Cruise in Company – Beaufort NC to Solomons MD
May 31 to June 7
Dick and Tina Marsh on SV Bluebird invite members to join them on this route for a casual cruise in company. It is understood that most boats will be transiting as suits their taste and speed. To the extent we find ourselves in the same places, let’s get together of an evening. Fly the SSCA flag!
A very approximate itinerary is:
Noon May 31 off Oriental
1330 pass elegant River Dunes Marina – 8 nm
1630 anchor Goose Creek – another 15 nm
(or further ~13 nm to Belhaven or ~15nm to Dowry Creek Marina. There is a very nice restaurant in Belhaven and a good one at Dowry Creek.)
June 1 26m from Belhaven / Dowry Creek to bottom of Alligator River, closer to 40 nm from Goose Creek. Then 18 miles to Alligator River Bridge and adjoining marina. The marina hospitality is gas station convenience store. There is an ok anchorage a couple miles NE past the bridge.
June 2 Coinjock ICW 50 miles to Norfolk, must make the Gilmartin bridges by 1530, which is quite doable. Then 6 miles to Portsmouth. If you cannot get a reservation in Coinjock (for dockage and/or famous dinner) you can anchor before it in the North River or continue to Great Bridge ICW mile 13. There is a very nice town pier just before the bridge, across from the popular Atlantic Yacht Basin. You can also dock comfortably on the bulkhead just past the bridge, before the lock.
June 3 Portsmouth: you can usually anchor comfortably off Hospital Point or choose the nearby Tidewater marina or Norfolk town marina (often entertainment). There are two very nice little basins in Portsmouth where you can dock free and walk to restaurants, or small ferry to Norfolk.
June 4 Perhaps a lay day with or without weather as an excuse. Maybe move to Hampton marina with nice restaurant.
June 5 Deltaville ~50 nm
June 6 Solomons ~60 nm
Annapolis ~45 nm
Bluebird will monitor VHF 16 and 13 and 4125 MHz (but that radio is in the cabin). Or phone 1.860.510.9189. Bluebird will whenever possible run the Marine HF net at 0700 on 4C 4417MHz with AI assisted weather, nav info, and local events of interest. We will also try to say hello to SSCA boats on VHF 68 at 0830, navigation duties permitting. Bluebird MMSI 367607910
Fair winds!