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    • Oct 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Strong Recommendation for Jarrett Bay Marine (Statute Mile 197)

      The Jarrett Bay Marine Marine Industrial Park is located directly on the Core Creek portion of the AICW, north of Beaufort, NC. There are many other superb marine repair firms located in this park, including our good friends at Core Creek Marine. The Jarrett Bay Company itself, as described below, offers not only superb repairs, but fuel and some overnight dockage.

      If you are anything like us you are always on the look-out for reputable marine repair services that stand behind their work. If you find yourself in
      need of repairs while on the ICW in North Carolina we can heartily recommend Jarrett Bay Boat Works.
      We stopped at Jarrett Bay to have a leaking through hull for one of the main engine raw water intakes repaired. Upon inspection it was determined that both of these intakes had been repaired sometime ago in a less than satisfactoryt manner. We opted to have both of them done correctly, since we had 5,000 miles of the loop ahead of us. Everything appeared to be fine until the port engine through hull developed a small leak while we were in Canada. I called Roger Wetherington at Jarrett Bay, not sure what to expect, since I’ve had other repairs made where the mechanic didn’t want to talk to me when I was 200 miles down the river. I’m happy to report that after explaining the problem and agreeing that the leak was not serious, Roger agreed to make contact with a marina on the Tennessee River where we could have the repair made at his expense. To make a long story short we are headed to Aqua Yacht tomorrow where they will fix the problem and Roger at Jarrett Bay will pay the bill.
      In this case we got what we paid for. We would recommend Jarrett Bay to anyone needing repairs. They definitely stand behind their work.
      Bill & Kathleen

      I echo your attaboy for Jarret Bay. We were in Canada and had an electronic problem with our high-tech shifter and I had remembered others bragging on them, so I called them instead of the manufacturer and they went out of their way to ship us the parts we needed and then
      talked us thru how to re-wire everything over the phone spending hours with us.
      Just Relax

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Marine

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    • Oct 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Belhaven Waterway Marina (A GREAT Spot, Statute Mile 135.5)

      Belhaven Waterway Marina is located on Pantego Creek in Belhaven Harbor at the 135 Mile marker on the Intracoastal Waterway We are in the center of downtown Belhaven just a short walk from the HardwarThe glowing reports on Belhaven Waterway Marina just keep pouring in here to the Cruisers’ Net. This fine facility will be spied along the northeastern shores of the Belhaven waterfront, hard by marker #9. I cannot recommend a stop here too highly, and these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Best small marina we have ever stayed at. The bath facilities are like a high end B&B including fresh bath towels. Fish Hooks for dinner was GREAT.
      Pete & Mary Ann
      s/v MicMac

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sanitary Seafood Dock, Morehead City Waterfront (Statute Mile 205)

      Well, while I have eaten at Sanitary Fish Market from time to time, as far back as when I was 8 years of age, I must confess to never having docked here. And, wtih the new Morehead City Docks very close by, most cruisers would probably be better served by these city owned and operated facilities. However, as Captain Arnold relates below, it’s hard to argue with the price.

      Mile 205 – Morehead City. I docked in Morehead City at the Sanitary Restaurant just past the City Terminal behind Sugar Loaf Island ($10 for 24 hours). Excellent sea food at the restaurant – and there is a convenience store within walking distance. No power or water however.
      Arnold

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

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Welcome Wave

      Boy, the incident Captain Arnold describes below would have put my heart in my throat, at least until the “wave” came.

      A curious event – Early in the morning just by the Atlantic Bridge I saw what appeared to be a body floating in the water. I headed towards it and it suddenly waved at me! Turned out to be a Coastguard rescue practice and the gentleman concerned quite safe.
      Arnold

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 131.5)

      Dowry Creek Marina has the deserved reputation of being one of the friendliest marinas on the AICW!

