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    • Praise for “Ports of Call” in Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309

      Hurry! Our FREE rent offer expires in May!Ports of Call Restaurant (phone: 910-457-4544) is located at 116 N. Howe St, only a few block east of Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. With a Mediterranean menu of entrees ranging from $15-$25, the restaurant has received many good reviews.

      What can I say? In Southport there are several good resturants, but Ports of Call is one of the best. Not a big menu, but what’s there is excellent and if you like sauces, nowhere in Southport can you find better.
      It’s so good, my wife and I will be there tonight to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
      Give it a try. If you like excellent cuisine, this is the place.
      Stephen Gageby

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

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    • Avoid Channel Leading from Cape Fear River Marker #41, to the AICW at Marker #162A, Just West of Snows Cut (near St. M. 299), 8/1/11


      The “channel” described in the message below leads from Cape Rear River marker #41, south and southeast until it rejoins the path of the AICW at marker #162A, just west of Snows Cut’s westerly mouth. In years past, this passage was navigable, but shoaling on its southernmost leg, northwest of #162A, has changed the status of this cut to “dinghies only.”
      Coming south from Wilmington, Manfred is not the first cruiser to be tempted to try this shortcut channel to avoid going the extra 5 miles south and then northeast to rejoin the Waterway just west of Snows Cut. The three legs of the channel are charted at 11ft, 10.5ft, then 2ft!! Manfred is absolutely correct when he recommends this shortcut only to “zero” draft vessels.
      We are declaring a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Navigational Alert for this so-called channel!Cruising News:
      Cape Fear River Shoal
      Following the ICW from south to north, between St M 300/ St M 295 in the Cape Fear river. An excursion to Wilmington NC was made. Coming back to the ICW, from Wilmington, a small channel is marked from G41` to ICW R 162A` leading to the ICW, east of the main river channel.
      At marker ‘ž1` we were on ground, showing 3 ½ feet, 2 hours after high water. Calculating back to high water at this day, the depth would be only 5 ½ feet. This passage can not be recommended at any time, only boats with “no” draft may use it with excessive care.
      Skipper Manfred Rausch aboard SV Balimara, Bonn Germany

      I too fell victim to this shortcut, having no problem navigating this at flooding tide going up river, tried it on the way back, and at red 4 found 3 feet needing 4. Sea Tow had to thread the needle to get to me with his motors tilted. Think markers need to be removed, or at least re-worked.
      Skipper Mike Williams aboard s/v Chardonnay

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Channel Running from Cape Fear River Marker #41 to AICW Markers #162A

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    • Unhappiness at Carolina Beach State Park Marina (Statute Mile 297)

      Hmmmmm!

      Cruising News:
      Hi All,
      Passed Carolina Beach State Park/Marina Yesterday, July 12-Its [been] restored at millions of dollars facility that I have enjoyed many times over the years-one small boat docked out of perhaps 60 slips-Last fall I stopped there after hours with my 43ft Trawler and pulled up to the T dock,as I always have, checked into the office in the AM to register-as normal.
      A totally empty marina-not a boat anywhere-basically the same situation as on July 12.
      CBSP, has been the only marina that I have stayed in that requires “proof of ownership”, Documents or Registration-I accept that/fine.
      Last fall, I was asked/told that docking on the T head was no longer permitted, and I should move my boat to a slip —I pulled out instead-I had called in advance and asked if they could accomidate 45ft boats-sure a the T head I was told by the phone operator. Now I am told to slip in and if I stick out a bit-well thats no good either-in a totally empty marina.
      Methinks some of the problem is with the “Ranger on Duty”, the kind in a green uniform with a gun on their hip-and a bit of an “attitude”—like walking with your dog down the dock and being addressed on the loudspeaker about leashes being reguired-again in a totally empty marina–There may be some other issues at CBSP-all new and rebuilt–but its a shame that a great public facility is
      EMPTY.
      Kevin Kearney
      JOLIE-northbound

