Bath/Washington Cruise - Date Change

This email provides preliminary cruise and activity plans for SCOO’s 2024 Bath/Washington Cruise. Additional details including a list of boats will be sent to you via email the week before the cruise. Right now the cruise is tentatively scheduled for 16-20 September, which is one week different than the week in the SCOO cruise schedule (Diane and I will be in Positano that week). Bob and Stacy Taylor have graciously offered to act as Co-Cruise Captains as they have done this before. I went by car and visited both sites yesterday to ascertain the current condition of the planned stops. If you plan to go, please respond to this email with your boat and cell number so I can get a preliminary count.

On Monday the 16^th we will cruise to Bath where the options are to anchor, go to a slip at the Bath Harbor Hotel and Marina, or tie up the free state dock close by. The state dock can accommodate ~ 6 boats with judicious rafting but has no power or water.  There is adequate space to anchor in the harbor close to the marina and dock. Each boat must make their own arrangements and to stay at the Marina, call Corben or Steven at 252-923-5711. Corben said he seldom monitors VHF as he is the main dogsbody for the marina and hotel. At the marina, there is power and water (and wi-fi) with hot showers/toilets at the hotel as well as a grill. The view down the Pamlico is gorgeous and as it is 70 miles to get there, the only activity for the night is to gather at the pavilion just off the dock at 1900 where (weather permitting) we will launch Chinese lanterns while imbibing a few adult beverages. Bring chairs, please.  If you get there in time, there is a restaurant called Blackbeard’s just across the street. If you leave a day early to make the trip easier there are good anchorages at Bonner Bay at the mouth of the Bay River or in Campbell Creek 2 miles past the USCG station at Hobucken.  Fuel and some provisions are available at Mayo’s in the Hobucken Canal and people have stayed overnight before.  You probably already know that Bath was Blackbeard’s home and is the oldest incorporated town in NC. The main street has several historic buildings and sites as well as Petals and Produce for light provisioning and pastries. There is time in the morning to stroll down the main street to Bonner Park at the end to see and enjoy one of the most picturesque harbor views of the Pamlico.

It is only 20 miles upriver to Washington where the primary place to stay is at the Washington City Docks. They have limited transient slips with power/water, call early (like now) to make reservations. Talk to either Rick Brass or John Rodman at 252-944-6661 to reserve. They have city water, pump out, dock carts, courtesy bikes, and Wi-fi. There is also some 1000 ft. of free bulkhead dockage but call in advance to tell them you want to be there. There is room to anchor in front of the docks as well. Washington was the first city named after George and there are many historic buildings and landmarks on North Market Street close by. The NC Estuarium is there and has over 200 scientific and historic exhibits on the Tar-Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound. They will take us on a free pontoon boat ride up the Pamlico to show us some of this in person. So, that first night, the 17^th Tuesday, we will meet at the Clubhouse (showers, bathrooms, lounge, laundry) at the docks for happy hour and potluck dinner. Cruise captains will provide water. Wednesday we will set up a tour of the Estuarium Building and pontoon boat tour. Wednesday night those who would like will go out to dinner at either Down on Main (casual) or the Mulberry House (more upscale). Thursday is open to continue exploring Washington, cruise the river by dinghy, or just hang out and relax walking the ¾ mile boardwalk along the river. At 1700 we’ll meet at the pavilion for happy hour and then walk on to a chosen place for dinner. Friday we start the trip home. While the vessel’s captain is responsible for safety of their boat and crew, we will help as much as possible, including monitoring the weather (still in hurricane season). If you decide to cancel, please let us know by either calling our cells (802-318-7493/802-319-1083) or by email to subrock71@gmail.com or dhlemieux@gmail.com. This should be a fun and safe cruise for all.

Rock Rockwell and Diane Lemieux

Cruise Captains, Bath/Washington