Bennett Brothers Yachts has joined their team with Off The Hook Yacht Sales to form a new venture, Off The Hook Yacht Services.
Bennett Brothers Yachts is now Off The Hook Yacht Services
This notice was posted as a comment from our friend Joe Valinoti of Oriental to an April LNM and it is re-posted here as a reminder. Oriental is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Whittaker Creek lies east of Oriental on the north shores of the Neuse River.
Be advised that Whittaker Creek Channel in Oriental, NC has been dredged to 7 – 8 feet as of last month and is not longer the problem it once was.
Joe Valinoti
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
For cruisers wanting to explore the AICW Scenic Route, no duck weed is good news! Floating duck weed masses, which can clog engine cooling, are the result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, will often proliferate. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center reports NO duck weed in the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Donna Stewart
Director
Duck weed floats in years past
Our thanks to Ben and Brenda Sanderson and Rob and Marg Webb for their nice comments on AGLCA’s Forum about NC waters where several of CRUISERS NET SPONSORS are located, including Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, Belhaven, Washington and Edenton. These fun stops are four of those “stop and smell the roses” situations.
Just off the beaten loop path lies many great places. So many loopers doing the loop in a single year miss these places. For instance, the Albemarle Sound and accompanying Albemarle loop. Almost everyone stops in Belhaven, NC but few take a day to cruise up to Bath and ‘Little Washington”. Washington is a great stop. This town welcomes boaters and has waterfront festivals (non-Covid 19 years) almost every other weekend as well as an educational estuarium center. The list goes on and on for places off the direct path.
Those taking the Dismal Swamp please stop in Edenton. Take a walk through the neighborhood of fine victorian homes. So peaceful. Don’t spread the word too much but the town dock is free for the first two nights and they usually give out a welcome bag. These small towns want us to visit.
Ben & Brenda Sanderson
M/V ‘Last Chance’
44′ Valor Marine
Just to reinforce the good comments about the Dismal Swamp Route, we just completed it 2 days ago. It is truly fantastic – peaceful, calm water, lush greenery so close you can touch it [sometimes too close], only spoiled by the sounds of traffic for the first few miles at the South end.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks
We are so glad you were able to come our way. This is a beautiful waterway, and at this time of year Swamp Roses and Honeysuckle also add a lovely fragrance as you travel through. Thank you for sharing your stories.
The original state report on sea level rise in 2010 yielded controversy rather than policy changes to address the problem, but officials say there’s response happening now at the state and local levels
NC’s First Sea Level Rise Report, 10 Years On
Coastal Review Online
As the first inlet into NC waters south of the Chesapeake, Oregon Inlet is very tempting to offshore cruisers. HOWEVER, Oregon Inlet is notorious for shoaling, keeping the USCG busy relocating ATONs. Even with this dredging project, Cruisers Net still recommends attempting navigation ONLY with shoal draft and good local knowledge.
Park Service OKs Oregon Inlet Dredge Plan
Coastal Review Online
Good morning,
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
Our most recent report on clearance at Wilkerson Creek Bridge is from experienced tall-master, Rick Dammeyer. Answers are needed for new questions from John Rahm. If you carry 64ft mast height and have passed under this bridge successfully (or not!?!), please let us hear from you.
Requesting insight on the Wilkerson Bridge at MM 125.9.
Are the clearance boards in tact?
What is the tidal range there?
Is there anyone close, that I can call, to check the clearance, before I leave Portsmouth?
Need the phone number of the closest house!
Thanks in advance. Moving a boat with a 63 foot mast.
Cheers, Captain John Rahm
Wondering about the height of the water at the Wilkerson Bridge and whether or not a boat with 64 ft mast will be able to get under the bridge.
Bill Combs
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilkerson Creek Bridge
We just passed under this bridge on June 4, 2021 at midtide. Tide board read 64 + barnacles. We require 63.5 and the VHF antenna whipped the top with our passage.
