Visit Logged
  •  Chart View
    • At Current Location
    • At Selected Location
    • Enter A Location
    • Enter Latitude and Longitude
  •  Fuel Prices
    • Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
    • Lowest Gas Prices Anywhere
    • Virgina to North Carolina
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • St. Johns River
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Western Florida
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    • Tennessee
    Order by:
    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Visiting Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor (Pamlico Sound)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      19. Probably Pamlico Sound’s most popular port of call is Silver Lake Harbor on Ocrocoke Island. This is still a great place to visit. Cruisers can choose between the US Park Service Docks, a private marina, or you can anchor out in Silver Lake. Who has visited Ocracoke? Did you dock or anchor? What did you find ashore? Please provide some Ocrocoke dining recommendations.

      Responses follow:

      We stayed in Ocracoke for four days the week of July 12. Arrived in a 30 knot southwester from Oriental and docked at the empty National Park Service Docks on the north end of Silver Lake (first-come-first-served, $1.25/foot/day and $3/day for 30 amp electric, no dockside showers). The docks are very rough and badly in need of maintenance; make sure your fenders are adequate. One boat did join us before we left on Wednesday. All of the restaurants we visited were good: smacnally’s at the Anchorage Marina, Jolly Roger, Back Porch (try their Vietnamese style Bluefish dish). We usually try to go to Howard’s but have heard relatively bad things about them in terms of service and food quality recently. Ashore this time of year is the usual mix of tourists from the upper banks and the ferries down for a day trip (very crowded in town, not so much at the docks or the beach). There is still a shoal building out from red 10B and from auxiliary uncharted green can 9C. You should give them both a wide berth when exiting or leaving from Big Foot Slough Channel .
      Chuck Tontsch

      Stay at Park Service Dock or anchor out. The only other marina has gone to $2.50 per foot, plus $10 for a 50 amp service. Ocracoke is a great place to go. As you come in the channel, stay in it until you see a green and red marker near marker #4 on the Silver Lake entrance channel. Leave the green and red to starboard as you turn into Silver Lake ( I watched the ferries do this), then follow the markers as usual. Do not cut across into the Silver Lake channel until the green and red. Otherwise, the channel from Pamlico Sound is very well marked.
      Norman Mason
      Peggy Sue, Monk 36

      I’m a big fan of the Caribe so have been trying to find the Abacos or Barbados on the ICW – pretty much unrealistic. But Okracoke has the flavour of the Caribe about – much more so than Cape Lookout further south. Some good bars and joints there – not too expensive. Easy to moor and dinghy in. But no Reggae, Limbo or De Rum and Coca Cola……
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      Ocracoke is always fun. We have been several times including last fall. We love the Ocrafolk Opry – there are the locals who sand and played in the movie, Nights in Rodanthe. Several of them are teachers at the local school. We anchor but the dock is park operated so your park pass gets you a discount. Local art shops are numerous. Good restaurants and bakery and ice cream shop
      Wright and Gladys Anderson
      First & Ten

      We anchored in Silver Lake this trip in June. Was the first time anchoring out there among several trips there by water. Was excellent and would do again. State docks are excellent if you can get a spot with full power, water and very reasonable most especially if you purchase for $10 the Passport for State Parks
      and a Sr. Citizen – cuts dock price to under $1.00 / ft. We love Jason’s out near
      Howards. Anchorage Marina is definitely a “gotcha” marina – prices are out of reason from dockage to fuel. I had to get fuel, it was $2.00 per gallon more than I paid anywhere from Bath, NC to Norfolk; I also needed to fill up my water tanks – that was $10.00
      Pat Kenefick

      We go to Ocracoke regularly and love it there. The channel in is a bit daunting due to shoaling. Went hard aground there in a power yacht last spring between marker 9 and 9A I believe. The Coast Guard relayed this happens more often than you’d expect. Be sure to stay mid channel or follow the route of the ferries that regularly visit the town. Shopping is fun (lots of jewelry and unusual crafts) and there are many places to eat that are good, our favorites being the Back Porch and Flying Melon. We usually stay at the private marina but have friends who anchor out. Silver Lake is truly a beautiful spot.
      Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

      The Admiral and I spent the 2nd week of July docked at Anchorage Marina in Silver Lake, Ocracoke. We found the staff most helpful, very friendly, and welcoming overall. The cost of dockage was a bit higher than we experienced in other locations. Additionally, pump outs are on the expensive side, 30.00 per 30 gallons. Also, the lack of laundry can be a pain. However, we are talking about Ocracoke and the marina staff worked very hard to make up for these few negatives. Due to wind, we constantly heard the slap of water on the swim platform each night.
      There were a number of boats anchored in the lake proper, including two good sized Marine Trader trawlers.
      The island recently passed liquor by the drink so a few of the restuarants now offer cocktails. Unfortunately for those who drink hard liquor, the current law doesn’t allow outdoor venues to offer this choice. Apparently the law specifies a venue must provide indoor seating for greater than 32 to apply for a liquor license.
      My wife and I enjoyed a number of lunches at Dajio which is a very short walk from the marina. Our favorite entree being the “ciabattia chicken sandwich.”
      Additionally, the Creekside Cafe served a good sampling of bar/grill food and a decent sampling of seafood. They also serve cocktails for those interested.
      Of course we had to sample Howards. The Admiral had a rueben which, according to her (native of NY), wasn’t quite up to par.
      Perry & Kathy Sellars
      M/V Marsh Mellow

