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

There is a good reson that North Carolina’s Neuse River is known as the second roughest body of water on the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to Key West! And, Captain Jenkin’s note below is a fine example of this maxim. If possible, do time your passage of the AICW/Neuse River stretch for a day of fair breezes. The filling in your teeth might actually stay in your head.

Subject: Bay River – Neuse River Junction
Cruising News: With NE winds bettween 20 & 30 knots we were probably not well advised to venture into the Neuse river with 3 to 4 ft seas following us southbound but we did anyhow. We can handle the following sea but what caught us by surprise was the water leaving Bay River out to the Neuse River Junction. A wild ride rocking back and forth at 25 to 30 degrees each side with beam seas. I would choose not to do this again and would wait for a calmer day.
David Jenkins

It’s getting almost downright repetitive to keep posting accolades for River Dunes Marina. I can’t thank of another marina that has ganered so much praise here on the Net’s “North Carolina” Cruising News section. To be somewhat succinct, if you have not stayed here before now, do yourself a BIG favor and remedy that oversight soon.
Oh yes, by the way, River Dunes is a very loyal SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Really a super staff on hand. Floating docks, like the marina, are new. The two times I have visited, I have been put in a slip with 50 amp service for my boat, which has 35 amp needs. Both times they supplied the conversion cord for me, no problem. I’ve not had a chance to try the restaurant, but I hear that it is excellent. The rest rooms are very nicely laid out, with a super high tech shower system. Nice at the end of a long day. And I especially liked staying here before sailing to Ocracoke. It gives me a shorter sail than from Oriental.
HB Koerner

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

Sounds like a GOOD time is had by all who attend!

Subject: Oriental
Cruising News: If you are in Oriental on a Wednesday evening, 6 – 8 pm, and enjoy live music, you are in for a treat. The Silos restaurant, across the street from West Marine, about a mile from Town Dock, hosts Chris Daniels and Kari Desisle singing duets, accompanied by acoustic guitar. Call 252 249-1050 to make sure they are playing when you are in town.
H. B. Koerner

Don’t you wish you could have an experience in every port of call, like the one in Oriental, NC, described by Captain Bob below! Well, that may be a pipe dream, but Oriental is and remains a very friendly port of call. Don’t miss it!

We stopped in Oriental on our way North and spent two days there. The people in the ships store (sorry can’t think of their names) were so kind to us. They volunteered their car (we didn’t ask for it) to shop and go to the laundry. We were pleasantly surprised, but good people are everywhere, so why not in Oriental? I cannot recommend the place too highly – their Marina service and hospitality was terrific. We also had a damaged stbd water pump replaced by a local mechanic, arranged by the store people. His prices were very fair for both a new Jabsco water pump and labor ($310.00)
Captain Bob Viola
Trojan Tri-Cabin: `The Lady T’

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Condos

South River cuts into the southern banks of the Neuse River/AICW, almost opposite the charming river village of Oriental, NC. It is also located just east/north of the AICW’s turn to the south into Adamws Creek.
South River offers some superb anchorages, and noted by Captains George and Ann below!

This is a beautiful cruising ground with many choices, including some more secluded spots further up stream from those shown. We anchored off the entrance to Eastman Creek; holding was excellent in sticky dense mud. Further up, the entrance to Southwest Creek is another good option. As the Guide says, you can pretty much pick anywhere that looks good. This has become one of our favorite places just to hang out and get away from it all.
George and Ann
`Incentive’ Hatteras 56MY

I have anchored a bit too far to the south of Eastman Creek, in 6 feet of water, when the wind changed and blew hard out of the southwest. The depth of the water here is determined by the wind direction and strength, not by tides. When the wind blows hard from the south, the water level drops in the Neuse and I found myself bumping the bottom trying to find/create a channel out the next day. Once I was back in the middle of the river I had plenty of water.
hbkoerner@mac.com
HB Koerner

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

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

33. Eventually, the AICW rounds Maw Point, and begins to work its way upstream on the Neuse River. Near Statute Mile 174 cruisers can take a turn to the northwest and enter yet another Broad Creek. Here, between markers #3 and #4, along the creek’s southeasterly shoreline, you will find the entrance to fabulous River Dunes Marina and development (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). In my humble opinion, this is one of the most tasteful and impressive marinas between North Carolina and New Orleans. Who has stayed at River Dunes? Were you as impressed as this writer?

Responses follow:

As you approach the channel entrance to the Broad Creek from the Neuse River, pay close attention to the markers. It is a 90 degree turn to port, followed by a 90 degree turn to starboard, followed by a 90 degree turn to port. It is one of those entrances that `visually’ appears you can go straight in, but you would be wrong. Be wary of the same thing coming out! I have seen a number of boats both power and sail sitting aground next to the R24 scratching their head. Having said all that, I agree that River Dunes is one of the best spots along the ICW these days. Modern floating docks, easy in-out fuel dock, very nice head and shower facilities, a decent marine store, and a great restaurant all within the marina. Be sure and check on the restaurant hours and they are sometimes closed during the week.
Peter

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

Sounds absolutely yummy. I’m sure all of us in the cruising community wish “Bama” the very best, and, please note, that until quite recently she was a live-aboard cruiser!

