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Old 22-10-2016, 15:33   #1
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best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Hi all! Our boat is in Morehead City right now waiting for the Nov 1 hurricane date to pass where our insurance company allows us to clear south of there.

Initially we were going to just head straight to the bahamas but now, with the warmer weather already upon us, whats the rush!!??

So we are wondering if there are any good stops for us to make and marina recommendations. We are 53' with a mast height of 74' so something on the ocean side is a must. no intercoastal for us.

Thank you all in advance! i must say the sail down to NC was one of our best yet. 3 and a half days with the kids. Fair winds. Fresh caught fish. AND nothing broke. :-)

Jonathan
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Old 22-10-2016, 20:29   #2
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Given the damage to so many marinas from Matthew, you may be best off with just straight to the Bahamas.
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Old 22-10-2016, 20:53   #3
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Hi,

We are also too tall and deep for the ICW. We've made stops in Charleston, Mayport (there is a little dry-stack marina with a fuel dock near the St. John's river entrance that's good for a night or two), and also Port Canaveral.

Brunswick and Fernandina beach also come to mind, but we didn't stop there.

We have a 10' draft, so the places I've mentioned will work fine for you. I don't think that anyplace in Charleston is out of business, further south, I'm not sure.

TJ
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Old 23-10-2016, 07:54   #4
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

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Originally Posted by TJ D View Post

Brunswick and Fernandina beach also come to mind, but we didn't stop there.
Keep in mind Fernandina Municipal Marina is closed due to damages sustained by Matthew.

Brunswick Landing Marina is open, and a 183' bridge coming in. Easy inlet at St. Simon's Sound. I'm the dock master here. Call ahead for a reservation if you do decide to make us one of your stops. We're still pretty full.

Ralph
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Old 23-10-2016, 08:49   #5
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

All marinas in Charleston, SC are open. The Mega Dock at City Marina has plenty of depth. Not a bad run from Morehead.

After that there's not much...maybe Savannah up the Savannah River, not sure of the depths and you would have to dock downtown along the sea wall with a 7 ft. tide. Lots of changing line lengths.

Next stop is St. Marys inlet at Fernandina, but understand the city marina and mooring fields are closed due to the hurricane.

Port Canaveral might work.

Good luck,
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Old 23-10-2016, 09:03   #6
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Lot's of places! I've put a "*" on ones I wouldn't miss if the goal is not to get to the Bahamas as fast as possible.

* Right outside Bueufort is Cape Lookout National Park. Sea turtles, amazing birding and beach walking. Wonderful anchorage worth several days.

Southport - the town is nice. Also * Bald Head Island (if worried about depth enter at mid tide+. You can even go all the way up to Wilmington.

Georgewtown - enter Winyah Bay. Also you can go south on the ICW for about five miles to some lovely creek anchorages. You'll have to retrace your steps to leave.

* Charleston - Some of the best restaurants in the country. Lovely walking city with lots of history. Tour the aircraft carrier. Go to Fort Sumpter.

Edisto River - Lots of great gunkholing.

Port Royal - Interesting town. Pass by Paris Island Marine base. Some good anchoring in Cowen Creek

*Hilton Head - enter from the South. Harbor Town marina (had some damage but think it's OK). * Go south on the ICW along Cooper River all the way to the Savanah River for some of the prettiest marshes you'll ever see.

* Savannah - Another must. Great restaurants and walking. Dock right downtown. Or go in the Wilmington River to Thunderbolt (there was substantial damage in Thunderbolt so check first).

Wassaw Island - Great anchorage. The island is a National Wildlife Refuge with a ranger. Also many creek anchorages on the ICW behind Ossaw Island. Explore at mid tide+. Sapello Island is another wildlife sanctuary island but with some people too.

Jekyll Island - Come in from the South and use Jekyl Harbor Marina just before the bridge.

Cumberland Island - You can take the ICW all the way to St. Mary's. Absolutely beautiful.

Amelia Island - if Fernandina Marina is still damaged, you can go down to Amelia Island Yacht Basin before the bridge. Check with them on shoaling. Don't try near low tide.

Jacksonville - 186ft bridge Big city with lots going on.

* St. Augustine - Damaged. Call places first. But an absolutely wonderful city to explore.

* Cape Canaveral - Great museum. Take the tour out to the launch pads. Amazing place.

With your offshore boat, this is a great place to jump off to the Bahamas if you don't want to make stops further south in Florida (which I personally find pretty boring). Orlando Airport is only an hour away if you need to change crew. To not fight the Gulf Stream, either go ESE 100 miles and then turn south to the Abacos or or hug the coast to West Palm and then cross. West Palm is a great place to provision with a Whole Foods.
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Old 23-10-2016, 14:31   #7
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Add: Little River inlet , anchor in Calabash creek...
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Old 24-10-2016, 05:04   #8
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Wish we had your list when we went north! But we did use aactive Captain and loved our choices. Beaufort area and Charleston were favs. St. Augustine has moorings that are cheap so even if the docks are damaged it's a great place to stop. Lots to do for all ages.
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Old 24-10-2016, 19:51   #9
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Wilmington, NC, Jamestown SC, Charleston SC, Savannah GA, New Brunswick Ga, Fernandina Beach Fl, May Port Fl, Port Canaveral Fl, Ft Pierce Fl, Lake Worth Fl, Fort Lauderdale Fl, all are doable, but you can not do the ICW. The other option is to sail direct to the Bahamas (MY choice).
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Old 01-11-2016, 18:51   #10
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Fernandina City Marina is closed, and others are too shallow for you
Jax Port is way upstream and there are strong currents all the way inland
Port Canaveral is safest inlet on Florida East Coast, all the depth and clearance you need. Next stop south would either be Ft Pierce or Lake Worth (West Palm Beach). All three are well marked, provide all the depth you need and have excellent and easily accessible landside facilities.
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Old 02-11-2016, 04:37   #11
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, flyingfin.
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Old 02-11-2016, 05:55   #12
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Re: best stops between Morehead City NC and the Bahamas? Mast height 74 feet

Cumberland Island. Just a short jaunt up the St. Mary's River. Good water all the way, no bridges.



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