      We have been anchored out in Silver Lake the last three nights; it has been windy, in the 20 knot range from the south and southwest, very choppy on the sound. We rented bikes today at the Surf Shed, which has the best prices (not to be confused with the Surf Shop across the street). It is about a 20 minute leisurely bike ride to the excellent Park Service beach. I walked by the Anchorage Marina and noted that diesel was going for $2.69, so am not sure about the comment above about fuel prices. Ocracoke is a true island, only accessible by boat or ferry, so it doesn’t surprise me that things like fuel, water and pump outs are expensive, as they often are in the Bahamas, for instance. Anyway, it is a fun stop, reminiscent of a cross between Cuttyhunk, Memensha, and Vineyard Haven up north.
      George Hechtman
      Incentive, Hatteras 56MY

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

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Norman Mason -  July 24, 2009 - 5:51 pm

        Stay at Park Service Dock or anchor out. The only other marina has gone to $2.50 per foot, plus $10 for a 50 amp service. Ocracoke is a great place to go. As you come in the channel, stay in it until you see a green and red marker near marker #4 on the Silver Lake entrance channel. Leave the green and red to starboard as you turn into Silver Lake ( I watched the ferries do this), then follow the markers as usual. Do not cut across into the Silver Lake channel until the green and red. Otherwise, the channel from Pamlico Sound is very well marked.
        Norman Mason
        Peggy Sue, Monk 36

        Reply to Norman
    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Belhaven Marinas (Statute Mile 135.5)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      25. The delightful community of Belhaven will be spotted to the northwest of the Waterway, hard by marker #10 (near Statute Mile 135.5). Here you will find two marinas, River Forest Manor, and Belhaven Waterway Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). Can anyone describe a recent experience when staying at River Forest? Those who have coiled their lines at Belhaven Waterway Marina have had, I’ll bet, a great experience. Those who have stayed here with Brenda and Les recently, please tell us about your stay!

      Responses follow:

      We stayed at River Forest Manor. The staff were friendly and helpful. The marina is in serious need of a facelift. The shower facilities were relatively clean. On a scale from 1-10 with 10 being able to eat off the floor I would give it a 6.5 or 7.
      It needs updating.
      The laundry room was more like a 3 but while the machines that worked were old, they are the big commercial type and I was able to throw all of my cockpit pillows/cushions in them………huge capacity.
      The restaurant was pretty good. The pool is small but clean. The marina is dog friendly. Pumpout was broken.
      We will probably stay at Dowry Creek on the way back.

      Belhaven [Waterway] Marina is a great spot and a MUCH better place to stay the night than River Forest. As charming as the `big house’ and restaurant appear to be at River Forest, the docks are old and in need of repair, the fuel is questionable coming from old and rusting above ground tanks, the head facilities are not the greatest and the food at the `inn’ is sub-par to say the least. Stay at Belhaven Marina ‘“ easy docking, good folks, nice facilities, great little Tiki bar and you can walk into town or ride a bike and enjoy a nice dinner there.
      Pete

      [Belhaven Waterway Marina is] One of our favorite stops – spring and fall. Les & Brenda will help with whatever the problem is. Les is a very good mechanic, and they have a railway in the yard to handle larger boats for repairs/maintenance.
      We do enjoy Belhaven and have to have a Farm Boy sandwich! Don’t miss the museum – you won’t find another like it.
      Hardware store is well-stocked and has a good gift area too.
      Linda & Ed Thorn

      Click Here For More Information About River Forest Manor Marina

      Click Here For More Information About Belhaven Waterway Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Beaufort Town Docks (Statute Mile 201)

      On 7/24/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      39. Whether you approach Beaufort by way of the Russell Slue ‘“ Gallant Channel, or the charted channel coming in from Beaufort Inlet, this is one of the most popular ports of call in North Carolina, or anywhere else on the Waterway for that matter. Again, I know MANY of you visit Beaufort time and time again. Please share your recommendations and observations concerning this historic, exciting community with your fellow cruisers.

      Responses follow:

      June 28-29, 2009. I spent a delightful time at the Beaufort Town Docks. The dockmaster was friendly and helpful. The Boardwalk Cafe has a great breakfast buffet. I enjoyed the pancakes. While some people want to sit outside I found it nicer in the air conditioned inside at a high table where I could look out along the boats in the harbor and I did not need to wait for a table.The Maritime Museum is excellent. I spent a happy few hours there. One warning. If you go in their excellent library and sit in a soft chair to read their current sailing magazines you will probably fall aslelep.
      Keep up the good work.
      David Hughes
      Expedition
      Out of Blackbeard Sailing Club

      We are currently in Beaufort and are doing the tourist things. We are happily anchored across from the US Post office, in about 12 feet of water, well `INTO’ the channel. I was at the museum when it opened this morning and stsyed for four hours. It is a fun spot to be.
      Tommy

      We love Beaufort. Cute shops and great restaurants. We suggest you try The Grocery for lunch or dinner. Courtesy cars available and wooden nickels for free beer at the marina restaurant. Hard to beat.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

      Click Here For More Information On the Beaufort Town Docks

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tommy -  July 25, 2009 - 2:43 pm

        We are currently in Beaufort and are doing the tourist things. We are happily anchored across from the US Post office, in about 12 feet of water, well “INTO” the channel. I was at the museum when it opened this morning and stsyed for four hours. It is a fun spot to be.
        Tommy

        Reply to Tommy
    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Swansboro (Statute Mile 229)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      45. The delightful village of Swansboro will be spotted northwest of marker 46. There are two transient friendly marinas to choose from, or you could brave the swift currents and anchor on the westerly reaches of White Oak River, and dinghy ashore to the small town pier. Who has visited Swansboro? Where did you dock, or did you anchor? Please give us some shoreside dining and docking recommendations.

