This wonderful expanded tour of the Albemarle Sound now includes five Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors. And below, SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy adds his thoughts on the Albemarle Loop.

Press release for the Albemarle Loop
The Albemarle Loop announces the expansion of its membership by three (3) to a total of nine (9) marinas for 2016, offering free dockage and pump outs where available. Members offer two days of free dockage along with many amenities including swimming pools, golfing, tennis, restaurants and other boating necessities that make your stay at these marinas an enjoyable experience. See details of where these amenities are offered at http://albemarleloop.com/Marinas.html . The new marinas for 2016 are:

The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located in a tranquil setting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound.  It is a small, deep, and well-protected harbor, and can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length.  Take a stroll along over a mile of boardwalks on the Manteo Waterfront.  Near this site the first English colony was born on American soil. Dock your boat in the protected waters of Dough’s Creek and enjoy all the amenities this quaint island village has to offer. There are approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters.  All slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, cable television, and free wireless Internet access.  The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer.  Boaters come to Manteo for its coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Everett Marine and Cypress Cove Marina is a boating and fishing community located off the Scuppernong River about a mile west of the Columbia Docks.  One of only 2 Albemarle Loop members offering both diesel and gasoline fuel, marine supplies and the only member offering repairs and a boat lift. With a friendly southern hospitality they specialize in routine marine engine service and custom installation of accessories on new or used boats. Slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, and free wireless Internet access.  The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer.

The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is a NC DOT facility providing travel and tourism to both highway and waterway traffic. With the 150’ bulkhead, numerous boats are rafted up on their transit through the canal free for one night or more depending on weather. The Dismal Swamp Visitor Center has free wireless Internet access and comfort station featuring separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and clean showers. Located adjacent to the Welcome Center, the NC State Park provides numerous opportunities for eco-tourism with an exhibit hall that allows visitors to learn the natural and cultural history of the swamp.  Rangers will guide you on exciting explorations where you’ll uncover fascinating natural surroundings, and make great discoveries about the world in which we live.

The Albemarle Loop is a non-profit organization that provides the boating public with an exciting opportunity to cruise and explore the protected waters of historic Albemarle Sound.   Visit the friendly communities surrounding Albemarle Sound as you share your boating experiences with other families (at a very low cost) and in high-quality marinas.  Contact the Albemarle Loop at 427 Albemarle Blvd., Hertford, North Carolina, 27944 or email info@AlbemarleLoop.com or call (252) 426 – 4037 or visit http://albemarleloop.com.

Jim Healy writes:

The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′. These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound. The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest. Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings. Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions.
While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina. The “Albemarle Loop” is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues. On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops. On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful. The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists. At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation. At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites. Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com.
Jim Healy

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center