      Mile 132.3 – Dowry Creek Marina. Another very friendly and delightful marina for either fuel or transient layover. Just a gorgeous club house and bar, swimming pool and first class showers and rest rooms. Owner Mary Klapperich keeps everything in shipshape condition. Easy markers in and out.
      Arnold

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

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Glowing Report on Elizabeth City, NC and Mariners Wharf (City) Docks (St. M. 51 on Dismal Swamp Canal Route)

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop programThe laudatory postings from cruisers stopping at Elizabeth City, and tying up to the free (for 48 hours) city owned and operated Mariners Wharf docks, just keep on coming. If you choose to “do the Dismal,” don’t dare miss a stop in Elizabeth City, not the least reason for which is that these guys are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Mile 50.9 – Elizabeth City. Another example of the well known hospitality of dockeepers Sam and Doug and others helping to welcome boaters. My Chinese motor scooter had suddenly stopped working – an emergency in my book since I have found it so useful for getting to grocery stores. Having determined it was an ignition coil failure, Susan Hartley of the Welcome Bureau not only ran me some 8 miles to only scooter store in town – but waited there as we tried to find a replacement part and ran me back! Fitted the new coil, paid the $50, pressed the button – Bingo! – I was back in business at 45mph and 126 mpg……..
      The Farm Fresh grocery store will still pick you up and take you back – but the week before some boater got the service but bought only a single pack of cigarettes! Now that’s just not fair folks! Great showers at the Fitness Center – $2 but well worth it. The nearby coffee shop sells a great Reuben sandwich. It’s hard to beat Elizabeth City for a free 2 or 3 day dockage.
      Arnold

      I am sorry to hear that there was someone abusing the wonderful service of the Fresh Farm Store. However I can say that on the 15th several of the Firstmates more than made up for that. Ken from Fresh Farm picked up 4 of us and we filled up his trunk with all of our provisions. The downtown area is lovely but saddly many storefronts and buildings are vacant. In my hometown of Portland, Maine, waterfront property like that is prime territory.
      Joanne

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mariners Wharf Docks

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Lambs Marina (AICW/Pasquotank River, Dismal Swamp Route, St. M. 47)

      Lambs Marina is a small facility, located a few miles north of Elizabeth City, off the AICW Dismal Swamp Alternate Route/Pasquotank River. Its dockage basin is well sheltered, and they offer the only fuel now available on the North Carolina portion of the Dismal passage. There is also a welcome fresh seafood market on site.

      With high blustery south winds the dockage at Elizabeth City tends to be uncomfortable. So I moved up river to the old NS railroad bridge and moored in nice quiet area just north of the bridge. Unhappily during the night the wind changed and thus the current with it and I drifted some 200 yards before my anchor snagged on a sunken log. I had to cut it loose in the morning. But this mishap was much compensated by the friendly reception of owners Larry and Georgia Lamb, who built this marina years ago and really know how to meet the needs of boaters. Larry even ran me to a store in Elizabeth City to get parts – and kindly offered me an old style anchor as a spare, which I turned down not wishing to be a pest. This marina has everything – propane, low cost fuel, a monthly slip rate of only $3.50 a ft and an equally low transient rate for boats with less than 6ft draft. There is a great little local restaurant nearby – and a fresh fish and bait store. So here’s to you Larry and Georgia – may you last forever!
      Arnold

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

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Don’t Miss a Stop in Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)

      YES, by all means, please do plan an overnight stop in Oriental. This a wonderful place with friendly people and good food.
      And, if you do stop here, by all means please stay with our good friends at Oriental Marina (and Toucan’s Restaurant), a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR      !

      The recession has put some businesses in Oriental at risk and they need cruisers to stop in for an overnight visit. Please do. The restaurants are all open and the food is still as good as ever. Inland Waterway was giving deals on marine supplies this week. There are two dinghy docks, one on each side of the bridge.
      We are departing from Oriental on Calculation bound for the Bahamas in a few weeks.
      Doug Sleigh

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

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    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Why You Should Choose Southport, NC As A Port of Call

