* Thursday: For those joining the cruise from the Pamlico Sound and the Neuse River there will be no formal raft up. Due to the various anticipated arrival times, no formal raft up is being planned for Thursday evening.
* Friday: An early departure, 8 AM, is scheduled for Friday morning as we will be motoring down the ICW to Beaufort. We will rendezvous at the Oriental #1 Marker at 8:00 AM. From there, we will motor/sail over to Adams Creek then head down the ICW to Beaufort. Because of the Rt. 70 Bascule bridge and its opening schedule, it will be best to navigate the starboard channel beginning at "RS" and R "30" down stream of St Mile 200. After passing under the fixed bridge and into the Turning Basin a turn to port at R "24" will put us in the Morehead City Channel. For those joining the cruise in Beaufort the anticipated arrival time is 12:00 noon. For the most effective communications we will be monitoring Ch. 16. Belllus's cell phone is 919 608-2759.
Upon our arrival, we will make a decision, based on weather conditions/forecast, whether or not to continue on to Cape Lookout. If the decision is to remain in Beaufort the options are to anchor in the canal in front of town or to tie up at the Beaufort Docks. Entrance to the channel is at R "2". The Docks monitor Ch. 16 or they can be reached at 252-728-2503. Due to the width of the canal and boat traffic in general, a raft up is impractical. If the weather conditions are favorable, we will navigate the Beaufort Inlet, head east around R "12" and blue water sail to Cape Lookout.
Close attention should be paid to your charts (11545) for any shoaling along Shackleford Banks, especially to port of R "4" at the entrance to the Bight. Once in the Bight, the most desirable anchorage is in the cove area in the vicinity of R "6". There is adequate depth and a raft up will be the order of the day. If all goes well, we should be at the Cape by mid-afternoon Friday. We'll plan cocktails followed by dinner for around 5:30 p.m.
* Saturday: Will be a free day for all involved. This will provide a chance for folks to spend the day on the beach, swimming in the ocean, visiting the light house, or just hanging out. Some, might even spend the day sailing in the open ocean. Dinner plans for Saturday will be made the night before, over cocktails!
* Sunday: Departure times will be at the discretion of the various Captains. The decision to depart as a "Fleet" will be discussed over cocktails.
Cape Dory owners are invited to join the flotilla anywhere along the route. Sail with us the whole way or just for a couple of days -- whatever suits your schedule.
As always, navigation is the responsibility of the Captain, as well as the safety of vessel and crew. The information contained herein is intended as a guide, and not for explicit navigational purposes.
Please contact the "Bellus" crews with any questions,as well as letting us know if you plan on joining in on the fun so we will know how many CD's to be on the lookout for!
Fair winds and smooth sailing,
Peter Cregger via: pcweb*nospam*mail@nc.rr.com
CD 31 #24
Raleigh, NC
