pics from my first "real" sail on my boat

[Jcolman]

Spent all of last week sailing my boat from the Chesapeake to it's new home in Oriental NC. My best friend flew in to help me bring the boat down.

Leaving the marina on Monday at sunrise. Beautiful day!



Entering the Chesapeake under sail. We had perfect weather but a lot of wind. Small craft warnings were up but the boat handled the 20 knot winds and waves like a boss.



Entering Norfolk channel under motor because the wind was on our nose.




Motoring along thru the Intercostal waterway. We saw a black bear swimming across the channel. We tried to get closer to him to snap some pics but ran aground. Took us 10 minutes of rocking back and forth to get free. Bear 1. Me 0.



We had some scary storms hit us. Lighting everywhere! So we turned back and tied up at the marina in Coinjock.



The next morning it was flat calm.



So I rigged up some extra power for the sails.


Sunset in Bellhaven NC.



Full moon over the harbor



Made it into Oriental Saturday. Total miles travelled was about 240. No pics of it's new home. It was too hot and I was too lazy.

[Sailcat]

Nice! Why Oriental?


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[cgrabens]

Great pics and awesome first adventure!

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by Sailcat

Nice! Why Oriental?


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Oriental is called the "sailing capitol of NC" for a good reason. Also, because it's not too far from Raleigh (where I live) and Atlantic beach. My wife and I are buying a condo at Atlantic beach and I wanted to be near the boat.

[Sailcat]

Thanks. I'm familiar with Oriental from Drake Roberts blog "Drake Paragon."
I was curious to know why you chose it. Makes perfect sense. He's from Boston, on the other hand. My guess is that it must be a Mecca with low fees and good boatyards/dockage.


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[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by Sailcat

Thanks. I'm familiar with Oriental from Drake Roberts blog "Drake Paragon."
I was curious to know why you chose it. Makes perfect sense. He's from Boston, on the other hand. My guess is that it must be a Mecca with low fees and good boatyards/dockage.

Yes, there are plenty of marinas and yards to be found. But the real draw is the Pamlico sound. It's a large, somewhat protected body of water separating the mainland from the outer banks.

[DDabs]

Did that exact trip a few months ago!!! Love the little stop in Coinjock. Your boat looks great!

[boatman61]

Nice boat... nice thread..
Got a feeling Oriental may grow on ya.. it did me.

[Jcolman]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to spending more time in Oriental, getting to know the waters and locals. I'm also looking to spend some time participating in the Wednesday night "beer" races.

[Ex-Calif]

Nice trip - Well done...

"The bear made me run aground. And I couldn't get a picture to prove it..."

Creative! - just kidding

Running aground - Those that have and those that will...

[DDabs]

You'll find the spots quick in Oriental- there are only a few.

Brantley's has great buffets every day, good diner food.

The Toucan grill is connected to the Oriental Inn and is on the water. Lots of transient boaters come through. Great food.

The Bean is a coffee shop across from the free dock.

The Steamer is a good late night bar/ pool hall


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