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    • Nov 10, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “Dragons” in Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)

      Our “fearless roving reporter,” Captain Jane Tigar, is once again on the AICW, and filing stories for the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. Captain Jane’s first installment below deals with her home port, Oriental, North Carolina.
      Watch out for “dragons” in this otherwise charming riverside village!

      I’m biased and admit our hailing port is Oriental, NC. I also admit we might have passed her by had our first Lady Jane not needed repairs an hour north of Oriental on our maiden ICW voyage a decade ago proving there’s an advantage to everything.
      Bias aside, don’t pass Oriental by even if you don’t need an emergency repair by the reliable and friendly folks at Deatons boat yard, or a good dinner at the Steamer or M&Ms or the upgraded Toucan Grill or breakfast at Brantley’s where some mornings a baker stops in selling fresh baked fruit and lemon meringue pies.
      Stop in Oriental if for no other reason than because it is the only place in the world — we are quite sure of this –where you can observe an actual nesting site of the rare elusive North Carolina dragon.
      Anchor out just out by the bridge or use the free town dock if you can snag a space. Walk across the street to The Bean, an essential local and cruisers hang out featuring coffee, tea, ice cream and breakfast pastries and, drum roll … Free wifi!
      But I digress.
      Don’t go up to The Bean yet. You are really close… Facing The Bean, look to your left, in the tall grasses until you find this official wildlife sign … Now you are on your own to catch sight of the rare North Carolina dragon.
      Good luck and let us know if you enjoyed your visit in Oriental, NC, a must-visit stop on the ICW.
      Captain Jane
      S/V Lady Jane

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    • Nov 3, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Captain Jones Advises on the AICW/Alligator River Swing Bridge Approach and Passage (Statute Mile 84)

      Before the removal of most swing, bascule and lift bridges, any voyage on the ICW was an adventure in bridge passages. The many types of bridges and conversations with the tenders were often memorable events. The Alligator River Bridge, at the northern entrance to the Alligator River, is particularly memorable because of its great length, making it very formidable on first approach. Captain Jones shares his thoughts on the process.
      AICW Passage South Across Albemarle Sound into Alligator River:
      It was a beautiful day and we made good progress across the Albemarle which was uncharacteristically docile. Coming into the Alligator River, we almost made a mistake by missing the approach mark. However, we caught ourselves in time and corrected our course. The Alligator River Bridge opened for us promptly. I never remember which way a swing bridge swings and am reluctant to approach too closely should it swing toward me. I like to clear a bridge even before it is fully open to facilitate its prompt closing and thereby minimize the inconvenience to motorists, who vastly outnumber us and don’t like to be inconvenienced by pesky sailboats who take forever to get through the bridge while drivers tap their foot in impatience, late for an appointment. I’ve found, too, that when mine is the only boat passing through, the bridge tender knows how long he (or she) can wait before starting the opening sequence. I confess to getting nervous as I approach the bridge, wondering if I have to slow down, but almost invariably, the second I chicken out and hit the throttle, the bridge will start to open, and I quickly throttle up again and sail through without delay. I find it helps to watch when the gates go down to stop traffic, then I know the opening sequence has begun and I can safely maintain my 5 or 6 knots. The bridge will be open by the time I get there.
      Captain Ted Jones

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

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    • Nov 3, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Captain Jones Shortcuts The AICW/Bay River/Neuse River Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 167

      Captain Jones exposes his sailor’s soul as he cuts corners to shorten the distance traveled. Such tactics do have advantages for the slow boat, BUT keep a sharp eye on the chart and on your depth finder!

      AICW Shortcut Around Maw Point Shoal – Bay River into Neuse River:
      I see no point in going all the way out to the Neuse River Junction marker when it is easy to take the hypotenuse from #1 off Deep Point to #2 marking Maw Point Shoal. The minimum depth between these markers is 8 feet approaching #2. Moon River said he didn’t want to have to explain to his insurance company why he was out of the channel when he ran aground. Point taken, but the purple lines drawn on the chart are meant for powerboats who hardly notice the few extra yards. I guess it’s the racer still in me which refuses to take the long way around.
      Captain Ted Jones

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bay/Neuse Rivers Intersection

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    • Nov 3, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Captain Jones Visits Bonner Bay off the AICW at Statute Mile 162

      Bonner Bay lies a short hop off the AICW’s passage through Bay River near Statute Mile 162.There are two anchorages just off Bonner Bay, Long Creek and Spring Creek.
      As the skipper of “Moon River” discovered (see below), all the anchorages in this area are best entered and exited while referencing a well functioning chart plotter.

