a very uncomfortable night on the outside and was `banged’ pretty good. In all fairness, I stayed there on a Saturday so the number of fast boats and jet skis was disproportional. They do have fuel, nice shower and heads and a small but ample provision store all on site.
Peter

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Nice summary of the features to be found at Caspers Marina, and what is available in the downtown Swansboro business/histroic district. I would just add that if you like fried seafood, don’t dare miss Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise.

Stayed at Caspers Marina ($1.25 a foot) tonight, April 11, 2009. Dock hands were quick and knew how to tie a line. Docks exposed to fetch from west or WSW. Fixeed wood docks in good repair. As with Dudleys this marina is also exposed to passing boat traffic but seems to die off after dark. I personally would not stay at either marina for severe weather if it could be helped. Fairly new power pedestals with cable that works. Wifi worked right off the bat with no issues, fast and stable. New building
for bathrooms and shower, one shower and one mens/one ladies restroom. Small shipstore on site.
Town is 5 minutes walk, around 3 blocks. 6 or 7 restaurants serving deli stuffs to cooked Prime Cow and seafoods. Also, Ice cream and snacks. Downtown is a small revitalized 5 block section with some gift, antique, and knick knack shops. They have a courtesy car which you can use to drive about 3 miles north to a Lowes grocery store which has a very good selection.
Pat Banyas
s/v Marguerite

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Dudleys actually sits across the White Oak River Causeway/Bridge from downtown Swansboro, so it can be an interesting walk into the business/historic district, where you will find ALL the MANY wonderful restaurants, including Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise (perhaps the best FRIED seafood in NC).

Subject: Marina
Cruising News: Dudley’s Marina in Swansboro,NC is a good deal! Not in the cruising books but has docks for .75/ft and free electric 50a.They have clean restrooms and a van for going to store, etc.
Patty Mitchell

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The message below comes to us from Captain Keith Mackey, owner of CC Yacht Delivery (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, http://ccyachtdelivery.com ). PLEASE patronize Captain Mackey’s service whenever possible.
Spooners Creek is my OLD home base on the North Carolina coastline. The facility is very different now than it was in the days when Bruce, Rene and John Fetzer manned the bastions here, but the new icarnation is very nice as well, and they are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR (http://www.shoresatspoonerscreek.com/bogue-sound-marina.php)! Spooners Creek’s entry channel lies off the southern flank of the AICW’s run through Bougue Sound, as short hop west of the Atlantic Beach high-rise bridge. See you there!

I did a short little delivery trip on the ICW this past Sunday (1/24/09) from Morehead City to Wrightsville Beach. I had my first opportunity to visit Spooners Creek Marina. While I picked the boat up from a private residence back in Spooner?s Creek, I did have an opportunity to check out the marina before I departed. This is a class “A” facility. The entrance is deep and well marked. The yacht basin is also very deep and the docks and facilities are new and top of the line. While the marina is not on the main strip in Morehead City, it is a very reasonable walk (about a mile or so through the neighborhood) up to HWY 24 where the Super WalMart is located and an Outback Steakhouse is just another 2 or 3 blocks. The marina is directly off the ICW and is well protected.
I hope this is helpful. With kind regards,
Capt Keith

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