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    • Wilmington Marine Center (off the AICW on Cape Fear River, near Wilmington, NC)

      Wilmington Marine Center is a combination marina and extensive repair yard facility which sits in a sheltered harbor along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River. This facility’s entrance channel cuts east abeam of marker #59.
      Visitors should be prepared to find that Wilmington Marine Center is located in an industrial district. No shopping or dining is to be found within walking or even bike riding distance of the dockage basin. You will need a taxi to visit Wilmington’s many find restaurants and historic attractions.

      We kept our boat at the Wilmington Marine Center for the 8 months in 2010/2011 while we were back in Florida for the fall & winter. Skip and his staff were wonderful. I cannot say too much about the level of service we received while there. When we were looking for a place to leave our boat for this layup period that we felt was protected against storms and was convenient to a boat yard, and WMC fit for us.
      Gregory Poole Marine repairs is located at the marina and DeMann Diesels, Tom DeMann and company, is located across the street. We had repairs done by both companies (bottom painting and misc other work at Poole and Cummins diesel maintenance at DeMann) and McConville Marine (Thrusters & HVAC).
      John Weber
      M/V Bombay Lady III
      2005 Meridian 411 Sedan Bridge

      Gregory Poole is no longer located here. They moved out in December, 2011.
      G. L. Buzzell

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington Marine Center

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    • Good Words for Ocracoke, NC, off the AICW in Pamlico Sound

      The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks are on the northern shores of Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.

      We spent 3 nights at Ocracoke Island a couple of years ago. It is a lovely spot with lots to do. The US Park Service docks are not fancy, but are more than adequate. Several good restaurants are within walking distance and the beach is within biking range. Be sure to check out the picturesque lighthouse.
      Mark and Bev MacMahon
      M/V Calypso – AT34
      currently motoring to Charleston, SC

      M/V Oasis traveled to Okracoke from Oriental, NC last spring. Check out our Journal tab at http://www.oasiscrew.shutterfly.com. Scroll to North Carolina and Virginia entry dated May 23rd.
      Pasted below is a brief part of that entry.
      On May 10th we departed the ICW to take a side trip across Pamlico Sound to the Outter Banks of North Carolina and visit the island of Ocracoke, say that 10 times as fast as you can. The harbor here is called Silver Lake where the ferrys bring all the tourist and provisions for the island. They also have a small airport. Ocrackoe is where the infamous pirate Blackbeard was captured and taken to sea to be hanged at the direction of the then Governor of Virginia around 1774. We were here for three days and enjoyed bicycling around the island and enjoying the nice weather and the harbor waterfront at sunset.
      Chuck and Frances
      M/V Oasis

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

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    • Report from Carolina Beach State Park Marina, AICW Statute Mile 297

      The long awaited remodeling and reopening of this fine facility has happened! The State Park entrance channel cuts off from the AICW, at the western end of Snows Cut, between markers #163 and #165.

      Carolina Beach State Park (MM 297.1) at the west end of Snow Cut on the Cape Fear River, NC – the marina at this state park completed a $4 million renovation in 2011 with all new floating docks, dredged channel and basin, 30 amp power, water, and bath house. Cost was $30 per night including electric for our 41 foot trawler. Our 5 foot draft was no problem at low tide on 16 Apr 2012. There are walking trails and trash containers. Friendly staff. Marina phone – 910-458-7770.
      Captain Dick M/V Emerald Lady

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park

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    • Comments on Beaufort Municipal Docks, Beaufort , NC, AICW Statute Mile 201

      This is not the first unhappiness with prices at the Municipals Docks we have had expressed here. Price can easily be blamed on the economy, but attitude and service should never be compromised. Despite such dockage problems, the town of Beaufort, NC is still known as a real success story along the Waterway and this wonderful port of call remains one of our favorites, anytime, anywhere!

      Dockage on the facedocks is now $2.75/ft. This marina used to be such a good place to go to because of the restaurants and quaint local businesses. But, staff is unfriendly and prices exorbitant. Would think Beaufort docks could help the local economy a lot by lowering their slips rate to encourage boaters from SE NC to come visit for the weekend and spend money in town. Boats must be bypassing Beaufort and going over to Morehead City or anchoring out’¦’¦cause there certainly weren’t many boats in marina. On a positive note, we ate dinner at Front Street Grill at Stillwater and food was wonderful!!!! Highly recommend.
      Debbie Wicker

      We were `burnt’ our first trip south when we had to stay three days due to weather Nov. 2010. Blew one month’s budget. Staff then was friendly, but will not visit unless absolutely necessary for fuel, and then will definitely anchor.
      The Leafs

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort Municipal Docks

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    • Good Report from Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84

      Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12.

