This report of shoaling at Marker #162A in Snow’s Cut comes from Robert Sherer’s Cruising Down the ICW 2017 blog, March 12, 2017. Snows Cut is a 1.5 mile cut connecting Cape Fear River with the east coast Waterway at Carolina Beach.
Western end of Snow’s Cut, survey 11/8-9/2016
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker 162A
Another example of the excellent work by our USCG and of the need to carry the proper equipment when going offshore.
Coast Guard rescues 1 from sinking boat 140 miles from Wilmington, NC
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/509331/coast-guard-rescues-1-sinking-boat
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, hoists a man from a sinking boat 140 miles from Wilmington, North Ca
Editors’ Note: Click on image to view the video.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coast Guard rescued a 52-year-old man from a sinking boat 140 miles from Wilmington Saturday.
Fifth Coast Guard District watchstanders were alerted at 6:32 p.m. that the man had used his SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger to notify the International Emergency Response Center that his 32-foot Pearson sailboat Great Peace was taking on water and sinking.
An HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, launched to assist. Upon arriving on scene, the Jayhawk crew hoisted the man from the sailboat, then transported him back to Air Station Elizabeth City.
“The more prepared boaters are, the easier our job becomes when they need our assistance,” said Coast Guard Lt. Daniel Reilly, pilot of the Jayhawk helicopter crew. “Because this individual was well-prepared and utilized his satellite GPS messenger right away, we were able to get to him in time.”
These photos are from a recent food festival enjoyed at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina. All proceeds went to Food Bank. There is also a photo of ROCKIT, a 200ft Fed Ship recently docked at Port City Marina, located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
ROCKIT
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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Once again Carolina Yacht Service, Zimmerman Marine and Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, are teaming up to offer FREE weather and navigation daily briefings for the Fall Migration. A big thank you to these hard-working folks!
Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Southport Marina Dock for Fall 2016
Announcement
Back by popular demand! Celebrating our third year offering this free, one of a kind service.
Headed south through Southport, NC this fall? 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 Fall 2016 transient season for daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs on the Dock” – 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, hosts 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, USCG Notices to Mariners, recent fellow cruiser postings in cooperation with Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net, The Waterway Guide, ActiveCaptain 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 at 6PM through 15 December 2016 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.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
For an update on the opening-this-fall restaurant at Port City Marina, click the link below. Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
Port City Marina Restaurant Construction
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
CLICK HERE FOR SOUTHPORT MARINA’S JULY NEWSLETTER
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
James Lea’s comments are in response to a recent Local Notice re shoaling at Lockwood Folly. Cape Fear River intersects the Waterway at Mile 309. Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342.
This section of the ICW can be easily avoided in good weather by using Little River and Cape Fear River. Little River is well marked and frequently used by boats of all sizes. The currents in the Cape Fear River can be a challenge, particularly if the wind opposes current, but it is an all-weather entrance.
In six trips up and down the ICW we have never transited this section of the ICW [Lockwood Folly], always enjoying a nice sail while listening to all the VHF chatter about passing and depths. Highly recommended.
James Lea
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Inlet
Lockwoods Folly passing is no problem at this time! Just follow the markers as they move from time to time. If you want to be extra cautious travel through on a rising tide.
If you need crew to handle a sailing vessel and can use Erica on the short trip from the Cape Fear River to Elizabeth City on the Dismal Swamp Route, let us hear from you! Elizabeth City is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
I am near Wilmington looking to crew on a sailing vessel heading north towards Elizabeth City. I will be working on a sailboat here until then. Please email me if interested! Manneaej@gmail.com
Erica
Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
LIFE ON EL GALEON: AN ALMOST SPANISH SAILOR’S LOG
On May 10, 2016, El Galeon Andalusia maneuvered her majestic mast beneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and returned to Port City Marina, what last summer’s crew called the tall ship’s “most successful port visit.”
Life at Sea
Indeed, record numbers of wannabe pirates, history buffs, and tall ship enthusiasts flocked to Pier 33 to tour the 170-foot replica of the 16th century Spanish galleon.
“We had more than 2000 visitors each of the 10 days we were there,” shared Chef David Garcia Gallardo, one of the Spanish crew. “And Port City Marina was very comfortable, with nice bathrooms!” he said, with a laugh. “This is important to sailors arriving in port!”
