Atlantic Yacht Basin and McMillen Yachts Begin a New Chapter, reprinted from Waterway Guide
Our thanks to Waterway Editor, Ed Tillett, for permitting Cruisers Net to publish this article from Waterway Guide’s weekly newsletter.
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Our thanks to Waterway Editor, Ed Tillett, for permitting Cruisers Net to publish this article from Waterway Guide’s weekly newsletter.
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Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA. If you have wood damage or need a few modifications with the interior or exterior of your boat, Atlantic Yacht Basin has the team to fix it right.
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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA. If you have wood damage or need a few modifications with the interior or exterior of your boat, Atlantic Yacht Basin has the team to fix it right!
Click here for Happy Thanksgiving From Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA. If you have wood damage or need a few modifications with the interior or exterior of your boat, Atlantic Yacht Basin has the team to fix it right!
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Cruisers Net is pleased to be partnering with GoChesapeake to welcome cruisers voyaging south or north via the Waterway through Virginia. Atlantic Yacht Basin is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Proceeds benefit the GoChesapeake Initiative which is a program of Virginia Water Tourism Corp–a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. GoChesapeake works to support the City in promoting Chesapeake as a waterway destination for the 10,000+ yachts / boats that cruise through our city each year.
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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA. If you have wood damage or need a few modifications with the interior or exterior of your boat, Atlantic Yacht Basin has the team to fix it right!

Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
A different perspective of the ICW by friends from across the pond, this report covers the ICW from Albemarle Sound to Virginia, including the Dismal Swamp Canal where the Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, keeps watch over cruisers.

Exploring the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
Yachting Monthly, Katy Stickland
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility.

The Great Dismal Swamp Canal, which was opened in 1805 and widened in 1829 with the use of slave labor, passes through Camden County. Photo: Eric Medlin
Camden’s history, economy rooted in Great Dismal Swamp
CoastalReview.org
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA.
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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. See Fall Update.
Good Morning!
Attached is a Notice to Navigation Interest received from the US ACOE, Norfolk District. The locks at Deep Creek and South Mills will only be operated at 9 am and 3 pm, beginning Dec. 6 through Dec. 10. Lock operating hours are being reduced from 4 to 2 per day during this period due to diving operations.
See Openings, Deep Creek and South Mills Locks.
We’ve had a busy October and start to November, with lots of beautiful fall colors showing off along the canal.
We are aware of some patchy duckweed near the South Mills drawbridge & lock as well as outside of the canal, going south.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more!
Sarah
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| Sarah Hill, TMP Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority 2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
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The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. See Fall Update.
Greetings,
I agree with the comments above, It is no big deal to transit the DSC and you must remain on your toes both overhead and in the mirrored waters ahead of you. I still prefer this route in our 40' Manta Catamaran. However, with a 65' air draft and a relief at the helm, we cleaded the top of the mast of $500 worth of hardware with an overhanging tree that was overlooked.
Still a beautiful trip that we will make again.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. See September 16 Update.
Greetings,
Hope you had a great weekend! We are starting to see an uptick in boating traffic along the canal as well as the beginning of some fall colors appearing. Boaters have reported some patches of duckweed near the South Mills drawbridge and lock, but at this time no major issues. We’ll keep you updated if something changes. Our neighbors at the Dismal Swamp State Park remain closed to visitors due to construction. The park’s pedestrian bridge was removed from the water last week to be worked on.
Canal is open to traffic with locks operating on their normal schedule. We look forward to great fall season and appreciate everything you do to keep boaters updated & ready to cruise the Dismal Swamp Canal!
Please let us know if you have any questions or we can assist in anyway.
Many thanks,
Sarah
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| Sarah Hill Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Chairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority 2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
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To all East Coast Boaters – this passage is a must. History, primitive beauty, and welcoming layovers are not to be missed. And this welcome center has the nicest people I have ever met. Get a sticker for you car or boat and a cap for your noggin!
Cruisers Net is pleased to be partnering with GoChesapeake, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, to assist cruisers who are voyaging south or north via the Waterway through Virginia.
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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA.
Official Current Operational Status for Atlantic Yacht Basin:
Fully Open and Operational All Are Welcome !!
Also, we updated our diesel price to $1.45/gal .05 cents off for purchases of 200 gallons or more.
Have a nice, safe, and healthy day!
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Having just re-opened following a three month maintenance closure and now partially closed due to COVID-19, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. Southbound, the Dismal Swamp Canal departs the VA Waterway at statute mile 7.2 and northbound off Albemarle Sound northeast up the Pasquatank River , NC. Our thanks to Randall Peterson for these kind words as posting on AGLCA’s Forum.
John is right on about rafting. It’s a time honored tradition to allow one or two rows to raft at the end of the day, since there isn’t much else around for overnighting. Great pet friendly stop also. This particular NC welcome center is the only one in the US that I’m aware of that services both land vehicles and boats at the same place. Staff inside (if open during Covid19) are super nice. We’ve stopped here dozens of times albeit more by car than boat, and always clean.
Ben Sanderson
M/V ‘Last Chance’
44′ Valor Marine
Ben,
Thank you for the kind words. Staff is in the building, able to answer questions by phone and provide resources, but our Center is closed to the public at this time. Rest Area and Rest Rooms are open, as well as the paved DSC Trail, 3 miles in length. We hope you will join us again, and we'll be able to open our doors when safe. The dock is available and we have had light traffic. Wishing you health and safety.
The Dismal Swamp Canal just re-opened following three months of maintenance and we are grateful to Paul and Gillian for this report as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County, NC. See Dismal Swamp Canal Re-Opens and April Programs.
We came through the Dismal Swamp Canal the last two days with over 6 feet of depth and commonly 8 feet. Notwithstanding that we felt two minor bumps against the hull and one bigger with our 4 foot draft. The visitor centre information office is closed but the washrooms and walking path are open.
Paul and Gillian
Blue Moon
We are glad you came our way. Although our Visitor Center is closed to the public, Staff is available to answer questions, and we can always make a way to provide resources. Leaving a package outside, etc., purchasing a hat or t-shirt, etc. Staff is in the building on Monday-Friday at this time. We're taking the opportunity to clean and organize. Thanks for the comments.
Cruisers Net is pleased to be partnering with GoChesapeake, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, to assist cruisers who are voyaging south or north via the Waterway through Great Bridge, VA, home to Atlantic Yacht Basin, also A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.