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park Marina

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    • Another Great Report on Deep Point Marina (Statute Mile 307, AICW/Cape Fear River)

      910-269-2380 The new 82-slip Deep Point Marina is located on the Cape Fear River in Southport, NC, and offers fuel and transient dockage, as well as daily, monthly and annual slip rentals. The marina is adjacent to the new Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal, which houses a snack bar (open seasonally) that offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. In addition, the Deep Point Marina is convenient to Southport's shopping, restaurants and historic district, and offers easy ocean access. One of the Cruisers’ Net’s newest sponsors, Deep Point Marina keeps racking up the good reviews. This facility’s marked entry channel lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.

      We just left . . . the Deep Point Marina.WHAT A GREAT STOP. We recommend the Marina.The docking price is right $1.14 a foot,with free laundry and swimming pool.Their organization donated hundreds
      of dollars worth of door prizes to the southern [MTOA] rendezvous.Please stop and say hello.Located of the Cape fear river at red marker #20,next to the Bald Head Island ferry.The bald Head Conservatory has been very kind to MTOA.Try and support them.
      George Kay

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina

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    • More Good Words for Deep Point Marina, AICW Statute Mile 307

      910-269-2380 The new 82-slip Deep Point Marina is located on the Cape Fear River in Southport, NC, and offers fuel and transient dockage, as well as daily, monthly and annual slip rentals. The marina is adjacent to the new Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal, which houses a snack bar (open seasonally) that offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. In addition, the Deep Point Marina is convenient to Southport's shopping, restaurants and historic district, and offers easy ocean access. Deep Point Marina is reached via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20. These good people are one of our newest Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net sponsors

      4/19/11- Stopped at Deep Point on our way North from St. Augustine Fl to Portsmouth NH. This is on its way to being a nice stop. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Once all the amenities are done we will be back. Very protected, good stop in bad weather.
      Capt Glenn Kiedaisch

      Thanks to Cruisers Net we found a new jewel of a marina. In Southport, NC we “just went in for fuel” to the new Deep Point marina because we noted a very good price on fuel. Rob the marina dock master made us feel so at home that we ended up staying two nights and the price was right. $1.14/ft. with our Boat US discount. The baths and showers were extra clean and new, the pool looked great and the staff was so friendly and helpful. We definitely will be returning. The people can make or break the marina experience.
      Thank you Cruisers Net for keeping us informed and helping us to save some money on fuel and I am sure this service helps to spur competition in the fuel market. I know that we don’t even consider buying fuel from a marina who will not respond to your price inquires. Keep up the great work.
      Capt’n Joe aboard S/V C-Note

      We just left The FLETCHERS at the Deep Point Marina.WHAT A GREAT STOP.Chuck and Joy are super friends and Port Captains.We recommend the Marina and a hello to Chuck and Joy.The docking price is right $1.14 a foot,with free laundry and swimming pool.Their organization donated hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes to the southern rendezvous.Please stop and say hello.Located of the Cape fear river at red marker #20,next to the Bald Head Island ferry.The Bald Head Conservatory has been very kind to MTOA.Try and support them.
      George Kay

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina

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    • Report on Wilmington City Docks, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

      The historic city of Wilmington, on the Cape Fear River about 11.5 miles off the AICW, has worked long and hard over the past decade to update their waterfront, and make it more visitor and cruiser friendly. While there is still room for improvement, cruising visitors will now find some good city docks in the heart of the downtown business/historic district, and a very fine private marina/yacht manufacturer/repair yard, a bit farther upstream.