CLICK HERE for the full story
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
This news of a boating course in Wilimngton, NC, as announced in StarNewsOnline, is good news for first time boaters.
WILMINGTON
Ned W. Rhodes, lead instructor with Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron (right) poses with Capt. Doug Springer of Wilmington Water Tours. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
New boating course a team effort
Contributed article
Published: Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11:16 a.m.
NC_Wilmington –
Thanks to a recent fusion of resources from the Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington Water Tours LLC, and the Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron, local boaters have access to a modern, comprehensive, shore- and water- based learning experience.
The program would not exist without all three players. CFCC has the superbly equipped, large, centrally located lecture spaces needed to accommodate three-times-a-year classes of 30 to 50 students participating in what is known as America’s Boating Course. Wilmington Water Tours operates the course’s `floating classroom,’ a catamaran named the Wilmington that can comfortably host up to 45 students at a time. The Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron provides the certified experienced instructors, the practical expertise and the instructional materials needed to complete the effort.
The course begins in downtown Wilmington with a day of classes, capped by a state-sponsored certification test in CFCC’s Union Station building. The classes touch on all aspects of boating safety ‘“ including required equipment, basic boat handling, weather hazards, signals, lights and rules of the road ‘“ and practical tips drawn from the experiences of veteran instructors.
The next session of America’s Boating Course will begin on May 14th. For more information, see www.capefearboatingcourse.org.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
“Slip into Somewhere More Comfortable”
The Port City Marina is a protected, deep water, full-service marina in Wilmington, North Carolina with over 200 state-of-the-art floating concrete wet slips and a full complement of first-class amenities situated in the heart of downtown. You can walk to restaurants, check out the thriving downtown art scene, or explore the boutique shops. Convenience at its finest.
Click here for the Latest News from Port City Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront. Our thanks to Peter Kurki of Bennett Brothers Yachts for these kind words.
Thank you Cruisers Net for providing quality information at a most convenient time. Fun relevant and current information make for a safe journey. Keep up the great work, Captains often say they saw and read it first on your forum.
Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
Acting as your host to beautiful and historic Wilmington, NC, Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina features 3,000 feet of floating docks in a sheltered harbor. Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) has been a widely
recognized repair yard since 1986 and every conceivable repair – mechanical, below waterline, electronic, and carpentry – is readily available. Most of all, BBY has the safe and sure reputation of getting it right the first time.
Voted by USA 
Beautiful antebellum architecture with great “gingerbread” can be
Photo by Wedding Mapper
seen as you stroll this pedestrian friendly city. Guided tours and horse drawn carriages are commonly enjoyed, but self guided visiting is encouraged and well worth it. The locals are approachable and happy to share a story or two and will direct you to whatever you seek. Restaurants are abundant in all genres of fair, and provisioning is easy with Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s , Harris Teeter Supermarkets and a local seasonal Farmers Market nearby.
Photo by Brad Van Amberg
The Downtown historic district has some new things brewing and brewing makes another great reason to sample the flavors of the area. Microbreweries and brew pubs have become increasingly popular for locals and visitors alike. Sample craft beers while enjoying the backdrop of a fun peninsula city borded by the Atlantic ocean and the Cape Fear River. The Cotton Exchange, The City Market and Chandlers Wharf are filled with unique one of a kind retailers where you can pick up the perfect gift or present .
Located just 26 nautical miles north of Southport, North Carolina, BBY is easier to get to than you think. BBY and Cape Fear Marina are on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 12 nautical miles from the Snow’s 
Fly in and out of Wilmington through the International Airport ILM, located just 5 minutes from BBY. We will even pick you up at the airport! We hope you have a wonderful visit when you’re here and return with your friends to experience the many facets this ‘off the beaten path’ town has to offer.
Patricia Donovan Bennett, President
Editor’s note: Patricia Bennett was honored recently by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444
Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc.
Cape Fear Marina
1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.bbyachts.com
910.772.9277
Southport
Only spent one night, they had a fishing thing going on for this weekend and they were going to be full up.
Would have liked to walked to Fishy Fishy (less than a mile) but at this time my foot is giving me fits.
We hear that after we left they had a bad storm in the area and with the tides being high to begin with because of the circulation in the Atlantic, the water level came up enough to cause Fishy Fishy to move a lot of their stuff out. Not much else to report.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
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Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
Port City Marina
Truly in the `middle of it all’, the brand-new Port City Marina is your gateway to Historic Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. We believe Wilmington is not just a stop on the way to your destination, Wilmington is THE destination. Don’t take our word for it, Wilmington was recently named the `Best American Riverfront in the Country’ USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice.