      Responses follow:

      We anchored just downstream of the bridge in July 2008. Good holding. A fair weather anchorage with currents no more or less strong than those all along the coast from Beaufort, NC to Fernandina Bch, FL
      Rick

      We docked a Casper’s Marina overnight, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, although the one unisex non-climate controlled shower and restrooms are just adequate. The face dock can be very rough from wakes on the White River and Intracoastal and is wide open from the southwest, but with good fenders it is okay. The water normally quiets down in the evening, but the band plays on until late from a shrimper’s bar near the southeast side of the bridge. The music was good, though
      Chuck Tontsch

      We anchored out in Swansboro near the bridge. We got there fairly late and had to jostle for a while to get right. Actually we moved 4 times before we felt right. We did not get to go ashore but it looked cute and we will try to do so on our way south and look forward to reading about it more. Our recomendations would be to get there early for a good spot. It gets a bit close there with the bridge, docks and big fishing vessels forming a three sided anchorage. A bit daunting in windy conditions if its crowded, which it was.

      We stayed at Caspers Marina there in June 2008. Good experience. We ate dinner at Icehouse Restaurant and were very pleased with the food and service. Nice waterfront location. For breakfast I highly recommend Yana’s. Wonderful food and friendly service. Swansboro is a fun place to visit and has some interesting shops.
      Pat Cummins, s/v Kentris

      I think Swansboro is one of the most overlooked little towns along the ICW. They have a number of small and simple restaurants with great food, some cute little shops and very friendly people. If you stay at Casper’s Marina, it is an easy walk into town. Speaking of Casper’s, this marina is exposed to the ICW right at the place where the channel speed drops from 25 to No Wake. Needless to say, there are plenty of recreational day boaters who don’t respect that go zooming by (or very close) to the marina. If you stay there, insist that you stay on the inside of the fuel dock which acts as a breakwater. I spent a very uncomfortable night on the outside and was `banged’ pretty good. In all fairness, I stayed there on a Saturday so the number of fast boats and jet skis was disproportional. They do have fuel, nice shower and heads and a small but ample provision store all on site.
      Peter

      Click Here For More Information on Caspers Marina

      Click Here For More Information on the Swansboro Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Pungo Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 136)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      26. Just south of Belhaven and Pantego Creek, Pungo Creek offers superb anchorage. Anyone dropped the hook here recently?

      Responses follow:

      Excellent anchorage, even when wind is from the east. You can find a place to snuggle up to the windward shoreline for protection from any direction.
      Rick


      Click Here For More Information on the Pungo Creek Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dowry Creek Marina (Pungo River, Statute Mile 131.5)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List, I posed the following question:

      24. Dowry Creek Marina guards the northern shores of the AICW/Pungo River hard by marker #15. This facility has an unfailing reputation for friendliness. If you have stopped here within the last year, please describe your experience.

      Responses follow:

      We were at this marina in 2008. Very nice people. Loaner car available. Great, great, great boaters lounge and pool. The photos they have in the lounge of the hurricane that hit NC a few years back really ripped up their docks, so the message was clear……..don’t get caught there in strong SE winds. We planned to stay one night and ended up enjoying the place so much we stayed for 3 nights just because it was so relaxing.
      Rick

      I stopped at Dowry Creek Marina once on the way south last November and again on the way north in late April and early May. I stayed two days in November and a week on the way back in April and May. This is a truly great marina and a great place to relax for a couple of days. Mary, the owner, will let you use the marina’s SUV to go to town and stock up on supplies and visit the local restaurants. All she asks in exchange is that you put gas in the vehicle. Dowry Creek Marina has wonderful bathrooms. Each bathroom is complete with its own commode, sink and shower. No gang showers and slippery floors. They are also kept spotlessly clean. Friday night the marina hosts a get together with light snacks and drinks.
      The marina is extremely well protected. The approach to the marina is clearly marked and had 8′ at MLW plus the marina has around 8′ at MLW. I’m 47′ LOA with a 6′ DRAFT and the marina is very easy to get in to, out of and visit the fuel dock. Dowry Creek has diesel, gasoline and a pump-out station at their fuel dock. They do enough volume to maintain fresh fuel. There are plenty of liveaboards, seasonal renters and dockhands to help you get into your slip anytime of the day or night. Due to severe head winds and thunderstorms I was late getting to Dowry Creek in April. I called the marina and told them that I could not make it there by 6:00pm and it would be closer to 7:30pm. They told me that would be fine and had four people at the slip when I got there around 8:00pm in the dark. They helped handle my lines in a 20 knot crosswind. That was much appreciated. The marina is also very pet friendly.
      As a bonus I caught the largest Speckled Trout of my life fishing from the bow of my boat while in the slip.
      I recommend this marina without hesitation.
      Regards,
      Ric Seymour

