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    • Jan 28, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Word of Caution re Anchoring in Elizabeth City, NC, Dismal Swamp Route, Statute Mile 50

      While most cruisers opt to either tie up at the free Mariners Wharf City Docks or anchor south of the HWY 158 bridge, Mark is correct that the little cove north of the bridge at mile 50 does appear to be a good anchorage, but is not. However, south of the bridge puts you much closer to the downtown area. Also, note that the facility described as “a marina on the south shore” below, is really the private Elizabeth City Yacht Club.Either way.
      However you visit, don’t forget Elizabeth City is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

      CAUTION when anchoring near 50 mile mark! Right at the 50 mile mark, there is a Marina on the South shore. It’s close to the highway, and it gives the appearance of a nice place to anchor ‘¦ figuring nice folks are nearby, (with about 30 boats docked at the marina), and nothing else. And it appears that if necessary, one can dingy up and get to shore if needed. HOWEVER ‘¦ look close at the charts! There are very ugly serious underwater hazards out from the pier, both to the East and West of that 50 mile line on chart. Looking out away from the pier to the NNW and North East, these nasty hazards are visible when the wind blows hard from the North for a few days. There is a particular nasty sunken barge NNW of the pier!! A Tow Boat had a very hard time pulling a 40’ cruiser off a sunken barge last year. The story is this area was used as a graveyard for numerous wood barges back in the day.

      This area is a good place to anchor, as long as you stay very far from shore, and are East of the 50 mile line. If you see evidence of a sunken barge up near the shore, there is likely another big one 200 to 300 feet closer to you that you cannot see. If you stay directly North of this pier/marina/yacht club, you’ll be fine. The club boaters know of these hazards, and will watch out for you when coming and going. There’s plenty of room for a boat to anchor and local boats to work around you. On a direct line from this pier, I’m guessing one has clearance from obstructions to no more than 100 feet to the West, and at maybe 300 feet to the East. That pier is the Pasquotank River Yacht Club. We hope to mark these hazardous soon. We’ve been unsuccessful with getting any government agency to take it on, so we may try to do it ourselves. We usually have no slips available, but don’t hesitate to holler and say hi! However in an emergency, don’t hesitate to beach it between pier and our club house which you can see just SW of pier. Some members have beached there to clean the bottom. If you see anyone hanging around the pier, and want to dingy over for fresh water, that shouldn’t be a problem; hopefully you can talk someone into handing you a hose to let you fill up. We know it’s a bit awkward getting water downtown.
      Mark H.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Mariners Wharf [Elizabeth] City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Elizabeth City, NC

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    • Jan 20, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Lockwoods Folly/ AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 321

      Lockwoods Folly Inlet (NOT the AICW) was closed to navigation in October of 2011 and as reported below, dredging is underway. We will update the condition of the inlet as we get word, but for now, even though the depths at the intersection of the Waterway and inlet are good, you should still avoid the inlet passage!

      1-20-12
      Lots of dredging going on as we go through this area. we have no problems and we showed 16 feet as we passed the inlet. Just after fell to 8-10. this is low tide at 8:30 AM
      Penny and Dick
      Penelope catamaran

      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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    • Jan 9, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Baird Creek Adventure, Upper Neuse River, off the AICW near New Bern, NC

      Baird Creek, charted as Beard Creek,liess on the north shore of the upper Neuse River north of Wilkinson Point. As Cat. Ben points out, it is marked by a single marker #1. All of us who have done any gunk-holing will enjoy this delightful tale of keel versus bottom, which will also explain why this particular creek is NOT in our North Carolina Anchorage Directory. Thanks for sharing, Capt. Ben.