Our Marina
Port City is a protected, deep-water Marina on the Northeast Cape Fear River, equipped with state-of-the-art floating concrete wet slips. We have over 6,000 feet of linear dock space covering 10 acres of water. Our amenities include a full-service fuel dock offering Gasoline & High-Speed Diesel, private & secure bathrooms / showers, metered electric (30, 50, & 100 amp / single & three phase), free wireless internet, pet walking areas, daily trash pick-up, complimentary pump-out services for guests, and a marina store. Have a large boat’¦no worries’¦Port City Marina can accommodate boats 250 feet +. We offer daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal & annual rates. We are in the process of installing a large amphitheater on our fixed pier where we will host a range of events from cookouts to live performances. Also coming soon are two new riverfront restaurants, opening in the spring of 2016.
Our Location
We can’t tell you about Port City Marina without bragging about our location. Our Marina is located in the heart of Downtown. Step off of your boat and onto the City’s Riverwalk which puts you within walking distance to all that Downtown Wilmington has to offer. You can eat at a variety of amazing restaurants, explore Wilmington’s scenic array of art and culture, peruse the locally owned shops and boutiques, enjoy some live music, or grab a drink at one of our rooftop bars’“ there is always plenty to do in Downtown Wilmington. Our marina is conveniently located just 3 miles from the ILM airport.
Attractions
No matter what you are into ‘“ Wilmington has something for you! Wilmington has a variety of area attractions including:
Beaches ‘“ Relax at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach
History ‘“ Tour the USS North Carolina Battleship (visible from the marina), the Bellamy Mansion, and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Family Friendly ‘“ Spend the day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, visit the Cape Fear Serpentarium, or take a splash at the Jungle Rapids Waterpark.
Parks ‘“ Enjoy one of the many parks in our area including Greenfield Lake, Carolina Beach State Park, Airlie Gardens, and the City’s new North Waterfront Park.
Arts & Culture ‘“ Browse one of the many downtown art galleries, the Cameron Art Museum, or take a tour of Screen Gem Studios where over 400 projects in the area including `Iron Man 3’, `One Tree Hill’ and `Sleepy Hollow’ have been filmed. And tons more.
Plan your next stay at Port City Marina
We realize your boat is a major investment and protecting your investment is just as important as maintaining it ‘“ that’s why you will find our friendly staff, well-secured marina, and ideal location makes Port City a great home away from home.
Directions: Enter the Cape Fear River at Southport, North Carolina. We are located on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 20 miles north of Southport. If you are coming from the North on the ICW, enter the River via Snow’s Cut. We are located approvimately 12 miles north of where Snow’s Cut meets the river. Follow the Cape Fear River north. Along the way you will pass the NC State Port Facility, the USS North Carolina and the scenic downtown Wilmington riverfront. You will pass under one bridge, the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Hail the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on Channel 18. The bridge has a clearance of 65 feet when down and 138 feet when raised.
Planning your next trip? Think about Port City Marina. Call us at 910.251.6151 and we’ll save a spot for you!
Port City Marina | 10 Harnett Street | Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Latitude/Longitude (34°14’39″N, 77°57’05″W)
www.portcitymarina.com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. Skippers Mike and Carol provide our inaugural review of this excellent new marina and we are sure there will be many more to follow!
Larry,
Port City Marina
We recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights at Port City Marina on the Wilmington Waterfront and would recommend this marina to anyone who is traveling to Wilmington by water and wanting to stay in a brand-new and well-managed marina.
We saw their ad in the banner section of Salty Southeast Cruisers Net and decided to give them a call. We also planned our trip around a tour of El Galeon, a 170 foot, 495 ton authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet in the 16th century. El Galeon was also docked at Port City Marina, so our slip was perfect.
Port City Marina is conveniently located within easy walking distance of downtown Wilmington restaurants and shops. The River Walk which provides a waterfront walkway to the heart of downtown is easily accessed right outside the marina gates. Another plus we found was that the Wilmington free trolley (WAVE) stops right in front of the marina gates. This surprise transportation really came in handy with the rain showers and thunderstorms we experienced for one of our days.
