South River Anchorage
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Broad Creek
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West Bay
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South River is located toward the mouth
on the Neuse River. Even though its
probably the most popular weekend
anchorages its size makes it anything
but crowded. Meandering close to 6nm
with min depths of 6.5' up to over 11',
South River has many secluded places to
drop the hook. Situated near one of
Eastern Carolina's oldest human
settlements, the creek and tributaries
once housed populations of Neusk and
Algonquin Indian settlements. South
River is graced by great fishing, good
swimming holes, and plenty of creeks to
explore in the dinghy or kayak. A true
'Gunk Hole', the length of the river is
very protected and has a good bottom.
South River's quiet, pristine unaltered
landscape is pure tranquility.
Port Vandemere to South River 20nm
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Flowing through the towns of Pamlico
and Whortensville, Although the banks
are lined with homes and docks, Broad
Creek has a wildness that is unchanged.
The mouth of Broad Creek lies on the
north portion of the Neuse River and was
the location of the fabled Neuse River
Lighthouse. The pilings of the old
lighthouse can still be seen between NR6
and NR4 markers. It has an easily
navigable entrance with min of 7ft
depth. The main anchorage is located in
the vicinity of R4 with 12ft' of depth and
good holding adjacent to the new River
Dunes Marina. Be sure to visit the
Coastal Living Idea house open
September-November at River Dunes.
Just a short dinghy ride down Pittman
Creek is the infamous Paradise Shores
Marina and Bar. A hideaway truly
reminiscent of the islands, proprietors
Paul and Rose have brought together an
eclectic mix of people, artifacts and
entertainment to Pamlico County. Anchor
out Sat. Evening and attend the weekly
potluck dinner, have beer and wine and
enjoy the atmosphere.
Port Vandemere to Broad Creek 15nm
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Sail from your boat slip at Port
Vandemere to the NR marker at the
junction of Neuse River and the Bay
River, take a heading of 130deg for 10nm
and you will be at a truly spectacular
anchorage. A long white sand beach
reminiscent of South Florida awaits you
with clear blue/green water great for
frolicking. The anchorage has a good
bottom and 15-20' from shore has 10 feet
of depth. During a SW breeze anchor on
the north side of the spit, in a N or NE
wind follow the channel inside West Bay
and anchor on the SE side. Your view is
of Cedar Island National Wildlife
Preserve and just to the SE of Cedar
Island Village which is the jumping off
point for the Ocracoke Ferry. Cedar
Island has deeply ingrained maritime
traditions, and a tour of its homes and
people will feel like a step back into
simpler times. Great fishing, oystering,
clamming, and crabbing are to be found
in these waters.
Port Vandemere to West Bay 20 nm
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Ocracoke Island
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Cape Lookout
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New Bern
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There isn't much to say about Ocracoke
that hasn't already been said. America's
#1 Beach, home of the infamous Black
Beard, Howard's Pub, Arts and Crafts,
the native islanders drogue, and more
fresh fish, crab and oysters that you
could possibly eat. Ocracoke is a one of
a kind place. Throughout the year there
are several festivals featuring local artist
and musicians. But for a change try it in
the off season. You'll meet more of the
local people and have more time to
wonder the streets without the hustle of
beach goers. If you like surf casting,
you'll be in heaven. The beaches are
lined with beach buggies of all shapes
and sizes sporting their rod holders and
scores of friendly fishermen enjoying
the setting with a cold one. If you are in
need of a brew they will happily offer
one up in exchange for your ear.
Ocracoke is probably the most popular
destination for sailors and power
boaters around North Carolina. There
are several marinas and reservations are
necessary from Memorial Day through
Labor Day. The National Park Service
has inexpensive moorings on a first
come first serve basis with 30/50amp
service and water. But Lots of folks
prefer to anchor out. Be cautious,
everyone seems to know someone who
has drug anchor in Silver Lake.
Port Vandemere to Ocracoke Island
38nm
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Cape Lookout, among all the anchorages
in the North Carolina Coast, would
probably rank #1. It’s the kind of spot
that makes you feel guilty for having the
opportunity to experience this truly
perfect setting. Although the Bite is a
tranquil place there is plenty going on to
entertain you while lounging on your
boat. Lookout is a hub of activity for
pleasure boaters and fishermen but by
evening the anchorage quiets down and
is only disrupted by schools of jumping
Mullet fish and the Pelicans that dive
after them. Watch the weather, Lookout
is a very protected anchorage but can get
a little choppy during a N wind. For
boats any boats above a 3’ draft, you will
be in the Atlantic Ocean for a little bit
and it can get exciting. Beaufort Inlet, one
of the most stable and easily navigable in
North Carolina, can be quite busy on
weekends and during fishing
tournaments. Be alert, but prepare
yourself for a wonderful sail as you
approach the Bite. Cape Lookout Bite is
reached by sailing NE, 6NM from
Beaufort Inlet up the coast of Shackelford
Banks to Lookout Day Beacon #1.