      Of course I’m a little prejudiced as I spent a good part of my boyhood living aboard my parent’s boat in old Southport Harbor, but I still think this community is one of the most delightful ports of call from Maine to Key West. And, let’s not forget, Southport Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Subject: South Port, NC
      Cruising News: This is definitely a town to not by-pass. We’ve been in a slip in the marina for a few days. The last time we were here was at least 7 years ago and it was definitely nothing to write home about. The transformations are amazing. A great amount of creativity and detail went into the planning of the entire layout! We continue to exclaim to each other about how beautiful and inviting it is.
      Now for the restaurants! We live to eat, unfortunately—not eat to live! This morning we had breakfast at PJ’s, just across the street. The food and service were great. It’s a very popular place and there was a continual stream of patrons coming in for brunch. Last night we’d planned to go to the Provision Company but the wind died down and the mosquitos, the size of hummingbirds, were attacking in droves so we opted for inside seating at Fishy Fishy! Bill had Fish and Chips, I had the BEST Shrimp and Grits I’ve ever had, and we both had wine for under $30!!!
      We’ve ridden our bikes all over this town (which doesn’t take long) and there are so many cute shops, antique stores, cafes and bars–and a Super WalMart is a mere 2 miles up the main drag.
      Plan a stop in Southport. “You’ll be glad you did!!!”
      Laura Lane Bender

      There is also free (24hr) overnight dockage on the city dock….fyi w/15 amp
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down

      The marina was fine, but we also went to Fishy Fishy after reading the comment above, and if that was the only shrimp and grits I ever had in my life, I would never have them again. Shrimp was almost raw, sauce was so much not to my liking that I left half my dinner. It will be hard to convince either of us to eat out again for awhile.
      Beverly Feiges

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

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    • Oct 11, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Morehead City Docks (Statute Mile 205)

      We have had several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about the Morehead City Docks, which have only been in existence for about a year. A few months ago, I visited these piers for myself, and discovered that they are located on the western (or, you might think of that as southern) end of the dowtown Morehead City waterfront. They consist of modern, floating docks, and all the retail businesses and restaurants in downtown Morehead City are within easy walking distance.

      We are currently in a slip at the new Morehead City Docks. They are floating docks with water and electricity for $1.50 foot. Plans for shower/restroom/laundry facilities are in the works. Right next to a nice waterfront park with trash bins. Very well lit at night.
      Ed & Eva Higginson
      S/V Makai

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    • Oct 8, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Ruddy Duck Tavern Docks (Morehead City, NC, Statute Mile 205)

      The Ruddy Duck Tavern, located in the heart of the Morehead City, NC waterfront, has made an appearance before on the Net’s “North Carolina” cruising news section. I have yet to sample the bill of fare here, but everyone agrees that it is awesome! Now, it looks like they have free dockage (for restaurant patrons I’m sure) as well. Also, note Captain Feller’s remarks below about the adjacent Morehead City Docks, and the pier at Sanitary Fish Market.

      Subject: Morehead City, NC
      Cruising News: As you’re headed south, be sure to tie up to Ruddy Duck Tavern’s free dock and enjoy their fare. The facility and decor are very nice, service was superb, and food was awesome as well as surprisingly low priced. This restaurant is located next to Sanitary Restaurant and is definitely a stop to not miss.
      Laura Lane Bender

      The city docks were free for the day with electricity and water….fyi ruddy did not have water when we were there……sanitary was only $20 flat fee, no elect or water……we stayed at both
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Ed & Eva Higginson S/V Makai -  October 10, 2009 - 7:53 pm

        We are currently in a slip at the new Morehead City Docks. They are floating docks with water and electricity for $1.50 foot. Plans for shower/restroom/laundry facilities are in the works. Right next to a nice waterfront park with trash bins. Very well lit at night.

        Reply to Ed
    • Oct 8, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bear Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 161)

      Bear Creek sits off the western flanks of the AICW, just south of Gale Creek. I have never recommended this stream as an anchorage, and have chosen not to include it in the “North Carolina Anchorage Directory” as it has an unmarked, twisting entrance channel, flanked by shoals. As you will read below, Captain Watson used a GPS chartplotter to skirt past the aforementioned shallows, and he has certainly proved it is possible to do that. It’s up to each individual captain to decide if they should follow the same procedure, or just avoid this potential anchorage entirely.