      Cruising News:
      The long keel, forever hallowed be its name.
      I may not lay claim to being the dumbest boater, but I strive for the top-five.
      In North Carolina, we have three types of bottoms, pecan-sandy, chocolate-pudding mud, and occasionally rocky-road-oyster shoal. Hungry yet? We love to gunk hole. It’s almost not an adventure if I cannot jump out of the boat and pull it along with the rope or kedge the anchor. Where’s the fun in being sensible? Markers in our waters are usually inaccurate because last month’s hurricane made a shoal where the channel used to be. Soft groundings come with the territory.
      What has saved us in our limitless search for shallow waters and low-cost barnacle scrapings has been our beloved full keel. That and our craft tops out at about eight knots. With a wind. In shallow waters I have the deep sagacity to reduce speed to around 3 knots, so as not to bump anything too hard. One day, I hope to be a smarter captain, but our current mode of gunk-holing has provided hours of adventure, angst, and amusement to my first mate, and I for one refuse to deprive her of the joys of seeing mud churn off our stern. She’s become quite the expert at spotting it.
      On our last adventure, we decided to explore the deep reaches of the Northern Neuse River on Baird Creek just after Thanksgiving. It is marked by a single green “1” daymark and a smattering of private PVC pipes with colored tape jammed in the ground. If you were a golfer, you would call this one hazard-filled course. For a boater it generally tracks around 5 feet deep if you are mostly lucky and very careful. Ours is a single-screw trawler with the aforementioned full keel. Believe me, this captain needs it. Drawing a hair over 42 inches of water, I make it a point to scout out sailboat masts in any unfamiliar harbor, because it’s a good bet that that captain will need a full five feet to knock around in there. Seeing a few masts, we gingerly entered Baird Creek in the afternoon, threw out anchor and proceeded to lounge a bit. I had some minor wiring repairs to do with the generator, so went about that a little after some engine cooling.\
      Around dusk we fired up the generator, only to realize the repairs made did not fix the root problem, which was the transmission of current from the output leads to the rest of our craft. Including the Two-cycle AC (It’s November and a little chilly. After some mutual frowning and head-scratching, my first mate advises me that with the low temperature forecast, we might do better comfort-wise back at our slip, about 10 miles up the Neuse. So after some long deep breaths, inhale/exhale style – to draw in air for the work ahead of course, I agreed with my mate and decided to get about hoisting the anchor.
      Now, this is where the real adventure begins – Anchor, up, no worries. Despite scrubbing and rinsing we still brought a good amount of chocolate pudding aboard as we pulled chain in the dark. In addition, what I failed to notice upon coming into little Baird Creek, was that the wind had shifted to the North, blowing water up the Pamilco Sound and draining the Neuse a bit – lowering the water with one of the Neuse’s famous – or infamous – wind-tides. Our depth finder gets psychotic under 4 feet and we start showing about 700 feet of water whenever this happens – so 700 feet showing usually means we’re near a touch-point, and we were seeing this. We get going about a hundred yards and feel the slow, gentle shudder of bottom. OK- no good. Adrenaline and dismay. We back off a little, free ourselves, and try in a different direction. OK, not so bad, but not for long. We find bottom again. Gentle shudder. Chocolate pudding again. It’s pitch black out except for the small lights of the relatively few homes on Baird Creek. So we back off again and track slowly and surely very close to some of the homes with modest piers. This seems to work. Eventually, gingerly, and nervously we were able to exit Baird Creek with our running gear and some portion of our wits intact. But I can assure the reader any future trip there – in or out – will be in daylight and with a south wind keeping the water high in the Neuse. For Baird Creek – boater beware!
      Thanks once again to King Neptune for providence and our long keel for its patience – it’s saved us from ourselves many a time.
      Capt. Ben
      M/V Sand Castle
      Neuse River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beard Creek

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    • Jan 9, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Belhaven Town Dock Open for Business, Pantego Creek, AICW Statute Mile 135.5

      Construction on this municipal dock was begun this past fall and its completion is very welcome news for folks wanting to visit the charming town of Belhaven. Docking is free with a 24 hour limit and the dock also provides dinghy dockage for cruisers anchored in the nearby Pantego Creek Anchorage.

