Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 6, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999
Good Words from Bennett Brothers Yachts, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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. Our thanks to Peter Kurki of Bennett Brothers Yachts for these kind words.
Thank you Cruisers Net for providing quality information at a most convenient time. Fun relevant and current information make for a safe journey. Keep up the great work, Captains often say they saw and read it first on your forum.
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Feb 9, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Welcome Curtis Stokes and Associates! Edenton, NC, Albemarle Sound

SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET is proud to welcome our newest sponsor, Curtis Stokes and Associates of North Carolina.
Historic Edenton, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is 300 Years Young! Come and let them prove it!
Curtis Stokes and Associates is a professional, successful, licensed and bonded yacht brokerage firm, with brokers based throughout the United States and Europe and local representation based in Edenton, NC. Our buyers know that we personally inspect every yacht and boat we list. Our sellers rely on us for a proactive approach to marketing their yachts that includes extensive promotion in both print and electronic media.
For sellers, we regularly advertise in national, regional and local magazines. We strongly encourage other brokers to sell our listings through co-brokerage agreements and we participate and display in special events year-round.
Our internet marketing is second to none. Our web site – curtisstokes.net – is specifically designed to secure the best search engine rankings possible. We also partner with such leading yachting websites as Yachtworld.com, Yatco.com, Boattrader.com, boats.com, marinesource.com, yachtsforsale.com, iboats.com, theyachtmarket.com, moreboats.com and others, ensuring that our listings get the broadest internet exposure possible.
For boat buyers, we specialize in buyer brokerage, where we preview boats for you and provide you our feedback, thus reducing wasted time and money on your part chasing the wrong boats. Since we collect our commission from the listing broker or seller, there is no extra cost to you for this service.
For a free evaluation detailing how we can help market your boat or if you’re now searching for that perfect yacht, call your North Carolina Curtis Stokes & Associates rep, Wayne Smith at 516-445-1932, or email him at wayne@curtisstokes.net.
Please visit our website at:
www.curtisstokes.net
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Dec 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2165,-77.81329999
Southern BBQ in Wrightsville Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 280

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Winston Fowler sends a recommendation for a BBQ restaurant that he feels you cannot pass up. The winter months along the Waterway are perfect for good BBQ! Wrightsville Beach Marina is on the southeast side of the Waterway below the HWY 17 bridge in the heart of Wrightsville Beach.
Larry,
This is one GREAT place for cruisers to get a flavor of SOUTHERN BBQ, that is only 2.7 miles from Wrightsville Beach Marina. Awesome.
Winston
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Wrightsville Beach Marina
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Dec 16, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 34.6805,-77.11239999
Praise for Dudley’s Marina, Swansboro, NC, AICW Statute Mile 229

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Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near AICW marker #46A, and just a walk across two bridges and a causeway from downtown Swansboro, NC.
Great experience here: cheap, GREAT customer service ‘“ dock hands were incredibly accommodating. Easy access. Ship store well stocked.
Louie
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dudley’s Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Joe Apicella - December 18, 2015 - 2:56 pm

I agree that the dock hands were very good, that it is close to town, and that it is cheap. Unfortunately, the rest of the story is that the fixed piers are in poor condition, the power wasn’t working when we were there in Oct. this year, and the wakes from weekend fisherman was non stop all day and even into the night. This could be a really good marina if the owners would invest in some sorely needed maintenance. The dock hands are aware of this and are apologetic for the conditions.
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Dec 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.9266,-78.12639999
Good Words for St. James Plantation Marina, AICW Statute Mile 315

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St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, some one nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting.
Captain Clay
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For St. James Plantation Marina
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Captain Clay - December 10, 2015 - 12:12 pm

St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting.
Captain Clay
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Dec 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.0558,-77.89839999
Reduced Clearance at Snows Cut Bridge, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295.7