      On a recent ICW trip we were unsure about stopping at Alligator River Marina after reading some reviews. On March 22,2012 we stopped and were met at the gas pumps. We ate in the grill and found all of the staff very friendly and helpful. Wanda went out of her way to help our overnight stay comfortable. We were in a small ( 19′ ) boat so our spending was limited to 20 gal. gas, slip fee, two meals in the grill. Very pleased, they had only been open one week after being closed for Winter.
      James Truckner

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

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

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    • Comments on Beaufort Municipal Docks, AICW Statute Mile 201

      This is not the first unhappiness with prices at the Municipals Docks we have had expressed here – see first link below for some price comparisons. Price can easily be blamed on the economy, but attitude and service should never be compromised. Despite such dockage problems, the town of Beaufort, NC is still known as a real success story along the Waterway and this wonderful port of call remains one of our favorites, anytime, anywhere! And, as Capt. Winter points out, a “must see”!

      The town marina [Municipal Docks] was always a must stop for us as we go north/south (note we live in NC). Their reputation is now better than actual, as we have watched this place go up in cost while not maintaining facilities, but more importantly, bad attitudes from the staff. Staff especially are getting bad reputation up/down the ICW. We now go to Morehead City where all the marinas/restaurants are working hard for business. Beaufort is a must see town, but there are other places to dock in order to see the town. The savings on dockage will more than pay for a cab.
      John Winter

      Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Price Angst in Beaufort

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort Municipal Docks

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    • Praise for East and South Lake Anchorages, AICW Statute Mile 82

      The entrance to East Lake and South Lake anchorages lies along the AICW/Alligator River’s easterly shoreline, east of flashing daybeacon #10. We strongly suggest that you NOT attempt to access this anchorage without a well functioning GPS chartplotter aboard. A portion of the approach runs through a narrow, unmarked, neck-like channel. Easy to do with a chartplotter, but very difficult with DR navigation.

      Heading northbound. Winds were howling today, gusts to 30 mph. Hopeful that the bridge would open. Great bridgetender. Went to the anchorage in Little Alligator River’¦nasty, crossed the river to the East & South Lakes. Followed our GPS to the middle of the South Lake. Five boats anchored here tonight in very calm water despite the 15 MPH winds. Will definitely keep this anchorage in mind the next time we are in the area. Our 5’5’³ draft had no problem getting in here! (3/29/12)
      Just noticed the statement for sufficient room for 38 foot vessels, every boat in here tonight is over 40 feet. Can’t believe the room back here. So much room, a beautiful anchorage.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For East and South Lake Anchorages

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of East and South Lake Anchorages

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    • Praise for Deep Point Marina, Cape Fear River, AICW Statute Mile 307

      910-269-2380 The new 82-slip Deep Point Marina is located on the Cape Fear River in Southport, NC, and offers fuel and transient dockage, as well as daily, monthly and annual slip rentals. The marina is adjacent to the new Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal, which houses a snack bar (open seasonally) that offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. In addition, the Deep Point Marina is convenient to Southport's shopping, restaurants and historic district, and offers easy ocean access.

      Deep Point Marina lies in the Cape Fear River via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20 and is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Deep Point Marina was the best place we’ve found. The people are GREAT and helpful, place was CLEAN, and the overnight rate was the best we found. we will stop back to see them.
      Faith Olsen

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

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

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    • Report on Jordan Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 140

      Jordan Creek lies well to the west-northwest of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #4, along Pungo River’s westerly banks. This stream plays host to the River Rat Yacht Club, one of the most fun loving organizations of its type to be found anywhere.
      Cruisers sometimes anchor on the waters of Jordan Creek, and we do list this haven in our “North Carolina Anchorage Directory.” However, while we have always found 4 1/2 foot depths if this stream is carefully approached, the thin water reported below by Captain Beard is for real!

      I have gone in here and anchored off the club. Entrance is marked but shallow, less than 4ft.
      Earl Beard

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

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

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    • Shoaling Reported on Approach Channel from Beaufort Inlet to Beaufort, NC Waterfront

      This shoaling seems to lie at the southern end of Radio Island between marker #22 and marker #2 at the south end of the main channel leading from Beaufort Inlet into the Beaufort waterfront. Fortunately, most of us will be able to cruise through 9-foot MLW depths without a problem, but this report does signal that these waters will have to be carefully watched for future shallowing!

