Reviews from Xiaolun Sun (46)

Marina Review for Oriental Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on May 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We rented a slip from a long-term resident at the marina for two weeks between cruising. The dockmaster Ceci Ann was very kind and responsive, trying to help us out in every way possible. The marina is clean and well maintained. Ceci Ann organizes all sorts of events (movie night, Coast Guard safety check ...). There is a nice atmosphere.

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Anchorage Review for Enterprise Creek - Enterprise Landing

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We came here because of the good reviews in the Waterway Guide (the print version). However, we found a narrow (beautiful though) creek with 15 feet water. We don't understand how one could have enough scope while not to swinging into the trees. So we left. Two anchors perhaps. We didn't try that.

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Anchorage Review for Waccamaw River Oxbow G29

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We arrived after 7 pm to find five boats anchored in the eastern mouth and the middle of the oxbow. The western mouth was supported to have poorer holding, but we had no choice but to anchor there as it was getting dark. With light wind, it turned out fine. A very beautiful spot.

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Anchorage Review for Minim Creek (East Side)

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We went to the west side first, but this side had much better protection from the strong SW wind that was blowing hard. We shared the anchorage with one other boat. The same reversing current as everywhere along SC coast. No wake to speak of off. A few crab pots, but they are not an issue.

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Anchorage Review for Church Creek - New Cut Landing

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We joined six other boats a Saturday evening in mid April. There was plenty of space for everyone. An easy stop.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Beaufort

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We left our boat on a mooring to go home for six weeks. Dockmaster Michael was very responsive to my inquiries and very accommodating when we had to extend our stay twice. The staff at the marina office were also very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were clean. Beaufort town was beautiful.

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Anchorage Review for Neuse River - Green Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

It was a pretty spot. We anchored to the NE of the anchor sign between two crab pots. We don't know why, but there was quite a bit of swell even though the wind was not particularly strong. Eventually it calmed down. We had a peaceful night.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Swan Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

The sole boat anchored in Deep Point was rocking and bouncing in a strong easterly wind when we came out Alligator - Pungo Canal, so we continued on to this spot. Such a difference. It was calm here. There were tree stumps sticking out of the water, so we anchored further from shore than the anchor sign. A peaceful spot. Weak T-Mobile signal.

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Anchorage Review for Goat Island - North

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

There were already three boats when we arrived, so we anchored between G13 and shore at the entrance to the oxbow. Wind was light. Boat traffic died down as night approached. It was a beautiful spot. We had weak T-Mobile signal.

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Anchorage Review for Broad Creek - Opossum Point

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We anchored near Palmetto Bay Marina in an area that had probably been a mooring field. There were four boats on mooring balls and one anchored in the middle. All five boats were unoccupied. A few more boats anchored across the river from the marina also looked abandoned. The ferry passes by all day long but there were few tour boats at this time of the year. Palmetto Bay Marina said they did not have a dinghy dock for anchored boats but allowed us to stay anyway, probably because it was low season and everything was very quiet. We biked to Coligny Beach, along the beach to Sea Pines Beach, then to Harbor Town, and back to the marina. Black Marlin Bayside Grill was under renovation, but Carolina Crab was open. Overall, it was a very comfortable stay.

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Marina Review for Thunderbolt Marine

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Dockmaster Greg was very nice. Helped us with docking and answered all our questions. The marina was spacious with clean bathrooms and laundry and screened deck. Uber to Savannah was $16 OW. No Krispy Kreme, perhaps because we left early the next morning?

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Anchorage Review for Kilkenny Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

With 34 kt gusts from SW then W in the forecast, the bend beyond the marina seemed to be the best option available. The anchor held fine, but we didn't feel much protection from the trees. Maybe we should have anchored closer to the houses along the bend to find more protection. We had the weakest T-mobile signals here, even weaker than in more remote anchorages. Otherwise, this and the large area before the marina can accommodate dozens of boats with easy access to the ICW.

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Anchorage Review for Mackay River - Wallys Leg

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Easy access. We shared the anchorage with one other boat. Trees on the north shore would provide protection from that direction but we had light southernly all night. No issues.

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Anchorage Review for Cumberland Island

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We anchored in front of the Sea Camp ferry dock for a few hours to visit the NP. Wind was light. No issues with the current. A section of the inside dock was marked with blue tape for dinghy landing. Even though we arrived on a Saturday afternoon, it was not crowded on the island. I was worried about the insects but it was not a problem in late February. We saw wild horses, visited the ruins and the Ice Museum, took long walks on the beach ... A very beautiful place!

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Our second stay on a mooring in three months. Staff was still wonderful, as were the facilities. However, it took us three tries to find a mooring ball with working attachment. There were very few boats on the mooring and we saw at least two boats anchored in the mooring field.

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Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We stayed on a mooring twice (Dec 2022 & Feb 2023), both times north of the Lions bridge during light wind nights. Beautiful view of the city and the fort, especially around Christmas with all the lights on. Easy access to the city. Responsive marina staff. Many boats anchored around, so if the mooring field is full that is an option.