      Subject: Bear Creek Anchorage
      Cruising News: Went into Bear Creek (just south of the Hoboken Cut off Back River)for the first time. Unmarked channel, used the chart plotter and had at least 7 ft back to the end of the charted 7 ft tongue. Good holding (CQR) Would be a very good anchorage for protection from N winds. Watch the entrance, some big shoals on both sides, channel [is] “S” shaped.
      Bill Watson

      Mile 160.8 – Bear Creek. Time for me being of the essence, I endured very rough weather crossing the Pamlico River and had one hell of a time finding the Goose Creek markers. But eventually no problems mooring overnight in Bear Creek – if you take care to slowly follow the channel and don’t stray into the shoals all around.
      Arnold

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    • Sep 30, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Monday Night Dining In Belhaven Looks Up (Statute Mile 135.5)

      Glad to know there is now someplace to get a shoreside meal in beautiful Belhaven on Monday nights! Sounds like this place is an easy step from our good friends Brenda and Les at Belhaven Waterway Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR)!

      Subject: Belhaven Restaurants
      Cruising News: In the the past years if you visited Belhaven on a Monday night you would find all the restaurants closed but that has changed. Located on Pamlico street just two blocks from the waterfront is Georgie’s Sport & Oyster Bar which is now going to be open on Monday nights. If you enjoy fresh seafood this is perfect stop for southbound cruisers.
      Les Porter

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina

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    • Sep 28, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Oriental Marina and Toucan Restaurant (Neuse River, Statute Mile 181)

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NCI heartily agree with Captain John’s remarks below. Whenever we visit Oriental, we always stay at Oriental Marina (just behind Toucans Restaurant). This is a great spot, and these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      The Oriental Marina is in downtown Oriental, has twelve slips, and is much more protected than other marinas in the area. It has a full service hotel, a restaurant, and exceptionally clean showers. Once there, most all of Oriental’s shopping and eating facilities are within a short walking distance.
      John M

      We do very few marinas, but we love this one. Great showers, friendly staff, and good on-site restaurant. A bunch of us were stuck there for three days because of the weather and the dockmaster drove us to the grocery and a fresh produce market. We have also gotten rides back from the grocery folks after walking the mile to get there. A good chandlery-hardware store-gift shop a half block away and lots of good restaurants. Not to be missed!
      Allen

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Doug Sligh -  October 12, 2009 - 5:11 pm

        The recession has put some businesses in Oriental at risk and they need cruisers to stop in for an overnight visit. Please do. The restaurants are all open and the food is still as good as ever. Inland Waterway was giving deals on marine supplies this week. There are two dinghy docks, one on each side of the bridge.
        We are departing from Oriental on Calculation bound for the Bahamas in a few weeks.
        Doug Sleigh

        Reply to Doug
    • Sep 28, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bridge Pointe Marina (New Bern, NC, Trent River)

      Galley Stores, on the Trent River in New BernBridge Pointe Marina (formerly the Ramada Marina), sits on the opposite shore of the Trent River from the New Bern Grand Marina. If you do berth at Bridge Pointe, and wish to visit downtown New Bern, and it’s many dining plus historical attractions, you will need to dinghy across Trent River. The old swing bridge is still under reconstruction.
      Also, don’t forget Galley Stores Marina, located on the Neuse River side of New Bern. This is the city’s newest marina, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Most vessels that are slipped here [Bridge Pointe Marina] are on six month contract, with some month to month, and some on shorter term transient daily/weekly. Many of the shorter term are boats from homeports further north that flock to the vicinity of 35 N to stage/ wait out the end of hurricane peak activity. The Sheraton Grand across the river sponsors a Bahamas Bound weekend seminar in October and many transients fill up the immediate area, including anchoring on the Trent just upriver from the railroad bridge, dinghying in to the seminar. The Outback Steakhouse is located about 350 yards from the marina and many local boaters will tie up on the long face of `C’ dock (next to the Trent River Bridge, currently being rebuilt) for dinner at the resteraunt.
      Steve

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

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    • Sep 19, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Why You Should Visit Elizabeth City, NC (Dismal Swamp Route. St. M. 50.5)

