New Bern has always had a warm welcome for the cruising community, and, now, with the multitude of special activities associated with their 300’th anniversary, we think ALL captains should consider leaving the familiar confines of the AICW and setting their course up the Neuse River to New Bern’s waterfront.

We are at Galley Stores right now as we visit the lovely NC Mountains for a break from cruising. Mark has been very helpful by keeping a watch over Allegria. The new floating docks break up the chop on the river. The facility is top notch in every category.
New Bern is a wonderful stop and well worth the 20 mile side trip. We had visited several years ago by car but ths is the first trip up the river by boat. The town has a lot to offer. We took the trolley tour to see all of the historic homes in this colonial era capitol city.
The restaurants are great too. Pollock St Deli is a block from the marina and it serves very fresh and tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner(?)
The Chelsea restaurant nearby should not be missed. Great Food.
Greg and Susan Han aboard Allegria

Get MUCH more information at
http://www.newbern300.com

Located on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek (off the AICW’s track down the Neuse River, east of Oriental, NC) between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2, River Dunes Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) has received numerous words of praise, justly so as noted by Captain Litchfield and in the comments from your fellow cruisers in the link below.

Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 4:54pm
We stayed 2 nights in early May. It’s a great facility with floating docks in a very protected basin. They have a great clubhouse, deck pool, and steam showers to die for. The restaurant was only open on weekends when we visited. They also have a courtesy car for trips to Oriental although shopping is somewhat limited there. The staff was very helpful and accommodating. Watch the approach depths in Broad Creek if the winds are blowing the water out. Lots of crab pots in Broad Creek.
Captain Dick Litchfield

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

On the waters along South River’s northeastern banks, southeast of Big Creek, South River indents the southern banks of the Neuse River, 4.5 nautical miles south of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #6.

Anchored just North of the Lukens Cemetary in about 5ft. The other writer is correct about the sticky, dense mud. I was bringing about 5 ft of chain at a time and wiping and washing it. Blech! I wish I could bring a bunch home and use for topsoil in my garden. It’s pretty rich stuff. Keep your deck hose handy, you’ll need it!
Captain Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For South River Anchorage

As you will quickly discern, the message below was copied off the AGLCA mail list. Wherever it came from, Captains Ed and and Linda have discovered just what a wonderful facility River Dunes is for all cruisers. And I am not saying that just because these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Give this facility a try! You won’t be sorry!

For all you Loopers heading north after the Rendezvous there is a good stop about 8 miles beyond Oriental at a new marina, River Dunes, on Broad Creek. At $1.00/ft. & elec. it’s a great stop. New floating docks, pool, exercise room, $1.00 washer/dryer, courtesy car to go to Oriental – very nice. Very protected harbor.
Best to look them up on the Internet and call to get directions, http://www.riverdunes.com
Ed & Linda Brennan
Shore Thing

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

Captain Ehlen has been kind enough to share a “Letter to the Editor” that he recently dispatched to the New Bern newspaper. As you will see, the subject is a proposal to charge tolls to all boats that pass through the new Trent River bridge. This is a really BAD idea, and, as Captain Ehlen notes, very probably a violation of Federal law!

To the Editor:
Let’s see now. Motorists have two means of crossing the Trent River to/from New Bern. Boaters have only one means of moving between the Trent and Neuse Rivers. I’m a boat owner and the following has a direct impact on me and most other boaters in the area, not to mention the marinas and boat yards on the Trent River, the New Bern Yacht Club and the East Carolina YC.
A few years ago, articles in the Sun Journal reported that the old Cunningham Bridge was deemed in dire need of repair. In fact, I think it was in 2002, one of your headlines stated that the bridge was “The least safe bridge in North Carolina.” Lead paint and other issues over the years led to the decision by the state to remove the bridge.
North Carolina, according to your articles, at first said the bridge wouldn’t be replaced as there was already a new high bridge over the Trent River.
New Bern’s government and downtown merchants, I read, wanted a new high bridge or draw bridge or tunnel to replace the old Cunningham Bridge because they felt that the bridge brought them customers/visitors/money from the James City area.
The compromise reached was that the state would build the new bridge and turn it over to the city.
Now that the new bridge is completed and open, the city wants to back out of its commitment and let the state pay for its upkeep.
Then, your editorial of April 11 suggests that maybe BOATERS should pay a toll ($2/ft.?) to have the bridge opened. Are you nuts? Boaters don’t need the bridge; it’s a convenience for the city, merchants and motorists.
I’m sure federal laws prohibit blocking navigable waterways, hence draw bridges have to open for boats.
On the other hand, maybe the editorial was just a late April Fool’s joke.
Wade Ehlen

