Ocracoke or Hatteras Inlet?

[karenmccraw]

Probably a stupid question...but I was thinking that it would be a more interesting trip to sail from Cape Lookout to Ocracoke via the ocean as opposed to our normal Intercostal/Pamlico Sound route. Is it possible to use the Ocracoke Inlet (or Hatteras as an alternate?) Draft is 4'6".

[djmarchand]

Well I have been around Cape Lookout Shoals and it is probably a good 20 NM from the Cape Lookout anchorage out to go around them and another 50 or so to get to Ocracoke Inlet. Too much to do during daylight, not to mention the shifting nature of the inlet and the possibility of an east wind closing it down.