05/16 - 05/19 - North Carolina Loop

C-Brats,
The event for May's NC loop cruise has been posted thanks to Tyboo's assistance, so please consider opening and signing up for the event.
Per recent discussions, this year, if all agree, we will do the loop in a reverse order. We may also moor at Lamb's Marina vice Pelican in Elizabeth City, as it is protected from wind and seas.
Best regards,
Steve & Joan
 
Skimmer is signed up and looking forward to doing the Loop in reverse order (not in reverse, right?) :wink

Lambs has not yet responded to my inquiry, so I'll noodge 'em to make sure they can accommodate us.
 
I would like to do this trip. Can someone put together a preliminary itinerary so I can try and make plans. I have a brother in NC and would like to try and tie the 2 trips together. Will there be places to stay at or near the marina stops or are the stops sleep aboard? Thanks
 
Stan,
Here is the tentative game plan:
The cruise will be held 16 - 19 May and this year we will go in a reverse direction then the previous trips. The first night we will tie up at Coinjock Marina, the second night at Elizabeth City (most likely Lamb's Marina), third night at the NC Visitors Center on the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Coinjock has no hotel on site, so plan to stay on your boat. Elizabeth City does have hotels and B&B's near by, but most will stay on their boats. Previously we moored at Pelican, but this year we are trying Lamb's to have better weather protection, as Pelican is open to seas. At the Visitors Center, we will stay aboard our boats...there is no other hotels near by.
Starting points have varied over the years. Some have used Centerville Marina in the past and some have used my yard and dock.
Feel free to ask other questions and do call if you want to chat at 757-477-1453.
 
Stan & D.D. here are references for some general information on the Carolina Loop.

1. North Carolina Brochure for Carolina Loop - http://www.discoverelizabethcity.com/pdf/Brochures/EC-CVB-LoopBrochure-lores.pdf

2. Nautical Chart - go to http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/BookletChart/AtlanticCoastBookletCharts.htmand download chart #12206 or obtain Nautical Chart 12206 at your local marine store.

3. Cruising Guide – WATERWAY GUIDE's Atlantic ICW, pages 104 thru 145

The loop is about 130 statute miles.

Dick
 
This timing might work out beautifully for us. We are planning to be in Savannah area in early May and ultimately to travel to the Chesapeake/DC area. We can start out a few days later in order to connect up to you'all.

So, we need to do a little planning. How long does it take to travel from Savannah to where you are starting this cruise? And how long does it take to travel from the end of this cruise to DC area?

We are planning to leave the boat, trailer and car somewhere in Savannah, Charleston... and then come back from it from DC. (Suggestions on where?)

Later, we will be leaving the boat and car in DC and will be back to do some more cruising farther north (doing this in monthly increments off and on). We hope to catch some other cruises that might be scheduled in the East along the way.

Thanks for any help or advice!
 
Called Lamb's Marina in Elizabeth City to make sure they can accommodate our group. The dockmaster says, "this is the perfect place." Just wants us to call and confirm a week or so before we arrive. We should probably make individual reservations as well.

Is it spring, yet?
 
I'm a new-be here so please forgive me for asking dumb questions. My wive and I just picked up a 2008 19' C-Dory last wk. end. We live in Western NC and are looking forward to making it to one of the groups get-togethers once we get to know our new boat. We've been sailing for the past 15 years so we have a lot to learn. Also, thanks to the members here I already have a long list of changes and upgrades that I want to do. My first question is the starting point for this trip at Norfolk? I will be trailering, so where is the best place to launch and leave my tow vehicle? Does any of the anchorages have shower facilities? Will some of the stops be on the hook or are they all at slips?

Terry
 
All signed up, and looking forward to going clockwise. Should be fun. I'll probably launch early, and do some scouting of the inshore of the eastern Delmarva, heading up toward Ocean City. Might be useful for a later, more casual group trip.
 
Dave,
I noted earlier today that you signed up... I have certainly enjoyed smelling the morning fragments of your cooking skills from previous cruises and look forward to them again. Going solo this time, or will your shipmate join you?
As always, feel free to use my dock and launch assistance if it works for you.
PS, dock and launch assistance is available for all of those making the trip that would like to use it.
 
I just noticed on Cruisers.net that the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center may be closed due to funding. For all of us that enjoy the loop and others that use this Center there is a link on Cruisers.net to contact North Carolina Dept of Trans to voice your support to keep the Center open.
 
Steve:

Looking forward to doing some more cooking this time around. Hopefully there will be two on board. I'll probably take you up on the launching offer.

Take care.

David
 
Hi everyone. So far we have 6 boats signed up. Great! I did check out the Lambs Marina web site. They do have a courtesy car available. It looks belter than pelican. I will be solo on this trip. I do plan to drive Delfin from Vinings landing al the way. :) Hopefully the Chesapeake Bay is calm and Pamlico Sound by Elizabeth City. The dates and the route are fine. Less cooking onboard. Neal :)
 
Got this response to my note to NCDOT...

"Dear Mr. Schiavo:

Thank you for your support of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center/Rest Area. First, let us assure you the NCDOT has no plans to close the facility.

The Department is undergoing a major change on how it determines the allocation of its funds across the state, and that involves all modes of transportation and related facilities, including rest areas. That way we can ensure we are making the most efficient use of our transportation budget to provide the maximum benefits to our state, its residents and our visitors.

With that in mind, we will continue to partner with the Camden County government, which helps operate the welcome center, to ensure the continuation of the fine service it provides to motorists and boaters."

So, looks like we'e good in the Swamp.
 
Lou,

Thank's for sharing that info.
My son lives just East of South Mills and I hope to go through the Dismal Swamp canal some time in the future.

Bill Kelleher
 
Lou,
That is great news!
Thanks for taking the time to follow on this issue as well as your communication with Lamb's Marina.
Steve
 
Back
Top