The nominal air draft at the Wilkerson Bridge is 64 ft. There is negligible lunar tide in this area, but water depths will vary depending on wind speed and direction. Strong westerly or northwesterly winds will lower the water levels by up to 2 ft. Conversely, strong east or southeasterly winds across the Pamlico Sound will raise the water level and reduce bridge clearance.
Since the water level varies from day to day, the best thing to do is contact an approaching sailboat that has recently passed under the bridge and ask about conditions. If you are southbound, do that when still in the Alligator River, since there is no place to anchor in the Alligator River Cut to wait for a wind shift. If northbound, ask someone in the Belhaven/Dowrey Creek area so you can anchor in the Pungo River anchorage just south of the Wilkerson Bridge, if needed. The folks at Dowrey Creek Marina can also give you information about the current water depths in the area.
We just passed under this bridge on Friday May 12th without issue. We require 63 1/2′ clearance and had approximately 6″ to spare. Height board showed 64′.
The National Park Service starting May 22 will offer more services to visitors of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Outer Banks Parks Visitor Services to Increase
Coastal Review Online
Historian David Cecelski introduces his 12-part series, “The Story of Shad Boats,” that explores the origins, construction and history of the workboats found on the North Carolina coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Story of Shad Boats
Coastal Review Online
North Carolina State Parks announced this week that trails and restrooms at its parks statewide will open Saturday, including Carolina Beach State Park, Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center“>Dismal Swamp State Park, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Fort Macon State Park, Goose Creek State Park, Hammocks Beach State Park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Pettigrew State Park. This is good news for cruisers wanting to experience the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Coastal Communities Adjust Restrictions
Coastal Review Online
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties, including Manteo, home to Manteo Waterfront Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard announces entry for visitors.
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties.
The three counties worked together to make the decision after Gov. Roy Cooper Tuesday issued Executive Order 138 that modified the state’s stay-at-home rder and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions and made the announcement Wednesday morning.
Visitors will be permitted entry to Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island, Dare County mainland, Currituck County Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island. Visitors are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm reservation and arrival plans.
Allowing visitors on May 16 will allow seven days for local businesses, attractions, and accommodations providers to prepare for the arrival of visitors following the new business operating requirements put in place by the governor’s order, according to the counties.
Entry restrictions for visitors to mainland Hyde County were lifted at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Hyde announced. Ocracoke nonresident property owners will be allowed entry May 11. All nonresident property owners should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves in their homes as much as possible such as groceries, medication, paper products and other essentials.
Officials reminded visitors that the pandemic is not over and state and local restrictions are in effect including:
Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Officials stressed CDC recommendations to not travel if you are sick or were exposed within 14 days to COVID-19.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Ocracoke and Manteo, here we come…
Awesome…tell Carl Jordan in Manteo that Cruisers Net sends its very best to one hell of marina manager.😎
That time of year is rapidly approaching. Are you, your crew and your vessel ready?
Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina: Determining your risk
OBXToday.com
Hurricane forecasts will see some changes for 2020: Here’s what will be different
WOGX
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events including safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Click here for Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
Belhaven, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the northern shore of Pantego Creek which meets the western shoulder of the Waterway at Mile 135 south of the Alligator River – Pungo River Canal. Our thanks to Kevin and Debbie Stone for these kind words.
Belhaven Visitor Lounge, located across the street from the floating dinghy dock, and associated with the Chamber of Commerce, is a most wonderful example of gracious hospitality and “welcome”! During open hours, a book exchange, free wifi, restroom, and a lovely setting with plenty of sitting room to relax, are enhanced even further by the overwhelmingly friendly offers to help with what else boaters might need. We have visited several times, and during our most recent visit we needed to have a time-sensitive document printed so we could sign and mail it promptly; Diana could not have been more kind, having posted her phone # on the outside door and quickly came to help us take care of that, even though it was outside of their open hours; she is a gem! SV Grace’s crew will look for Diana’s beautiful smile each time we are there.
