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NORTH CAROLINA
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NORTH CAROLINA
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North Carolina has the largest expanse of inland waters on the East Coast and Pamlico Sound is the second largest essentially landlocked coastal water in the United States. This October we will explore these waters and the historic towns, lighthouses, museums and restaurants that border it during a 7-day cruising adventure. This will be the Club's virgin voyage to the area and we can expect new sights and experiences at every bend of the current. The first capital of North Carolina, an exceptional maritime museum, two towns’ beautifully restored historic districts, the lighthouse and old Coast Guard station at Cape Lookout - all are waiting to be explored. From mid-September through October North Carolina weather is at its best with just the right amount of breeze for sailing. October is also the driest month in the state and has an average high temperature of 72. Three boats have been reserved (16 berths) at Oriental Sailing School at Whittaker Point Marina in Oriental, North Carolina (the sailing capital of the state). Drive down on Saturday, Oct. 25 and sleep aboard that night. Sunday morning we will have a boat check out, brief skippers meeting and leisurely be on our way. Sunday, Oct. 26 We venture into the wide Neuse River and head west for New Bern (23 nm up river). Passing under the high bridge (Rt. 17) we turn south into the Trent River and immediately on our right is the Sheraton Marina, our home for the next two nights. We are one block from the beautifully restored downtown district with a wide variety of restaurants for our dining pleasure. Monday, Oct. 27 One whole day to explore, sightsee and shop in New Bern which served as the colonial capital prior to the Revolutionary War and then the state’s first capital. On the corner of Middle & Pollock Streets is where Caleb Bradham first served "Brad’s Drink" but changed its name in 1903 to "Pepsi-Cola". There are a number of interesting museums: New Bern Academy Museum, Firemen’s Museum and Tryon Palace - the restored mansion of North Carolinas first governor. In total there are more than 140 historic sites, most within walking distance, or you can take the tour in a restored trolley with a guide. Tuesday, Oct. 28 Leaving New Bern we head back down the Neuse River to Adams Creek (22nm) on the south shore. There is a great anchorage two miles in (also part of the ICW). Great spot for a raft-up and hors d’oeuvres party. Wednesday, Oct. 29 Today we motor down Adams Creek-ICW to Beaufort where we have slips at the Municipal Docks. We are right on the main street of this beautifully restored village. A "must see" is the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street. It gives us a window into the oceanography of the NC coast and a fascinating account of the states early men of the sea.
Friday, Oct. 31 Leaving pristine Cape Lookout behind, we sail back to Beaufort Inlet, past Ft. Macon and motor up the ICW, cross the Neuse River and back into our slips at Whittaker Point Marina in Oriental. By car (5 miles) we drive to the town of Oriental and dine at a local restaurant (specialty - seafood) while comparing notes on all we have experienced the past few days.
Estimated car travel time from northern NJ to Oriental, NC is about 11 hours. It can be done in one day or you may wish to take longer and make stops on the way. The closest airport is New Bern, which would require a plane change in Raleigh and then a rental car. We also have a catamaran on hold as a possible 4th boat. The cost of the trip is $1100 per person (skippers $625). The price covers charter fees, insurance, slip fees for 3 nights and a group dinner in Beaufort.Food, fuel, dinners ashore, and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew. A $200 deposit is required to hold your spot. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation from to Dee Garrett at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 11, 2008 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservation forms received after that date are on a first come, first served basis. A second payment of $450 will be due on June 1, and a final payment of $450 will be due August 1. A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals and make travel plans.
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Thursday, Oct. 30
After an early start, we pass through Beaufort Inlet into the
Atlantic. (This is the site of the
sinking of Blackbeard’s ship, "Queen Anne’s Revenge").
Once through the inlet, we raise sails for
the 7nm of ocean to Cape Lookout&$146;s protected anchorage.
The rest of the day is for exploring the
lighthouse/light keeper’s museum, old Coast Guard station and houses, the
beach, and possibly get a glimpse of the famous wild horses on Shackleford
Banks.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Today is a day for sailing in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound (perhaps
finding a gunkhole to drop our hook for lunch).
We return the boats by 4:00 p.m. after doing a pumpout and
topping off the fuel tanks.Some may
wish to get in a few hours driving for the trip home.
Two boats have been reserved for post-trip sleep aboard for those
interested in starting the drive home early Sunday morning instead.