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Snows Cut Bridge crosses the canal of the same name connecting the Waterway between Masonboro Sound and the Cape Fear River, at Statute Mile 295.7, west-southwest of marker #161.
Had to wait for a lower than high tide yesterday to go under the bridge. At 1 hour post high, it was just less than 64 feet.
Jesse
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Snows Cut Bridge
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Nov 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999
A Report from AICW/Lockwoods Folly Intersection, Statute Mile 321

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The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports like this one confirm shoaling here, /?p=150841. SSECN stills recommends Mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly.
The next day, Tuesday 11/24/15 I approached the intersection of the AICW and the Lockwood Folly Inlet. A southbound tug was attempting to go through, but was too close to G47 and hit the shoal several times, but was able to power its way through. The next boat through was a northbound sailboat that went aground, but after approximately a half hour was able to free itself and get through. The sailboat also was too close to G47. I passed through keeping well to the right of G47 and had 16 Ft of water. After passing G47, I turned to port and headed directly to R48, however the depth dropped down to as low as 4.5 ft. Consequently use caution in this area. It was almost low tide when I went through. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft.
Capt Bill Favro
EASTNOR
Mainship390
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
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Nov 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6063,-77.2359999
Another Report from the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 237

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With the reported groundings and marker confusion at this intersection (/?p=153195), it is definitely wise to follow the advice SSECN has been giving for some time: do not follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW!
I went through the intersection of the AICW and Brown’s inlet southbound on Monday 11/23/15 at approximately low tide. A sailboat that had gone aground was being assisted by TowBoatUS. I waited until the sailboat was towed off the shoal before attempting our way through following the instructions that were posted by previous boaters. Markers R60 and G61 are in a straight line and look as if they are out of place. G61 is fairly close to shore. However by leaving R60 to starboard and zig zagging around G61 leaving it to port we got through without a problem. I went past G61 by keeping the boat in the center between the shore and G61. There was about 9 ft of water. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft.
Capt Bill Favro
EASTNOR
Mainship390
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
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Nov 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Free Electronics from Intracoastal Yacht Sales
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Nov 6, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.8691,-76.75649999
Praise for Plymouth Landing Marina and the Albemarle Loop, Albemarle Sound, NC

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Plymouth Landing Marina is located on the southern banks of the Roanoke River, near the western end of the Plymouth waterfront. Our thanks to Skipper Evans for this excellent report.
Plymouth is a well kept secret and is the jewel of the Albemarle Loop. Plymouth is reinventing itself and has more plans for their waterfront. Their new docks are the best on the loop. And Brenda, who manages the docks, is a wealth of local flavor and history. She is very accommodating as is everyone in this town. Three museums to visit plus Civil War History make Plymouth worth the short ride up the Roanoke River off the Albemarle Sound. And, the cruise up the river is full of wildlife and color in the Fall. We spotted an Eagle during our recent trip. Add to this the free two day dockage with power and what more could the cruising boater ask for?
Doyle Evans
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks
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Nov 6, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0842,-76.40639999
Good Visit to Albemarle Plantation Marina, Albemarle Sound, NC

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Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Good reports from boaters like Skipper Evans and descriptions of this facility make a side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!
The Albemarle Plantation is part of the Albemarle Loop. This loop offers free two day dockage and sometimes free power at each stop. Ports also include Elizabeth City, Hertfort, Edenton, Plymouth and Columbia. The Albemarle Plantation is a very boating friendly community and welcomes loop visitors. This was our first stop after exiting off the ICW. We had a port engine issue coming in and the dockmaster recommended Daneker Marine. These guys came out to the marina ASAP and repaired our problem and got us back on the water. So, we cannot say enough about the marina and residents in this area. We highly suggest spending time exploring each port-of-call on this loop. Each marina offers a unique variety of things to see and do.
Doyle Evans
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina
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Nov 1, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.9209,-78.23629999
Another Report of Shoaling at AICW/Lockwoods Folly Intersection, Statute Mile 321