Wow! If $2/ft is even being CONSIDERED, I’ll be parking at the town docks or the Galley Store from now on. In fact, it may end up with us moving our boat from the New Bern area all together. Downtown merchants need boaters to visit. We spend a fair amount in downtown on a regular basis. How will they handle the idea that the town’s two largest marinas will basically be locked behind this toll bridge?
If I had to guess, it was only a proposal or idea just thrown out there as a possibility. I seriously doubt it would make it much further than that.
Tom Beaty

Many thanks to Captain Dayo for his brief report below on this new Neuse River facility near New Bern, NC. Can someone else please provide some additional details about this new marina, and particularly a telephone number. If so, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information. Many thanks in advance!

Subject: new marina in Bridgeton, NC
Cruising News: There is a new marina in Bridgeton, NC, on the Neuse River. It is a short distance up river from New Bern on the Bridgeton side of the River. It is the Bridgeton Harbor. It is located immediately down river from the railroad crossing.
Ed Deyo

My Google Map does not have the name of the river that is to the east of New Bern, NC, but if you look it up, you will find rt. 17 bridge that crosses this river to the right. If you look left on the approaching shore you will see sailboat mast up a-ways. This is Bridgeton Harbor Marina, 252-349-1194, http://www.brigetonharbor.com, dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com., and his name is Tom. This is apparently a 5 Star marina that was built before the condos were and they aren’t getting done until the economy improves so there it sits. It has, floating docks, marina, car available, 5 washer/dryers, 5 seat type shower that never run out of hot water and it was $300 a month dockage last summer for a 50′ boat. Plus the man who told me about this Ted, who is now in Core Creek like we are, said there was a great breeze all the time at this place that stuck out in the water. So, put that in your places to check out book.
This is from my sister Sarah and is second hand from me. But, she consorts with a salty crew, so there probably is some truth to her advice.
Clint and Lori Wadsworth

Ask and you will receive ‘¦’¦ something
I had just sent this information to my brother Clint Wadsworth heading south on ESCORT, yesterday. We are on ACADIA and soon to head south, but are hauled out in Beaufort, NC.
Two days ago I heard from a fellow `yard-bird’, who had been at this marina for the summer and couldn’t say enough nice things about it. He said it was a beautiful 5 Star type marina and that he had been there for the summer. His monthly was very reasonable, the floating docks jutted out far enough in the river to catch a breeze, no bugs and the tie ups were accessible and large. There is a huge shop building, I am not sure who runs that. There are 5 gorgeously tiled showers with benches in them, lots of hot water plus 5 washer/dryers and a car to borrow. The dockmaster’s name is Tom 252-49-1194, http://www.brigetonmarina.com , dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com
Sarah Schroeder

The only real problem we have ever had while berthing at Whittaker Creek, is that downtown Oriental, with all its wonderful dining attractions (including, Tucans and Village Food Emporium, both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS) is a bit far for walking.

Shopping marinas to put our boat. We like Whittaker Creek, for a good neighborly feel, but here’s what we saw in March 2010. Piers in rougher shape than average. Some disaster happened to the clubhouse/pool, can’t figure what. Also, Whittaker seems to be specializing in selling really badly-treated boats. There are many of them about.
Knute (bright spot) is very friendly, but the poorly treated boats that sprinkle the marina are a bad omen. Seems like a marina in decline. I’d repair some boards in the piers and segregate the bone-yard boats away from the general population. Not sure when the clubhouse gets wiped clean or rebuilt. Very friendly place, friendly boaters there though. We thought they were priced higher than the market for long term slips and their general condition.
Ben

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

Matthews Point Marina is one of our favorite facilities on the North Carolina coastline. If you are looking for a shoreside restaurant, go elsewhere. Otherwise, you could not possibly do better than make the acquaintance of Jet Matthews and his fine staff at this beautiful facility!!!

We love this place. We shopped about 4-5 marinas in March 2010 to put our for-us-new boat and Matthews Point is well-maintained, friendly, casual, beautiful, and well-loved. They take care of the facility like I take care of my home. Dockmaster Paul is helpful and friendly. Making it there our boat-home.
Ben

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

Interesting that dockage rates have dropped at this facility.

