Moving to NC?
- Thread starter Saxacussionist
- Start date
Oops, got my Beauforts mixed up in my original post, we're currently in SC headed north to NC later in the week.
Saxacussionist:
I will post updates as we move up the coast.
Saxacussionist:
I will post updates as we move up the coast.
Beaufort SC sailing activities
No liveaboards at BYSC though you can liveaboard at the Lady's Island Marina and I think at the Port Royal Marina. There is also a Marina at Dataw Island with good sailing within decent reach. There is an very active youth sailing program and lots of racing in the spring and fall. We have both fall and spring racing series.
We love it here. Beaufort is about a 45 minute drive from Savannah GA and about 1 1/2 hours from Charleston by car. Sailing can't compare to the Chesapeake of course but its okay and and easy reach to the ocean. The tides are nearly 8 feet range here so you have to have good local knowledge that is easy to come by at the club. The good thing about the tides is that it "scrubs" the channels so they stay deep and clear but its easy to get in trouble if you don't know where the shallow areas are at low tide.
Wish we'd know you were down here. There is very active "Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club (BYSC)" that has several racing series. Its south of the swing bridge and north of the fixed 65' McTeer bridge. BYSC is small and laid back. No mandatory "dinner" type thing and I don't think they know what a necktie is!!! Free Beer (tip the volunteer waiter a buck) and bring your own wine, Friday evening activities, Wednesday once a month steak night (best steaks in Beaufort), Finally Friday party (etc). They also have a lot of non-sailing activities like tennis and a salt water pool. Here is the link to their site: http://www.byscnet.com/
No liveaboards at BYSC though you can liveaboard at the Lady's Island Marina and I think at the Port Royal Marina. There is also a Marina at Dataw Island with good sailing within decent reach. There is an very active youth sailing program and lots of racing in the spring and fall. We have both fall and spring racing series.
We love it here. Beaufort is about a 45 minute drive from Savannah GA and about 1 1/2 hours from Charleston by car. Sailing can't compare to the Chesapeake of course but its okay and and easy reach to the ocean. The tides are nearly 8 feet range here so you have to have good local knowledge that is easy to come by at the club. The good thing about the tides is that it "scrubs" the channels so they stay deep and clear but its easy to get in trouble if you don't know where the shallow areas are at low tide.
Thanks for the additional info re. Beaufort. We just had a nice dinner and walk along the waterfront downtown. We really like it here. I'm encouraged to hear about the youth sailing and racing. Though this is just the first stop on our whirl wind tour, it might be tough to top it!
Saxacussionist: go to the "Destinations" forum. A few months ago we had a great discussionon "retirement research" .
I think you are also due a trip to "how you got your username".
I think you are also due a trip to "how you got your username".
I use to be a major sailboat dealer in North Carolina. Sailing in the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds of North Carolina is considered to be one of the best areas on the East Coast with a lot of gunk holing and marinas along the way. Most folks treat you with respect. Captron spoke well of the area. So listen to him.
There are a few things to know. Wilmington is a wonderful city to visit but the only area to sail is the ocean only. Southport use to have a lot of marinas with travel lifts but I am not sure if there are any left due to development.
Sailing in North Carolina is considered best from Beaufort going northward to include the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds including New Bern and Elizabeth City. There are afew things to consider.
The tide in the Sounds are affected by wind primarily so you have to be careful of the shallow areas and in some places a wide berth is the rule. Sailboats with tall masts have to consider bridge clearences for example the ICW which is generally 65' but in one place 64' feet. There are others that are lower to include one in Oriental at 45 feet. One would be cautious if exiting the Pamlico at Ocracoke due to shoaling into the Ocean. As for storms, there are marinas that are hurricane holes which means you remove the sails and canvas and leave and one that is excellent is the one mentioned by Captron, Fairfileld Harbor but not sure of the exact name. The marine yards generally are fair and the two that comes to mind in Oriental are Deatons and Sailcraft. There are others but some do offer a challenge via the channel going in. Generally they treat you with courtesy and respect and will not rip you off.
If it were not for the love of my grass roots in the VA mountains, then my destination for retirement would be either the Pamlico or Albermarle Sounds of North Carolina.
I suggest listening to Captron's advice and good luck in your search. Most do remember me by Crazy Dave.
There are a few things to know. Wilmington is a wonderful city to visit but the only area to sail is the ocean only. Southport use to have a lot of marinas with travel lifts but I am not sure if there are any left due to development.
Sailing in North Carolina is considered best from Beaufort going northward to include the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds including New Bern and Elizabeth City. There are afew things to consider.
The tide in the Sounds are affected by wind primarily so you have to be careful of the shallow areas and in some places a wide berth is the rule. Sailboats with tall masts have to consider bridge clearences for example the ICW which is generally 65' but in one place 64' feet. There are others that are lower to include one in Oriental at 45 feet. One would be cautious if exiting the Pamlico at Ocracoke due to shoaling into the Ocean. As for storms, there are marinas that are hurricane holes which means you remove the sails and canvas and leave and one that is excellent is the one mentioned by Captron, Fairfileld Harbor but not sure of the exact name. The marine yards generally are fair and the two that comes to mind in Oriental are Deatons and Sailcraft. There are others but some do offer a challenge via the channel going in. Generally they treat you with courtesy and respect and will not rip you off.
If it were not for the love of my grass roots in the VA mountains, then my destination for retirement would be either the Pamlico or Albermarle Sounds of North Carolina.
I suggest listening to Captron's advice and good luck in your search. Most do remember me by Crazy Dave.
Southport has two haulouts. Southport Marina, and Charlie Perrys. Three on Wilmingtons River side.
I can't disagree with Captron and Crazy Dave. The Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds are great places to sail without a question. There is shallow water and shoaling, like anywhere on the eastern seaboard south of the Chesapeake but once you get to know the area it will only affect how you choose your route, not whether you sail or not. I think you said your air draft was 55 feet or so which means you won't have trouble with the ICW bridges.
I just didn't want you to leave Beaufort SC with an impression that there wasn't any active sailing community. Not like the Chessy or even Oriental, but still an active club with lots of things to do. Have a good trip and I'm sure you'll set your anchor in the best place for you and your wife when the time comes. Until then make sure you take in the Southern hospitality and some "Shrimp and Grits" the next time you're in Beaufort SC and Charleston. I'm not sure of the special dish of New Bern or Oriental but I'm sure its good, you're in the South, it has to be.
I just didn't want you to leave Beaufort SC with an impression that there wasn't any active sailing community. Not like the Chessy or even Oriental, but still an active club with lots of things to do. Have a good trip and I'm sure you'll set your anchor in the best place for you and your wife when the time comes. Until then make sure you take in the Southern hospitality and some "Shrimp and Grits" the next time you're in Beaufort SC and Charleston. I'm not sure of the special dish of New Bern or Oriental but I'm sure its good, you're in the South, it has to be.
What is really important about this area of NC is the ECU Pirates and the Birmingham Bowl against Florida. Those Gators will be going up against Shane Carden a top quarterback potential NFL early round draftee. You better be prepared to take some courses at ECU or perhaps teach some instead and become a full time Pirate fan to be welcomed into the community. There are Pirate fans and then there is everybody else.
Also if you come here again try to catch the ferry with a bicycle over to Ocracoke Island and go to the beach. A few years back it was ranked the #1 best beach in the United States. Miles and miles of undeveloped coastline with powdery sand and crystal clear water. Please don't tell anyone though. Thanks.
Also if you come here again try to catch the ferry with a bicycle over to Ocracoke Island and go to the beach. A few years back it was ranked the #1 best beach in the United States. Miles and miles of undeveloped coastline with powdery sand and crystal clear water. Please don't tell anyone though. Thanks.
Thanks DAVA390! The Destinations retirement research was interesting. North Carolina made the list of several people. That, along with the replies here have given me a LOT to think about. I'm thinking a return trip for a few weeks minimum has got to be a mandatory next step.
I did make the trip to "How you got your username" forum as well. Very interesting stuff! Mine is there now as well...
Brad
We've been in Charlestown for a coupe of days checking out the marinas. So far we like what we've seen as far as liveaboard potential, looks like we could find a slip for about $500/month(that's for a 40 foot boat). The sailing seems like it's mainly ocean, with some dinghy sailing in the sound and then day long runs north or south for long weekends.
Since we're about 15 years from retirement, we need to land in a place with jobs. Charleston certainly is a place with a lot to offer in our fields and the marinas are close enough to commute to work.
Our next stop is Wilmington. I'm a little skeptical of the sailing, it looks like a long slog to open water.
Since we're about 15 years from retirement, we need to land in a place with jobs. Charleston certainly is a place with a lot to offer in our fields and the marinas are close enough to commute to work.
Our next stop is Wilmington. I'm a little skeptical of the sailing, it looks like a long slog to open water.
Depends on which side of Wilmington you are. On the river side, yep, about four hours either way to Southport or Snows Cut. But Wilmington has an East side, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, etc.