Cruisers dropping anchor in Oriental, NC, and heading ashore for some grub now have a new option for mealtime provisioning. The VILLAGE FOOD EMPORIUM recently opened in an old blue house at the corner of Broad St. (Hwy. 55) and Church St., directly across from Town Hall and The Old Theater and between Captain’s Quarters Bed & Breakfast and the Inn at Oriental. Specializing in convenient and freshly prepared carry-out cuisine, they can be reached at 252-249-FOOD (3663) or www.villagefoodemporium.com.
Their menu offers an array of made-to-order sandwiches and wraps (Ham & Cheese w/horseradish mayo, Grilled Vegetables w/goat cheese and pesto, Chicken Salad, Seafood Salad, and Roasted Pork Loin with Chipotle mayo). Dinner entrees recently included roasted Salmon w/horseradish mustard and honey, Shrimp Cocktail, Meatloaf w/Italian-Style Tomato Sauce, Chicken with Peaches, Ginger, and Basil, and similarly flavorful fare that’s not easy to come by in a galley of your own. There’s also a deli case filled with tasty side dishes, like Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans roasted w/garlic and Parmesan, and a large cooler with other delicious options for an impromptu meal on the boat, at a B&B, or perhaps for a picnic at nearby Lou Mac Park. You’ll find freshly made salads and fresh pineapple chunks in bio-degradeable containers, and chilled soft drinks, juices and mixers. Freshly brewed iced tea is another option. A selection of hand-picked wines and beers will also be added in the near future.
Also available are loaves of freshly baked, crusty Italian bread and some of the finest cheeses you are likely to encounter on your voyage because the Village Food Emporium is the very first retailer of Artisanal Premium Cheeses in the entire south. For those not yet familiar with this company, Artisinal Premium Cheeses carry’s more than 200 types of hand-made cheeses made by talented Affineurs around the world. The cheeses are carefully aged and ripened in five cheese caves that lay underneath the firm’s Manhattan-based headquarters. From there, they are shipped overnight to retails locations in and around Manhattan and Long Island only–and now, to Oriental! Flavor starved sailors can also load up on specialty gourmet groceries and handmade gifts, including Saucy Sisters Russian Honey Mustard (winner of the 2008 World Mustard Competition), Recchiuti Chocolate, Harvest Song Peach, Apricot, and Green Walnut Preserves from Armenia, and whole bean, freshly roasted Organic coffee from Costa Rica.
Proprietor Bama Lutes Deal dreampt up her business concept after spending 7 years in Oriental on a part- time basis. Living on her boat from December 2008 to April 2009, she personally supervised the renovation process, which required new wiring, plumbing, HVAC, floors, and the building of an inviting entrance deck. Deal then proceeded to nurse back the old fashioned garden of hydrangeas, clematis, and roses had lain fallow on the property for quite some time. The result is a peaceful, welcoming and homey little spot that emits intoxicating aromas from a brand new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Customers can place food orders in advance by calling 252-249-FOOD (3663) or emailing BamaLutesDeal@aol.com. Or they can just drop in during regular business hours–Tu thru Sat, 11 am to 7 pm. The Emporium’s seasonal menu is updated each week, and special orders can often be accommodated with a bit of advanced notice.
To find the Village Food Emporium from Oriental’s Town Dock, simply walk or drive north along Broad St. until the sidewalk ends, then cross Church St. and look for the only blue 2-story house w/ white trim on the right. The entrance which is off to the side, sports a brightly painted orange door. Enjoy!
Bama Lutes Deal
Owner, Manager
Village Food Emporium
702 Broad St.

As you approch Oriental’s interior harbor, Oriental Harbor Marina will be spotted to port. Don’t confuse this facility, due the name similarity, with Oriental Marina, which is located on the starboard shores of the village’s innermost harbor. This latter facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We stayed at Oriental Harbor Marina July 3 and 4, tied to the outer bulkhead. What a great place to see the fireworks, just on the other side of the Rte. 55 bridge! The weather was calm, so we didn’t get bounced around too much. There’s been a change since we were there last – Oriental Marina (no Harbor) is now handling transient reservations and docking assistance for Oriental Harbor Marina. So contact Oriental Marina on the VHF or by phone. The folks from Oriental Marina come right over by bicycle to give you hand when needed. Excellent service!
Jim Starr
S/V Snap Dragon

Click Here For More Information Concerning Oriental Harbor Marina

I am very pleased to hear that there is a new marina in Oriental. This is such a marvellous port of call, that we need as much slip space here as possible to facillitate cruising visitors.
Oh yes, don’t forget that another local facility, Oriental Marina and Toucan Restaurant, are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: Whittaker Pointe Marina
Cruising News: There is fairly new marina in Oriental that is not listed on this Cruisers Net. Whittaker Pointe Marina is located at the entrance to Whittaker Creek at green marker #5 (mile 181). It is a beautiful marina in a beautiful location. The docks, club house and swimming pool are all in excellent condition and the view from the clubhouse is gorgeous. Although is is located a good distance from town by dinghy, there is a courtesy van available for transient use, making it easy to reprovision at the grocery and West Marine (which are quite a walk from the downtown marinas). The van is also available for a trip out to dinner at the many wonderful restaurants in Oriental. Ashley and Carol Erwin are the dockmasters and, having been a cruiser themselves, are always willing to help in any way. If there is no answer on Channel 16, transients are welcome to tie up to the t-dock and call Ashley on his cell phone 252-675-2554. For information in advance, call either 252-249-1750 (office) or 252-675-2554 (cell). It is a wonderful place to stay overnight or for a week or longer.
Debbie

