Sailing Pamlico sound, Oriental NC area....

[Sunset]

I am not much of a sailor yet. My experience is limited to a 14 foot dingy.
I am just finishing up a 19 foot cat ketch design call a Belhaven by B&B yacht designs. I guess my question is, are there any must see's in the area. I have seen Oriental by land but nothing from the water. I have about 7 to 10 days to spend exploring and trying to stay out of trouble.

Sunset

[Capt. BC]

I did not know the Belhaven was 19 feet.  How long did it take you to build your boat? Do you have any pictures of your boat?

[s/v Faith]

Sunset,

  Glad to have you aboard.  Welcome.

I just came down from your neck of the woods.  I would recomend Bellhaven, if you see my thread delivering Ariel Spirit you can read my comments there.  The river forest manor marina cahrged me 22.00 to use their dock (I did not use power of water, but it would have been the same price.)  They have golf carts that are free for the use.  Had a really nice supper at 'Wine and Words' and there was a coffee shop I had my eye on too 'brewery' or someting.

  Bath is reported to be a big disappointment by a couple friends, I have not stopped there.

  Oriental is (of course) a good stop.  There IS a town dock but it is rather small so you need to get there early.  One of the nice things about a small boat... you can probably fit in the space reserved for dingys...

  I really enjoyed Washington the last time I was there.  They also have a town dock with pretty reasonable dockage.  Personally I prefer to anchor out and dingy in, but then the showers that come with docakage are particually appreciated this time of year.

  You can make New Bern, or head south down to Beaufort.  You have lots of options to see in a weeks time.

  I hope you have a good time, and look forward to hearing your feedback on the great places you find. 

(Edit by Captian Smollett: made link to other thread)

[Sunset]

Capt. She is actually about 18'7". I have been building for almost 3 years of spare time. I will have some pic's by Sunday. We are going to get her on the trailer tomorrow.

Thanks for the info Faith. I will jot the places down and take them with me.

Sunset

[AdriftAtSea]

Have fun, fair winds to ya... looking forward to see the pix.

[Sunset]

The last week of May, my brother and I are going to Pamlico sound for a week of sailing. I was wanting some advice. Who makes the best charts for the area? We will be messing around from Oriental to Belhaven or Bath maybe a little farther north depending on time.

Also we plan on anchoring out most of the time, but would like some heads up on the marinas that have good seafood restaurants within walking distance.

Sunset

[Sid T]

Sunset, you will need two charts, both can be obtained at the Provisioning Co. in Oriental, they are the Pamlico River chart and the Nuese River to Albemarle River waterway chart. You should also pick up Claiborne Youngs' Cruising Guide to N. Carolina. He will list all anchorages and restaurants in the area. However remember every where is within walking distance if you have enough time.  I would choose Bath and Washington. Only one place to eat at Bath its about a one mile walk, in Washington you will have your choice of plaches to eat and there is a great little bakery just off the water front.

[CapnK]

A Grog for you, Sid - thx for the reply.

Sunset - I second the recommendation of Claiborne's guide. Very good stuff. His updates his guide info on his website: http://www.cruisersnet.net

Y'all have fun!

[Sunset]

Thanks for the info.

[Gus]

I third the recommendation for N.Carolina cruising guide. Where are you launching your boat? In Oriental you can use the Wildlife ramp at no cost. The town docks are really nice and well protected. Oriental its a great place to sail. For more info, or local folks, go to www.ncsail.org and stop in the forums, they are great bunch!

Gus

[Sunset]

Thanks Gus I'll check the site out.
As of right now we planning on launching near Vandemere the designer of our Belhaven 19 has a ramp and dock.

[Gus]

Another good trip its Vandemere to Oriental, Oriental to Beaufort, Beaufort to Cape Lookout. Or go from Vandemere to Ocracoke (its a long trip).

Gus

[Sunset]

Thanks to everyone!
I ordered the cruising guide and charts.
All I need now is some good weather. I was out there in June of 06 and I think it rained every day with front after front coming through.

Sunset

[s/v Faith]

What a great sailing area!  Really enjoyed NC, espceally between VA and Beaufort. 

  Bellhaven and Oriental were a couple of my favorites!

Sunset, you will need two charts, both can be obtained at the Provisioning Co. in Oriental.....

  Not only do they have a bit of everything, but they are dog friendly! great place.

If you are interested Rose and I posted a litte bit of info on the area in this thread.

[Sunset]

Thanks Faith, I read that link last year when I was planning a trip that fell through.

Sunset

[DaleG]

I am looking at relocating to the New Bern area after I finish this hitch in Korea. I have a Hunter 27 sitting on the hard at Cambridge MD until I get back.  The Chesapeake has a lot of commercial traffic on it and the powerboaters from DC and Baltimore make it a 'challenge' on weekends. So, Pamlico appears to offer a change for me. I was looking at Northwest Creek Marina. Anyone have good (or not good) comments?  Or any other marina that is LA friendly?
DaleG