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East coast from MD to SC. Planning our very first cruise.

  • July 30, 2015 2:43 PM
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    Message # 3458241
    Deleted user

    Hi Everyone,   Erik and I are going to attempt our first cruise south in the fall in our Westsail 28.  We plan to leave out of Flag Harbor with our final destination Charelston, SC.  Many questions!! We plan to do several weekly sails with a 2 week sail at some point (yes, work is just getting in the way!) so we need to leave the boat in a safe, protected harbor in between AND be able to hop a plane home to MA. Thinking Oriental, Portsmouth, Wilmington, Charleston.  Then I hear stuff about Norfolk being tricky .Any suggestions?  Also, while we know our schedule is not a schedule, as sailing goes, we'd like to sail and not just motor down the ICW the whole way.  After all its about the journey.  We will take any info you can throw at us.  Please seek us out at the Cheasapeake Rondy and fill our heads with your knowledge.  We are relatively new to sailing and of course cruising but, look forward to our first attempt.
  • July 31, 2015 6:09 AM
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    Reply # 3458963 on 3458241
    Anonymous member

    Congratulations. Ones first cruise is always a special memory.

    Since we have cruised those waters many times, we can probably help with most of your questions.


    First question, there is an excellent shelteed anchorage on the Trent River in New Bern, NC.  It is only a 17 mile sail from Oriental o the Neuse River to get there.  Best of all, the anchorage is. Only 1 mile away from the New Bern regional airport.

    Sailing is difficult on many parts of the ICW,, but the open waters of The Chesapeake and in NC are the best.

    Be sure to choose The Dismal Swamp Canal route.  It iwas s magical.


    Post new questions here if you want.  Many other WOA members know those waters too.

     or email dickandlibbymills@gmail.com


    You should also check out my blog, dickandlibby.blogspot.com.   There are 2700 posts there about cruising the East Coast.   Especially relevant would be posts from 2005: Our first year cruising. I bet that there is a post on thst blog for every possible route and most possible stops and good anchorages between MD and Charleston.


    Fair winds and following seas.
  • July 31, 2015 6:37 AM
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    Reply # 3459008 on 3458241
    Deleted user

    Thanks so much! Will check out the blog and I'm sure will have lots more questions.
  • July 31, 2015 11:24 AM
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    Reply # 3459634 on 3458241
    Anonymous member

    By the way, the coordinates for the sheltered anchorage in New Bern are 

    35°05'45.34" N  77°02'54.67" W
  • July 31, 2015 3:37 PM
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    Reply # 3459909 on 3458241
    Deleted user

    Great! Thank you.
  • July 31, 2015 5:00 PM
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    Reply # 3459942 on 3458241
    Deleted user

     

    Are there any nice anchorages around Point Lookout?? Is Tangier Island tricky?  Any thoughts about what's a must see on the west shore from Smith Point to Norfolk.  Thinking Deltaville.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
  • July 31, 2015 7:01 PM
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    Reply # 3459964 on 3458241
    Anonymous member

    Point Lookout is k e place we never went, but friends say that it is excellent.

    Tangier Island is approachable from the SW, the direction of Deltavtile.  Very interesting.  You'll ha e to rent a slip from Mr Park, no anchorage on Tangeit.

    Deltavtile, anchor in Jackson Creek.   Urbanna, 15 miles up the RappHonak River is a favorite anchorage and town to visit, more interesting than Deltaville.

    Also, anchor in Hamptin Va, near city Marina, or get a slip at city Marina.  It is reasonable.  Hampton is interesting.

    Free docking at the two boat basins in Portsmouth, Va.

    You should,have a copy of "Skipper Bob Anchorages"
  • August 01, 2015 9:16 AM
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    Reply # 3460451 on 3458241
    Deleted user

    Thanks Dick for all the great information.  Yes, I will get Skipper Bob before this becomes Skipper Dick!  Wish you two were coming to the Rondy.  I'm sure I'll get some good info there as well. Thanks again.