      We’d heard so many positive things about Dowry Creek Marina that we stopped there mid-July 2009 for 1 night. Mary has fresh veggies in a basket on the porch ‘“ours for the taking. We enjoyed the use of the pool, lounge, laundry facility, and courtesy car. It’s a long trip into Belhaven for groceries but a nice, restful stop.
      Bill and Laura Bender

      Stopped there three times. Last Fall stayed for two days due to weather. A wonderful place to be, so kind and caring. I shared a minute at the site she has for her [late] husband, a Vietnam Vet, and a Marine> I share this moment to reflect, alone with him, and what we shared. He will always be a `Brother In Arms’. May God Bless You Always. You will always be remembered. That is one reason why I return each year.
      See you soon’”’”’”’”-
      Greg Timko

      Click Here For More Information on Dowry Creek Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Alligator River Anchorages (Statute Mile 102)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      22. After cruising south for a some 17 miles the AICW/Alligator River channel turns sharply west near marker #39. Between #39 and the northeastern entrance to the long, Alligator ‘“ Pungo canal, there are multiple place to anchor off Deep Point, Bear Point and Tuckahoe Point. Who has dropped the hook on any of these havens? Please describe what you found.

      Responses follow:

      We anchored north of G43 in August 2008 and June 2009. Lots of mosquitoes and flies both times, so we used our hatch screens and stayed inside. Not the most protected place we’ve been but better than it looks on the chart.
      Rick

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 24, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Crab Pots Along Pasquotank River/AICW and Albemarle Sound

      This is certainly not the first report we have had of crab pots and fish trips littering the waters of northern Albemarle Sound. This time, Captain Chase’s report refers to the waters of “lower Pasquotank River” which is part of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route alternate AICW passage. These pests would certainly make nighttime passage here frought with peril.

      I’ve never seen so many pots as lower Pasquatank and up the sound to Little River (early July 09). My full keel seems to miss them and sailed that whole section but do not envy those with exposed props.
      Chase

      What I wanted to point out has to do with he Pasquotank coming off the Sound. Crab Pots everywhere !!! There was no channel; it was absolutely horrible and remained that way until you reached fresh water toward Elizabeth City. Daylight travel only and extreme caution needed.
      Pat Kenefick

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Manteo Waterfront Marina (Roanoke Island – Roanoke Sound)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      16. Let’s continue our `off the Waterway’ queries, by journeying east from Albemarle Sound to the northern headwaters of Roanoke and Croatan Sounds. These bodes of water are divided by historic Roanoke Island. Cruisers can follow the Roanoke Sound channel south to Shallowbag Bay and the Manteo city waterfront and marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). Who has visited Manteo by water? Did you discover any shallow water or marker confusion on either the sound or Shallowbag Bay channels? Please describe what you found ashore in Manteo. Did you discover any particularly good places to slake a healthy appetite?

      Responses follow:

      We visited Manteo in June 2009. No shallow spots in the channel that I recall. Our route from Manteo was through the channel east, then north that leads into Albemarle Sound. I nice restaurant, the Full Moon, is directly across the street from the town dock master’s office. Friendly people in town. We enjoyed the side trip to the Outer Banks. Very nice clean showers and laundry at the marina.
      Rick

      We went to Manteo the next day, the Sound was calm. Plenty of crabpots though. You only have to follow the markers into Manteo, and you’ll be fine. The channel going out Roanoke Sound has the red markers on the left, the cut channel into Manteo has them on the right (you’re returning). Keep that in mind and you’ll have no problem. Had a very good dinner at the restaurant 1587, I think it is, next to the Marina.
      Bill & Claudia Bagwell
      M/V RUNAWAY

      Manteo – we sailed from Ocracoke there last year and loved it. Caught over 50 Spanish Mackeral on the way in and stayed three days. The city dock folks were friendly and it is an easy walk over to the Elizabeth II. Rental cars are sparce so reserve in advance.
      Wright and Gladys Anderson
      First & Ten

      We were traveling South in early June on our sailboat. Coming off of the sound to begin the trek to Manteo I found to be “confusing” ; once rounding the Northern section of the island the channel was quite clear all the way into town.
      This was our second trip and stay in Manteo by water. My wife especially enjoys staying in Manteo – obviously the shops which are also suffering this year and some gone due to the economy. One of the items that really makes this a great stay is the park across from the docks; beautiful grounds and free concerts if you catch it on Fridays. Last year we saw the Chinese Acrobats and this year we caught the NC Symphony ; outside , under the stars and FREE. Excellent stop. Ortegas on this trip was good and Poor Richards for standard fare sandwiches, burgers etc.
      Having a 48 ft. mast we had to take the route from Manteo down to Wanchese and out to the Pamlico. All well marked and as opposed to last year I found point of transition from Green to starboard to Red Right return marked very well although the numbers have apparently changed ; did not match the chart marker numbers – had I not been through here before I may have really been confused because of this number situation.
      Pat Kenefick

      Click Here For More Information on Manteo Waterfront Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Columbia Town Docks (Scuppernong River, off Albemarle Sound)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a `North Carolina Wish List,’ I posed the following question:

      15. Also, on the southern shores of Albemarle Sound, beautiful Scuppernong River leads upstream to Columbia, NC, where you will find free city docks. Who has visited Columbia lately? What did you find ashore? Any good places to eat?

      Responses follow:

      We stopped in Columbia and used their small town dock. Only stayed for an hour. Just long enough to walk a few blocks, stretch our legs and window shop. It was mid morning so we weren’t looking for restaurants. Smaller then Edenton, not as much to do or see but a welcome break for us. The river makes a great anchorage. A nice place to take a short break.
      Rick

      Columbia, NC we are here as I type and plan to stay another night. Great free dock with city water and great new bathhouse. Several restaurants and a helpful marine center.
      Wright and Gladys Anderson
      First & Ten

      Click Here For More Information on the Columbia Town Docks

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Edenton Town Docks (western Albemarle Sound)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      13. The historic city of Edenton, NC is located near the western extreme of Albemarle Sound. Several years ago, the city marina here was vastly expanded, and a new breakwater was built. The downtown business district is within easy walking distance. Who has berthed at Edenton City Marina? Did you have a good experience here? Did you find some good places to eat ashore? Did you experience any of Edenton’s historic attractions?

      Responses follow:

      We spent 3 days in Edenton. I would have spent a month if we weren’t trying to get to the Chesapeake before the end of the fall 2008 cruising season. We visited Oriental, Washington, Bath, Edenton, Hertford and Columbia. Edenton and Bath are not to be missed. Well, none are to be missed. We intended to spend a week in the rivers and sounds west of the Outer Banks and ended up staying for 25 days. The town dock master in Edenton took us grocery shopping. Clean restrooms. No laundry but the dock master will take you to a Laundromat if you ask. Frank is a very nice man who seems to really enjoy helping people. The restaurants and downtown stores were very nice. Too numerous to name them all. Sean’s was the best restaurant. Excellent food and chatty bar patrons. Waterman’s we found mediocre. The town is beautiful. We found new and interesting stuff around every corner and we walked a lot. I think we saw every historic building and marker within walking distance of the town dock. If it weren’t for cold winters, I would move to Edenton in a heart beat.
      Rick

      We spent a few days in Edenton at the town dock. Again, information we gleaned from Skipper Bob’s book. The first 2 days at the dock are free, after that it’s a $1 a foot. Electricity $3 per night.
      When we were headed toward Edenton, after passing under the bridge, there are some electrical wires that the charts say are 80ft. of clearance. As we approached and saw the sag of the wires over the main channel, somehow they didn’t seem that high. We have about a 46ft. mast clearance. Needless to say we were a bit nervous going under. Also I should mention that squall was developing and coming our way. I was glad we plotted a waypoint on the GPS because as we got into the squall the laptop quit because the battery went dead. I wathched the wind go from about 12 knots and gust up to a little over 30 knots right on our nose. It was weird though because there wasn’t any rain with it. Our visibilty was hampered for about 15 to 20 min. so we just steered on that waypoint to the first entrance marker. The wind died down and cleared up so we could spot our entrance into Edenton. Once we got in and secure, the dockmaster a very cordial fellow offered to drive us into town for ice cream at that local Dairy Queen. We stayed for a few days there. I had to look into a mechanical problem before leaving. We also had a friend visit from home who took us grocery shopping and went to “Rocky Hock Playhouse” for a show. We kinda know the owners and they said we were the first to sail to come see one of there shows.
      The town of Edenton was splendid, we ate a Italian restaurant on main street and enjoyed walking around town the time we were there.
      Clif & Peta Lewis
      s/v Immanuel

      Click Here For More Information on the Edenton Town Docks

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Visiting Hertford, NC (Perquimans River, off Albemarle Sound)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      12. Leaving the AICW, and moving west on broad Albemarle Sound, has anyone followed the beautiful Perquimans River upstream to Hertford? Did you anchor upstream of the `S’ bridge? Did you dinghy in to downtown Herford? What were your impressions of this community.

      Responses follow:

      We anchored south of the bridge at Hertford in August 2008. Used the dink to go to the boat ramp up stream of the 2nd bridge. The grocery store you mentioned in your current guide was closed and had been for some time. Shame on you. Most restaurants were closed. We met a very nice couple who moved to Hertford from somewhere in NY state. They bought an older home on the waterfront and are restoring it. They visited with us for a couple of hours on our boat. Our impression is of a very friendly town, but your guide book was out of date. We loved our walk through the waterfront neighborhood. The people we met recommended the Albemarle Plantation and Edenton. We are so glad we visited both. The waters west of the Outer Banks are a gold mine of little towns and anchorages. Please keep it a secret. Crowds will ruin it for cruisers and for the local folks.
      Rick

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      AICW Passage Across Albemarle Sound

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      The AICW passage across Albemarle Sound is known as the single roughest section of the entire Waterway from Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL. Who has experienced a wild Albemarle crossing? Please share your experience with us, and offer any advice you may have to minimize these potentially difficult waters.

      Responses follow:

      We went from North River to Manteo for a day then from Manteo to the Alligator River the next day. The winds both days were 15 knot easterlies according to VHF – WX observations. Great sailing conditions for our Morgan 384. First day was a beat the second day was down wind. I think seas might have been 2′. Probably not desirable conditions for small and mid size power boats, but great sailing.
      Rick

      Our crossing was extremely rough. The weather report was incorrect and we thought we were going to get 1-2 ft. waves with 5-10 and got 4-5ft waves with 20+ winds. While the winds were from the west pushing the waves into us broadside, the passage was miserable. We learned what needed to be stowed below better real fast. Stuff was everywhere.
      It got better as we turned into the shifted winds tho slower……We have a 44ft blue water capable sailboat but we were getting the snot kicked out of us. For a more enjoyable trip, choose as perfect weather as you can. This shallow broad expanse can get very nasty.

      I had a rough passage going north across the Albemarle – my boat rolls badly in East / West side winds. But it isn’t all that bad – you’re only out of sight of land for a half hour or so. I broke a couple of glasses
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      Albemarle sound was pretty good for us. We sailed for awhile until the crab pots were just too much to deal with. The seas there were quite pleasant.
      Clif & Peta Lewis
      s/v Immanuel

      Albemarle Sound can be a be `messy’ with the open water and wind, especially during the middle of the day and early afternoon. I try to plan my crossing for the early morning (before 8am) when going south and early evening (after 5pm) when going north. At these times, the wind is not up as much and the water reasonably calm ‘“ well, less choppy. When that doesn’t work out, I just find a good cruise speed that minimizes the pounding and spray and accept that fact that I will be giving my boat a good hosing off when I stop for the night.
      Pete

      Southbound with forcast winds of 15 to 20 we left Coinjock at 0630. Was two thirds the way accross the sound before the seas built to3 to 4 feet. Adjusted power to adjust speed for best handling. Sloppy but no problem. Just a lot of work.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

      The only time our cat, Jake, has ever gotten seasick was when we were crossing the Albemarle Sound against the wind. Longest 20 miles ever. I suspect it tricks a lot of ocean cruisers who can’t believe an inland body of water can get so messy so fast. If in a sailboat and you can’t motorsail upwind effectively, might as well wait a day.
      Marilyn

      Miles 51 to 82 – Albemarle Sound. With inclement weather almost daily, I found a gap via NOAA Weather and set off from Elizabeth City around 11am. It was fairly rough in Albemarle – and with any degree of side winds and waves my boat rolls badly. But by means of my patented zig zagging process, we arrived at the Alligator River marker around 6.30pm. I had no trouble going through the entry point – though I do think it essential to first start at marker QG31 – if you try to bypass it then the subsequent markers can become confusing and dangerous. I safely anchored in the Little Alligator just as the sun was setting. Phew!
      Arnold

      Hope to cross the Albemarle in late April, pending sea trial and completion of sale on a Maryland trawler. Figure to cross the Albemarle about mid-day if plans hold. Thanks cruisers for all your notes!
      Ben

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      North Carolina AICW Passage Through Currituck Sound

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      7. Let us now turn our attention to the primary AICW route, often termed the `North Carolina ‘“ Virginia Cut.’ This passage crosses into North Carolina waters south of North Landing River, flows through a small portion of Currituck Sound, and then through a man-made canal, past the marina rich village of Coinjock, NC. From Statute Mile 40 to 45, there have been many reports over the years of shallow water, or underwater hardware damage from pilings driven just below the water’s surface to guard against shoaling of the AICW channel. Has anyone experienced shallow depths here recently, or has anyone found the underwater pilings

      Responses follow:

      We love the Virginia Cut. We went through it north bound in August 2008 and south bound in June 2009. We never saw less than 8′ MLW from mile marker 0 to the exit from the North River into the Albemarle Sound. Absolutely no problems with underwater obstructions. Follow the markers. Look over your shoulder to check for drift if there is a cross wind. The sound gives us a great opportunity to sail when the wind is right. Traffic was light. We’ve not done the Dismal Swamp route. Everyone says it’s nice, but since we can’t sail in that route, it seemed a less attractive option to us.
      Rick

      I have thankfully not experienced any issues with underwater pilings (yikes that is scary), but the waters from MM40-45 into Coinjock are indeed rather skinny especially if you drift outside the very narrow channel. While I have a lot of confidence in my GPS chart plotter, I only use my `eyes’ to navigate between the markers paying close attention to the changes in my depth sounder to stay `centered’. This is not a good area to overtake another vessel, so if you get caught behind a slow poke, remember it’s just 5-7 miles before you get back into `wider’ water.
      Peter Ferrara
      `Laitudes’

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Goat Island Anchorage (Pasquotank River, Statute Mile 43.5 – Dismal Swamp Canal Route)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      4. Near Statute Mile 43.5 the Dismal Swamp Route/AICW, skirts to the northeast of Goat Island. Many cruisers anchor southwest of this land mass. Who has done this lately? Was it a good experience?

      Responses follow:

      The anchorage “behind” Goat Island is peaceful…holding is good and protection is excellent….if you’re real lucky and leave early you may get some awesome reflections on your way North or South!
      Capt Jock, formerly of DREAM MAKER, presently of HOME AT LAST


      Click Here For More Information on the Goat Island Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Washington, NC City Docks (Pamlico River)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      30. Finally, cruisers can continue up Pamlico River to the very nice Washington, NC city docks (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). These are some of the nicest city facilities in North Carolina. Anyone who has berthed here, please share what you found. Did you find any good places to eat or places to shop in downtown Washington?