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Our thanks to the Skippers Powers for this report. The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports like this one confirm shoaling here, /?p=150841. SSECN stills recommends Mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly.
Just passed Lockwood’s Folly close to high tide. Lots of radio traffic from boats ahead of us. Buoy 47 is OUT OF POSITION. All boats except one motor yacht ignored 47 and used reds 46,46a, and 46b- keeping 30-40 ft away. We saw 7.1 between 46a & 46b, others reported 8-10 ft
Mike & Cathy
Second Flight
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Susan Crenshaw - November 2, 2015 - 10:43 am

Green marker #47 is on the wrong side of the ICW. #47A is in the correct place so look for that one… Came be very confusing!
Susan Crenshaw
Reply to Susan
Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 36.3004,-76.2189999
“Free Dockage” Blog by James H Newsome

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James Newsome is a regular contributor to SSECN and other publications, both online and print. He has been compiling his list of free dockage along the Waterway for several years and it is a list worth perusing! Naturally, author Newsome mentions Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and one of the best known free docks on the Waterway.
I don’t know if you remember me mentioning the “FREE DOCKAGE” list project back during the summer, but I’ve continued to work on this and believe I have everything listed from 0 MM at least down through Jacksonville, FL and 738 MM. I have a few more listings below Jax, but I have a lot more work to do in this area.
I’ve started a Facebook page FREE DOCKAGE where I offer the complete list. I’ve had a very good reception from folks who find the list useful and I’m currently at 643 likes. This format is working well for now because it is a no cost option for me to get this information out to a lot of folks who realize, like me, that none of the other cruising guides offer a short concise list for FREE DOCKS.
Elizabeth City, NC is a great example of a town that really tries to promote themselves as cruiser friendly with free dock offerings. They understand that most cruisers who come to their town are essentially tourists who happen to arrive by boats instead of cars, and these cruisers always spend money when they stop. Therefore, “Free Docks” is a win-win for boaters as well as communities.
James H. Newsome
Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
98 Buena Vista Avenue
Warrenton, GA 30828
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
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David Burnham -  November 21, 2015 - 7:04 am

Free “daytime” docks at the Gulfport, Florida Casino. No overnight docking but unlike the “courtesy” docks in downtown Saint Petersburg, there is no docking meter.
Reply to David

Len & Lisa Rorke -  October 28, 2015 - 8:54 am

This is an excellent addition to any cruiser out there. Good on you for doing this James. 🙂
Reply to Len

Joe Brasfield -  October 27, 2015 - 5:30 am

I have used and really like the list of free dockage list. We traveled to the Cheaspeake and used quite often. Great idea James and thanks for the work.
Reply to Joe
Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999
FOCUS ON Bennett Brothers Yachts, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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.