      Just thought you might like to know the Belhaven Town dock has been finished. I have attached three photos of the 1st two boats to dock. The BYC (Belhaven Yacht Club) found and assisted the town of Belhaven in getting the grant to do this project.
      Andy Fisher

      Cruising News:
      Had the opportunity to be the first boat docked at the ‘New’ Bellhaven Town dock. Spent the night of 28 December there while aboard a Pearson 424… found pleanty of water for the 6′ draft. We took soundings in the dingy before we went in, and found 8′ all the way in (stay close to the old pilings). The entry channel has good water just stay in the middle until you see the new dock (near the hospital). Stayed the night with a friend on a Southern Cross 31 and were joined by another sailboat the next day. Local paper came out and officially pronounced the dock “open” (we made the front page).
      The dock was constructed with money from a grant, and while no signs are up now, there is to be a 24hour limit. Trash disposal is available, and there is a public restroom across the parking lot. Close to the hardware store, and restaurant… great stop!
      S/V Faith

      Great News! I will make it a regular stop. And if there is any $$$ left over, how about installing a HarborCam so I can see from the waterway if there is room at the dock? Just asking.
      Roger Hitchner
      Painter, Hershine 41

      Amenities? I don’t see power hookups,etc.
      Al Ross

      There is power and water as well a pump out.
      At the very end of the main channel just before the bridge. Have to go in through a very small channel lined with rickety pilings. Looks improbable, but it is there. Wouldn’t have found it without the photos.
      Keith

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Belhaven/Pantego Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC

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    • Jan 2, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Jarrett Bay Boatworks Recommended For Dry Storage (Statute Mile 197)

      Captain Bill and Kathleen’s response below is in answer to a question which originally appeared on the AGLCA mailing list, asking for dry boat storage recommendations north of Beaufort, SC. Well, Jarrett Bay is actually located north of Beaufort, NC, on the Core Creek Canal section of the AICW.
      This is a superb facility for dry storage, and for any sort of repair work. There are many repair firms on-site, including our friends at Core Creek Marine. And, oh yes, even though Bill and Kathleen say Jarrett Bay is “not a marina,” there is some transient dockage available by the fuel dock, and both gasoline and diesel fuel can be purchased.

      I would recommend Jarrett Bay in Beaufort, NC off the ICW. You can get their contact info off the internet at They are a repair and storage yard, not a marina. They have an excellent facility and staff, very experienced at storing boats in a manner that avoids hurricane damage. We used them for repairs on our Hatteras when we were passing through on the loop two years ago. We were very satisfied. Ask for Roger Wetherington and tell him Bill Root referred you.
      Bill & Kathleen Root

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Boatworks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jarrett Bay Boatworks

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    • Dec 30, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Good Stay at Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor, Neuse River, Oriental, NC near AICW Statute Mile 181

      Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor lies on the point separating the two major branches of Whittaker Creek, northeast of Oriental Harbor’s flashing daybeacon #1.

      Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor just northwest of Oriental NC is one of the most relaxing stays I have experienced in 5 years of cruising. The $11.00 a day slip with electricity included (that’s right Eleven) way more than made up for the less than new docks. It’s a short bike ride to a lot of fine restaurants and coffee shops. There’s a marine consignment shop with more stuff than I’ve seen in the Defender catalog. There is a hardware store close by, a grocery store, a marine supply store and a West Marine. They’re all within walking distance but might be to far for someone not used to walking, They are all withing less than 10 minutes biking distance.
      I spent three weeks there during the end of November and beginning of December, the best part of my stay was all the great people I met. I was invited to the Orphan Sailor Thanksgiving feast and spent quality time on board other sailor’s boats enjoying adult beverages. I highly recommend visiting, the owner, Knute, will make you feel welcome. If your boat draws more than 5’5″, you have to enter when there is no wind or when the wind is from a northerly quarter, a southerly wind drops the channel depth to less than 6 ft. It’s 6 1/2 ft with no wind and more than 7 with a wind from the north. For those unfamiliar with the Carolinas, there are no lunar or solar tides and the water levels are influenced by the winds.
      Henry Zalegowski on S/V Turn’er Loose

