At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.
| ||||||||||
Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
Click here for New Product Show Recap, Join Us In Annapolis, Beautiful Topcoat Paint
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!
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina is located on the western shores of Doughs Creek, northwest of marker #10. And Manteo Waterfront Marina now has slips available for annual lease!
Click here for the Cruisers Net Focus-On article about the marina and town.
| And after several peaceful, fun, relaxing and enjoyable days in Manteo, consider the Albemarle Loop where other towns and marinas, that were spared the wrath of Dorian, have their welcome mats out and offer even more southern hospitality, local events and culinary delights to tease and please your appetites. Check out the Albemarle Loop and all that the participating marinas offer https://www. And for goodness sake, as you head on south, there are many other “boater’s paradises” along the western shores of North Carolina’s rivers and sounds. All with their unique contributions to your cruising enjoyment and experiences. This year, the Fall of 2019, we encourage you to enjoy more of what is often passed by or only briefly enjoyed. That old saying, “It’s not just the destination, it is the journey” is loaded with truth. So create those special smiles that can not be erased, make your journey the objective or destination. Wishing all blue skies, gentle breezes, good health and good time. Carl Jordan, Your Host, Manteo Waterfront Marina, Manteo, NC |
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, resumes its free Happy Hour on the Mega Dock. Charleston City Marina is located along the Ashley River’s northeastern banks, northeast of marker #5.
|
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
With 100 mph winds Hurricane Lorenzo is moving NE at 22 mph.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Click here for Wounded Nature Working Veterans Summer 2019 NEWSLETTER
Our thanks to Loopers Dan Merrill and Tom Hale for these kind words for Southport Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
A reminder to all loopers that Southport Marina In Southport NC is a great stop. One of the best run marinas period. Helpful, friendly staff, great facilities, walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
Dan Merrill
Every evening at 6:00pm Hank Pomeranz, a retired Navy meteorologist and experienced cruiser provides updates on the ICW conditions with pages and pages of 4 d color handouts. Its FREE! If you are planning to go outside and run along the coast, he will provide you with weather and sea state information for your trip. The briefings are held right in the Southport Marina office building. Second floor room 202 in the past years. His information is all pertinent and up to date!
Tom Hale
Tadhana
Helmsman 38
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Good news for cruisers who are not docking overnight in the Hollywood area or who might be anchoring. However, the nearest anchorage is three miles south.
Where boating is a pleasure: A new Publix could let you dock to shop
SunSentinel
TL;DR: It’s an empty lot. It *may* eventually be a Publix with a dock. Definitely not this season.
[Editor: Thanks Sean! Title has been adjusted. LD]
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “An Encouraging Word from Abaco” plus 1 more
An Encouraging Word from Abaco
Posted: 25 Sep 2019 02:44 PM PDT
Dear Cruise Abaco Family,
It has been a little over 3 weeks since Hurricane Dorian crossed paths with Abaco. The words “Abaco Strong” are evident all over the islands. There is a flurry of activity everywhere and everyone is doing their part to clean up and make plans for rebuilding a better, stronger future. Ray and Renee’s home have plans for a new roof and it’s nice to see their smiles as they overlook the beautiful Sea Of Abaco! The airport is looking better and not far from opening soon. As you can see, things are moving along and the future is looking brighter for Abaco!
An ongoing thank you to all the folks who are sending in donations, holding fundraisers and/or collecting relief supplies and to those who are tirelessly bringing those relief supplies and medical care…. the community of Abaco just can’t thank all of you enough. A big shout out & THANK YOU to Team Rubicon for helping Cruise Abaco get our staff house a plastic roof so we can get it dried out and begin plans to replace the roof and interior so they can have safe shelter soon. Power poles are going up and new plans are being discussed for adding a solar system along with the grid which is such exciting news for us all.
While this has been a very stressful time with much loss, the community of Abaco is so moved by the tremendous support and love from people all over the globe. We all feel it and appreciate it more than words can say. Abaco’s strength is in the perseverance of the people and it is those people that make Abaco so very special. Everyone is committed to a new beginning so please keep us in your future vacation plans. We’ll let you know when the doors are open, the lights are on and our fleet is sailing again and we will welcome you with open arms!
Captain Mark & Patti Gonsalves
Proud Owners of Cruise Abaco
Disney to Develop East End Point, Eleuthera
Posted: 25 Sep 2019 01:47 PM PDT
Full article can be found in cruisindustrynews.com
Disney Confirms Second Bahamas Destination Lighthouse Point
August 25, 2019
Disney has revealed new information and two early conceptual artist renderings for its second island destination in The Bahamas, which is located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point (charted as East End Point) and will serve cruise passengers on an expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Disney Cruise Line completed its purchase of privately owned Lighthouse Point earlier this year and signed an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas that guides the responsible and sustainable way the site will be developed.
According to a press release, Disney has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property; employ sustainable building practices, including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel; establish environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation; and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to Government, among other commitments.
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
Be the first to comment!