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC
Whether you want to revisit the past, satisfy your curiosities, discover the arts or explore your true nature, you can do it from the heart of the Inner Banks – Washington, North Carolina. Washington City Docks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, has proven to be well worth the journey up the beautiful Pamlico River!
The Washington Waterfront Docks is open and doing business pretty much as usual.
Dock Attendants are on hand from 8AM to 7PM every day. We have 320 feet of bulkhead docks (without power and water) where boaters can stay for 2 days at no charge, and are able to accept a limited number of boats up to about 80 feet on docks with power and water. Ice, laundry, pumpout, and loaner bicycles for playing tourist or running to the store. As a matter of fact, we have 4 northbound cruisers hanging out in Washington right now, waiting for passage through Maryland to open up.
Some of the restaurants within 2 blocks of the docks are currently closed, but there are 4 or 5 available for takeout orders. We are seeing a large number of families coming down to the waterfront to walk, play, and picnic. And our local marine service providers are all open for business.
Rick Brass
Dockmaster
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks
Having just re-opened following a three month maintenance closure and now partially closed due to COVID-19, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. Southbound, the Dismal Swamp Canal departs the VA Waterway at statute mile 7.2 and northbound off Albemarle Sound northeast up the Pasquatank River , NC. Our thanks to Randall Peterson for these kind words as posting on AGLCA’s Forum.
John is right on about rafting. It’s a time honored tradition to allow one or two rows to raft at the end of the day, since there isn’t much else around for overnighting. Great pet friendly stop also. This particular NC welcome center is the only one in the US that I’m aware of that services both land vehicles and boats at the same place. Staff inside (if open during Covid19) are super nice. We’ve stopped here dozens of times albeit more by car than boat, and always clean.
Ben Sanderson
M/V ‘Last Chance’
44′ Valor Marine
Ben,
Thank you for the kind words. Staff is in the building, able to answer questions by phone and provide resources, but our Center is closed to the public at this time. Rest Area and Rest Rooms are open, as well as the paved DSC Trail, 3 miles in length. We hope you will join us again, and we'll be able to open our doors when safe. The dock is available and we have had light traffic. Wishing you health and safety.
This excellent facility and longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. See Emergency Only prior to April 22.
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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
The Dismal Swamp Canal just re-opened following three months of maintenance and we are grateful to Paul and Gillian for this report as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County, NC. See Dismal Swamp Canal Re-Opens and April Programs.
We came through the Dismal Swamp Canal the last two days with over 6 feet of depth and commonly 8 feet. Notwithstanding that we felt two minor bumps against the hull and one bigger with our 4 foot draft. The visitor centre information office is closed but the washrooms and walking path are open.
Paul and Gillian
Blue Moon
We are glad you came our way. Although our Visitor Center is closed to the public, Staff is available to answer questions, and we can always make a way to provide resources. Leaving a package outside, etc., purchasing a hat or t-shirt, etc. Staff is in the building on Monday-Friday at this time. We're taking the opportunity to clean and organize. Thanks for the comments.
Morehead City Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the southern flank of the marked channel that runs west from Mile 203 of the Waterway, just north of the Morehead-Beaufort high-rise bridge.
Update for Morehead City Yacht Basin
“Morehead City Yacht Basin is open for transients and fueling. Morehead City does not show any signs of limiting boaters ability to re-provision in the city as Beaufort, NC has done. North Carolina is under an Order by the Governor to not limit any movement to essential needs like food, medical, fuel, etc. You may do so in Morehead City as long as it is essential. The restaurant next to the marina, Floyd’s, remains open to take out, as well as several other restaurants in the area. We ask that you stay on your boat except for any essential needs and that you use social distancing throughout the marina. We have a limited staff that will help you dock and fuel. We ask that you give a credit card over the phone as well as an email address for the reservation form and receipts.”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Yacht Basin
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