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor

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    • Dec 19, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Captain Wally’s Beaufort, NC Impressions (Statute Mile 201)

      The extract below is taken from Captain Wally Moran’s “LiveBloggin’ the ICW” (http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/). He gives some good info about one of our very favorite ports of call, but we must disagree with him about there not being any propane within walking distance of the Beaufort Town Docks. He should have check the Cruisers’ Net’s “NC LPG/CNG Availability” directory at /category/north-carolina-lpg-cng-availability/. By doing so, he would have discovered a long walk would have taken him to Teels Gas Service at 813 Cedar Street (252-728-7039).

      Beaufort is the first major ocean access harbour on the ICW, if you don’t count Norfolk, at its head. Most of the traffic now is sportfishermen, recreational boats and the occasional freighter. It’s also the first location where you run into substantial tide and current. Those three feet (approx) of tide create a very strong current that affects how you anchor and how and where you put your rode down. Holding in the anchorage is good though, so once you’ve done a proper job of backing down, you can safely nod off.
      The waterfront is one of the nicer ones on the ICW, with a good number of decent pubs overlooking the Beaufort waterfront along its boardwalk. Opposite the waterfront is Radio Island [actually Carrot Shoal – editor] – on occasion you’ll see wild horses there, although I never have for some reason. Beaufort is also where I usually see my first dolphins on every trip south. And for real wildlife, there’s my friend Will and his lime green cat!
      Two major downtown Beaurort highlights are the Maritime Museum and the Wooden Boat Building museum, where they actually build wooden boats. The Maritime Museum has an amazing library with thousands of out of print nautical titles, and probably something for everyone. The Maritime Museum at one time used to have a loaner car for transients – that service is no longer, thanks to lawyers and lawsuits making it prohibitively expensive to do so.
      That’s unfortunate, because shopping is too far to walk – as is a propane refill, which is truly unfortunate, because the tank for my boat heater JUST RAN OUT, and it’s going to be chilly tonight. I’ll have to hook up the cooking propane. Fortunately, I’ll be in Wrightsville Beach tomorrow, and they DO have a loaner car and the propane refill store is very close.
      Wally Moran
      LiveBloggin’ the ICW
      http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Beaufort, NC Region

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    • Dec 15, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Fond Look at Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)

      Sign just opposite the free dock in Oriental

      The heart warming story below comes to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net from our dear friend, and fellow nautical writer, Captain Wally Moran, and from his LiveBloggin the ICW (http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/). Anyone who has ever visited Oriental will quickly discern the truth of what Captain Wally has to say!
      Wally seems to be lingering in North Carolina waters a bit longer than most, before heading south to warmer climes. We’ll keep following his travels here at the Crusiers’ Net as he heads his sailcraft towards the Sunshine State.

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NCA drinking town with a sailing problem…
      That’s how Oriental bills itself…well, actually it calls itself the sailing capital of North Carolina, but the t-shirts and coffee mugs all tell a different story.
      It’s a friendly town – people wander to the dock to chat after getting their coffee at the Bean, which is across from the free dock (free is good!â„¢).
      The town is also the most dog-friendly place I’ve ever been. You’ll frequently see dogs roaming the street, and if one of them decides to lie down in front of the Bean (happens often actually), drivers slow down and move around the pup. It’s really quite a hoot to see – anywhere else it would be honk the horn and get upset time, but not in Oriental.
      There is a West Marine, but no other box stores in Oriental. That’s because the locals voted it that way – talk about a great sense of values. West Marine good – Wal Mart bad!
      This is a town that, on New Year’s Day when everyone else in America is watching football, is having their New Year’s Regatta. The last time I was here for it, 26 boats were competing. I was heading out that day and darn near became the 27th boat!
      Villagef Food Emporium 252-249-FOOD Delicious Carry-out Meals The wind today turned strongly into the southwest, and since I hadn’t yet gotten groceries, I chose to remain one more day at the free dock (free is good! â„¢), rather than bash down the canal at the end of Adams Creek on the way to Beaufort. Winds go light tomorrow, so morning will be an excellent time to head out.
      Like I said, a great sense of values.
      Wally Moran
      LiveBloggin the ICW
      http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/

