I've been thinking about a similar trip from the Richmond area to Oriental NC.
I've stayed over in Elizabeth City. It takes about 30 to 45 min. just to traverse the river from the sound. Then you have to sail back to the sound the next day to continue your trip. You might want to take a look at Alligator River Marina (I've stayed there before, nice cheese burgers) or one of the Marinas on Roanoke Island. You would have less back tracking.
If you are taking your time and sight seeing, Roanoke Island has a lot of fun stuff to see and do. They have an aquarium, and replicas of Victorian era ships to tour, nice restaurants etc.
I also think Belhaven is out of your way. I'd sail over to the outerbanks and stay someplace over there for a night or two. Take a look at Stumpy Point Bay. It is just south of Roanoke Island. It has a public launch and a few stores you could visit for provisions. It makes a good staging point for destinations south. For example from Alligator River Marina to Stumpy is 37 nm. Then from Stumpy to Hatteras is 25 nm or you could go to Ocracoke from Stumpy ( again - 37 nm).
Ocracoke is awesome BTW.
From Ocracoke to Broad Creek is 29 nm or you could push onto Oriental (again - 37 nm).
Then from Oriental to New Bern is 23 nm.
Are you familiar with Active Captain? If not, check it out (
www.activecaptain.com). Great way to work through different trip scenarios.
Post pictures when you are done..:dance:
