Bridge Tender Marina and Restaurant is at statute mile 280 on the west side the Waterway, just south of the Wrightsville Beach Bridge.
Bridge Tender Marina/Restaurant is on the west side. Bridge Tender is nice’¦food and dockage.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bridge Tender Marina
Entering Ocracoke's Silver Lake Harbor
Captain Rick is responding to the comments below by Captain Ben and then adds a detailed dining guide to several other eating establishments – which he obviously enjoyed! – in Ocracoke.
On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
Cheers,
Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.
I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront ‘“ and the food is pretty average.
A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemmongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
Rick Brass
s/v Imzadi
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke.
Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge - As It Used to Be
Many of us were glad to see the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge replaced by a modern high-rise last year. Between the mechanical problems and shoaling, many cruisers most certainly did NOT have a soft place in their hearts for the old, floating span.
Now that it’s gone, though, I cannot help but be a little saddened at this piece of the past that is now long gone forever.
Below, we are pleased to present another superb report from our strategic partners, Captains Dian and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water Chartguides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com). Check out their NEW paper AICW Anchorage Guides (with a 42% discount until 8/10/12), by following the link above!
Hi Claiborne,
Passed through the Sunset Beach area a couple months ago and was reminiscing … about bridges, and about a slower pace. [smile]
The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at STM 337.9 was an historic landmark’”the only vehicle pontoon bridge left in operation on the entire East Coast.
But a floating pontoon bridge, with “zero clearance,” became more and more incompatible with modern times and schedules.
About six times per month the tide was so low the bridge couldn’t be opened. Boats had to circle and wait through low tide. And if there were high winds, the bridge could be closed indefinitely.
In addition to its hourly scheduled openings, the bridge opened for every commercial vessel. (Trivia Fact: Because the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was constructed before bridges, technically commercial vessels take precedence over vehicular traffic.)
And, of course, many island residents (local taxpayers) felt they were spending too much time waiting for the bridge …
But the final demise of the bridge was credited to safety concerns for island residents. Emergency crews had difficulty responding promptly to calls on the island. There was also concern about the risk of a serious fire spreading, given that large ladder trucks and tankers were too heavy to cross the old pontoon bridge.
The site of the old pontoon bridge will become a public park, with boat ramp access to the ICW and plans to incorporate remnants of the old pontoon bridge in the park design.
As of June 2012, you can see construction of the boat ramp at the old pontoon bridge location.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Soon to be a memorial park with boat ramp ICW access
Snow’s Cut begins at Statute Mile 295 and Southport is on the Cape Fear River at Statute Mile 309. Our thoughts go out to the families of these victims.
Cruising News:
Regret that Wilmington NC reported a drowning in Snow’s Cut Sunday and a boating fatality near Southport, Sat. eve. Southport appears to have been due to navigational hazard/error. Very sorry to learn of these losses.
Sherri
This Article from Star News Online: Click link below for full report.
The search continued Monday morning for a boy believed drowned in the waters beneath the Snow’s Cut bridge Saturday.
The 13-year-old Rocky Point boy went missing about 1:45 pm Saturday. He was with his parents and 3-year-old brother swimming and fishing along the southern banks of the Intracoastal Waterway near Carolina Beach, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120805/ARTICLES/120809853
A U.S. Coast Guard boat searches the water under Snow’s Cut Bridge for a teenager who disappeared in the water about 1:40 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2012.
This article from WCET – TV6, Wilmington, NC. Click link below for full article:
SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) – A Wilmington woman is dead and another three are hurt after a boat crashed into a platform in Southport, according to the Coast Guard.
According to Sgt. Ben Meyer, Barbara Pierce, 57, was pronounced dead at New Hanover Regional Medical Center due to injuries sustained from the boat crash.
Meyer said, Pierce’s husband, Edward Pierce, 58, was driving the boat and most likely slammed into a concrete slab in the Cape Fear River, trying to avoid a collision. The two of them along with passengers Michelle Boley, 30, and Taylor Gill, 25, were headed north to Wilmington.
On Saturday night, good Samaritans helped the responding agency with the rescue. Pierce contacted the Coast Guard for help at approximately 9 p.m. A 25-foot response boat was dispatched, according to the release.
If you have more details about the circumstances of this collision, let us hear from you. Thanks!
I am puzzled as to why the obstacle that the Pierce boat struck is not lighted or better yet, removed.
Horace Whitaker
http://www.wect.com/story/19199168/coast-guard-reponds-to-fatal-boat-crash-in-southport
Georgia B’s is [found] on the north side of Arendell between 5th and 6th before you get to the wonderful City News stand and the ACE Marine Hardware from the [Morehead City] Yacht Basin. Piccatas moved further west on Arendell on the south side,
still pretty good for lunch, for dinner we tend to go to Beaufort Grocery Too (where the old Shepherd’s Point was, and who in turn serves an excellent Sunday brunch), Ruddy Duck, Wind and Sea, Circa 81 (not walking distance but fantastic). or of course Floyd’s, but I have had some spotty luck there lately. We don’t go out that often as I am married to a great chef, but Beaufort/MHC are certainly great dining towns given their size.
I also can’t leave the topic of local eating without mentioning the wonderful Blue Ocean seafood market on Bridge’s street before you get to Lowe’s foods.
They mostly supply local restaurants but have a great retail shop. If Eric the manager is there he gives out great cooking tips for any of the plethora of locally caught species that typically don’t show up in supermarkets. He is an outstanding chef in his own right; he cooked for a dinner party we had once and it was superb. Ant cruisers provisioning in MHC must include Blue Ocean in their shopping itinerary!
All the Best,
George and Ann
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City
The anchorage behind Goat Island is one of several really good anchor down spots along the course of the Pasquotank River/AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route, between the South Mills Lock and Elizabeth City. The Goat Island anchorage probably boasts the best combination of depths and good holding ground of all these overnight havens.
Goat Island is a great spot. We liveaboard at Lambs Marina and frequently go anchor out for a weekend at the island. Very peaceful, save for the occasional PWC or powerboaters blasting by.
Steve Mims
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Goat Island Anchorage
Captain Parky offers thanks for the many folks that cruisers encounter who just know how to help when and where they are needed.
Subject: Help When You Need It
Cruising News:
We cruisers are always grateful for the kindness of strangers. Those who take us to the nearest grocery store or library. Those who give us good advice on local attractions or events not to miss. Those who will help us repair our engines no matter where we are and those who will find a badly needed part at reasonable cost. In these days of `Buyer Beware’ America, the following gentlemen in the Hampton Roads and Outer Banks area would be on my personal list for a Congressional Medal of Honor.
1) Robert the Lock Keeper at Deep Creek Lock who never fails to give up to date advice about the Dismal Swamp and offers a cup of fresh made coffee and cake to start off your day at the 8.30am opening.
2) At Manteo City Marina ‘“ kind and friendly Dockmaster Carl Jordan who helps all boaters find what they need to make their visit a pleasure. See www.manteowaterfront.com or call (252) 305 4800.
3) Bob McBride, Owner of Mile Marker ‘0’ marine store at Portsmouth City Dock seven days a week. Bob will give you a ride to Walmart or find that badly needed part within four hours. See www.marinesuppliesportsmouthva.com or call (757) 673 4816.
4) It’s not often that a fully experienced diesel mechanic will travel 50 miles to fix an engine or quickly polish your diesel fuel for reasonable prices. Based in Coinjock, Ken Moore does that and much more no matter where your boat is. See www.marinepro.com or call (252) 457 0016.
These people will help you avoid the more prevalent outfits who think boat owners are made of money and cannot do without their national chain stores and overpriced marinas. We all know who they are! 🙂
Cap’n Parky
MV Pisces
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile 0
Click Here To View Our Full Port of Call Entry for Coinjock, NC
Nine Foot Shoal Channel
Nine Foot Shoal Channel has been slowly losing its depth for the last year or so. As you consider using this route into alternate route to Ocracoke, keep in mind that this channel is named a “shoal channel”! Note too, that the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor is the Big Foot Slough Channel, which the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries use! However, Captain Ben seems to have found a route through Nine Foot Shoal Channel.