      We love Oriental and always make a point of stopping there. However, the lack of pump out facilities is a concern. Oriental Marina has none. The public free dock has none. The marina to the west has two portables but they are often out of service. There are way too many boats in Oriental that should be pumping out and obviously do not. The worst part is that no one we talked to about this problem cared. One marina owner said `I don’t have to have a pump out, so why would I want one?’
      Ginny Caldwell

      River dunes, sailcraft marina and deaton’s marina all have pump outs. Possibly more marinas close by.
      Cliff Kisby

      Cruising News:
      Let me remind Ms. Caldwell and other cruisers passing though Oriental that most of our marinas and other waterfront facilities here are still very much in recovery mode from hurricane Irene, the worst storm we’ve seen here in recorded history. There are adequate pumpouts if you know where to find them but but some of the regular places are still out of service. Everything should be online and operating when the snowbird migration heads north in the spring.
      Captain Andy Denmark
      Lower Broad Creek
      Oriental, NC

      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

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    • Nov 30, 2011by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route vs AICW – North Carolina, Virginia Cut Route

      Friends Doing the Dismal

      Fellow nautical writer, Wally Moran, does a very nice job below of summarizing the attributes and demerits of these two alternate AICW passages that lead from Norfolk, VA to North Carolina waters, or the other way around. And, by the way, the text below is copied from Captain Wally’s new “LiveBloggin’ the ICW” site at:
      http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/

      Will asked me about the two options heading south – the Virginia Cut and the Dismal Swamp. Great question.
      Friends doin’ the Dismal
      I prefer the Dismal Swamp – it’s wonderfully scenic, as you can see. Good protection from wind, and the stop at Deep Creek Lock to visit Rob, the lockmaster, is always a treat. Leaving the Dismal, you stop by Elizabeth City for a free night’s dockage and the cruisers’ welcome party each evening for a drink, and a rose for the ladies, a tradition started by two locals and now kept up by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
      The only drawback is that the Dismal takes longer to run, and isn’t really feasible for boats drawing over six feet.
      The Virginia Cut brings you to Virginia City and the Great Bridge Lock, a marvel to see in and of itself, plus lots of fascinating tugboat and commercial traffic.
      I usually do one route on the trip down, and the other on the return, just to enjoy the best of both worlds. The one other proviso is if the exit from the route will permit me to sail on the Albermarle. There is enough distance between them to make a difference in how you trim your sails.
      Wally Moran

      Hi Claiborne ‘“ my blog showed dozens of unexpected hits today ‘“ so I looked at my stats and, sure enough, they were coming from here [SSECN]. Maybe you can encourage your readers to add to the list of the World’s Greatest Boating Songs ‘“ there will be prizes, such as copies of my video, Sailing South ‘“ First Timer’s Guide to the ICW, or Forbidding, Forbidden Cuba. Maybe I can get you to toss in a copy of one of your books? I refuse to give up my copy of your Florida guide, it’s a fun read.
      If anyone is curious, they can get a peek at the trailers for both videos at http://www.thesailingchannel.tv/icw or /cuba.
      Thanks again Claiborne. Tomorrow, off to start the ICW for the 18th time.

