We have set aside 4 days for this cruise. This will allow us to pick the best possible window for our time at the Cape and allow for other destinations en route if desired. Two nights at the Cape is enough to experience the location, although you are free to add more time. You may want to plan a stop before or after (or both) rather than traveling the entire distance in one day. A couple of possibilities would be to anchor in Cedar Creek at the north end of Adams Creek, or choose to anchor or dock in Beaufort. Each captain can set their own schedule and destinations for this cruise. We only ask that you keep your cruise captains informed of your plans and any changes you make to them.
We will send out our recommendations and our sail plan as we get closer to the cruise week and the weather/wind forecasts start to take shape. We will also post Beaufort Inlet tide information and offshore wind/swell forecasts starting a few days before departure.
Since full dinners are difficult to transport via dinghy and serve on the beach, we will plan for a late afternoon pot-luck hors d’oeuvres and BYOB social on the beach and an evening sunset watch on another day. Of course, one of the main activities at Cape Lookout is to hang out on the beaches either on the Bight or on the Atlantic side, so be sure to bring your beach chairs. More specific details will be sent out to all members who sign up as the dates for the cruise approach.
For first timers to the Cape:
Cape Lookout was highlighted as one of the Atlantic coast’s undiscovered cruising gems in the latest issue of SAIL magazine. Although not that far from the mainland, it is offshore from Shackleford Banks with wind swept beaches, beautiful night skies and, of course, the Lighthouse, making it feel like a world apart. There are opportunities for shelling, time at the beach, a dinghy ride across the Bight to the lighthouse, watching the sunset and socializing with fellow SCOO members. It’s also nice to simply relax and enjoy this tranquil spot. If you want to bring your kayak or paddle board, Cape Lookout is a picturesque place for a morning paddle. However, there are no facilities at the Cape, so be prepared to be self-sufficient while there.
It is best to traverse Beaufort Inlet at slack tide, with an incoming tide as a second best alternative. To find that specific time frame, the Tide Times or Tide Pro apps are great resources (select Beaufort Inlet Channel Range and click on Currents). We will publish slack tide times from Tide Pro for the planned days once we decide on the best weather window. We will build an email group of the cruise registrants and post updates starting sometime in the week prior to the cruise.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the Bight. Your cruise captains, Rick and Lynn Edwards
Don’t miss the 2025 SCOO Annual Picnic!
Join us at 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 31
Whittaker Pointe Marina, 5001 Maritime Drive, Oriental
Along with delicious food, we’ll have plenty of stories to hear from the Chesapeake, Southern and Ocracoke cruises already behind us.
SCOO will provide: fried chicken, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, plates, napkins & utensils. **No drinks will be provided this year.
Members are asked to provide their own drinks, chairs and bring a dessert to share.
Sign up now, cost is $20 per person.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with your fellow SCOO members & guests, hope to see you there!
PLEASE note SCOO policy regarding pets: Pets are not allowed at functions where food is served.
PS Remember registration for this event closes on July 27th.
Dowery Creek Dock & Dine
During the heat of August, it’s a perfect time to cruise to the Dowery Creek Marina. Bring your bathing suits, Kayak/paddle boards, meat for the grill, a side to share, favorite beverages and games with you.
We will give Dowery Creek Marina a list of boats who have signed up but each boat is responsible for making their own reservations and paying the deposit.
Activities to include:
August 5th: Arrival and meet up with friends to relax in the pool. Dinner at the Salty Crab
August 6th: Pool fitness at 9AM - Tabata style. Afternoon social and pool games. Cookout with shared sides (bring your own meat of choice.)
August 7th: Kayak exploration at 9:00. Conch Horn making for the first 5 boats to sign up! Robert will have the tools. If you have your own conch shell and want to learn to make a horn, please bring it. Afternoon: Relax by the pool and play games. Dinner at Salty Crab
August 8th: Head home.
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