Acting as your host to beautiful and historic Wilmington, NC, Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina features 3,000 feet of floating docks in a sheltered harbor. Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) has been a widely
recognized repair yard since 1986 and every conceivable repair – mechanical, below waterline, electronic, and carpentry – is readily available. Most of all, BBY has the safe and sure reputation of getting it right the first time.
Voted by USA Today for 2015 “America’s Best Riverfront City”, Wilmington, North Carolina is a “must see” as you travel through the Carolinas and a visit Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina could be your best stop on your passage or journey. With so many sites to see and so much fun to take part in, Wilmington is located in the northernmost subtropic region with pleasant weather year round. No frozen harbors in Wilmington!
Beautiful antebellum architecture with great “gingerbread” can be
Photo by Wedding Mapper
seen as you stroll this pedestrian friendly city. Guided tours and horse drawn carriages are commonly enjoyed, but self guided visiting is encouraged and well worth it. The locals are approachable and happy to share a story or two and will direct you to whatever you seek. Restaurants are abundant in all genres of fair, and provisioning is easy with Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s , Harris Teeter Supermarkets and a local seasonal Farmers Market nearby.
Photo by Brad Van Amberg
The Downtown historic district has some new things brewing and brewing makes another great reason to sample the flavors of the area. Microbreweries and brew pubs have become increasingly popular for locals and visitors alike. Sample craft beers while enjoying the backdrop of a fun peninsula city borded by the Atlantic ocean and the Cape Fear River. The Cotton Exchange, The City Market and Chandlers Wharf are filled with unique one of a kind retailers where you can pick up the perfect gift or present .
If your vessel needs any attention during your visit, BBY – awarded ABBRA “Excellence in Customer Care 2015” – can handle most any repair or service you require. Full mechanical, paint and glass departments supported with carpentry and electronics service are found here at BBY. Work can be completed via our mobile service in-water or, if needed, hauled-out by our certified 70 ton Marine Travel Lift with extra wide capacity to haul catamarans. It is one of the largest lifts in the region. Ask for a free, full guided tour of the BBY facility when you arrive, to see if there is something you would like to fix or upgrade to make your cruising more enjoyable.
If you happen to schedule work on your vessel, or just stop for a visit, there will certainly be no shortage of things to see and do. For starters, The USS North Carolina is moored in her permanent home and has tours below her decks that will inform even the experts and entertain the whole family. Golf, fishing, SUP, kayaking, birding, triathlon training and competition, sailing, surfing and theater are just a small taste of what the “Port City ” has to offer. Wrightsville Beach is just minutes away and was acknowledged by National Geographic as a top ten surfing town!
Located just 26 nautical miles north of Southport, North Carolina, BBY is easier to get to than you think. BBY and Cape Fear Marina are on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 12 nautical miles from the Snow’s Cut passage on the AICW. As you travel north along the Cape Fear River, you will first pass the NC State Port Facility, then USS North Carolina and the scenic downtown Wilmington riverfront. You will then pass under two bridges, first the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 65 feet and 138 feet maximum when raised, should be hailed on Channel 18. Next is the Isabel Holmes Bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 42 feet and should be hailed on Channel 13. The Isabel Holmes Bridge opens at 10 AM and 2 PM between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM and on demand at all other times.
Fly in and out of Wilmington through the International Airport ILM, located just 5 minutes from BBY. We will even pick you up at the airport! We hope you have a wonderful visit when you’re here and return with your friends to experience the many facets this ‘off the beaten path’ town has to offer.

Patricia Donovan Bennett, President
Editor’s note: Patricia Bennett was honored recently by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444
Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc.
Cape Fear Marina
1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.bbyachts.com
910.772.9277
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Oct 16, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
New UNC Release from Bland Simpson
What a perfect gift for that special someone who loves the water!
Little Rivers and Waterway Tales by Bland Simpson – NEW from UNC Press
Greetings from the University of North Carolina Press:
UNC Press is pleased to announce the publication of Little Rivers and Waterway Tales by Bland Simpson.
The list price is $30.00 cloth. We offer discounts for bulk purchases. If your organization has a newsletter, you might want to include an announcement about the book or announce it on your website.
Learn more about Little Rivers and Waterway Tales on our website:
http://uncpress.unc.edu/browse/book_detail?title_id=3669
Please contact me if you have any questions about ordering this book.
With best regards,
Susan Garrett
—————————————————
Susan Garrett
Sales and Marketing
University of North Carolina Press
116 S. Boundary Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
phone: 919-843-7897
fax: 919-966-3829
susan_garrett@unc.edu
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Oct 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
USPS Lake Norman Inland Seafarer
Each month, Greg & Sandi Shekita of Sherrills Ford, NC faithfully send their newsletter, Inland Seafarer, outlining the many activities of this excellent North Carolina Sail and Power Squadron. The work they do to promote boating and boating safety is outstanding.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INLAND SEAFARER
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Oct 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments 34.5966,-77.24049999
More Groundings at AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 237

