I have been asked about crossing Albemarle Sound as far north as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as far south as Key West. There is no doubt that, with its long wind fetch and relatively shallow depths, short (close together), steep chop can quickly build to a point where it jars the fillings out of your mouth. Below, you will read an account from sailing vessel Swan, which confirms this notion. Try to pick a day of light winds and fair weather to cruise the waters of Albemarle Sound. You will be ever so much happier!

We stopped in Coinjock to take on some diesel fuel and continued on for 11 more miles to anchor in Broad Creek which is more like an open roadstead. During the night the wind came up and it didn’t get any warmer. We left and headed for Albermarle Sound. What a terrible crossing! Now, Tom was bundled up and had his foul weather gear on and he took Swan across. He said there was no reason both of us should get wet. I hardily agreed. It was blowing a sustained 20 knots and gusting to 25. The sound is relatively shallow causing a considerable chop or crashes as they felt on this crossing. Tom was more than ready to give up the helm when it was over. When the wind reaches 30 knots, the Alligator River Bridge will not open. Fortunately, the wind did not reach 30 and we were able to continue down the Alligator River to the Alligator River/Pungo River Canal to an anchorage at the south end. During all the crashing I was below reading a book, but I did take us down the canal while Tom rested below.
Pat & Tom
S/V Swan