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    • Nov 29, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      More Good Words for Dudley’s Marina, AICW Statute Mile 229

      Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near unlighted daybeacon #46A, and just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Swansboro, NC. Those cruisers who are willing to hike or take the Dudley’s courtesy car across the bridge and causeway can find some of the best FRIED (NOT broiled) seafood in the world at Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise!

      We stopped by Dudley’s on 11/23/11 on a short Thanksgiving cruise to Beauford, NC. A thank you from the Halifax Crew to Dudley’s for keeping the dockage fee and the price of gasoline/fuel affordable so we can continue to boat. Very friendly staff and helpful with docking. I recommend them and wil stop in again. Easy walk over the bridge to town from their location.
      Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dudley’s Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dudley’s Marina

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    • Nov 29, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Good Visit to Morehead City Docks, AICW Statute Mile 205

      In the heart of downtown, the City docks are on the northern banks of the Morehead City waterfront channel, west of Morehead Gulf Docks. Reservations are made by calling 252-726-2457, but payment is made at the City Library one block from the waterfront at 9th and Evans.

      We stayed at these docks on 11/25/11. Nice new floating docks and new shower facilities. Manager was very nice and helpful.. Great location for downtown Morehead City and waterfront walk. Fast tide that runs abeam so docking can be tough in fast current. Suggest arriving at slack tide for less stress.
      Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Morehead City Municipal Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Docks

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    • Nov 22, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      More Good Words for River Dunes Marina, AICW Statute Mile 173.5

      River DunesRiver Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

      Property is all the above comments say it is. Be aware Irene moved markers in Broad Creek around (more than a bit). You will come to a #4 private buoy well before the daymark #4. Coming in the creek, the pipes driven into the bottom mark the ~4 foot line. Stay to the creek side of these marks if you draw more.
      Lunch at M&M’s was well provisioned, well prepared, and very well served. Would certainly return. Oriental hardware store and Town and Country grocery are much more than they appear from the outside.
      Chris

      We kept our boat at River Dunes for two weeks while visiting family up north. We view the location as a perfect place to keep a boat secure. The staff is great and the showers are the best on the east coast! We will be back!!
      Dick Anderson

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      No Free Pumpout at Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park, AICW Statute Mile 197

      Jarrett Bay Marine is located on the eastern shores of ICW-Core Creek passage, south of flashing daybeacon #19.

      Cruising News:
      Buyers beware! We were in need of fuel, water & a pump out on our way south on the ICW. We checked our BoutUS Member Services Guide for a convient location our our way to Beaufort, NC. We found that the Jarrett Bay Boatworks offered a free pump out and it was right on the way. Since we had been there several time on our way north & south, we decided to pull in for the works. Well, the works is what we got! They were busy hauling a large yacht and were told we wanted to pump it out ourself, that would be OK. We did and went to the fuel dock for diesel and water. When I went into the office to pay, I then found out that the charge for a pump out is $30.00!!!!! When my wife called them they said they never offered a free pump out and the book is incorrect. Needless to say, I got the “works” that day. But, they have also lost me as a fuel customer. Buyers Beware!
      Capt. Mike

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jarrett Bay Marine

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    • Nov 16, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Morehead City – Beaufort Info (Statute Mile 201 to 205)

      Morehead City Yacht BasinCaptain Han’s short but incredibly newsy note below contains some real gems when it comes to a visit to the Morehead City – Beaufort region. Note this dynamic cruising duo had a good meal at Morehead’s Ruddy Duck Tavern (252-726-7500), and then moved on to anchor in Beaufort’s Taylor Creek. And, they found additional swing room by cruising just a bit farther to the east on this body of water.
      Good advice all the way around. I would only add that two more excellent dockage alternatives on the Morehead City side are Morehead City Yacht Basin, one of the finest marinas you will find anywhere (and a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) and the new Morehead City Public/City Docks, found at the western end of the downtown waterfront. Both are linked below.