Cruising News:
Hi Claiborne –
I type this sitting in Silver Lake on the hook at Ocracoke. Glum overcast day, but relaxing none the less. We came through a whopper of a storm on the Pamlico to get here, but not the worry as we all came across ok. Just a little annoying following sea to bully the boat around. Lightning is the only scare on the Pamlico in a storm and we were fortunate in that regard.
Anyway, on to the report of the title. Nine Foot Slough always worries me a bit because who knows what you’re going to find. But I think I found a good strategy. Reports of 5-1/2 feet concerned me from other cruisers. I am happy to say our lowest was 7 feet at low tide.
We came through at around 430pm on Saturday, July 21 at low tide. From #8 to #6 I measured 7 feet of water this is lowest we saw. From #6 to #5 I saw the water increase in depth from 8 feet to 13 feet. At #5 it was 10 feet. From #5 to #4 I saw the water go steady around 10 feet. At #4 it was 9 feet. Between #2 and #1 it was 10 feet then increasing to 11 feet. In the main channel the water increased to 17 feet.
The strategy is this: At the #8, I could see the water tower dead ahead, middle of the channel near #4 I plugged that into the autopilot or, when I was piloting manually I headed straight for it. My depth readings are based on that path and we had no trouble at all. Hopefully no fall hurricane disrupts that path, but in this occasion, it worked for us.
On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
Cheers,
Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.
I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront ‘“ and the food is pretty average.
A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
Rick Brass
s/v Imzadi
Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear River off the AICW, is a longtime popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
On your way up or down the East coast consider coming up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington. There is plenty of dockage in the downtown area where numerous good restaurants, entertainment, and hotels are available. There is also fuel at one or two of the marinas close to downtown. Wilmington is more of a cosmopolitan city than its size would indicate. Numerous different types of people cross paths here including mariners, college students, nature lovers, surfers, military, country folk, country clubbers, gays, tourists, “old” Wilmington types, beach bums, and red necks and everyone seems to get along.
Edmond Badham
COSMO
Wilmington, NC
Agree.
We made the trip up a few weeks ago from Southport for the evening. Anchored in the anchorage in the Brunswick River for a little swim. I forgot about the Gaters up by the Battleship. Dockage is great and choices of places to eat is as well. We even saw a Harbor Seal down by the State Docks.
David Craft
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington, NC
After running east past the primary Beaufort, NC waterfront, Taylor Creek leads to Harkers Island, the Straits, and eventually Core Sound. Some brave/local cruisers also use this route as part of a “back door” entrance to the extremely popular anchorage in Cape Lookout Bight.
Harkers Island, the Straits and Core Sound are some of the least discovered waters along the North Carolina coastline, but, unfortunately, ALL these waters are shallow and navigationally difficult, to say the least. And, if that’s not enough, the passage from Taylor Creek’s easterly mouth to Back Sound and Harkers Island eastern has always been a challenge for any vessel with a draft over 3 ft. For photos and more information on Taylor Creek, see the link below. Our North Carolina Anchorage Directory listing for Taylor Creek refers to the western end of the creek abeam the Beaufort waterfront.
Claiborne –
We transited the east end of Taylor’s Creek [on the way back to Beaufort from Shackleford Banks] on July 7th about 5pm at approximate low tide. We saw a center-console nice fishing boat grounded. We saw another boat start to get grounded and then back away free. The channel is marked by PVC pipe with green and red tape. Very narrow and very easy to see in clear weather which it was that day and time. I would recommend to no one to try this cut fast, though I saw this a couple times before we made it through.
We have a 36′ trawler with full keel and protected prop, so I decided to give it a go. Additionally I have a temperamental depth finder at low depths with some kind of voltage anxiety, so when I slow down, depth goes a bit crazy – 850 feet when there is only 3 and so on. When we are tearing up the water and raising Cain, we do about 8 knots. I decided to proceed more modestly at 3-4 knots and had no trouble. As stated, the entrance is narrow with one set of PVC markers about 50 feet apart, maybe less. At our slow speed, I know if we touch bottom it should be gentle barnacle scrape and not much more. On this day, we had no touches and followed the markers carefully into Taylor’s Creek without incident.