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop programThe excellent report below from Captains Sonny and Nancy is NOT a surprise to this writer. Seldom will cruisers ever find a more welcoming port of call than Elizabeth City. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Hello, Mr. Young,
      My wife and I recently cruised up to Virginia from Florida. Our route north included taking the Virginia cut in lieu of the Dismal Swamp Canal route. On our return, however, some fellow cruisers told us it would behoove us to take the Dismal Swamp and make a stop in Elizabeth City, NC. They said the city is boater friendly and we should have an enjoyable visit.
      We followed their advice and took the Dismal Swamp route, arriving in Elizabeth City on Monday night, September 14th. We met two other cruisers at the Visitors Center on the Dismal Swamp canal and arrived with them at Elizabeth City simultaneously. We checked in with the tourism center and were given a rousing welcome. They catered to our every need, including offers for rides to grocery stores. laundromats, to purchase ice and pretty much anything else we needed. The dockage was COMPLIMENTARY and they also provided Wi Fi computer service. Later in the day, a representative came by each boat and advised that they were hosting a wine and cheese reception for the visiting boaters. We decided to attend and were greeted by a member of the “Rosebuddies”. This is a group that was started many years ago for the purpose of making cruising boaters feel welcome in Elizabeth City. Part of the reception was giving a rose to each female member of a boating party. In addition, the Mayor of the city was in attendance at the reception and made it a point to greet each boat owner and their respective families personally. I don’t believe I have ever visited another town anywhere in the United States in a boat and had the mayor come out and greet us. Mayor Steven Atkinson told us about the many services and programs that are available to us cruisers as well as their many attractions, especially the Albemarle Museum. Lastly, the rosebuddy who spoke to us advised us on additional areas of interest to boaters together with local knowledge of the water which enabled some of us to shorten travel time and several miles on our way south after leaving Elizabeth City.
      I have to say that as one who has been cruising for over twenty years, never have we been received so warmly as we were in this small town waterfront town in North Carolina. They are currently promoting “The Carolina Loop” for people in North Carolina, Virginia, and other areas. They have a brochure on their website that provides a detailed explanation of the trip.
      I am sure you have probably been made aware of this city, however, I felt I would be remiss in my duty as a fellow cruiser if I did not tell you what a great time we had on our visit. My wife Nancy and I would highly recommend spending time there. Also, we wish to congratulate Elizabeth City Tourism on the splendid job they did making all of us cruisers feel welcome. We will visit this charming city again.
      Arlington(Sonny) and Nancy Lambert
      S/V Sonrae 79 CSY 33 Hull #10
      Fleming Island, FL

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Elizabeth City’s Mariner’s Wharf Docks

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Marina

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    • Sep 19, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      New Bern, NC Cruising Tips

      Their is a wealth of useful cruising news and tips in Captain message below, all centered on the Neuse River city of New Bern, North Carolina. If you plan an upcoming visit to New Bern, and you should, don’t dare miss this posting!

      We lived in the condos that overlook the [New Bern Grand] marina for eight months in 2009 while our boat was being renovated.
      For a great walk, turn right at the end of the docks toward the new bridge. The sidewalk takes you around the convention center where you turn right into a waterfront park. Staying close to the water takes you into an eight square block historical residential area that includes the local library and a solid magazine collection.
      There are two great, local coffee shops. One is three blocks away on Middle Street, which dead ends into the marina and one two blocks away on Craven, which also dead ends into the marina. Two restaurants we liked are Captain Ratty’s, one block away on Middle and the Chelsea, three blocks away at Middle and Broad.
      The big box stores, such as Walmart and Lowes, as well as the West Marine store and Harris Teeter, are about a ten minute car trip in the same direction.
      If you need a Captain to move your boat or for a day’s instruction, I highly recommend John Watson who lives a block away and has a boat in the marina (252-626-2280).
      If you need boat repair of any kind, the guy to call is Danny Swindell. He works at Hatteras and, if he can’t help you, he knows everyone who is good in the area who can. (252-229-4806)
      I believe the best boat painter on the east coast is Bruce Mallard who lives in the area and can be reached at 252-670-8255.
      If I had been staying in the part of the marina that is directly off of the deck of the hotel, I would not have been a fan of the music that plays each weekend night during the summer until 10 p.m.. It is loud and the crowd can be noisy.
      Larry Hall