      Anchorage off Bonner Bay
      We did not attempt to sail as we had the Hobucken Canal to transit further on. It was only 1500 when we left the canal, but we had decided to take it easy and look for an anchorage early on. There were a couple of likely wide spots after the canal which looked promising on the chart but not so good when we got to them ~ exposed to the south. Years ago, Don and Gael Steffens, who wrote for “Coastal Cruising Magazine” which I used to edit, had written glowingly about Bonner Bay which they portrayed as a lovely quiet anchorage rarely frequented by cruisers. It was a couple of miles out of our way, but we decided to check it out. Jim was navigating, and he directed us from the canal to flashing red #4 in the middle of the Bay River. Neither of us could see this mark when we thought we should as it was
      directly under the lowering Sun. Finally, we both spotted it and used it as our departure point into Bonner Bay which is relatively deep in the middle but shoal for quite a distance from the low lying shores of the bay. We both thought we saw a boat ahead of us enter the bay, but neither of us could see it when we got inside.
      There are two narrow but navigable branches well inside the bay, but we chose to anchor in the outer bay and were joined later by a larger than average trawler who anchored just north of us. I think Don and Gael overstated Bonner Bay’s virtues somewhat. The land surrounding it is extremely low with nothing protecting one from a strong south wind coming off the Neuse River but a wide sandy beach. Nevertheless, we felt secure in the outer bay and slept well.
      In the morning, we spotted a boat anchored way up the southwest creek in Bonner Bay, and shortly Ocean Gypsy was hailed on VHF 16. It was Moon River a lovely dark blue motorsailer designed by Mark Ellis and built in Canada by Bruckman. Moon River’s skipper was curious about the apparent shortcut we had taken as we approached Hobucken the day before. I like to cut the corners when I can and not necessarily follow doggedly along the purple path shown on the waterway charts. I had to admit to Moon River that my shortcut almost got us into difficulty, as we missed the outer channel marker and narrowly averted going over a 6 foot shoal. We probably would have been okay, but there were a few nervous moments as I watched the depth sounder indications of shoaling water, but soon we were back in the channel with 11 foot soundings.
      Our conversation was suddenly interrupted as Moon River ran aground inside Bonner Bay. Now we could see them, and we stopped to make sure they were okay. `It doesn’t pay to try to talk on the radio and navigate at the same time’, said the skipper of Moon River, who quickly recovered deeper water, as we could plainly see. He thanked us for standing by.
      Captain Ted Jones

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

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

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

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    • Nov 3, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Dowry Creek Marina, excerpt from Captain Jones’ Log, AICW Statute Mile 131.5

      Captain Jones gives us some recent history of this fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers.

      It was our plan to put into Dowry Creek Marina, just a few miles further on the Pungo River, for fuel, water, and ice. We had discovered Dowry Creek Marina when it was new, a dozen years ago. It was started by Ted Klapperich and his family, but Ted died early in 2007 according to Maptech’s Embassy Guide. We had stopped there in 2008 and found things in disarray, but when we stopped on our way north last spring everyone was cheerful and helpful. The marina appeared to be doing well although there were a number of vacant slips.
      Captain Ted Jones

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

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

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    • Nov 3, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Dining at River Dunes Marina off the Neuse River, AICW Statute Mile 173.5

      River DunesNot only a great marina, but great food as well! River Dunes is located off Broad Creek that departs the Neuse River between AICW markers #4 and #6 and they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Please be aware that while the main dining room in the Harbor Club is open only on weekends,there is a chef prepared family style dinner served downstairs in the gathering room Sunday -Thursday. This is a great venue and has become a big hit.The fireplaces will be roaring and the wine a’flowing
      J C Cappelmann

      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 1, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Captain Pascal Reports on AICW Southwest of Masonboro Inlet (near Statute Mile 288)