      Wilmington City Docks: $1.50/’ plus elect. Public restrooms- locked after hours, no showers, no laundry. Hilton Hotel has new manager and cruisers staying at town docks in front of hotel are no longer welcome at Hilton pool and restrooms. Overpriced for what they deliver, but still a delightful stop. Caprice Rest. on Market St. very good steaks and service. Upstairs, quiet and delightful.
      Skipper Hank Evans aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington City Docks

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    • Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina Needs Support From the Cruising Community (Cape Fear River – Wilmington, NC)

      Bennett Brothers, Luxury Yachts for Sale by Bennett Brothers YachtsBennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina is a superb marina and repair yard facility near downtown Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear River. These good folks are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
      Ms. Tricia Bennett, President of this fine organization, has asked the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to help rally support within the cruising community to obtain the necessary permits to dredge their facility. It’s my understanding the state has already approved, but now they need a little help with the “fed boys.”

      Dear Claiborne:
      I am writing to see if we get some support from your cruising community for maintenance dredging at the Cape Fear Marina. As you know, we been located on the Northeast Cape Fear River since 1997 and some of the slips have silted in. We have applied for all the permits required and it is now time to get some public support! We are not looking to expand the marina, just make sure all the slips have enough water. Details of the entire permit process and background can be found at www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands.. We are an NC Certified Clean Marina and want to make sure we can accommodate folks in all our slips! .
      Letters supporting our marina maintenance dredging can be sent by mail to:
      Mr. Dave Timpy
      Wilmington District
      Corps of Engineers
      69 Darlington Avenue
      Wilmington, NC 28402
      Thanks very much for spreading the word. We really appreciate it!
      Best Regards,

      Tricia
      Patricia Donovan Bennett
      President
      BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS, INC.
      Cape Fear Marina

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

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    • Good Visit to Bald Head Island Marina, off the AICW, SE of Southport, NC

      Bald Head Island Marina is east-southeast of Cape Fear River Inlet’s flashing buoy #13, departing the AICW at statute mile 309.

      We stayed at Bald Head Marina for one night. The dockmaster is extremely helpful and a pleasure. With our bikes we saw the entire island and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous homes and pristine beach. Saw a small gator in the harbor. Restaurant was good. Loved the lighthouse. Climb the steps!
      Gloria Crawford

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina

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    • Praise for Deep Point Marina, AICW Statute Mile 307

      Deep Point Marina has a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.

      We have had an outstanding experience at Deep Point Marina. It is a new facility made great by the Rob Gandy and staff. They are truly committed and caring for cruisers. Rob has certainly gone above and beyond for us during our stay. Also, the basin is so protected, we weathered out two strong cold fronts here barely feeling the wind at all. I highly recommend Deep Point Marina.
      Capt. Mitch Traphagen

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina

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    • Good Words for Deep Point Marina, Cape Fear River, AICW Statute Mile 307

      Deep Point Marina lies just north of Southport, NC, on the main body of the Cape Fear River. The marina’s marked entry channel cuts to the northwest near Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20

      We had a great experience in this new marina. They are just finishing up on these new facilities. Docks are great, Rob the manager was just great. I would recommend this to all boats looking for a place to stay in the Southport area. They have a can do attitude!
      Capt Doug Patton

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

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    • Good Words for Wilmington Marine Center, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

      Wilmington Marine Center lies just off the Cape Fear River south of Wilmington, NC, east and a bit south of flashing daybeacon #59. The Cape Fear River departs the AICW at Statute Mile 297 at the south end of Snows Cut.

      We have stored our boat on at least three occasions at Wilmington Marine Center on the Cape Fear River. It is a surge free hurricane hole at Buoy 59 about 12 miles off the ICW and a couple miles before Wilmington. Chris, the dockmaster, walks the dock every morning checking on lines. The marina has a secure fence that is locked at sunset. There is nothing within walking distance of the marina and there is no courtesy car but taxis and rental cars are available. Should you need service, Gregory Poole is on site.
      Alan Lloyd, Great Circle Navigation Notes, www.NavigationNotes.com

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington Marine Center

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    • A Positive Experience at Deep Point Marina (AICW Statute Mile 307)

      910-269-2380 The new 82-slip Deep Point Marina is located on the Cape Fear River in Southport, NC, and offers fuel and transient dockage, as well as daily, monthly and annual slip rentals. The marina is adjacent to the new Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal, which houses a snack bar (open seasonally) that offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. In addition, the Deep Point Marina is convenient to Southport's shopping, restaurants and historic district, and offers easy ocean access. Location and facilities certainly make a difference in remembering a marina stay, but so often it is the personal effort of the staff that makes us want to return, as David attests. This new facility is located just off the Cape Fear River portion of the AICW, north of the Waterway’s sharp turn to the west at Southport.