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Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Having just celebrated their 30th anniversary, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. Our thanks to Welcome Center Director, Donna Stewart, for this update in response to Canal Transit Recommendations.
We love seeing boaters coming our way, and want everyone to have a positive experience. Thanks for the good advice. We do have duckweed, a result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, has proliferated. Cold weather causes it to die. The storm debris, leaves and pine straw, sticks from Hurricane Dorian added body to the mix. A drop in temperatures should ease it along. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Donna Stewart
Having just celebrated their 30th anniversary, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
Our thanks to these Loopers for their recommendations for transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and Albemarle Loop are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS!
The best source of up to date information is to call the Deep Creek Lock. 757.487.0831. You want to speak to “Robert”. Robert Peake is the lock master and has been working the lock and the Lake Drummond water management for a long time. He will give you real time up to the minute evaluations of the condition and whether it is appropriate for your boat. If Robert is not on duty, go ahead and ask the lock master your questions, but also ask when Robert will be back on duty! Check in with Robert later. Also note that the lock has a schedule. Do not call Robert during the time he is locking boats or opening the bridge. The folks at the welcome center are terrific, however they are not as knowledgeable of the latest conditions of the entire canal.
Also please be aware that there is a sailboat rally of about 15 boats leaving Hampton on October 20. That will tie up the lock and visitor center as well as tying up the docks in Elizabeth city on October 21 and 22. This would be a good time to take the Virginia Cut route, not the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Tom Hale
Tadhana
Helmsman 38
The Dismal is our preferred route. Yes, a 5′ draft boat can do it. Single engine with a keel is obviously most desirable. Exposed wheels are ALWAYS at risk everywhere, including the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.
Techniques for an uneventful transit:
1) The control depth for the canal is 6-1/2 ft. It’s 22 statute miles from Deep Creek Lock to South Mills Lock. The locks open on schedule: 08h30, 11h00, 13h30 and 15h30. There is a speed limit, but it doesn’t matter. You have 5 hours to go 22 miles… If you enter the system at 08h30, and travel at slightly less than the speed limit, you will easily make the opening at 13h30. (Southbound, that plan gives you time to clear South Mills at 13h30 and get to Elizabeth City for the daily Wine and Cheese Gathering.) Do not race down the canal. Plan to arrive not more than 10 minutes before bridge opening/locking time. There is no place to tie up (well, best to assume there won’t be a place to tie up), and the earlier you arrive, the longer you will need to station-keep at the bridge by the lock before its scheduled opening time.
2) there is waterlogged tree fall on the bottom of the canal, and on the bottom of the Upper Pasquotank as well. Go slow. This stuff won’t bother anything if you’re at idle speed. It’s possible you’ll hear a thump. Won’t hurt anything if you’re going slow. We have been through there many time, with no thumps. Yes, we have had thumps. We go slow. No damage because we idles along at 4+ MPH (Statute MPH, not “knots”).
3) If you lock through with other boats, space out about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. That way, if prop wash from a boat in front of you does pick up something from the bottom, it will have time to settle back down before you get to it.
4) there are no lateral markers in the classic sense of dayboards. But there are 2″x2″ sticks painted red and green in some places. Immediately south of South Mills lock comes to mind. Be on the lookout for them, and honor them as lateral markers.
5) When you clear South Mills, you will almost certainly encounter some floating green “stuff.” IT WILL NOT CLOG SEA STRAINERS. It’s on the surface. The patterns in the water make a pretty wake.
Jim Healy
Monk 36 Hull #132
The Dismal is scenic. At 5 foot draft you may bump at times. Sailboats go this route all the time but they have protected props. Right now there is a lot of duckweed on the water so you will need to check your strainers.
The route through Coinjock is also very scenic although maybe a little longer. If you have the time come and do the Albemarle Loop.
Bill Denison
We draw 5’4″ and have gone through the Dismal Swamp canal twice, most recently in late April. We go slow, less than 4 knots, and stay back at least a half mile when following other boats. We bump a few times but no damage resulted.
I have heard other’s say they incurred damage in this stretch, but that hasn’t been our experience. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the canal.
Mike Bell
M/V Inshallah
Defever 48
We passed through a couple days ago and heard Robert's warning about duck weed but carried on. The strainer was full at the Visitor's Center and easily cleaned out. on approach to the South Mills Lock the temp started to spike. We idled out after the drop and tied to the pilings outside. The entire raw rater system from through hullabaloos to strainer was packed full of duck weed. It took 10 minutes to clear. And then before we pulled into E City, I cleared the entire system 3 more times. This is a Catalina 34 with the intake about a foot below the surface. Much deeper and you won't get much. We draw about 4.5' and had a total of 34 log bumps including ratatatat on the Max Prop. No vibration.
We love seeing boaters coming our way, and want everyone to have a positive experience. Thanks for the good advice. We do have duckweed, a result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, has proliferated. Cold weather causes it to die. The storm debris, leaves and pine straw, sticks from Hurricane Dorian added body to the mix. A drop in temperatures should ease it along. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Love the Dismal Swamp!
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