      Captain Pascal pilots a vessel with a 6.25 ft draft and, naturally, keeps a sharp eye on his depth finder.
      Note that the depths Pascal refers to below ARE ON THE AICW, actually southwest of the Waterway’s intersection with Masonboro Inlet

      MM288, Masonboro Inlet South, 7′ MLW shoal 100′ north of G135, favor red of centerline
      Pascal

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    • Oct 31, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Deep Point Marina, Cape Fear River, AICW Statute Mile 307

      Deep Point Marina lies just north of Southport, NC, on the main body of the Cape Fear River. The marina’s marked entry channel cuts to the northwest near Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20

      We had a great experience in this new marina. They are just finishing up on these new facilities. Docks are great, Rob the manager was just great. I would recommend this to all boats looking for a place to stay in the Southport area. They have a can do attitude!
      Capt Doug Patton

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

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    • Oct 28, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Town Creek Marina in Beaufort, NC, AICW Statute Mile 201

      Town Creek Marina, located on Beaufort, NC’s Town Creek, southeast of the Gallants Channel’s lighted marker #14, continues to please cruisers with their facilities and service.
      As soon as we received the message below, we called Town Creek Marina to check on their current overnight transient dockage rate. Turns out wet slips are STILL $2.00 per foot, per night, BUT berths on the outer face dock are indeed $2.40 per foot, per night. We have now changed our “North Carolina Marina Directory” entry for Town Creek Marina to reflect these dockage charges.

      We are staying at Town Creek Marina tonight. Stayed here before. Very friendly people and nice Restaurant. However the rate you mention is wrong. They charge $2.40/foot. They still give the 25% boat US discount which brings it down to $1.80.

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

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    • Oct 28, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage, near Beaufort – Morehead City, NC

      This lovely anchorage lies well off the AICW, and is accessed via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. We have received many positive comments about this locale, and, in fact, Cape Lookout Bight may well be the single most popular anchorage on the waters of coastal North Carolina!.

      This is worth a special trip. Cruisers who by-pass this on their way south are missing one of the most beautiful places on the eastern seaboard. If you are headed to the Exumas, well here is a preview for you. Clean water, miles of undeveloped gorgeous beaches inside the Bight and outside on the ocean with world-class shells (it’s a National Seashore). Break out the dinghy and stay a few days! Only 12 NM from Morehead City. You are on open ocean, so mind the surf and current forecast for navigating the inlet and the trip over there. In good conditions you can cut straight to Masonboro Inlet 70NM from here and miss some of the less attractive parts of the ICW (in our opinion)
      George and Ann aboard Hatteras 56MY

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage

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    • Oct 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Advice on Entering Ocracoke Harbor, off Pamilco Sound, NC

      Captain Healy gives us a detailed description of his passage into Ocracoke from Pamlico Sound.

      The route across Pamlico Sound is, likewise, unremarkable. Follow it to the Big Foot Slough Channel from the sound into Ocracoke. Note here that the North Carolina State Ferry System uses this channel. Draft for pleasure craft is not a problem, but if you encounter a ferry in that channel, watch the prop wash! The prop wash is very, very strong, and definitely enough to set you out of the channel. There is a red-over-green junction marker just beyond R3 and G4. Watch for the correctly charted shoal there, and turn 120 degrees or so to port, into the entrance channel into Ocracoke harbor, called “Silver Lake” on the charts. In the harbor, inexpensive dockage with water and electric is available at the National Park Service docks adjacent to the ferry docks. In this harbor, there is also plenty of room to anchor; 20 boats or more. The harbor is very well protected from the strong periodic winds that frequent this island 20 miles into the Atlantic.
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke

      Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Ocracoke

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    • Oct 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Sanctuary Navigates Roanoke Sound, Old House Channel and Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke, NC

      Captain Healy gives us a good description of the passage from Manteo to Ocracoke via the Roanoke Sound Old House Channel, and Pamlico Sound. Note that Old House Channel, which connects Roanoke Sound to Pamlico Sound, is very changeable, and markers are constantly being changed. And, that’s just what Peg and Jim discovered.

