It’s time to start finalizing plans for our 4 day trip
to Belhaven, NC. We have several things to talk about so I’m
getting the proposed itinerary out for your review and suggestions.
Chart No. 11548 is being used for routing, waypoints, etc. If
you don’t have this chart, obtain one immediately. There
are several obstacles to avoid during the trip and you will
need one anyway if you decide to do any extended cruising in
this area. We will be monitoring Channels 16 and 72 for hailing
and general conversations, respectively. A brief summary of
the planned activities is as follows:
Friday Evening, May 28
-- Cookout/Raft-up at Red Marker #4, Broad
Creek in Whortonsville.
Approximate Location: 35°05’30” N, 076°36’30”
W. (See Figure# 1.)
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for details. Visit
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Figure 1. Broad Creek, Whortonsville
Not to be used for navigation.
Andy Denmark will lead a lively after dinner discussion on
the history of Cape Dory Sales in NC, also his personal recollections
of Andy Vavolotis, Harry Ulvila, Dave Perry, and Carl Alberg
(key people of Cape Dory Yachts).
Saturday, May 29 --
Leave for Belhaven; time of departure and route is Captain’s
Choice. There are two routes to our destination: the “sailing
route” or the “Ditch”.
The ‘sailing route’ is longer and takes you out
into the Pamlico Sound after passing bouy ‘NR’,
marking the mouth of the Neuse River. A turn Westerly up the
Pamlico River takes you to the Pungo River, and the Belhaven
entrance channel.
I will suggest, however, that the most direct way is probably
via the ICW, albeit slower and motoring a necessity
most of the way, until entering the Pamlico River. As you maneuver
into Bay River from our Friday overnight location to approach
the entrance to the ICW, keep clear of the restricted area to
starboard and North of your position. Upon entering the ‘Ditch’,
insure that you remain in the approximate center of the channel.
There are several obstacles before the cut section begins. It
will take about 3 hours to negotiate this section before entering
the Pamlico River. From there, follow the markers across the
river, entering the Pungo River, and proceed North. You should
be able to cross the Pamlico River and get to the Belhaven/Pantego
Creek entrance channel within another 3 hours. Stay in the Belhaven
channel all the way to Green marker #11. (See
Figures# 2 and 3.) We will temporarily anchor near
here. Depending on the desires of the group and slip availability,
we may decide to enter one of the nearby marinas.
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for details. Visit
MapTech.com!
Figure
2. Pungo River and
Belhaven Channel (Pantego Creek)
Not to be used for navigation. |
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for details. Visit
MapTech.com!
Figure
3. Belhaven Channel (Pantego Creek)
Not to be used for navigation. |
Sunday, May 30 -- Explore
Belhaven, eat ashore, etc. Belhaven or “Beautiful Harbor”
as it is sometimes called, has had a colorful history, earlier
being an important port for fishing and the timber industry.
Lately, it has become a favorite stopover for those cruisers
traversing the ICW, putting in for rest/relaxation or repairs.
There are several boatyards and marinas catering to the recreational
boating community, and lots of historical sights to visit, including
the Belhaven Memorial Museum. Claibourne Young has done an excellent
write-up of the town in his Cruising Guide to Coastal North
Carolina. An excerpt can be reviewed at the following link:
http://www.pamlico.com/belhaven/CGNC. During our evening discussion,
Lou Ostendorff will be giving expert testimony on how to bleed
diesel engines, and some handouts to help explain his recent
exploits and encounter with same!
Monday, May 31 -- More
exploring and enjoying the Town of Belhaven. Time of departure
and route are Captain’s Choice.
The Belhaven Waterfront
(Photo
courtesy of the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission
- Belhaven Marina Project)
As always, photographs will be taken during the
festivities, and if you have any desire to become famous among
your fellow Cape Dorians, you need to make a prominent appearance
during this cruise. We will try to cruise/motor as a group if
conditions are favorable; at a minimum, maintain radio contact
with others. Let’s have a good turnout for this cruise,
as it sets the stage for sailing enjoyment for the remainder
of the year!
Suggestions and references to navigation contained
herein are intended as a guide, and not to supersede the Captain’s
ultimate responsibility for his vessel and crew. Plan your cruise
carefully, and have the proper equipment (including foul weather
gear), charts, and all necessary information before embarking
on this cruise. If you need assistance or desire additional
information please call the Cruise Captain Lou
Ostendorff at 919-676-7437 or
919-906-2418 cell.
Lou Ostendorff
Fleet Captain
CD25D Karma
Sailing from Havelock, NC