      For excellent, one call repair on all your systems I recommend calling Forrest Jastram. He has a lot of experience, has spent years cruising FL and the Bahamas,and if you are anchored out he will come out to your boat. Call 252-876-3838
      Sue Rogers

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Galley Stores Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bald Head Island Marina (mouth of Cape Fear River)

      Here’s a quick, but informative comments concerning Bald Head Island Marina. This facility’s entrance is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, a short hop downstream of Southport, NC

      We always stop here if going by. The marina is easy to enter, excellent staff and Bald Head Island is beautiful.
      James Lea

      We stayed at the Bald Head Island Marina last December. We hadn’t planned to, but we were chased in by 12ft-18ft seas (bigger as we entered the Cape Fear River due to an opposing ebb) and 35kt+ winds after rounding Cape Fear. After entering the river at dark and just puttering around until daylight, we kissed the ground quickly at the marina. The pros: Nice docks, decent showers/facilities, nice employees, two restaurants attached to the marina, protected basin, beautiful beaches and scenery within walking distance. The cons: Expensive, grocery and all other stores require expensive golf cart rental, everything is pretty expensive since it’s an `exclusive’ island, wireless was NOT free. One other note – before we entered the entrance channel (somewhat narrow, and when there is a flood tide you’ll get SEVERAL knots of current through the channel) we called the marina to check depths (we draw 6′). They told us we would be fine. We got there, made our turn towards our slip and immediately grounded in soft mud with 5′ showing on the sounder. We pushed through the mud and were able to almost make it to a T-head, where we waited for high tide to tie up to it. Apparently, spring tides have a major effect on depth at the marina. The island IS beautiful and it was nice to visit there. By the way, they just built (are building?) the Deep Point Marina just up the river and were very excited about it. It’s supposed to be a lot less expensive with nicer facilities, and one of the former mayors of Southport will be the dockmaster (and he’s a VERY nice guy and proud of his town).
      Chris
      S/V Pelican

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Wrightsville Bridge Clearance Less Than Listed (Statute Mile 283)

      As Captain Dave notes below, it’s a very good idea to call the bridge tender prior to your arrival at her/his span, to check on the latest vertical clearance stats.

      Subject: Bridge clearances
      Cruising News: The Socastee and Wrightsville Bridges both have 20 foot clearances listed. When we passed Socastee they had 22 feet which allowed us to pass without an opening – and Wrightsville Bridge a short time later had 17 feet which did require an opening as we need 20\’. We learned that a call ahead to ask what the real clearance is proved useful.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Camp Lejeune Firing Range (along the AICW south of Swansboro, NC, near Statute Mile 235 to 239)

      The Camp Lejeune section of the Waterway, south of Swansboro, is always subject to closing when the US Marine Corps is conducting live fire exercises. Notices of such events can usually be found posted at marinas to the north and south, and on the local Notice to Mariners. Give Captain Paul at Swan Point Marina (St. M. 247, (910) 327-1081) for the latest info!

      Subject: Firing Range
      Cruising News: At SM 235.4 Southbound (239.7 Northbound) starts the Camp Lejeune firing range area. You are not to proceed if the lights are flashing. They were and we didn\’t. I figured since it was Labor Day and it was raining like all get out that they would not be firing so we proceeded to the lights without checking first. It took about 20 minutes by phone 910 451 3064 [correct, updated 12/ 15/2014] get the information that they had forgotten to turn the lights off when they left the range. So, proceeded without further adeu. Calling ahead would have been wiser and would have saved us the 20 minute delay which caused us to miss the next bridge opening.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Deb Walters -  December 13, 2014 - 5:24 pm

        Kayaking from Maine to Guatemala. Tomorrow I will pass by Camp Lejeune on the ICW. Called the number listed in the above post. It was wrong, but they gave me the current correct number to call: 910 451 3064. Safe Passage for me for tomorrow!

        Reply to Deb

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