Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
NEW LISTINGS !
The Albemarle Sound and the Albemarle Loop
In the jargon of the cruising community, “Enjoy the journey not just the destination”. Okay, that is often the case, but don’t you love it when both the journey and destinations are equally enjoyable? Whoever said, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” never was part of a cruising or boating family.
Albemarle Loop
For those who don’t live in or near North Carolina, as you pass through North Carolina there is so much to be enjoyed that is not along the shores of the ICW. Like it’s sister cruising waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the many rivers and creeks along the shores of North Carolina’s sounds are dotted with waterfront communities that invite you to explore the local culture, foods, and history. The area’s heritage dates back over 300 years. The callings of the Roanoke, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Croatan, and Chowan, are inviting you into a new cruising adventure. Learn how Native Americans lived in this resource rich area; follow in the wake of the area’s first English settlers; visit where 51 women signed their real names to a document sent to King George that they planned to boycott all British goods. This was to be known as the “Edenton Tea Party”.
Whether you are traveling back north for the summer, or making plans for this Fall’s trip south, the rivers and communities that frame the Albemarle Sound are inviting you to explore their shores and experience their warm southern hospitality.
A community of marine businesses and historical locations, located on and around the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, have organized to serve boaters through The Albemarle Loop, https://www.albemarleloop.com
This group of marine businesses and waterfront towns have joined together to educate and invite the area boaters and cruising enthusiasts to “enjoy the journey and the destinations,” to be their guests, and to let the area’s warm hospitality, culture, and history be part of your personal enjoyment.
Passport
And while you are doing so, you can earn points towards rewards for free nights at their participating marinas. Points earned accrue from year to year and when you reach certain levels you earn levels of what is known as “Cruising Passport Member Levels” which start at “Surveyor” and go up to “Explorer” and “Voyager”.
Check out the program at this link and get your passport: https://www.albemarleloop.com/cruisingmem.html.
Check out this link to see all the discounts and other rewards available from participating businesses located at or near participating marinas: https://albemarleloop.com/coupons.html
How’s that for welcoming hospitality??
Participating marinas will be in italics with an asterisk, eg. *Albemarle Plantation.
To pick up or print coupons use this link to the The Albemarle Loop website: https://albemarleloop.com/MARINA%20Coupons%202018%20v8.pdf
Since we are currently in the late months of Spring, let’s assume most of our readers have the pointed end of their vessels to the north. You will find Albemarle Sound as you leave the Pamlico Sound, either through the Pungo River into the ICW Canal and into the Alligator River or to the west or east of Roanoke Island around Manteo, NC.
Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove
One of your starting points into the Albemarle Loop experience might be *Shallowbag Bay Marina on the east side of Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC. You are within easy walking distance to the most interesting town of Manteo, NC. Near by is the seasonal outdoor presentation of the “Lost Colony.” If you are inclined to stick to the ICW route, leaving Pamlico Sound into the Pamlico River, then into the Pungo River and through the ICW Canal into the Alligator River, a good place to rest before “looping” is *Alligator River Marina.
If you are headed back towards Chesapeake, most suggest starting this journey on the south side of Albemarle Sound, visiting small towns and villages like Columbia, NC, where your host would be *Columbia Municipal Marina, or * Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove.
Progressing on westward towards the town of Plymouth, your host marina, *Plymouth Landing Marina (City Docks), lies along the upper area of the Roanoke River.
Edenton
Then head over the north side of Albemarle Sound into Edenton Bay and the charming town of Edenton, NC where you are invited to stay two nights free at *Edenton Harbor Marina. At the Colonial Edenton Downtown Harbor, you can dock while you visit and enjoy this charming town. The Harbor has, within walking distance, many historical homes, restaurants and shops. Lots to do, even a “Ghost Walk” ! Information is available below outlining the rules, regulations and rates for using the docks. Contact: 252-482-2832 (phone) Email: edenton.harbor@edenton.nc.gov
Transient boaters are also welcome to a full service marina, Wharf Landing Marina, but it is not close to the town itself, about five miles west of the town. While in Edenton, you will find many fun places to satiate your yearnings for sea food or other southern culinary delights. But one “particular harbor”, (my Jimmy Buffett, slips in every now and then), where you will want to dine, is *The 51 House. There you can tie up and enjoy some very fine traditional American delights. The old home overlooks Albemarle Sound and is a fine example of a waterfront setting, great food and warm hospitality. It takes its inspiration from Revolutionary War period when 51 women of the local area had “tea” together and drafted, signed, and sent to England a document stating that they would be boycotting all British goods. This would later be known as the “Edenton Tea Party.”
Albemarle Plantation
Looking for a place to retire, or to just have that residence on some tranquil, beautiful southern waters, then next stop is *Albemarle Plantation with their full service modern marina. Take a look at some nice home locations and get off the boat to go swimming in their pool or play a round of golf. Catch some awesome sun rises and sunsets. Check out this video link to this pristine location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt0j-8zCleA&t=18s
Continuing eastwards, you can take a run up the Perquiman River to the town of Hertford and stay at their *Hertford Bay Marina. It’s a nice ride up this river and a quiet place to get some R&R. The marina is small, nine slips with water, shore power for both 30 and 50 amps, waste pump-out, and the first 48 hours are free. Town is historic and has an aggressive program developing the historical homes and places.
Mariners Wharf, Elizabeth City
On your way north, I highly recommend you experience the Dismal Swamp Canal, and its host city, “The Harbor of Hospitality,” *Elizabeth City, at their *Mariners Wharf which is right in the town proper. Or stay just across the small Hwy 158 bridge at *The Pelican Marina, which is a very easy walk over to town. Elizabeth City was founded in 1793, the same year construction started on the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was a key to safe commercial water passage between the Chesapeake Bay’s Elizabeth River in Norfolk, VA, and North Carolina coastal waters. Elizabeth City is rich in history, filled with fun and excellent places to eat or “dine”, and it is home to the Museum of the Albemarle. We could fill pages on this delightful town, check it out here: https://visitelizabethcity.com/ ENJOY.
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Then on to the Dismal Swamp Canal as you continue your cruise towards Chesapeake Bay. The *Dismal Swamp Welcome Center” is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful “rest stops” and it is next to a “SWAMP”. But not your ordinary swamp!
As mentioned briefly above, the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national treasure, and so very worth the trip. Explore the rich history and colorful past as well as the floral beauty and wildlife. Take the ranger led tours, participate in the interpretive programs, and let the secrets of the Dismal Swamp Canal awaken you to a new experience. Here’s the link to their website: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/
Be sure to take full advantage of all the special offers available through the Albemarle Loop group of marine businesses to enhance your cruise and save you some money. Website address: https://www.albemarleloop.com
We wish all fair winds and gentle seas.
***********
Editor’s note: Several of the marinas on the Loop route are Cruisers’ Net Sponsors and this FOCUS ON article is brought to you by the following CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS:
The Albemarle Loop has such great marinas, each with a unique personality. Sailing on the Albemarle Sound is a treat, as you rarely see another boat…..beauty just for you.
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina, now under new management and ownership by The Zeltner family who want to “roll out the red carpet” to transients, doing whatever you might need during your visit to this highly praised and transient friendly marina lying off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC. Upon their retirement from shore life, the Zeltners went shopping for a trawler and ended up buying Dowry Creek Marina! Steve, Connie and their grown children, Teresa, Zac and Nicole will treat you like family!
CLICK HERE FOR A FINE ARTICLE ON DOWRY CREEK MARINA by Matt Debnam in the Washington Daily News
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
Our thanks to Great Loopers, Jan and David Irons, for sharing their very attractive blog with our readers. The Waterway photography is exceptional! See The Rock Pile for Claiborne Young’s take on this unusual stretch south of Myrtle Beach.
The “Rock Pile” is a man-made canal-like section of the AICW, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, running between Little River and Waccamaw River. The canal is narrow and lined with submerged rocks and a rock shelf, just a foot or two below the water’s surface.
When the USACOE was building this portion of the AICW in the 1930’s they encountered a sold shelf of granite. The Corps simply blasted through this obstruction, but, over the years, the soft silt above and below these rocky outcropping has washed away, making the canal now appear wider than it really is. Also, over the years, many portions of the rock shelf have broken off, and left all sort of underwater rocks waiting to trap keels and underwater hardware.