      Typically we stay at Morehead and eat at the Ruddy Duck. This trip it was Saturday and we arrived at lunch so we were asked not to stay at Ruddy Duck beyond lunch and monopolize the dock. The point is that we ended up anchoring in Taylor Creek. I have always been put off by the crowded anchorage but we just meandered eastward up the creek and found lots of swinging room a short way up.
      The new Sanitary Restaurant docks are great even if you have to pay.
      Gregory Han

      Click Here To View An Earlier Posting About the Ruddy Duck Tavern

      Click Here To View An Earlier Posting About the New Docks at Sanitary Fish Market

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Morehead City Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Yacht Basin

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For The Morehead City Public Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Morehead City Public Docks

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Taylor Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Anchorage on Taylor Creek

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    • Nov 15, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Dudley’s Marina, AICW Statute Mile 229

      Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near unlighted daybeacon #46A, and just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Swansboro, NC. Those cruisers who are willing to hike or take the Dudley’s courtesy car across the bridge and causeway can find some of the best FRIED (NOT broiled) seafood in the world at Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise!

      Make no mistake about it, Dudley’s is a great local sport fisherman’s marina with dockage for cruisers. We love the service and the helpfullness of the staff and it’s working boat yard atmosphere. It’s a great value for the cruiser at 75 cents a ft., electric, water and courtesy van included. Their facilities are `seasoned’ and more than adequate.
      Bob & Lynne aboard Traveller

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dudley’s Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dudley’s Marina

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    • Nov 14, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Recommendation of Goat Island Anchorage, AICW Dismal Swamp Alternate Route, Statute Mile 43.5

      Goat Island Anchorage will be discovered on the waters of Pasquotank River north of Elizabeth City. Be sure the enter the anchorage behind Goat Island from the southeastern end of the cut.

      10/31/2011 Stayed at this anchorage during gale force winds from the NNE. Very good holding. Good protection.
      Patty Tate

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Goat Island Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Goat Island

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    • Nov 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Vote For a Stay at Portside Marina (Morehead City, NC – Statute Mile 205)

      When entering the Morehead City waterfront from the “Turning Basin,” Portside Marina is the first facility that will come abeam to the north.

      We would like to suggest that the Portside Marina in Morehead City is an excellent stop in the Beaufort, NC area. It is family-owned marina and they take care of transient boaters very well. It is the first marina after you pass the ship terminal. Their cost is $1.50 a foot with $10 off the second and third nights. The dockmaster has his PHD but he loves owning the marina and taking care of boaters. Give them a try.
      Flint and Leslie Firestone
      aboard Grace Full

      Last night we stayed at Portside Marina in Morehead City. The Marina is very close to the inlet and we had planned to go out this morning. Great people, very helpful, $1.50/foot electric included, great location. Nice restaurants within walking distance.
      Claudia Young

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Portside Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Portside Marina

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    • Nov 11, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Confirmation Received of Marker # Change At AICW/Bogue Inlet Intersection (Statute Mile 227)

      On 11/20/11, I asked for help from the cruising community concerning the report below by Captain Jerry, that the Bogue Inlet channel aid to navigation, hard by the AICW/Bogue Inlet intersection, has changed its numbering from #21 to #20. I’m glad to report that Captain Eilenn has responded!
      This is a BIG DEAL, as the Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem here, but the inland-most marker on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.
      And, the important point is that this newly numbered marker #20 is NOT an AICW navigational marker. Ignore it, and follow ONLY the Waterway buoys and daybeacons!