The Whittaker Point Marina just off the ICW is wonderful. They have a newly placed wave attenuator that really makes a huge difference in the calmness of the marina. The club house, pool, bathrooms and showers, etc. are lovely as are the natural surroundings. The dock master and mistress are very accommodating and now offer a courtesy car for short trips to the grocery or even the New Bern Airport. It is a 20 minute bike ride to the village and all that it has to offer. There is ample space for several big catamarans.
Penny Flaherty

Click Here For More Information Concerning Whittaker Pointe Marina

Galley Stores Marina is the newest pleasure craft facility in New Bern, NC. Unlike the town’s other marinas, Galley stores is located on the Neuse River side. And, let me quickly add that these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Give them a try!

Subject: Galley Stores Marina New Bern
Cruising News: We arrived here on Memorial Day and the marina is now open. This is a great location in downtown New Bern, with new, full length floating docks and all types of electrical hook ups. They have a nice pump out system, with in-slip pump out available in the larger slips; good pump outs are hard to find in this neck of the woods! The well managed small grocery store on site has or can get any kind of provisions you desire, and they have on-line provisioning available for advance ordering. Great selection of beer and wine. Private bathrooms with showers are new and top notch. Marina tenants get an additional 5 cents off per gallon of fuel, and volume discounts are available. Good restaurants, and the great Mitchell\’s Hardware are just a couple of blocks away, as are nice parks for dog walking. Loaner bikes are on hand too.Ã’šÃ‚
The setting is right in the lovely Historic District. It is a short walk further to the rest of downtown. You also avoid dealing with the bridge construction, and once the bridge is finished in November, you will avoid dealing with having it opened for you if you need more than 13 feet.
The only downside is that it is not quite as sheltered as the two “inside the bridge” marinas, especially from the south east, but the big docks do a good job of cutting down the chop. They are eager for new customers, so give Mark Mangum a call; he will quote you a very reasonable rate. I think we will stay here the rest of the spring, and we\’d love some neighbors!
George and Ann
“Incentive” Hatteras 56MY

Click Here For More Information Concerning Galley Stores Marina

The old river village of Oriental, NC, has the good fortune to lie on the northern banks of the Neuse River, directly astride the AICW’s path, just before this passage turns south down Adams Creek, on its way to Morehead City and Beaufort. Oriental is the unofficial sailcraft capital of the North Carolina coastline, and the town is dotted with good restaurants and interesting places to see. It is also very peaceful and quiet.
If you stop here, please allow me to recommend Oriental Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). This facility is located on the innermost part of Oriental Harbor, and EVERYTHING in town is within easy walking distance.

Subject: Oriental
Cruising News: Left Beaufort this am, only to find high winds and rough water. so we ducked in to Oriental. Walked the town and found a Marine Consignment store @706 broad st., just a few Blocks from the marina. Dockage here at the Oriental Marina is $1.75 a foot, no monthly rates. but does include wifi, showers with towels, etc.Hopeing to get moving again in the am.
Using your fuel page, thanks
Sterling

The development and marina known as River Dunes, sits in an ultra-sheltered harbor off the particular Broad Creek which cuts into the Neuse River between Bay River and Oriental. In North Carolina, you have to be careful to spell out which Broad Creek you are speaking about, as there are at least a half dozen “broad creeks” on the state’s coastline.
Anyway, back to River Dunes. This is, quite simply, the most impressive development I think I have ever seen. You have to see the eloquence and charm here for yourself to have a full appreciation. And, the marina is first class in every way. I would urge all cruisers to check out River Dunes. You won’t be sorry.
And, lest I forget, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISRERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: River Dunes, NC
Cruising News: We recently had the pleasure of docking at River Dunes, North Carolina. River Dunes is a sheltered harbor located a few miles east of Oriental, just minutes off the Neuse River and the ICW. Our sailing club the `Carrot Island Yacht Club’ recently held a rendezvous there. I have to say the experience was top notch from the moment we radioed that we were entering their channel to the day we departed. The staff was outstanding, helpful, friendly and accommodating. The facilities are second to none, including all new floating docks, fuel & pump out stations, hospitality center, restaurant, pool, hot tubs, cabanas, laundry, grills, fire pits, courtesy car, and bikes. If you need to sleep in a real bed on dry land, they have beautifully decorated and equipped cottages to rent.
We have cruised extensively on the Eastern seaboard and can highly recommend River Dunes to anyone cruising in the area.
Wayne & Vanessa Stryker
Windancer

Click Here For More Information On River Dunes Marina