Lookout is not just a cruising destination;
it can be reached by private car or
passenger ferry from Atlantic and
Harkers Island. From Vandemere Creek
follow the ICW to Morehead City, the
channel to the inlet is clearly marked.
Port Vandemere to Cape Lookout 47nm.
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When you live here at Port Vandemere
going to New Bern will be more likely
for running errands than for just
pleasure. New Bern is a great little city
and shouldn’t be just a trip to Lowes,
that’s why we have to go by boat. Going
some place by boat changes everything
and allows us to see New Bern for the
quaint, historic city that it is. There are
several options. Anchoring out is popular
and there is several nice places to drop
the hook, but most people like to tie up
to either the Sheraton Hotel, now called
the SkySail Marina, or the Bridepoint
Marina. Prices are reasonable and the
proximity to some fine restaurants is
perfect. A perfect afternoon is just a few
steps away in the historic neighborhoods
with many homes dating back to the
early 18th century. Wonder through
town for some shopping and have some
oysters at Captain Ratty’s, on the rooftop
if the weather is good. Basically if you
like to walk, shop, eat, and look at pretty
houses you’ll like New Bern. There are
many festivals through out the year if
you need an excuse. Tryon Palace does
garden tours, the homeowner open their
doors for the parade of homes and the
annual Ghost Walk, which is really a lot
of fun, and Mumfest, when the town
decorates its streets with thousands and
thousands of flowers. Go to visitnewbern.
com for the schedule of events.
Port Vandemere to New Bern 41nm.
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Oriental
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Manteo
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Edenton
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Oriental is the center of activity in
Pamlico County. With quaint shops,
several great restaurants, historic tree
lined streets, fish market, and harbor,
its no wonder people keep coming to
Oriental time and time again. When you
live in Pamlico County you can still
enjoy the excitement of cruising to
Oriental. It may seem silly but locals
sometimes take their boats and anchor
out in the harbor and one local (me) has
been known to take a boat slip at the
Oriental Marina and Tiki Bar for the
weekend, even though I could walk
there from my house. I am not alone in
this strange practice, along with
yachtsmen from the four corners of the
globe, you find us locals at the town
docks pretending we are on some epic
voyage. The water influences life here to
the up most degree, that people tend to
put more hours on their boats than in
their cars. Pamlico County has a very
high population of cruisers and quiet a
few circumnavigators, so conversations
at the bar tend to be very salty indeed.
More boaters are on their way with the
opening in a few years of two new
upland basin's, one at Arlington Place in
Arapahoe and the other Cutter Bay on
the Bay River. Oriental has festivals
and seasonal events happening year
round. Check out towndock.net What’s
Happening for the schedule. Cruising to
Oriental from your berth at Port
Vandemere will be a delightful
experience, even if its just for an
afternoon.
Port Vandemere to Oriental 20NM
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Manteo is located on Roanoke Island.
Now if you remember your American
History, you'll recall that the first ever
'European' child to be born in the
colonies was Virginia Dare of the ill fated
Lost Colony. If you are a history buff,
like me, a cruise up the inner banks to
Manteo is a must. Besides being
wonderfully interesting, Manteo is a
village to enjoy on foot, with fine
eateries, coffee shops, used book stores
and lots of shopping. The city docks offer
boat slips that are nice, convenient, and
offer friendly services to transient
boaters. Manteo Waterfront Marina is
truly first rate and I highly recommend a
visit, phone (252) 473-3320.
From Port Vandemere a direct sail to
Manteo would make for a long day. With
the prevailing winds from the SW, its
almost certain to be a nice run. I suggest
breaking the trip by stopping in Ocracoke
for the night, or leaving late afternoon
and doing a night sail during a full moon
arriving the next morning. Pamlico sound
is somewhat like being in the ocean, with
few obstructions. The markers are well lit
and easy to see at night. A trip to Manteo
can be a magical experience indeed.
Port Vandemere to Manteo appx. 80NM
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S/V "Betsy" headed to Edenton in
June 2008
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