Our thanks to the Seven Seas Sailing Association for this detailed report. NOTE that Socastee Swing Bridge at mile 371 south of Myrtle Beach is closed due to high water, see NAV ALERT. And note that conditions are changing on a daily basis, so stay connected to an active site like Cruisers’ Net for up to the minute news.

Post-Florence news for those cruising in the Eastern U.S.

Both North Carolina and South Carolina suffered and continue to suffer ongoing flooding damages. As of Sept. 20th, 2018, two ICW bridges in Virginia south of the Atlantic Yacht Basin opened for marine traffic, the Centerville Turnpike Bridge and the North Landing Bridge.

This now allows transit from Elizabeth River to Beaufort/Moorhead City, NC via the major ICW route. Vessels that had been collecting at anchor or marinas up the Elizabeth River/Hampton or at the basin are now able to head down the ICW to Beaufort and points south. Boats at Coinjock, where many sheltered from Hurricane Florence, are now moving to Beaufort as well; the ICW waterway is likely to be crowded.

Many areas south of Beaufort, NC, where flooding occurred/is ongoing, are in recovery. Oriental just got power to the marinas in the last day or so, as of Sept. 20th. However, due to the fact fuel pumps and tanks require power, as well as EPA certification to re-open, it will be on a case-by-case basis for fuel availability; at least four more days for Oriental Marina and Inn, who usually has fuel for boaters.

There may be some slips, but high water caused damages. Whittaker Pointe Marina is open with some slips/without fuel, but again, call ahead. Pungo River showed major flooding (water up to windows on buildings), so checking in that area is critical.

As to fuel, Beaufort Docks have fuel and slips; making slip reservations are advised, though. Many boats are leaving from that location heading to Charleston, SC as their next stop. Common sense suggests the ICW will be impacted by floating debris, so night travel is certainly not advised; offshore is possible with great care. At all times, manning the helm with eyes visually scanning the water during passage is critical. Some inlets are likely shoaled, and the information is limited until the USCG checks out buoys and depths.

Osprey Marina in Myrtle Beach, SC is open and has fuel, per their dockmaster as of September 20, 2018. So, if a jump to Charleston, SC is too far, stopping in Myrtle Beach could be an option for fuel needs.

For those boats heading south to the Chesapeake Bay, the various lower bay marinas are open and fuel is available; it’s business as usual. Newly dredged to 8+ feet Saltponds Marina has slips and fuel, as does Bluewater Marina, Old Point Comfort, Cobbs Marina, Tidewater Marina, Norfolk Waterside, Portsmouth Public Docks, Ocean Yacht Marina, and Atlantic Yacht Basin to name a few. Mill Creek Anchorage at Fort Monroe near Old Point Comfort YC has a new floating dinghy dock just completed; this allows anchored vessels to tie up their dinghies on the main street of Phoebus, with easy walking to local eateries and grocery stores. Car parking is available nearby. No damage was experienced only minor flooding; marinas/anchorages are all open and fuel is available.