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With the reported groundings and marker confusion at this intersection (/?p=144468), it is definitely wise to follow the advice given below by Skipper Bob and others. Do not follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW, as SSECN has advised by many months!
There’s a spot on the last stretch of ICW just before Onslow Beach swing bridge you should be aware of. Between red Marker 60 & green 61A it has shoaled up so bad that it ran five or more aground (according to Seatow which has a boat standing by in the area) just yesterday. There’s a floating green buoy there close to the north shore. It looks out of place but you need to stay far to the inside of it, about 20-30 feet from shore. The chart seems to show the ATONS, but it doesn’t make any sense when you look at it on the water; check the buoys with binocs and you’ll see a red followed by a green almost in line along the starboard bank when southbound. They were there when we transited northbound in June, so they have been there awhile.
Can’t believe that the Seatow boat hangs out in a nearby creek waiting to help rather than warning boats as they approach.
Bob
October 30
Multiple groundings occurred this week between buoys 60-63. One big reason- buoy 61A is not there! Tow Boat US advised us to pass 40-50 ft from W shore. We did so & saw 8.8 ft at high tide. Suspect we were a little too close to shore, trawler in front of us was more towards where 61A should of been and saw 12 ft.
Mike & Cathy Powers
S/V Second Flight
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Comments from Cruisers (4)

Dave kimbel -  November 3, 2015 - 5:34 pm

I grounded there hard 4 days ago– both seatow and rowboat were there, yet I got no security or warning from either- just an offer from seatow to pull me off for $300. I lost a lot of respect for both company’s after that. Boats were grounding all day from radio traffic after I did. I gave two security warnings while in the area but heard nothing from either tow service as a warning…
Reply to Dave

Capt. John Wampler -  November 2, 2015 - 10:57 am

One mile north of Marine Corps Bridge at Onslow Beach, Marker 61A missing. Many boats grounding there.
John Wampler
http://www.yachtaide.com
Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
Reply to Capt.

Ben Matthews -  October 31, 2015 - 2:03 pm

I’ve gone through this area slowly and watchfully since 2010. I typically reduce to idle speeds, and then stay red and proceed with alert eyes and ears. Thanks to this site and others, the area is well-documented.
Comments such as “bent props and shafts” as in reference to this area, get my attention always.
Ben Matthews
Reply to Ben

Georgene Grennan -  October 22, 2015 - 8:48 am

The ICW by Brown’s inlet remain’s a problem. We passed through on 10/21. Remain close to the shoreline, not the inlet marker. We touched bottom and reversed quickly to avoid trouble.
Reply to Georgene
Oct 13, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 34.7225,-76.66919999
Reminder re Southbound into Beaufort, NC, AICW Statute Mile 205

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With a closed vertical clearance of 13ft, the Gallants Channel – Grayden Paul Bridge is off the Waterway and is frequently used by southbound cruisers to visit the Beaufort waterfront. Town Creek , on the north side of the bridge, is home to one of SSECN’s newest SPONSORS: Home Smith’s Docks and Marina.
Just a reminder for those southbound via Beaufort, NC.
If you are taking the `back way’ into Beaufort, via Gallants channel, the Beaufort City Bridge (US 70 ‘“ at Town Creek) does NOT open at 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm or 6:00pm. if you miss the 4:00 opening, it’s best take the Morehead City route around Radio Island.
It only adds 1/2 hr or so if you know in advance you’re going to miss the bridge opening.
Geoff Cooke
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gallants Channel
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina
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Larry Shick - October 14, 2015 - 6:53 am

