Ahoy Cape Dory Captains and Mates
The North and South Carolina CDSOA is planning a cruise to Cape Lookout, NC during the weekend of May 30-June 1, 2008.
Dick Turner, aboard S/V Mystical is the Cruise Captain for this exciting and fun filled weekend.
The suggested float plan for the weekend is as follows. Depending on individual schedules, some Captains may elect to depart on Thursday, spend the evening hours in Beaufort and make the final leg to the “Bight” on Friday morning.
For those joining the cruise from the Pamlico Sound and the Neuse River, no formal raft up is being planned for Thursday evening. An early 0800 hrs departure is scheduled for Friday morning as we will be motoring down the ICW to Beaufort. We will rendezvous at Oriental G”1”. 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 Mi 200. After passing under the fixed bridge and into the Turning Basin, favor the port side to R "20" which will put you in the Morehead City Channel. For those joining the cruise in Beaufort the anticipated arrival time is 1100 hrs. For the most effective communications we will be monitoring channel 72. Mystical’s cell phone No. is 252-626-4687.
Upon arrival in Beaufort, 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 Channel, head east around R "8" 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 “libations” early, followed by dinner at the discretion of the galley slaves.
Saturday will be a free day for all Dorian’s. This will provide a chance for the crews to spend the day on the beach, visit the lighthouse, or just hang out. Some might even spend the day enjoying some blue water sailing. 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 on Saturday.
Cape Dory owners are invited to join the flotilla anywhere along the route. Sail with us the whole way or just one of the legs; whatever fits your schedule. As always, navigation is the responsibility of the Captain, as well as the safety of the vessel and crew. The information contained herein is intended as a guide, and not for explicit navigational purposes.
Please contact the “Mystical” crew 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,
Dick Turner
S/V Mystical
CD 31 #32
New Bern, NC
252-634-3404
PS: You'll also find a link to the cruise info on the CDSOA's 'Fleet Events' page in the 'Carolinas' fleet section.
Carolinas' Fleet cruise to Cape Lookout, NC! 5/30-6/1
Moderator: Jim Walsh