The only advantage to the river side is basically being docked right downtown. Personally I like the river. Despite what it may look like on 11537, it's a big river.
And I've said this before, I can live anywhere I want. Anywhere. That being said, I still remain in Wilmywood and Southport..
The only advantage to the river side is basically being docked right downtown. Personally I like the river. Despite what it may look like on 11537, it's a big river.
And I've said this before, I can live anywhere I want. Anywhere. That being said, I still remain in Wilmywood and Southport..
Chris Patterson;
Thank you for updating. Having been out of the business for a while relying on others, I was given some bad poop about the travel lifts. Thankj you for updating. I am now up in the VA mountains.
Thank you for updating. Having been out of the business for a while relying on others, I was given some bad poop about the travel lifts. Thankj you for updating. I am now up in the VA mountains.
Yeah Dave, actually I thought that may be semi relevant to whoever.
Southport now has Zimmerman Marine doing their work, Caterpillar flopped. I'm trying to think of another way to elegantly say this, buuuuuut, I know better yards..
Fact is, I wish there were more reputable people like you down here.
Southport now has Zimmerman Marine doing their work, Caterpillar flopped. I'm trying to think of another way to elegantly say this, buuuuuut, I know better yards..
Fact is, I wish there were more reputable people like you down here.
Sir, I really appreciate your input and advice to all of us. I feel that I have come to known you for a long time. Better run now for Crazy grandpa will be seeing my grandsons today to present presents.
Thanks Sax for posting this topic. Great info here. I'm in the same boat. I'm still waffling on where on the NC or SC coast I will be moving my H30 after it's finished. I kind of had my eye on the New Bern and Oriental areas on the Neuse. Actually I am also strongly considering Lake Norman since it's only 45 minutes from my house compared to almost 5 hours to the coast. I figured I would use the boat more at Lake Norman even though I would be sailing in circles. Probably would move it to the coast when I retire in 5 years. It's all up in the air for now.
Boat where you live, then move where you boat
Its really a matter of "time". With a 5 hour drive its hard to say "boy, it looks like its going to be really nice sailing tomorrow, lets go down to the boat." With 45 minutes, its not perfect but its a lot better and you'll probably sail more. When you retire you can always move the boat to where you want to sail and then find a place to live in the vicinity. For us it was a little of both. We wanted to live in Beaufort SC and the sailing is pretty good. The boat is 15 minutes away and when the mood strikes us we can be there in a snap and on the boat, ready to go. I know its tempting to want to have the boat where you are gong to want to sail eventually but will you really sail much until then. For my money you keep the boat at the closest place you can sail reasonably so you will sail it, then later find where you want to live where the sailing is good, even if not great (we can't all live in Annapolis, St. Michaels, Deal Md etc.). When it comes time to make the move you may even want to move up or down in size a little and that makes it a no brainer.
Kito,
Its really a matter of "time". With a 5 hour drive its hard to say "boy, it looks like its going to be really nice sailing tomorrow, lets go down to the boat." With 45 minutes, its not perfect but its a lot better and you'll probably sail more. When you retire you can always move the boat to where you want to sail and then find a place to live in the vicinity. For us it was a little of both. We wanted to live in Beaufort SC and the sailing is pretty good. The boat is 15 minutes away and when the mood strikes us we can be there in a snap and on the boat, ready to go. I know its tempting to want to have the boat where you are gong to want to sail eventually but will you really sail much until then. For my money you keep the boat at the closest place you can sail reasonably so you will sail it, then later find where you want to live where the sailing is good, even if not great (we can't all live in Annapolis, St. Michaels, Deal Md etc.). When it comes time to make the move you may even want to move up or down in size a little and that makes it a no brainer.
I've sailed Lake Norman many times. It would be difficult to sail the entire 540 miles of shoreline. It's a rather large lake.
The traffic is why we left. For many years we kept a summer home there, and I watched it slowly get crazy out there. We sold out and moved on..
The traffic is why we left. For many years we kept a summer home there, and I watched it slowly get crazy out there. We sold out and moved on..
Yeah, I have been power boating on Norman since 1990. Weekends are insane. Got hard to find a place to ski. If we did find some good water, it was a matter of time before the jet skis came through and ruined the water. Norman is big but there is only one large area that you can sail without having to tack every 5 minutes. That's the area west of I77 when going across the short causeway. Norman does seem like the logical choice. I can go to the boat after work and piddle around. I would be lucky to get to the coast twice a month compared to maybe 5 or 6 times on Norman.