ICW Tips - NC to Annapolis

[Don]

I'm about to bring my new (to me) 37.5 up from Oriental, NC to home base in Annapolis. This will be my first trip north on the ICW and with a new boat I'm a little nervous. I have done the ICW NC south a few times. Planning to take a week, with the mid-point around Norfolk.I would appreciate any tips, advice, suggestions, etc., (marinas, good anchorages, etc.) that any of you can give. I have purchased guides, etc., but would appreicate anything you can offer.One question: I cannot decide whether to take the Dismal Canal route or stick with the ICW. The former sounds interesting (provided it's open). Suggestions?

 

[dAVID hIRTLE]

icw tIPS

i DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU BOUGHT FOR A BOAT BUT IF YOU DRAW MORE THAN 6 FET, BECAREFUL WITH DEPTH...i CAN'T REMEMBER ANY PLACE THAT IS PARTICULARLY TRICKY.I'M NOT SURE WHERE YOU ARE STARTING FROM,I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND BRIDGE TENDER MARINA!!!, WE WERE ABLE TO GET INTO SNEADS FERRY...DELIGHTFUL PLACE UP FROM NEW RIVER INLET, WE LOVED BEAUFORT; TOWN CREEK MARINA, WE ANCHORED IN ADAMS CREEK, JUST SOUTH OF ORIENTAL...GREAT SPOT! WE ANCHORED IN BUCKSPORT,STAYED AT THE NEW ALLIGATOR RIVER MARINA ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BRIDGE, ALTHOUGH JUST SOUTH OF THE BRIDGE THERE IS A PERFECTLY GOOD ANCHORAGE. WE ALSO STAYD TWO DAYS IN BELLHAVE AT RIVER FORREST MANOR. WE ANCHORED SOUTH OF THE BRIDGE AT PUNGO FERRY, AND LOVED WILLOUGHBY BAY MARINA ON THE SPIT IN NORFOLK, VA. DELTAVILLE IS A GREAT STAY. WE WERE ABLE TO GET INTO ST.JEROMES, AND CHESAPEAKE BEACH..WATER WAS THIN (UNDER 5') BUT WORTH THE STOP. BEST I CAN OFFER, IF YOU WANT SPECIFICS CONTACT ME AT KHRTL@CS.COM. HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

 

[Mickey McHugh]

North Bound ICW

Don, We made the trip last Jan and made an overnight stop in Adams Creek at ICW St mile marker (St M) 188 just before entering the Neuse River and passing near Oriental at St M 178 at 0800. We were able to get to the Alligator River to anchor overnight at 2230 near Tuckahoe Pt at 35 40.6 and 076 06.2 with good protection from wind in any direction. We felt running the Alligator River - Pongo River Canal at night was safe and a good way to get north quick. You could anchor in the Pongo River just before entering the canal if you don't want to motor at night. Just north of the Alligator River Bridge is Long School Pt near St M 80. BEWARE, the ICW 'jogs' to the east around shallow water so slow down and watch the markers very carefully.We choose not to go the Dismal Swamp route and were able to motor sail all the way to Norfolk that night and anchor off the Portsmouth Navy Hospital at St M 0 in good water and bottom. You could stop overnight at Coinjock NC at St M 50 which has good places to tie up for the night. The next day we refueled at the marina in Portsmouth and sailed to the mouth of the Great Wicomico River just south of the Potomac and anchor just off the channel. Then a full day sail to Baltimore. I'm local (work in Columbia) so email me and we can get together in Annapolis to discuss details of our trip. Electronic charts on PC and Raytheon Chartplotter plus radar at night was a big help.Enjoy the great scenery and people a long the way.

 

[Andy Howard]

ICW NC

Congratulations on the new boat. The first time I made part of this trip was with my first "new" very old boat. I assume you plan to make belhaven your first stop, the guide books do a good job describing this area but there are a couple of very friendly unmarked private marinas you should be aware of in case you run into engine problems, etc that first day. About 8 miles north of Oriental is the Whortonsville Yacht and Tractor Club, wow what a name. About 25 miles past oriental is Eastham Creek, very limited facilities but a great anchorage this time of year. And after you cross the Pamlico River and enter the Pungo there's a little creek on the west side called Jordan creek, home of the River Rat Yacht Club. These facilities have little more than a dock and a phone but with a new old boat it's nice to know they're there.

 

[Dave]

Where to stay in Norfolk

Hi,When you arrive in Norfolk, I'd suggest checking out either Tidewater Yacht (just next to mile marker 0 on the ICW on the Portsmouth side) or Waterside Marina directly across the river from Tidewater. Waterside has the advantage of lots of stuff to do within walking distance. But if you stay on the Portsmouth side, you could always take the Elizabeth River Ferry across to Norfolk.Also, when going up the bay, be aware of the shoals that apppear out of no where right in the middle of the bay (see charts) that are called the "Middle Grounds."