In the past, the Gallants Channel has often been choked with small boats anchored in the channel and fishing. Going around the south route to Beaufort Docks is a lot easier on the nerves.
Reply to Larry
Oct 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Log of the Ideath, Captain Randy Mims, October 10, 2015
You only have to spend a short time talking with Randy Mims to know that he has the soul of a true sailor. Randy not only built his 27ft gaff-rigged cutter, Ideath, but each year he single-hands the cutter from North Carolina to the Northern Gulf Coast and back again. “Ideath” is pronounced Idea-th and loosely translates as “house of ideas”. Randy stops along the way to visit maritime museums and, indulging his passion for music, he volunteers to sing in church choirs along the way. He also takes time to share his travels with his friends and has agreed to allow SSECN to post his emails. For more photos and more on Randy, go to http://towndock.net/shippingnews/ideath?pg=1 from TownDock.net in Oriental. Also see /?p=150703.
Dear Friends,
I have been having some wonderful times and survived some not so wonderful times here on the North Carolina coast. After leaving Beaufort, I went up to New Bern to Duck Creek Marina. Duck Creek is one of my favorite places in NC. It is the boat yard that I haul the boat to keep it maintained on the way back from each voyage. I won’t be hauling the boat until the end of the month but I came here so my long time friend could come down and go sailing with me for a weekend. This enabled me to ride back with him to Greensboro to visit my 92 year old father and the rest of my family. My sister brought me back to the boat and we had an exhilarating sail out in the Neuse river with all the wind that plan sail could handle from exactly the best direction for flying down and back up the river. Unfortunately, the next day was blowing a gale so we spent the day dodging the rain and visited Tryon Palace and museum. Next Stop was Elizabeth City. I had the trip planned out to arrive the following Saturday to tie up to the town dock (48 hours free) so I could go to church on Sunday. Listening to the weather radio changed my plans by Wednesday. Insted of a leisurly pace of twenty some miles a day and lots of time playing music and reading, it turned into driving on into the night to be in Elizabeth City before the gale spawned by hurricane Joaquin arrived. I arrived on Thursday night and not wanting to use up my 48 hours before Sunday, I anchored in a very secure cove in the Pasquatank river. Saturday morning I moved the boat to the City dock. The predicted wind had arrived and getting to the dock slip had lots of opportunity for disaster. I made double sure all my lines were all ready and well coiled, took a pass and realized I needed to be more upwind. I aborted and came around for a second try. Coming into the slip I hit strong reverse to slow the boat down but the slower it goes the less steering you have and the more the wind will push it sideways. I braced myself and threw a line with a loop on the end to the outside windward piling. Wonder of wonders the loop settled around the top of the piling and the boat came to a stop exactly the proper distance from the dock for the guys on the dock to take the neatly coiled lines and secure the bow. It appeared so calm and planned when actually my heart was pounding because I knew that if I had missed with the first line, even hitting full reverse the boat would have been blown down onto the pilings and possibly would not have stopped in time and hit the wall or would have gone sideways and been pinned against the pilings and pounded by the waves. This was graphically illustrated about an hour later when the next boat arrived and it took the two people on the boat and four guys on the dock to get the boat fended off and straightened out without too much damage. For the next two days it blew so hard that even in the harbor the waves were so high that with the boat tied up (with virtually every line I had) down below it felt like the boat was at sea. I did get to go to Church and sang with the choir. It was fun to see all my friends from when I was here before. They are always glad to have another tenor.
After the gale blew itself out, I took a very pleasurable trip up the Dismal Swamp Canal. The lock keeper at the other end has turned what is normally a place you go through and don’t look back into a famous “Cruising Destination”. People go through the lock and stay at the overnight dock and meet other cruisers. Everyone meets at the lock house the next morning for a Coffee and donut and yogurt breakfast before heading out. Stories are exchanged and people leave with a fondness for this historic canal and Robert the Lock Keeper. It is starting to really feel like fall here. Some of the trees are beginning to turn. Hope you all are enjoying the colors and being back into the fall routine. I am heading back to the boat yard to haul her and fix some places that need attention. I hope you enjoyed this update. I have posted some more videos on youtube and facebook. Please check them out if you can . Till next time
Thank you all,
Randy
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Oct 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9171,-78.02829999
Herl Report: Southport Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309.5

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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.
Southport
Only spent one night, they had a fishing thing going on for this weekend and they were going to be full up.
Would have liked to walked to Fishy Fishy (less than a mile) but at this time my foot is giving me fits.
We hear that after we left they had a bad storm in the area and with the tides being high to begin with because of the circulation in the Atlantic, the water level came up enough to cause Fishy Fishy to move a lot of their stuff out. Not much else to report.
Phil and Sandy Herl
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
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