We did see a few 18 to 22-foot boats come tearing through there at about 20 knots. I say good luck with that and make sure your insurance is paid. We were careful and had no issues.
All the best.
Ben Matthews
Click Here For More on Taylor Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Eastern Taylor Creek
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Came into the marina on July 1 to get out of a 70kt thunderstorm. The storm produced an area-wide power outage and the owners and staff wanted to get home to deal with the outage. In spite of that they stayed at the dock, guided me in (first time in Bellhaven), and stayed until I was secure at the dock. They couldn’t offer any amenities as the power outage lasted for more 36 hours, but I was impressed with the level of personal service they provided.
Agree, it’s not the prettiest marina I’ve been, but it definitely was a good port in a storm.
John
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Forest Manor Marina
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Below, you will discover our geographic index of North Carolina marinas along the NC Marinas – Neuse River (Statute Mile 165 to 185), arranged in a rough, north to south, and east to west geographic format. Click on any marina name for a full listing of that facility’s services and specifications.
River Dunes Marina (Statute Mile: 173.5)
Whittaker Pointe Marina (Statute Mile 181)
Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor (Statute Mile 181)
Oriental Marina and Condos (Statute Mile 181)
Matthews Point Marina (off the AICW, on Clubfoot Creek)
Blackbeard Sailing Club (off the AICW, on Upper Broad Creek)
Northwest Creek Marina (off the AICW, on Northwest Creek)
Galley Stores Marina (off the AICW, New Bern, NC – on Neuse River)
New Bern Grand Marina (off the AICW, on Trent River)
Bridge Pointe Marina (off the AICW, New Bern, NC – on Trent River)
Bridgeton Harbor Marina (off the AICW, Neuse River, opposite New Bern waterfront)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Below, you will discover our geographic index of North Carolina marinas along the AICW, Goose Creek to Bay River (Statute Mile 145 to 165), arranged in a rough, north to south, geographic format. Click on any marina name for a full listing of that facility’s services and specifications.
R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks (Statute Mile: 157)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Below, you will discover our geographic index of North Carolina marinas along the Pamlico River (off the ICW), arranged in a rough, north to south, and east to west geographic format. Click on any marina name for a full listing of that facility’s services and specifications.
Bath State Docks (on Bath Creek)
Bath Harbor Marina (on Bath Creek)
McCotter’s Marina (on Broad Creek)
Washington Yacht Club (on Broad Creek)
Washington City Docks (western Pamlico River)
Carolina Wind Yachting Center (Washington, NC – western Pamlico River)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Below, you will discover our geographic index of North Carolina marinas along the AICW, Alligator River to Pungo River (Statute Mile 65 to 145), arranged in a rough, north to south, geographic format. Click on any marina name for a full listing of that facility’s services and specifications.
Alligator River Marina (Statute Mile 84
Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 131.5)
River Forest Manor Marina (Statute Mile 135.5)
Belhaven Waterway Marina (Statute Mile 135.5)
Pungo Creek Marina (Statute Mile 136)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Below, you will discover our geographic index of North Carolina marinas along the Pamlico, Crotoan and Roanoke Sounds (off the AICW), arranged in a rough, north to south, geographic format. Click on any marina name for a full listing of that facility’s services and specifications.
Manteo Waterfront Marina (off Roanoke Sound, on Shallowbag Bay)
Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club & Marina (on Roanoke Sound)
Village Marina (Hatteras Village)
Hatteras Harbor Marina (Hatteras Village)
Teach’s Lair Marina (Hatteras Village)
Hatteras Landing Marina (Hatteras Village)
Ocracoke National Park Service Docks (Silver Lake Harbor)
Anchorage Marina (Silver Lake Harbor – Ocracoke)
Big Trout Marina (Engelhard, NC – western shores of Pamlico Sound)
Clark’s Marina (Swan Quarter, NC – southwestern Pamlico Sound)
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