Cruisers are urged to hold as close to the mid-width of the Pine Island Cut as possible, and announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching, which could force you out of the channel’s mid-line and onto the “rocks,” especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Our suggestion is to keep a sharp lookout for rocks and IDIOTS!
Commuter Cruiser
Scary Stuff! Rock Pile, Lockwood Folly & More: Cruising the Carolinas
Posted: 29 Apr 2018 11:48 AM PDT
Cruising the Carolinas, Great Loopers encounter long stretches of ICW lined with cypress swamps & a few scary spots with names like Lockwood Folly & The Rock Pile waiting to snare unexpecting Loopers. Don’t miss Bald Head Island to climb Old Baldy or the Mile Hammock Anchorage where, if you’re lucky, you might see Marines training to protect our freedom.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Chart Note Southern End of the Rock Pile
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility and A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
NC has one of the country’s most beautiful rest stops – and it’s next to a swamp
The welcome center also serves as a gateway to Dismal Swamp State Park, just across the canal, a 22-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY by Richard Stradling of the Raleigh News and Observer
With a shallow draft vessel drawing only 30 inches, Douglas asks for advice on navigating Browns Inlet – the inlet proper, not the Problem Stretch AICW intersection.
What is last date anybody has used Browns inlet? I am new to area. Looking for a safe inlet to use. Thanks
Douglas Benz
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Browns Inlet
The lock gates have been repaired. Our thanks to Donna Stewart of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this information.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of South Mills Lock
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For South Mills Lock
Bald Head Island is home to Bald Head Island Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, which is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, within sight of the “Old Baldy” lighthouse! And while in the area, say Hello to another CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Deep Point Marina, on the ferry side of Cape Fear River.
Firsts on Bald Head Island
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
Looking north from our dock.
The historic Dismal Swamp Canal is coming back to life after ice, storms and other natural disasters….. “I feel like The Princess Bride” reported one of our lovely guests who had experienced this waterway for the first time just this week. As the dogwoods blush and the Carolina pines tower above, we are optimistic for the future of our beloved waterway. Many boaters recently report this was on their wish list and are thrilled with their first experience. The Norfolk District ACOE has plans to continue work this spring and summer to restore the canal to its normal 6’ controlling depth, but should not hinder navigation. Please visit this link for more information: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating/
As a northern gateway to our beautiful state and the Albemarle Region, we take our jobs seriously in making our boaters feel welcome and informed. We encourage them to explore the Albemarle Sound, including the assets featured in the Albemarle Loop and enjoy the southern hospitality, a staple of our region. These marinas, cities, towns and counties count the boating community as valued and appreciated. They are working together to enhance the experiences and stories to come, of adventures through our enchanting waterways. Whispers and cries from the lives before us blend to create diverse stories to be discovered and treasured. The Albemarle Region is celebrating a 350th anniversary in 2018, and we have much to learn from our past. http://www.350th.com/
Donna
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
Shoaling and groundings are always possible in the constantly shifting sands of the New River Inlet/AICW Intersection area and our thanks to Tom Hale for this Problem Stretch advice. For a recent grounding report from this AICW intersection, see https://cruisersnet.net/168114.
Click Here for Tom’s Article: https://www.sailfeed.com/2018/04/new-river-inlet-crossing-stm-247/
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New River Inlet
Our thanks to George McNeir for recommending Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts to a fellow Looper on AGLCA’s Forum. Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
Try Cape Fear Marina 910-762-1256 (Chris) and also Bennett Bros Yachts 910- 772-9277 (Tricia). Both are for the same marina but may offer two different rental arrangements. Wilmington, NC on the Cape Fear River.
George McNeir
AGLCA Member
Skipper Jim Lea offers an offshore route to avoid two Waterway Problem Stretches in NC. And Jim mentions Bald Head Island Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
The best way to get through this area is to avoid it altogether by exiting the ICW via the Little River Inlet and enjoying a short relaxing sail across Long Bay to re-enter via the Cape Fear River. In eight trips up and down the ICW we have always done this outside hop. In addition, there is a beautiful anchorage off Bird Island at the mouth of the Little River Inlet, avoiding the usually crowded anchorage in Calabash Creek.
At the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the marina at Bald Head Island is an excellent stop.
Jim Lea
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
What is the distance on the outside run. Cape Fear to Little River.
What is the distance on that outside run. Cape Fear to Little River.