      We departed from Waterfront Marina in Manteo, turned south into the Roanoke Channel through Roanoke Sound, joined the Old House Channel into Pamlico Sound, southwest across the sound to the Big Foot Slough Channel into Ocracoke Island’s Silver Lake, and to the National Park Service docks. This is a transit of 67.1 StM which we did in 8.26 hours (so an average speed of 8.12 Stm/hr).
      Here’s a synopsis of the navigation between Manteo and Ocracoke. The Roanoke Channel, from it’s beginnings north of Manteo, carries as little as 7ft to it’s intersection with the Manteo Village entrance channel. South of the Manteo entrance channel, the Roanoke Channel carries at least 9 ft for it’s entire length; in most areas, 11ft to 14ft. There are no draft-related problem areas (at this time). In fact, the Elizabeth II, which draws 8 ft, regularly uses this channel. So, no draft problems, but the channel is quite narrow, probably 100 ft. And, it is not a “No Wake” area. Thus, our plan was to “take our half out of the middle,” which was OK at 0700 on a Monday morning.
      There were, however, two areas that caused some confusion for me. A couple of miles south of Manteo is the US64/US264, 65 ft fixed bridge. Southbound, as you emerge from under that bridge, there is a square “No Wake” sign on a post just on the east side of the channel. With the sun low on the morning horizon, I nearly mistook that sign, by shape, for a green marker. It’s not. The second area of confusion was another 2 – 3 miles south of the bridge, where there is a side-channel that runs off to the west, into the village of Wanchese (pronounced: WAN-cheese). In that area, the Roanoke Channel takes a small dog-leg left, and then another, back to the right. It took me a minute looking through the binoculars to actually realize there was a side-channel intersection there, and it was confusing; and narrow. Carefully pick out the markers for the Roanoke Channel.
      At it’s south end, the Roanoke Channel turns sharply west. In another mile, it intersects with the Old House Channel where the Oregon Inlet Channel comes in from the ocean. There are several new markers there that are not mentioned in the cruising guides and are only reflected on electronic charts that have recent LNMs incorporated. On the Roanoke channel, the new markers include 37A, 37, 36A, 36, 34A and 34. At the entrance of the Old House Channel (which is just a continuation of the route from the Roanoke Channel into Pamlico Sound) there is a new green-over-red marker, “OH.” The rest of the Old House route into Pamlico Sound is well marked and unremarkable.
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

      Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Entering Ocracoke

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Showing the Roanoke Sound Channel

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Silver Lake Harbor

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    • Oct 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Sanctuary voyages from Elizabeth City to Manteo, NC

      Manteo Waterfront Marina is now run by the Town of Manteo. It boasts 53 slips that can accommodate boats up to 140 feet. The marina is situated right next to historic downtown Manteo on a boardwalkAs Captain Healy observes, there is much to see and do along this portion of the Outer Banks. And, of course, Sanctuary was moored at Manteo Waterfront Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Sanctuary and crew made our first transit between Manteo and Ocracoke across Pamlico Sound yesterday, Monday, 10/25/2010. This route is 20 miles shorter than the ICW route from Coinjock to Oriental, but it is more exposed to open water. The portion of the Pamlico Sound crossing that is in truly “open water” is about 35 StM, so pay particular attention to the marine forecast when you do go. That said, Manteo and Ocracoke are neat little towns, and we learned things here that we never knew. This is a really excellent “side-trip,” and also a refreshing alternative to the same-old Alligator River, Alligator River Swing Bridge, and Alligator-Pungo Canal!!!!!!!
      We got to Manteo by crossing the Albemarle Sound from Elizabeth City to Croatan Sound. No problems; unremarkable navigation except for the trillions of crab pots in the Albemarle. From the Albemarle, we took the Croatan Sound Channel to the north end of Roanoke Island, and then the marked traverse across the north of Roanoke Island through Roanoke Sound to the Roanoke Channel. We stayed at Manteo at the Manteo Waterfront Marina, an excellent facility and staff.
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary Monk 36

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

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    • Oct 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      More of Captain Jones’ Log on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal and Elizabeth City, NC