The Marina has state of the art concrete floating docks, 30-50 and 100 amp service, can handle boats up to 250 feet in length and most important, a knowledgeable and helpful staff. Dock Master Josh Alther and his staff made us feel welcome and went out of their way to make our trip there enjoyable. One other note; we noticed that we had little, if any of the effects of the Cape Fear River tidal currents which sometimes brings debris from the river.
We would recommend Port City Marina to anyone traveling to the Wilmington waterfront.
Mike and Carolyn
Hattitude
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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South Harbour Village Marina guards the Waterway’s northern shoreline, a short hop west of unlighted daybeacon #8, and not far from the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Came here late in the day low on fuel & hoping someone was still at the marina as most fuel docks close at 5:00 pm. To my delight these guys are open till 7:00! After fueling the dock master hinted that if I hadn’t had a good meal in a while to try the Italian restaurant on site. Their dockage rates are extremely fair at only $1.20 a foot & gave me a BoatUS discount on fuel & dockage. The restaurant was definitely what it was cracked up to be. Being solo I sat at the bar & enjoyed the banter from the locals that came through waiting for their tables. Ben the bartender made sure my glass was always full. I had the duck. Excellent! The Marina showers are hot & clean & I cant say enough about this place. 5 stars!
CJ Drake
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbour Village Marina
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.
Deep Point Marina, NC
Deep Point Marina, near Southport, NC. Great marina, we were the late arrival so we were on or near the fuel dock. This was in front of the ferry station, as the ferry docked at the landing the wakes were more than you would expect at a dock, so the rocking from the ferry as it came and left was an issue until after 1:00 am and started early dark thirty the next morning.
The marina is very nice the crew are great and Curtis treated us very well. A beautiful pool is near the dock masters office, just a short walk. We took full advantage, it is still very warm.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
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The decommissioned Frying Pan Light Station is being privately restored as Frying Pan Tower, open to overnight guests. Frying Pan Shoals off the tip of Cape Fear is well known to off-shore cruisers. For more information and lots of photos, visit the Frying Pan Tower website at http://www.fptower.com/history.html.
The Frying Pan Tower – formerly the U.S. Coast Guard Frying Pan Light Station, is a lighthouse situated at the end of the Frying Pan Shoals, 32 miles south of Bald Head Island N.C.
This is the southernmost end of the feared `Graveyard of the Atlantic’ which stretches up to the northern end of the Outer Banks of N.C. The shallow waters of the shoals (only 35-50 feet under the Tower) made ship navigation treacherous so in 1854 a lightship was stationed there. For 110 years, except for a few years during The War Between the States and WWII, crews manned the lightship 24/7 in all weather.
The mission of the project is to protect and preserve the Frying Pan Tower, originally the USCG Frying Pan Light Station.
The restoration of the Frying Pan Tower is being conducted by volunteers; financed through contributions and the donation of needed supplies. This unique part of American history is being preserved so that generations to come will have an opportunity to enjoy what very few people have experienced: the ever changing, never changing life 85′ above the Atlantic Ocean.
The constant struggle to preserve an old, steel structure sited in the middle of an ocean, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean’s `hurricane alley’, is a labor of love and adventure by individuals who wish to see history preserved and shared. Conditions and materials as well as the forces of Mother Nature make it unlikely that this struggle will ever end. It will be an ongoing project for many years, likely decades, as rust and wind and salt and sun takes its toll on the Tower.
The Tower has stood vigilant since 1964, though the light has not been continuously lit since 1992. Now it is lit when crew members and guests return to enjoy and work, to change Old Glory, and to experience a unique and thrilling stay with the birds, the fish, the turtles, the rays and spectacular sky displays.
There are few places in the world such as the Tower and with your help it will be around for years to come!
And this from WGNO TV:
34-miles offshore, ocean hotel offers solitude
POSTED 11:14 AM, JUNE 23, 2015, BY SMARLBROUGH, UPDATED AT 12:05PM, JUNE 23, 2015
http://wgno.com/2015/06/23/34-miles-offshore-ocean-hotel-offers-solitude/
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Frying Pan Shoals
From AGLCA’s Forum:
Thanks, Foster, we did make several weather briefings at Southpoint while we waited for Ana to pass. We learned a great deal. Took notes and have used all his info to date. Excellent service Southport provides.
Donadee Jones
“Always Home”
DeFever 47 POC
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
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