      Responses follow:

      Enjoyed Washington, NC. Bought a new 8D battery at West Marine and one of the employees delivered in his truck. No charge and wouldn’t accept a tip!
      Wayne Thomas

      Washington is great. Several restaurants. The Map Room has excellent food with a creative flair. We were fortunate to be there on a Friday night when the town had bands of every type playing in the streets. Nice town dock. West Marine within walking distance.
      Rick

      Washington City Dock permits you to tie up for 2 days every 7 days free of charge – no power or water. Docking is $260 a month and I believe now plus power cost (which was included when I was there) There are great showers free of charge and a waterside boardwalk and park. Mimis Coffee House on the waterfront is a great place to eat fine home made soups and other specials. (Owners Mimi and Pete at one time were cruisers themselves) . The Metro (I think it’s called) serves a good old fashioned breakfast. Good Farmers Market every Saturday in summer time. All Dockmasters very friendly. Walmart / Lowes / Office Depot et al are a $5 taxi ride away. West Marine is within walking distance
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com


      Click Here For More Information on the Washington City Docks

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Visiting Bath, NC (Pamlico River)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      28. Farther up the Pamlico River, Bath Creek cuts into the northern banks. This well marked body of water leads to Bath, officially North Carolina’s oldest incorporated town. Here, you can tie up to free state docks, or a nice, smaller private marina. Who has visited Bath in the last several years? Where do you berth? Did you find anyplace to eat ashore in Bath?

      Responses follow:

      Dock was full so attempted to anchor, bottom must be very soft. Finally set Fortress after Delta and SuperMax kept sliding along.
      Wayne Thomas

      We docked at state dock during election last November during nor’easter, Bath is a lovely town. There’s a pizza place very nearby and it was tasty. They also had some cheese biscuits for breakfast, but otherwise not many choices. Rarely is there better food than can be found in this farmer’s galley, though.
      Chase

      We have been to Bath 6 times in the last year and I’m going back next week. It is my favorite place in NC. Edenton is a close second. We’ve used the town dock and anchored out. My blood pressure drops 40 points as soon as my feet hit shore. This town is so perfect. I nice restaurant called Blackbeards is mostly Italian stuff. And ice cream! Very good food.
      Rick

      Bath Creek – delightful. And the free dock excellent. Nothing much there however in terms of stores except one pizza restaurant – which is quite good however. I hear that Fortune 500 magazine recommended Bath as one of the top ten places in America to build a multi million dollar home……… Grocery stores etc too far away for boaters
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Chase -  July 23, 2009 - 6:29 pm

        We docked at state dock during election last November during nor’easter, Bath is a lovely town. There’s a pizza place very nearby and it was tasty. They also had some cheese biscuits for breakfast, but otherwise not many choices. Rarely is there better food than can be found in this farmer’s galley, though.

        Reply to Chase
    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Broad Creek (North River) Anchorage (Statute Mile 61)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolna Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      10. The southernmost North River anchorage, just north of the Waterway’s intersection with Albemarle Sound, is Broad Creek (careful, there are a BUNCH of Broad Creeks in both North and South Carolina). The only real knock I’ve ever had in regards to North River’s Broad Creek, is that its entrance can be hard to find. Has anyone anchored on Broad Creek? Were you able to find your way to this haven without difficulty? What did you find when you got there?

      Responses follow:

      Tried to anchor, but barely enough water (5.5′ draft) and couldn’t set 88# Delta so anchored outside of creek.
      Wayne Thomas


      Click Here For More Information on the Broad Creek (North River) Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center (Statute Mile 28)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolna Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      2. Along the Dismal Swamp Canal, cruisers will discover the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. You can tie up here overnight free of charge. Who has done this lately? Please describe your experience, and let us know whether you think this is a worthwhile overnight stop.

      Responses follow:

      The Welcome Center is even better than ever as there is a new Dismal Swamp museum located on the opposite canal bank. Access is provided by an interesting (and clearly very expensive) hydraulically retracted floating bridge. The museum itself is relatively small but provides a comprehensive history of the canal with many illustrative examples. When one views the panel about birds, the sounds of their varied and colorful songs emerge unobtrusively from the background. We stayed one night at the Welcome Center and were happy to become reacquainted with our friend Penny Leary-Smith who has run the the facility from its inception. We are always delighted to stop there whether by car or by boat, and always do.
      Our half-dozen sailboats were joined at the welcome center by a 45 foot multi decked power boat. This is unusual, as most power cruisers prefer the Virginia Cut route where they are not limited to 6 knots and where the risk of hitting debris with their screws is less, or so it is believed.
      Ted Jones

      Enjoyed our overnight stop here very much after the stress of so many bumps along the way. We needed the rest.
      Wayne Thomas

      The welcome center is rarely crowded and a pleasant and convenient stop…a nice place to meet other folks who are taking a break from the wake-makers!
      Capt Jock, formerly of DREAM MAKER, presently of HOME AT LAST

      Rafted up after arriving at 2000 after a 60 mile day, welcome respite. Off the dock early to make South Mills first lock so did not get to enjoy welcome center but the restrooms were nice as was the group of cruisers at the dock. The Dismal Swamp is a stressful passage with all the trees, debris and loud bumps but worth doing. It is nice to have afternoon shade from sun with trees though.
      Chase

