FOCUS ON – Albemarle Plantation Marina, Albemarle Sound, NC
“Were a marine architect to set up an ideal location for a new colony, he might first round up thousands of acres of level agricultural and timber lands….In the middle of the land he would place an inland sea completely sheltered from oceanic disturbance. The sea would be long, (say 60 miles), so as to tap a maximum territory, but fairly narrow….To facilitate its crossing, it would taper as it progressed inland. It would generally be approachable by dry shores and would have deep water connections with the outside world…. At frequent intervals there would be large rivers pouring into the sea from every direction. These would keep it fresh….and provide fish with spawning grounds…It would merely cost wishing, to give this body of water a beautiful forested shoreline and all needed then would be to drench it with sunshine, history, and romance. Around its coast would be planted small towns, comfortable, prosperous, well kept and hospitable. This precisely is Albermarle Sound, a brilliant gem.”
1954 quote by Bill Sharpe in The State
Albemarle Plantation Marina
For 20 years, Albemarle Plantation marina has been offering year-round sheltered dockage, power, water, fuel and pump-outs to cruising boaters, as well as the full range of lifestyle amenities available at Albemarle Plantation ‘“ golf, tennis, swimming, bocce ball, full-service restaurant, clubhouse, picnic park, etc’¦. More recent additions
include free WiFi, as well as canoe and kayak rentals and a new community fitness center. The marina has over 100 deep-water slips for vessels of all sizes and is located centrally on the north shore of Albemarle Sound in Yeopim Creek. Albemarle Planation Marina was recently awarded the coveted State of North Carolina `Clean Marina’ designation.
Albemarle Sound is the largest fresh-water Sound on the east coast. Located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, its wide expanse of sheltered, but deep, water is a sailing paradise as well as a cruising gunk-holer’s delight. Its many rivers and creeks are great kayaking or canoeing grounds, abundant with wildlife of all forms.
Being non-tidal, there are no currents to worry about. As an inland waterway, it is well charted (Nautical Chart 12205, Cape Henry to Pamlico Sound) and marked with navigational aids.
Private navigational aids mark the entrance channel to the Yeopim River from the Albemarle Sound, beginning at green `1’ (Fl G 2.5s 15ft 3m) and red daymark `Y/R’.
From a waypoint at 36 3’N; 76 24’W, continue on a northerly course through the channel until green `5’ (Fl G 4s 15ft). Then set a northwesterly course to approach red daymark `4A’; proceed on course to red daymark `6’ (QR 8 ft 3m), followed shortly thereafter by red daymark `8’. Then steer a heading 355M for 1/3nm, then turn right directly to fuel dock. The fuel dock has a soft bottom and a depth of 6-8 feet.
The shores of Albemarle Sound are literally littered with historical sites ‘“ from the earliest Colonial settlements on Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks at its eastern extremity, to Edenton, the first capital of North Carolina, at its western end and a myriad of historic places in between.
From our marina, it is a 16 mile sail west to Edenton, and just a little further to explore the Chowan and Roanoke rivers. Cruising east, one can visit Elizabeth City at the head of the Pasquotank River, or stay at Manteo and enjoy the history of Roanoke Island and the Lost Colony. Near the eastern end of the Sound is also where you would join the AICW to go north to the Chesapeake or south through the Alligator River to Pamlico Sound and beyond. Crossing the Sound, 12 miles south from Albemarle Plantation marina, will take you to Columbia for an enjoyable lunch stop. Speaking of lunch, it is worthwhile to seek out some fresh locally caught blue crab; Albemarle Sound is home to the largest population of blue crab.
Both BoatUS and SeaTow serve the Sound. So, you are never alone out there on the water ‘“ even though it often feels like it. The Sound is never crowded and there are many days when you may see only a commercial fisherman or crabber working.
Albemarle Plantation Marina is also home to Osprey Yacht Club where you will always find a friendly welcome, hospitality and fellow boaters to swap stories with.
For a full exploration of Albemarle Sound, we recommend spending time sailing the Albemarle Loop; www.albemarleloop.com. For more information about Albemarle Plantation marina, check out www.albemarleplantationmarina.com and www.ospreyyc.com.
Phone 252-426-4037 or call on VHF channel 68 or 16 for slip assignment and docking assistance. The marina is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winter hours are 9am to 5pm.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina
Progress continues to be made toward the opening of this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See 
Comments from Cruisers (1)
This marina is the best on the ICW. Car, pool and club house are outstanding. It is quite and clean. We had beer can chicken at the club house and watched captain Ron with fellow cruisers, a night to remember. If you need a place to rest for a couple days, this is the place. They make you feel at home.
In the morning have coffee on the deck and watch the humming birds.