      The mark to be ignored at Bogue inlet is `20’³, not `21’³. It floats between `45’³ and `45A’.
      Jerry on Suncatcher

      Cruising News:
      Definitely a red nun #20 between 45 and 45A
      Admiral Eileen
      ANKERS AWAY

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Bogue Inlet Channel Intersection

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    • Nov 9, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words, Past and Present, for River Dunes Marina, AICW Statute Mile 173.5

      River DunesRiver Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

      Cruising News:
      Oct 2008 – Dockmaster JC Cappleman and his staff make this beautiful facility feel like home. Pool, spa, exercise room, clean and modern steam showers, loaner cars, new floating docks and friendly boaters’ gatherings in front of the clubhouse fireplace . . . all combine to make River Dunes an unforgettable gem on the ICW.
      Oct 2011 – We’ve visited River Dunes five times now on our way north or south. If you haven’t stopped by yet in favor of another marina or anchorage, you’re missing one of the best spots on the waterway.
      Bob Fulton

      Stayed at River Dunes twice in 2011. Both visits absolutely wonderful. JC and his staff are first rate, facility beautiful, protected, great food ‘¦ a must stop north and south.
      Doug Jacoby..m/v CHANGER

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

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    • Nov 7, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Upper Dowry Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 131.5)

      The anchorage referred to below by Captain Anderson lies upstream of Dowry Creek Marina, a facility that many other cruisers have reported favorably upon.

      While I agree that this anchorage is a very solid location to get out of strong winds, our experience at Dowry Creek Marina was an eye opening!
      When I went in and spent money for fuel and ice I even asked if they wanted a fee for trash and water and was told no thanks. Later in the day, after we bought more fuel, (again by our dinghy) we were befriended by a fellow cruiser on the dock and were invited to the happy hour that night by him. When we showed up we were told by the marina that only docked boats could participate. Further they said they did not have dinghy facilities and that we would have to leave the premises! Next time the gentleman said, `take one or our docks!’.
      Note that we sail a very low freeboard trimaran and the docks at the marina were not even considered by us. Too high to reach and facing the wrong way for the forecasted bag weather. Why would we want our boat pinned to rough pilings during the big wind when we can swing with the weather that was forecasted??
      Right now we are at a dock (a beautiful floater) so we do spend money! I’ll anchor in Upper Dowry Creek perhaps again but will NEVER set foot at the marina. It has easily been the low point of our cruise south to date!!
      Dick Anderson

      Why would you expect to benefit and enjoy the amenities of the marina while anchored. It just makes sense to me that if you want to participate then pay the slip rate. I would resent you getting the same treatment as a paying customer.
      Rick Bearden

      Sorry You had a bad experience there, it has been one of our favorite stops, and always been friendly, of course we did pay for dockage, so I guess that’s why. I know the Lady lost her husband and is having a hard time keeping the place going. I am still a bit surprised that they treated You that way, and understand Your post. They seemed to be real sail friendly when we were there, did the marina change hands? Do You know?
      Captain Clay

      We’ve stayed at Dowry Creek marina at least four times, the most recently 11-3-11. They are the most friendly and accommodating people we’ve had the pleasure to meet. They have very nice facilities (restrooms, showers, pool, boaters lounge.) They go out of their way to assist anyone paying for a slip, with hands always ready to help with lines. I saw them out in driving rain and winds on 11-4-11 assisting boaters dock. Later that evening, well after dark they stayed after hours to assisted a small sailboat dock in nearly 30kts winds.
      No they don’t have floating docks or a dingy dock for boaters that don’t want to pay for a slip. If you chose to anchor do so just don’t expect to use a nearby marina’s facilities.
      Lamar

      I bought a boat from a man who owned a slip at Dowry Creek Marina a couple of years ago. I stayed on the boat for about 3 days getting it ready to move. She knew she would not be getting any slip fees from me. Mary was nice and accommodating. Not overly friendly, but it was a good experience over all. But, while I was there, I was buying ice, chips, candy, soda, a couple extra things from the store. I don’t know her or her business plan, and I can understand her frustration of people sailing by and anchoring within sight of the marina. But if she would have let him stay, he might have spent some more money. (I know I would have probably bought more!) I own a retail store, and ANY customer is a good customer.
      Mark s/v Windbag

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Upper Dowry Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Upper Dowry Creek Anchorage

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