Called there in March 2010 about long term slips. Many amenities (A fitness center, New Bern, hotel, restaurants). Competitive rates for what you get, but was also told they had dropped their rates in the past year because they were losing (long term) boaters due to the economy. Very tempting but too far away from the ocean for us. I love this marina, it’s always in top shape.
Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

River Dunes is part of a sumptuous, low impact development. It is accessible by water from Neuse River, by way of Broad Creek, east of Oriental. Just to be clear on this, River Dunes is one of the very best marinas in North Carolina, and I’m not just saying that because they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We are staying at River Dunes as I write this note. Just got back from a fantastic dinner at the restaurant and a long hot shower in one of the most superb showers I have ever been in, complete with a steam bath in the shower itself. Docking was a snap with all the room afforded in the fairways and basin. Dock hand, Meredith, was great and made us feel special. There was a golf cart for us to use to get around the grounds which are nothing less than beautiful. The water has been turned off at the docks but there is a faucet in the pool area that can be used with your jerry jugs. We will be sure to stop here again on our way north in the Spring.
Larry Morrow

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Northwest Creek Marina is a nice facility, but don’t forget Galley Stores Marina, on the Neuse River in New Bern, NC. These latter folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Cruisers have been lauding their marinas. I would like to throw NW Creek into the hat. It is well protected, and, at $6.65 per foot is pretty reasonable. Bud, Dawn, and Clarence run the place and do make some demands. They expect you to have long lines so THEY can move your boat forward in the slip in case there is a hurricane. They have never lost a boat in a huricane.
A great attribute is the number and quality of marine services available. A number of technicians from Hattaras who were laid off, are skilled craftsmen in woodworking, fiberglass, engines and systems. They do great work at much less than shipyard prices.
However, the best part is the caring and supportive attitude of everyone I have met.
Brian and Karen Donaldson
“Duet”

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Northwest Creek Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Galley Stores Marina

Bridge Pointe Marina (formerly the “Ramada Marina”) is actually located on the Trent River, on the opposite shore from the New Bern Grand Marina (at the Sheraton Inn). Captain is quite correct about the old, Trent River swing bridge currently being under reconstruction. As long as this span is closed, it’s like going around your thumb to get to your little finger, to reach downtown New Bern, with its many good restaurants and interesting shops.

We have stayed at two marinas in the North Carolina area: Bridgepointe Marina in New Bern (5+ months) and Washington City Dock in Washington (1 week). Both are 20+ miles from the ICW and in mostly fresh water. New Bern is a much larger community with restaurants, historical areas, etc. The Bridgepointe Marnina is probably best described as “adequate” – not the best place we stayed and certainly not the worst. Get a slip on the dock nearest the clubhouse, I believe that’s dock A. Docks B and C are less protected from waves/wakes. If you leave in the spring, you should be able to avoid the layer of river mussels that grows on EVERYTHING under water during the summer.
The bridge that provides easy access to New Bern from the marina is under construction and therefore closed. You will need a car there to get around since you cannot cross the bridge. The marina does not have a courtesy car.
Patti and Billy Clifford

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

We could not agree more with the crew of Seabreeze. It’s well worth EVERY cruisers’ time to abandon the AICW at Oriental, and cruise upstream on the Neuse River to New Bern, North Carolina. This fortunate community has a wealth of good marina facilites, excellent restaurants and some absolutely superb historic attractions, including Tryon Palace. New Bern was the Colonial capital of North Carolina, and the city’s rich past has been carefully preserved.
When you are visiting New Bern, please consider coiling your lines at Galley Stores Marina. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

New Bern is a great place to stop.
Seabreeze

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Galley Stores Marina

River Dunes Marina, to be succinct, is an extraordinary marina facility, and this writer cannot recommend it too highly. Of course, all of us here at the Cruisers’ Net are prejudiced, as these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Claiborne, Would you please post on your next Alert that River Dunes has a Fall Guest Boater Discount Package that includes dockage and fuel. The link to information about the Fall Guest Boater Special is http://www.riverdunes.com/index.php?flag=harbor_amenities We have a new blog on our website with lots of photos of guest boats in our harbor and other noteworthy events that we update on a daily basis http://www.riverdunes.com/blog.php Thanks for your help, Claiborne!
Sherwood

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

My experience with the Oriental Harbor anchorage is that most boats anchor between Oriental Harbor Marina, and the channel leading to the interior reaches of Oriental harbor, and Oriental Marina (plus Toucans Restaurant – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). Captain Emerson is right in that depths decline somewhat the closer you approach the Oriental Yacht Club facility.