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop programTed Jones continues his navigation of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal stopping in Elizabeth City, NC. The Great Dismal Swamp Canal route southbound departs the AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Mile 10.6. The Visitors Center is at approximately Mile 28. Elizabeth City is south of South Mills Lock at Statute Mile 50.7 and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Log, October 21, 2010 ~ Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, NC to Elizabeth City, NC:
      There were seven sailboats tied up to the bulkhead, and one small powerboat joined us early. Most of the southbound cruisers wanted to make the 1100 lock, which meant leaving at 1000. Jim had not seen the museum located on the opposite bank of the canal, so we decided we could wait until the 1300 lock if need be, slipping out from alongside out host then taking his place at the bulkhead. Jim went off to cross over the floating bridge to the museum, and I went looking for Penny Leary-Smith, the welcome center manager. I didn’t have to go far, as she was on the dock, talking to cruisers. We chatted for a bit, then I went to the welcome center to sign the guest register and complete a survey the staff had prepared to indicate the importance of the center in the face of severe budget restraints by the state. It is MHO that this is an extremely important first (and last) stop for tourists entering the state by both automobile and boat. As far as is known, it is the only welcome center of its kind in the country serving, as it does, both boat and vehicle traffic.
      Jim returned well before 1000, so we decided to leave with the rest and go for the 1100 lock. We soon passed the slow pokes in front (at 5.9 knots) and were first to reach the lock. There was method in my madness, as that would put us in the lead into Elizabeth City and assure us of a place at the dock. And so it was. We were far ahead of the second boat and were accorded our own passage under the Elizabeth City Bridge. We were soon tied up in a narrow slip (to be preferred as that made it easier to reach the outer pilings for stern and spring lines. We were met by two `dockboys’ ~ both well over 70 who took our port and starboard bow lines while we made fast aft. It is not a great dock, as marinas go, but the price is right, and nowhere have we been met by two dockhands who welcomed us with all sorts of information about their town including an invitation to attend the `rose buddies’ free wine and cheese party later. Although both of the original rose buddies have gone to Heaven (guaranteed), the city maintains the tradition they started.
      I went off to the Farm Fresh supermarket, which had sent a car to pick up anyone wanting to shop there. When I got back, the wine and cheese party had already begun, sto I hastily stacked out provisions on the bow and went to join Jim, who the dock boy told me had already gone there. What a place! One could not ask for better hospitality, and the dock is located in the old part of town near many convenient services and stores. Fantastic!
      Captain Ted Jones, former owner of Coastal Cruising Magazine

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    • Oct 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Captain Jones Navigates the Great Dismal Swamp Canal

      Once again Ted Jones regales us with his colorful descriptions of the waters of the AICW. The Great Dismal Swamp Canal route southbound departs the primary AICW – North Carolina, Virginia Cut, south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Mile 10.6. The Dismal Swamp Canal Visitors Center is at approximately Mile 28.

      Log October 20, 2010 ~ Portsmouth, VA to the Great Dismal Swamp welcome center:
      Jim had never done the Dismal Swamp Canal route, so this was a refreshing experience for him. The impressive thing to me is that here we were on an ocean capable vessel on a canal lined with trees. The feeling is one of strange remoteness from the sea, akin to being in a foreign element which we were.
      Once through the Deep Creek Lock in Virginia, the canal stretches for 11 miles in a dead straight line. Portions of the former route 17 (now a four lane highway in Virginia, relocated away from the canal) have been converted into a hiking and bicycle path which parallels the canal. Benches and picnic tables have been provided, even trash cans which we wondered were emptied how often and by whom. It is a significant improvement to not have the peace and tranquility of the canal interrupted by the blatting exhaust notes of 18 wheelers.
      The canal bends 20 degrees to the left soon after it passes the feeder canal to Lake Drummond. Then the VA/NC state line is crossed, and U.S 17 reappears adjacent to the canal. Our plan was to spend the night at the Welcome Center, and when we got there the only space available was to raft up with fellow cruisers aboard a spiffy Caliber, and there we spent the night, not going ashore until morning.
      Captain Ted Jones, former owner of Coastal Cruising magazine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dismal Swamp Canal

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    • Oct 25, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Phone Number for Camp LeJeune Firing Schedule, AICW Statute Miles 235-239

      From time to time, the US Marines at Came Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, conduct live fire artillery exercises over the AICW between Swansboro and New River. During these periods, the AICW is closed to all pleasure craft and commercial traffic. Picket boats at both ends of the exclusion zone warn skippers to turn around.
      During the spring and fall migration season, these closures can place havoc with your cruising schedule. Now, thanks to Captain Fran, you can call the number below and discover whether any AICW closures are in the works, long before you actually arrive in these waters.