      Deep Point Marina was one of our best stops on our south bound trip from Stoney Point, New York to Fernandina, Florida! They were still under construction at the time we were there, but the hospitality we received was unmatched. These people really care about their customers. The dockmaster (Rob Gandy) even loaned us his personal vehicle to go to the local grocery store. We will always make Deep Pointe Marina one of our stops when traveling up and down the east coast.
      Captain David Johnson

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

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    • Praise for Southport, NC and Bald Head Island Marina off the AICW departing at Red Marker #2 (c. Statute Mile 309)

      Located on the eastern side of the Cape Fear Entrance Channel, south/southeast of flashing buoy #13, Bald Head Island Marina offers excellent accommodations in a protected harbor. Being a unique ecological entity, Bald Head Island is one of the most tropical regions in North Carolina and, despite development, much of its natural beauty has been preserved. Please see Claiborne’s excellent description of the island and of Bald Head Island Marina in Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina.

      In the Cape Fear/Southport NC area you are just 3 miles from Southport to the harbor on Bald Head Island. It is well worth a visit if you have time. Good restaurants, historic village, beautiful homes, and wide open beaches. You can stay overnight at the marina there.
      Captain Bob Duthie aboard Katy Leigh, a 36 GB Classic 1981

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

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    • Downtown Wilmington Waterfront, Wilmington, NC

      The downtown Wilmington waterfront is well off the AICW and requires a 10+ mile trip upstream from the Snows Cut section of the AICW, but Greg and Susan Han found it well worth the trip.

      Allegria is at Wilmington, NC at the City Docks and we are paying 1.25/ft plus $5 for 50 amp electric.
      We enjoyed the life along the river walk. Many nice restaurants. if you are like me, you have passed up the short trip beyond Snow’s Cut turnoff on the ICW to visit Wilmington. It is a thoroughly engaging stop for one and maybe two nights. We rode the sightseeing trolley, which I believe is owned by a fellow Looper, and learned all we wanted to know about this historic city.
      We found a free dock in front of a restaurant but had already paid for the City Dock. Call before coming up and get free dockage with purchase at “George on the Riverwalk”, 128 South Water Street, Wilmington, NC (910) 763-2052. You have to eat anyway so why not save on dockage also.
      Greg and Susan Han, MTOA # 3702, Key Biscayne, FL
      Allegria — Krogen Whaleback #16

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington, NC
      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington Public Docks
      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

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    • Cape Fear Marina – Bennett Brothers Yachts (Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC)

      Like Captains Beth and Stephen, we have always found the good people at Bennett Brothers Yachts to be totally first class in every respect. whether you use them for a marina or a full service repair yard. And, Bennett Brothers Yachts is one of our oldest and staunchest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!

      Claiborne:
      The “Salty Southeast Cruisers” may find this useful.
      Beth & I on Nightingale were headed north a couple of weeks ago, but instead of stopping in Wrightsville Beach with all the transients, we asked for a slip we could hold for 6 – 7 weeks…we have grandchildren here and were going to stay for a while.
      None of the marinas in the cruising guides wanted any part of us. We guess there are a limited number of transient slips here and everyone we called wanted to save theirs for the transients…and get the $2 per foot, the electricity $ and sell diesel fuel. I guess we can’t blame them, but it didn’t help us any.
      We were referred to Bennett Brothers Yachts in Wilmington, and couldn’t be happier. This is a clean marina, adjunct to a full service boatyard. Everyone we have met on staff could not have been more service oriented. And while we’re here we will use the yard. BBY is just north of downtown Wilmington on the Cape Fear River. It is about an hour north of the AICW cutoff (Snow’s Cut) at our sailboat speed at slack water.
      Downsides? No fuel dock. River current…but you always have to account for that particularly upstream. It is a bit isolated. BBY has a discount arrangement with Enterprise for anyone staying longer term. Since we will be here for some time we did rent a small car. Pumpout is at every slip and security is excellent with a combination locked gate at night.
      If it is appropriate for our fellow cruisers, we strongly recommend Bennett Brothers.
      Beth & Stephen Deitch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern North Carolina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts

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    • Wilmington Marine Center (Cape Fear River, near downtown Wilmington, NC)

      You must leave the AICW’s run down the Cape Fear River at Snows Cut, and track your way upstream to Wilmington Marine Center. This facility is located in the heart of the industrial area south (downstream) of the Wilmington historic/business district. There are no restaurants or other amenities with walking distance, but you could always take a cab into town.

      Wilmington Marine Center, about 1/2 way to downtown up the Cape Fear is extremely safe both weatherwise and security, good prices, and it is a very good boat yard if you need any repairs/maintenance.
      Just Relax

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington Marine Center

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    • Wilmington Marine Center (on the Cape Fear River, near downtown Wilmington, NC)

      The only problem I’ve ever see with the Wilmington Marine Center is that it’s located in the heart of an industrial maritime business park, and it’s a long way to the downtown Wilmington historic/business district, with its many good restaurants and historical attractions. If you don’t have ready automobile transportation, it’s a long taxi ride into town.

      We stayed at Wilmington Marine Center on the Cape Fear River. It is a surge free hurricane hole at Buoy 59 about 12 miles from the ICW and a couple miles before Wilmington. (A cruise from the marina to downtown Wilmington for lunch is delightful especially when guests visit.) The facility is secure and remote. Are you planning to stay with the boat? There is nothing within walking distance.
      Last year I paid $400/month plus metered electric. Call Chris (dockmaster) at 910 395 5055.
      Alan Lloyd
      Author, Great Loop Navigation Notes
      http://www.NavigationNotes.com

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington Marine Center

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    • Bald Head Island Marina (mouth of Cape Fear River)

      Here’s a quick, but informative comments concerning Bald Head Island Marina. This facility’s entrance is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, a short hop downstream of Southport, NC

      We always stop here if going by. The marina is easy to enter, excellent staff and Bald Head Island is beautiful.
      James Lea

      We stayed at the Bald Head Island Marina last December. We hadn’t planned to, but we were chased in by 12ft-18ft seas (bigger as we entered the Cape Fear River due to an opposing ebb) and 35kt+ winds after rounding Cape Fear. After entering the river at dark and just puttering around until daylight, we kissed the ground quickly at the marina. The pros: Nice docks, decent showers/facilities, nice employees, two restaurants attached to the marina, protected basin, beautiful beaches and scenery within walking distance. The cons: Expensive, grocery and all other stores require expensive golf cart rental, everything is pretty expensive since it’s an `exclusive’ island, wireless was NOT free. One other note – before we entered the entrance channel (somewhat narrow, and when there is a flood tide you’ll get SEVERAL knots of current through the channel) we called the marina to check depths (we draw 6′). They told us we would be fine. We got there, made our turn towards our slip and immediately grounded in soft mud with 5′ showing on the sounder. We pushed through the mud and were able to almost make it to a T-head, where we waited for high tide to tie up to it. Apparently, spring tides have a major effect on depth at the marina. The island IS beautiful and it was nice to visit there. By the way, they just built (are building?) the Deep Point Marina just up the river and were very excited about it. It’s supposed to be a lot less expensive with nicer facilities, and one of the former mayors of Southport will be the dockmaster (and he’s a VERY nice guy and proud of his town).
      Chris
      S/V Pelican

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

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