      I was a tad dissapointed with the Visitors Center – perhaps expecting too much. But they really don’t have much but a far too small dock and toilets. I spent one night rafted up to another boat which I don’t really like doing but left first thing in the morning. Maybe if they had fuel and water and a small store……..
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      We stopped and tied up at the rest area for the night on our early June cruise up to Norfolk. We were quite fortunate in that we were able to get into the last open slot along the bulkhead; if I recall there was a total of 4 boats and that’s all. Unfortunately this night was definitely one of the hottest nights so far this summer, so without being able to use the air it was not a great night. The grounds were well kept and clean; rest rooms the same. For one night it is ok and thank goodness it is there as we were exhausted when we reached that point coming from Elizabeth City. Don’t know what we would have done if it had not been there quite frankly
      Pat Kenefick

      The welcome center was a pleasant overnight stop. We arrived late in the afternoon. The lady at the desk was kind enough to give us a ride up the road to get pizza if we wanted. We declined because we had food on board. We signed the cruisers log they have there
      Clif & Peta Lewis
      s/v Immanuel

      We cruised the Dismal Swamp for 2 days last week spending a night at the Visitor’s Center. The 5 women in there were wonderful!!! We used their book exchange. Their nature center has been open only a year and it is very well done. Wish I knew the ranger’s name at the bridge that crosses the canal to the center, but he was born for that job. He has so much information, can answer all questions, and obviously has a love for what he does.
      Bill & Laura Bender
      M/VKindred Spirit III

      Click Here For More Information on the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Chase -  July 23, 2009 - 6:59 pm

        Rafted up after arriving at 2000 after a 60 mile day, welcome respite. Off the dock early to make South Mills first lock so did not get to enjoy welcome center but the restrooms were nice as was the group of cruisers at the dock. The Dismal Swamp is a stressful passage with all the trees, debris and loud bumps but worth doing. It is nice to have afternoon shade from sun with trees though.

        Reply to Chase
    • Jul 23, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Elizabeth City – Mariner’s Wharf City Docks (Statute Mile 50.5)

      On 7/23/09, as part of a “North Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      6. Near Statute Mile 50.5, cruisers traveling the Dismal Swamp Canal Route will discover Elizabeth City (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). This community has the enviable reputation of providing one of the warmest welcomes to cruisers to be found anywhere in the Southeastern USA. And, free city docks are in the offing for an overnight stay. Who has stopped in Elizabeth City recently? Could you please describe the welcome you received? Did you find any good restaurants ashore?

      Responses follow:

      On to Elizabeth City where everything I’ve heard about their fabulous welcome is evident even though Fred Fearing, the last “Rose Buddy” has died. In his place is a granite marker describing the rose buddies and their legacy. Instead, we were greeted by the Elizabeth City mayor himself whoat the traditional wine and cheese party told us about his plans for expanding the services available. He is a boat owner and is a strong advocate for the city docks. He even set to to help late arrivals with their dock lines. A call to the local supermarket brought a courtesy car driven by the store manager himself, and he drove us back to the docks when we had made out purchases. This is one of the most complete supermarkets I have ever been in.
      The only negatives about Elizabeth City is the lack of fuel service at the docks. Jack Wisner and I walked a couple of blocks to an automotive filling station and lugged back a six gallon jug of fuel. There presently are no fuel docks in Elizabeth City, and out next available pit stop was Dowry Creek Marina where we later had difficulty fueling from their high speed pump whose nozzle will not fit in most sailboat’s deck plates. The lack of heads and showers is high on the mayor’s list of new services which he feels need to be provided at Elizabeth City.
      Ted Jones

      As to EC’s hospitality, we cannot overstate how welcome we were made to feel. Even had the Mayor (Stephen Atkinson) come by and introduce himself. We stayed at the city dock, which is free. It was about half full. We went to dinner at a restaurant, Montero’s, named after the owner and chef, who came and picked us up in his car and took us back to the boat when we were through. The food was fine.
      Bill & Claudia Bagwell
      M/V Runaway

      Elizabeth City is always great. When I was there a Canadian owner suggested a pot luck supper which in turn led to a party and singing songs from a variety of countries represented. Dockmasters Sam and Gus are very friendly and will let you stay more than a couple of nights if the docks aren’t full. Good fish restaurant near the dock. laundry withing walking distance and a breat Farm Fresh grocery store who will pick you up and return upon request.
      Best wishes
      Arnold Parkinson
      The British Club Worldwide
      www.britishclubworldwide.com

      The stay at Elizabeth City was nice. When we arrived coming up the Pasquotank a man on shore took a line for us to help us in the slip. It turned out he was on the boat next to us. He was traveling south on a 40ft. mono [can’t remember what kind] with his wife and a cat. They were french canadian heading to Charleston. They must have liked french poodles because they had the cat shaved that way, Yes they did!
      We did not get to experiance the well known welcome of a rose and wine reception. The man who used to do it had passed on. We had breakfast at a little place in town that took you back to old days. We stayed there for 3 days, also the day before we left we met a South African couple who were delivering a 44ft. Knysna catamaran to Annapolis. We developed a relationship because my wife is originally from South Africa. The girls still keep in touch. We enjoyed Elizabeth City for our short stay there.
      Clif & Peta Lewis
      s/v Immanuel

      At Elizabeth City docks, if you’re nice and friendly to the dockmasters, they ‘ll show you two hidden spigots for topping off your water tanks………. No fuel alas – but there is at the marina just south – who also sell block ice
      Arnold

      Click Here For More Information on Mariner’s Wharf City Docks

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com