      Just found a number to call for Camp LeJeune firing schedule ‘¦ 910-451-3065
      Captain Fran Wolfe

      Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Camp LeJeune Firing Range

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    • Oct 25, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shinn Creek an Alternate Entrance to Wrightsville Beach – Banks Channel Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 285

      With the problems at the entrance to Motts Channel (see Alert link below), Captain Shick recommends Shinn Creek which is two statute miles south of Motts Channel at Marker # 129. This is also the AICW/Masonboro Inlet intersection.

      The recommended (by towboat operators) channel into Wrightsville Beach is via Shinn Creek (ICW G129) and Banks Channel. Exit ICW at G 129. Wide, and no shoaling at all.
      Captain Larry Shick

      Subject: Shoaling in Motts channel Wrightsville Beach NC
      Saw several boats aground in Mott’s Channel this weekend while walking the docks at Wrightsville Marina. Was close to low tide. Two sailboat and a 50′ motor yacht. Have to favor the green marker. Red marker is still missing. Use Shinns creek as an alternate route.
      Jeff Chauvin

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Banks Channel – Northside/Wrightsville Beach Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Banks Channel – Southside/Wrightsville Beach Anchorage

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    • Oct 25, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Positive Reviews of Midway Marina (Statute Mile 50)

      It is my own, purely personal, opinion that BOTH Midway Marina AND Coinjock Marina are first class operations, and that both their restaurants are well worth your time. Some feel one way, and some the other. I know of one very nautical couple who live in nearby Elizabeth City, who would not be anywhere else on Friday nights but at Coinjock Marina’s restaurant, And, as you will see below, Captain Claudia was equally impressed with Crabbies, the on-site dining spot at Midway Marina.

      Just returned from a dinner at Crabbies. It was delicious and the service was wonderful. Everybody talks about Coinjock Marina and how wonderful it is. I believe it is all hype. We were very disappointed the last couple of times we stayed there. This time we decided to give Midway Marina a try. I would urge everyone to do the same. The people here are very friendly and helpful and Crabbies Restaurant makes Coinjock look like a greasy spoon. We will definitely return and we hope you will too.
      Claudia Young

      We have stayed at both Midway and Coinjack and had dinners at both. Our experience has been great at Midway in that last spring we got there one day that Crabbies was not open. A few boats had arrived and the dockmaster came around asking if we would go if it was open. Well a number of couples said yes and they opened the restaurant and served us a wonderful meal. That is the great service all of you are talking about. Remember that Jeff????
      Dick and Elle Lassman

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

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

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    • Oct 22, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Rave Review of River Dunes Marina, AICW Statute Mile 173.5

      River DunesWe continue to receive such positive comments about River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! River Dunes is located in Broad Creek off the Neuse River north of Oriental.

      Just spent two nights at River Dunes off the Neuse River in Oriental, N.C. and toured this fantastic facility with J.C. Cappelmann, Director of Marina Operations and our former Dockmaster in Oxford. Very upscale and well thought out.. if you’re traversing the ICW and are near Oriental this is worth checking out ‘¦ it’s definitely got my 5 star rating ! This is, indeed, the Ritz-Carlton of Marinas and will become your favorite stopover for a little quiet R&R in a most beautiful & protected setting ‘¦ give it a shot ‘¦ you can Thank me later.

      Captain John Wolfe

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

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    • Oct 17, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Review of South Harbour Village Marina (Statute Mile 311)

      Cloud IX continues its Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway journey southward through North Carolina from Oriental to Southport.

      Due to the limited number of anchorages, we have spent the last few nights in marinas, at Oriental Marina (recommend) and last night in South Harbour Village Marina (recommend). Today, we decided to take a down day and do a bit of maintenance, laundry, grocery, etc. The only thing that keeps South HVM from rating five stars is the lack of a courtesy car. It cost me $28 in taxi fare to get to Wally World for groceries and to a replacement for the coffee pot that went bellyup this morning. More to come as we continue South.
      Captain Donnie Young aboard Cloud IX

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For South Harbour Village Marina

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