Cruising News: For some reason, none of the cruising guides we have with us mention what’s inferred on the charts: the channel through Oriental\’s harbor is close to the breakwater. While anchoring in Oriental, we tried to leave room between us and the new marina, thinking that was the fairway for the shrimpers. In fact, this is the space for anchoring (well, don’t block the marina fairways, of course), and the area near the breakwater should be left clear.
It’s hard to comment on typical depths in the harbor as right now (19-20 Oct 2009) there\’s minor flooding in the street at the head of the harbor. Several days of north winds have driven water levels about 2′ higher than usual. Nonetheless, it looks as though anchoring towards the Oriental yacht Club is not for the deep of draft (like us!).
Richard B. Emerson

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Oriental Harbor Anchorage

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Toucans Restaurant

YES, by all means, please do plan an overnight stop in Oriental. This a wonderful place with friendly people and good food.
And, if you do stop here, by all means please stay with our good friends at Oriental Marina (and Toucan’s Restaurant), a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

The recession has put some businesses in Oriental at risk and they need cruisers to stop in for an overnight visit. Please do. The restaurants are all open and the food is still as good as ever. Inland Waterway was giving deals on marine supplies this week. There are two dinghy docks, one on each side of the bridge.
We are departing from Oriental on Calculation bound for the Bahamas in a few weeks.
Doug Sleigh

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Toucan’s Restaurant

I heartily agree with Captain John’s remarks below. Whenever we visit Oriental, we always stay at Oriental Marina (just behind Toucans Restaurant). This is a great spot, and these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

The Oriental Marina is in downtown Oriental, has twelve slips, and is much more protected than other marinas in the area. It has a full service hotel, a restaurant, and exceptionally clean showers. Once there, most all of Oriental’s shopping and eating facilities are within a short walking distance.
John M

We do very few marinas, but we love this one. Great showers, friendly staff, and good on-site restaurant. A bunch of us were stuck there for three days because of the weather and the dockmaster drove us to the grocery and a fresh produce market. We have also gotten rides back from the grocery folks after walking the mile to get there. A good chandlery-hardware store-gift shop a half block away and lots of good restaurants. Not to be missed!
Allen

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

Bridge Pointe Marina (formerly the Ramada Marina), sits on the opposite shore of the Trent River from the New Bern Grand Marina. If you do berth at Bridge Pointe, and wish to visit downtown New Bern, and it’s many dining plus historical attractions, you will need to dinghy across Trent River. The old swing bridge is still under reconstruction.
Also, don’t forget Galley Stores Marina, located on the Neuse River side of New Bern. This is the city’s newest marina, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Most vessels that are slipped here [Bridge Pointe Marina] are on six month contract, with some month to month, and some on shorter term transient daily/weekly. Many of the shorter term are boats from homeports further north that flock to the vicinity of 35 N to stage/ wait out the end of hurricane peak activity. The Sheraton Grand across the river sponsors a Bahamas Bound weekend seminar in October and many transients fill up the immediate area, including anchoring on the Trent just upriver from the railroad bridge, dinghying in to the seminar. The Outback Steakhouse is located about 350 yards from the marina and many local boaters will tie up on the long face of `C’ dock (next to the Trent River Bridge, currently being rebuilt) for dinner at the resteraunt.
Steve

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

Their is a wealth of useful cruising news and tips in Captain message below, all centered on the Neuse River city of New Bern, North Carolina. If you plan an upcoming visit to New Bern, and you should, don’t dare miss this posting!

We lived in the condos that overlook the [New Bern Grand] marina for eight months in 2009 while our boat was being renovated.
For a great walk, turn right at the end of the docks toward the new bridge. The sidewalk takes you around the convention center where you turn right into a waterfront park. Staying close to the water takes you into an eight square block historical residential area that includes the local library and a solid magazine collection.
There are two great, local coffee shops. One is three blocks away on Middle Street, which dead ends into the marina and one two blocks away on Craven, which also dead ends into the marina. Two restaurants we liked are Captain Ratty’s, one block away on Middle and the Chelsea, three blocks away at Middle and Broad.
The big box stores, such as Walmart and Lowes, as well as the West Marine store and Harris Teeter, are about a ten minute car trip in the same direction.
If you need a Captain to move your boat or for a day’s instruction, I highly recommend John Watson who lives a block away and has a boat in the marina (252-626-2280).
If you need boat repair of any kind, the guy to call is Danny Swindell. He works at Hatteras and, if he can’t help you, he knows everyone who is good in the area who can. (252-229-4806)
I believe the best boat painter on the east coast is Bruce Mallard who lives in the area and can be reached at 252-670-8255.
If I had been staying in the part of the marina that is directly off of the deck of the hotel, I would not have been a fan of the music that plays each weekend night during the summer until 10 p.m.. It is loud and the crowd can be noisy.
Larry Hall

For excellent, one call repair on all your systems I recommend calling Forrest Jastram. He has a lot of experience, has spent years cruising FL and the Bahamas,and if you are anchored out he will come out to your boat. Call 252-876-3838
Sue Rogers

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

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

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