These areas were recently dredged. We saw good depths when we passed through in December 2017. Just in case someone prefers not to duck out.
Thanks Pamela.
The intersection of Shallotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years, but these observations and detailed report from experienced cruiser, Tom Hale, will help you plan for your passage through this Problem Stretch.
The real NC trouble spot according to the USACE survey of February 18 is in Shallotte inlet. They are reporting depths in the 4-6 foot range according to the survey, and that is what we found in November. That channel is very narrow, perhaps as narrow as 30′. When transiting Shallotte it is wise to time your transit on a rising tide to get the extra water level help. Please see Shallotte Survey for more detail.
There is a SAIL Magazine Secrets of the ICW FB page which has a lot of charts and tracks for dealing with the known trouble spots along the Atlantic ICW.
Tom Hale – reprinted with permission from AGLCA’s Forum
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The best way to get through this area is to avoid it altogether by exiting the ICW via the Little River Inlet and enjoying a short relaxing sail across Long Bay to re-enter via the Cape Fear River. In eight trips up and down the ICW we have always done this outside hop. In addition, there is a beautiful anchorage off Bird Island at the mouth of the Little River Inlet, avoiding the usually crowded anchorage in Calabash Creek.
At the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the marina at Bald Head Island is an excellent stop.
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
CLICK HERE FOR THEIR NEW LISTINGS
The intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Our thanks to our Looper friends, Sandra Kay and Nelson, for this good depth report posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
Passed northbound through Lockwood Folly on the north end of Holden Beach (ICW 320) at mid tide this morning. Channel is well marked. Least depth was 9 feet. Also notice a Corp of Engineers mv Currituck staying over night at Holden Beach dolphins. Apparently they’ve been checking the channel depths and markers both north and south of this location. However with each winter storm this could quickly change. Three southbound sailboats inquired and were happy to learn about the good depth, as they were approaching this notorious area subject to drifting shoal.
Sandra Kay
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
As you are looking to save money on slip rental, these are good deals to consider and some of the offers have been extended! The New Bern Grand Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
New Bern Grand Marina has several very attractive new offers to save boaters lots of money!
Thank you!
Millissa True
New Bern Grand Marina Yacht Club
Marketing and Customer Relations
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
Comments are invited at a public hearing, Feb 5, 5:00 PM, Sunset Beach Town Hall.
No-wake zone proposed for Intracoastal Waterway at Sunset Beach
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking public comment on a proposed no-wake zone along the Intracoastal Waterway in Sunset Beach.
The proposed no-wake zone would extend shore to shore, from 150 yards east of the Sunset Beach bridge to 50 yards west of the bridge.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE from StarNewsOnline.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge
The Dismal Swamp Canal was almost closed earlier this month due to surface ice and freezing conditions in the canal, see Dismal Swamp Frozen! Our thanks to Donna Stewart, Welcome Center Director, for this good news update. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this report and these photos.
Larry,
The canal here thawed out and we had two boaters lock through yesterday. One checked in yesterday afternoon and stayed with us last night and one stayed at the Douglas Road dock. The latter and his son checked in with us and had coffee this morning. They both left today to make the 11am locking. I understand there were issues, due to frozen duckweed near the lock. They both stated they had no problems from Deep Creek to me, one drawing 4’ and another drawing 5’. This photo yesterday shows we had no ice or duckweed here, but unfortunately, there are still problems at the lock today.
I don’t know how cold it has to be to kill it {duckweed} all and make it die…………..We were at 3 degrees during the hard cold spell and previous snow. We had about 2-3 inches of snow last night, but it is clearing quickly.
Donna
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
The Dismal Swamp Canal had been closed to navigation since Hurricanes Matthew and Irma and its recent restricted re-opening is welcome news to cruisers. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this report and these photos.
I’ve attached an advisory just received from the USACOE regarding the ice on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the A&C Canal. I’ve attached photos taken on Saturday at 4pm, and things have not really changed here, today, except the temperatures have started to creep up.
I personally do not remember seeing this much ice in the Canal. We have experienced very cold temperatures for a week, my thermometer registering 3 degrees one morning.
Stay warm if you can.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
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For this 350th Anniversary, Historic Edenton, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has an exciting calendar of year-long Celebration events for all ages. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
CLICK HERE FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
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