      NC ‘“ BEAUFORT HARBOR ‘“ SHOALING
      Shoaling to a depth of 9.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Beaufort Harbor Channel Warning Daybeacon A (LLNR 34811 [34°42.3091N / 076°40.7363W, 34.705152 / -76.678938]). Chart 11545

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

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

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

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    • Differing Opinions on New Bern Grand Marina off the Neuse River in New Bern, NC

      The New Bern Grand Marina lies along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges. It seems pretty clear both from our own experience at this facility as well as the wealth of contrary views below, that the predominant opinion is, and should be, that New Bern Grand Marina is a fine facility

      The marina and hotel are now two seperate amenities. NO SECURITY at night. The grounds are littered and it looks like a third rate glorified lawn mowing company has tried to landscape..the day I visited they blew their lawn clippings and leaves in the water for your boat pumps to get stopped up. This marina is not what it was when I visited two years ago..we are very disappointed and will not be staying there.
      Mike Thompson

      These comments are contrary to everything I have experienced at the New Bern Grand Marina. The marina is neat and clean. The staff is great, always going the extra mile to insure those of us who actually have boats there are happy and comfortable.
      Jim Powell

      The negative comments above are from a man having a bad day for some reason. We keep a boat at New Bern Grand and we couldn’t be more pleased. The staff is helpful and courteous, the docks and grounds in top shape, the atmosphere and neighbors friendly and pleasant. We get a weekly email of news, status, reminders, and are kept informed of all events.
      New Bern Grand is in the middle of downtown New Bern and is convenient to everything. The unhappy boater is right in one thing, there are now two separate business entities. It’s been transparent to the slip holders thus far.
      One other thing, though New Bern experienced a 9-foot water surge with Hurricane Irene and it’s streets were under 2 feet of water, the marina and residents suffered no real damage.
      Ben

      We stay at this marina every spring on our way north, usually for a month, and are headed there in two weeks. Called a good friend who is a longtime liveaboard there, and he confirmed that the marina has changed hands, but says he hasn’t noticed much change. We look forward to going back.
      Dennis Jay

      The negative comments above are from a man having a bad day for some reason. We keep a boat at New Bern Grand and we couldn’t be more pleased. The staff is helpful and courteous, the docks and grounds in top shape, the atmosphere and neighbors friendly and pleasant. We get a weekly email of news, status, reminders, and are kept informed of all events.
      New Bern Grand is in the middle of downtown New Bern and is convenient to everything. The unhappy boater is right in one thing, there are now two separate business entities. It’s been transparent to the slip holders thus far.
      One other thing, though New Bern experienced a 9-foot water surge with Hurricane Irene and it’s streets were under 2 feet of water, the marina and residents suffered no real damage.
      Ben

      We stay at this marina every spring on our way north, usually for a month, and are headed there in two weeks. Called a good friend who is a longtime liveaboard there, and he confirmed that the marina has changed hands, but says he hasn’t noticed much change. We look forward to going back.
      Dennis Jay

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina

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    • A Tall Ship Will Make Washington, NC Waterfront Docks Its New Homeport


      Washington, NC is a long-time and much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 14, 2012, WASHINGTON, NC
      The Schooner Jeanie B, a 72′ tall masted sailing vessel, will be coming to the City of Washington and become a fixture to the community of Eastern North Carolina.

      The Washington Harbor District Alliance helped to formulate the new partnership between the City of Washington and The Schooner Jeanie B. This partnership creates a relationship that couples the vibrant waterfront in Washington, NC with the educational and family sailings of the vessel. Schooner Jeanie B will reconnect the rich history of Washington’s past which was active with tall ships with the present when she arrives March 21.
      The Schooner Jeanie B is a traditional sailing vessel that sails with Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer during the summer months and Boy Scouts of America and the Pamlico Sea Base during the spring and fall months. Jeanie B teaches principles of sailing, ship handling, and traditional navigation including using the stars to find their way. Team and character building are another benefit the campers, scouts and students experience living aboard the boat
      as they travel around the Inner Banks of North Carolina visiting various ports such as Manteo, Ocracoke, Washington and Beaufort.
      The Jeanie B also provides sailing excursions during the week and weekends from the docks in Washington, NC. She can take up to 25 passengers for afternoon and evening sunset or star gazing sails. The captain and crew of Jeanie B can put you at the helm of the 72′ vessel, allow you and your friends to raise her sails and navigate along the Pamlico River or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful sail of an afternoon or evening.
      To celebrate the arrival of Schooner Jeanie B, the City of Washington, NC welcomes her March 21 – 24 with an array of activities. Jeanie B will arrive in Washington on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 21 and that evening a lecture entitled, “Equinox, Solstice, Hallmark and Hershey. A talk on astronomical events and how they merge with our lives” will be given by Dr. Lee Sutton, owner and operator of the schooner. Jeanie B teaches celestial navigation and her arrival, to coincide with the Vernal Equinox on March 21, couples that teaching to her new home. The lecture will take place at the North Carolina Estuarium along the Washington waterfront.
      Thursday and Friday, March 22, 23, the vessel will be offering free tours from 10am until 2pm. Saturday, March 24, Jeanie will be offering free to all the public multiple sailings from the docks of the City of Washington.
      After this arrival celebration, the schooner will make Washington, NC her permanent home and be available for corporate, family or group sailings throughout the year. For additional information, please contact the Jeanie B at 804-519-0174 and schoonerjeanieb@gmail.com
      For more information Contact Lee Sutton at 804-519-0174 or Beth Byrd, Director Washington Harbor District Alliance at 252-947-1487, whda@washingtononthewater.com
      Beth Byrd
      Director
      Washington Harbor District Alliance
      102 East 2nd Street
      PO Box 1988
      Washington, NC 27889
      Cell: 252-947-1487
      Email: whda@washingtononthewater.com
      Web: www.whda.org
      Much appreciation goes out to our Corporate Sponsors and the City of Washington for their support:

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

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

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    • Anchored on Taylor Creek (Beaufort, NC – near St. M. 201)

      An interesting series of events described below, but the real lesson here is how much current exists on the very popular Taylor Creek anchorage, just off the Beaufort, NC waterfront, and how carefully one must anchor, and maintain those anchors.

      We remember Taylor Creek readily, mostly because of the currents. Anchored at the eastish end, in a fairly narrow section, we seemed to either be too close for comfort to the island or too the channel. Nothing we did could change this. Our neighbor though, never seemed to move more than a couple feet. So one day, I rowed over to see how they were anchored, anxious to learn a better way.
      Turned out the woman was by herself, her husband having been taken to the hospital several days before because of a heart attack. She was besides herself because of a storm that was forecast for that evening and her rodes had wrapped around themselves so much that her scope had significantly been reduced, and she was pretty certain that one, if not both anchors had tripped (originally anchored Bahamian style). In addition, their engine was overheating and she wasn’t comfortable operating it to begin with.
      I offered to help do what I could and she enthusiastically agreed. I went back and got Jill, so the three of us could sort out her predicament. Pulled her anchors up and discovered that she was right in her assessment, although only one anchor had tripped, the wrapping having pulled it halfway up the other anchor’s rode. Got her reanchored (her engine was overheating) and Jill and I went back to our boat, happy that we did a good deed. We still chuckle when we rethink of this event, thinking that boat was so well anchored and that we could learn something from her, when it turned out it was borderline, at best.
      As it turned out her boat started swinging just as far and wide as ours did, so we learned nothing there; but, it didn’t drag throughout the storm. Her husband returned two days latter and the impression we got was that he wasn’t very pleased that we helped his wife… never said hello, even thought he motored right by us repeatedly, never said thanks. We still can’t understand that part, but none-the-less, we’d do it again if the opportunity presented itself!
      Rudy
      Briney Bug

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

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

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    • New Grocery/Deli Open on Beaufort, NC’s Front Street, Within Easy Walking Distance of the Municipal Docks (St. M. 201)

      During a recent research visit to the northeastern and central NC coastline, we were delighted to be taken on a tour of a new, downtown Beaufort grocery store and deli, soon to be opened as Taylor’s Creek Grocery (525 Front Street, 252-838-1495). We saw shelves being stocked with what looked to be delectable yummies, and extensive coolers about to be loaded with all sorts of cold drinks, including beer and wine. Equally impressive was the large deli corner, where everything was shiny new, and looked to be just waiting to churn out a mouth watering selection of sandwiches.
      And, what’s best about this new facility from a cruiser’s point of view, is its location, within easy walking distance of the Beaufort Municipal docks. In fact, the store’s position at the corner of Front and Queen Streets, places it just across the road from the eastern tip of the city docks.
      We were told Taylor’s Creek Grocery would be open for business by mid-March, 2012, and, indeed, all the activity we saw would tend to suggest that this opening date is on target. So, now, in addition to Community Market (a couple of blocks from the city docks on Broad Street), and taking a courtesy car to the local Food Lion and Piggly Wiggly supermarkets, cruisers who berth at the Beaufort Municipal Docks have a very attractive provisioning possibility within easy walking distance!

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

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

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    • Praise for The Boatyard at Hampstead, Top Sail Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 264.5

      The Boatyard at Hampstead, NC, lies on the west side of the Waterway at Marker #90, 1 mile north of Harbour Village Marina and 1 mile south of the Top Sail Beach swing bridge, adjacent to Anchors Away Boatyard. Their phone is 910-270-2194

      We used The Boatyard at Hampstead during a recent boat sale while working as the yacht broker, and found this yard to offer excellent service, very pleasant to work with, and very conscientious.
      The owners, Pamela and Gerald Foy, took over the yard a year ago, April 2011. This full service yard is just off the ICW north of Wrightsville Beach, very convenient to those cruising the ICW. They are listed on Active Captain as a “1st choice”.
      Calvin Cornish and Wendy Young, MTOA #2641
      “Blue Crab” 32′ Island Gypsy, Punta Gorda FL

      The Boatyard at Hampstead’s web address: www.theboatyardathampstead.com

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Boatyard at Hampstead

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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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