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Marina Review for Marineland Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We left our boat here for three months. Friendly staff. Several seasonal liveabords created a nice atmosphere. A food truck nearby was the only eat out option without a car. A safe, reasonably priced place to leave the boat for a while.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator Creek - Amelia River

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Mar 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Saw 4.7' at the entrance to the anchorage. Dropped anchor in 10.2' of water. Wind was light and we were there alone. There was a lot fog the next morning, so we waited till about 10 am to leave, which allowed the water to rise more. Overall, an easy convenient anchorage.

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Free Dock Review for Jim King Park at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Dec 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

The dock was nice, but the current was terrible. The surrounding area had an abandoned feel to it, with overflowing garbage bins and off-putting bathrooms. The only thing to do was to exchange stories with fellow boaters, which was nice.

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Dec 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Staff was friendly and helpful. There was a lounge, which we'd been missing after the Chesapeake Bay. We were surprised by the industrial look by the mooring field, but the city was pretty with good restaurants.

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Marina Review for Jekyll Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Dec 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Friendly staff who were patient to help us dock, get fuel, and move to our slip. We circled the island in the golf cart to visit Horton House, the Driftwood Beach, and the Viewing Platform. And then cycled to the historical district to see the lights. A beautiful place. It was, however, very challenging to leave the dock as we were pinned to the slip by the current. Also there was not much water arriving from the north. Still, a very nice stop.

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Anchorage Review for New Teakettle Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Dec 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

A peaceful, uncrowded anchorage in early December. Easy in and out from the ICW.

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Marina Review for Delegal Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Dec 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The approach was confusing because the first two buoys from the ICW seemed to be missing. Docking was also challenging due to strong current. But this is a beautiful marina on a beautiful island. We drove around in the golf cart. Very nice.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Never saw G1 or the two white Caution buoys.

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Anchorage Review for Page Island - New River

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Dec 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Very big anchorage. Not as scenic as expected with the gas storage facilities visible on the horizon. No protection from NE wind. Still a good anchorage overall.

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Free Dock Review for Daufuskie Landing

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Dec 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Very nice floating dock. Walked to the unusual Bloody Point Lighthouse and the tiny Silver Dew Winery. An interesting visit. Wish they allowed overnight stay in low season as we were the only boat around.

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Marina Review for Lady's Island Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice and attentive staff who did everything to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Bathrooms and laundry were clean. We used the courtesy bikes to explore wonderful Beaufort. An indoor lounge would have been nice as we like getting off the boat in the evenings when we are in a marina.

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Anchorage Review for South Edisto River - Alligator Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

It was a big anchorage. We were the only boat in a light wind night. Bugs were an issue even in early November. Holding was good. We had good T-Mobile signal. Very easy access to the ICW. No issue with wakes at all.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Charleston City

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Safe Harbor comes with its price tag but everything was in good shape. Staff and dockhands were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms and laundry facilities were clean. We were impressed by the megadock. We didn't use the courtesy shuttle, but walked (~ 30 minutes) to the center. We enjoyed Church & Union and Hyman restaurants, and spent time at the wonderful library of College of Charleston.

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Anchorage Review for Awendaw Creek

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We arrived on a windy/rainy day. There was only another boat, so plenty of swing room. Holding was good but no wind protection to speak of. Good T-Mobile signal. Quick access to the ICW.

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Marina Review for Harborwalk Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Everything (dock, bath, staff) was top notch. The only downside was there was construction of a hotel going on right by the marina, so there was noise and dust and it was not the prettiest sight. Historic Georgetown was clean and nice.

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Marina Review for Osprey Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Very nice marina at a great price. The goodie bag with a muffin was unexpected but very appreciated. All the staff were friendly. It would have been nice if they had bicycles as there was nothing within walking distance. We enjoyed the nice lounge during office hours. It would have been nice to have access during the evenings as well, but that would require a different configuration of the space...

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Marina Review for Holden Beach Transient Dock

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The dock was in very good shape and by a nice park. There was one shower and one washer/dryer, both in excellent condition. You need to get keys when check in. Public bathrooms were always open and less clean than the locked facilities. The city staff managing the dock couldn't be more friendly.

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Marina Review for Carolina Beach Marina and Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

It's a very comfortable mooring field. We stayed for two nights. Larry the harbormaster was really helpful. The mooring balls were spaced out to feel private. There was minimum wake. The beach was nice, although the walk to town was a bit long and there was no sidewalk.

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Anchorage Review for Sloop Point G13

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

We anchored near R14. The wind was blowing hard. We did not feel there was much wind protection, although with all those houses, there must have been some. We were also not used to the currents and were quite worried when the rode disappeared under the boat in a strange angle. It all worked out well. The anchor held and the road untangled itself when the current reversed. Good cell service to go facetime with family.

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Marina Review for Beaufort Docks Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We were worried about the traffic around Beaufort/Morehead City area, but the staff was great in providing useful information to avoid shoals and in helping us dock. The bathrooms were old, but clean. The marina is at a great location and offers two free beers. We enjoyed the maritime museum. People were very friendly.

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Marina Review for Oriental Marina & Inn

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We were hoping to get the free town dock, but you have to arrive in the morning to get those. So we pulled in Oriental Marina. The docks were in good shape. The ground was pretty. The people were friendly. The bathrooms were clean with plenty of clean towels and toiletries. Oriental was a pretty town with tidy streets.

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Marina Review for R. E. Mayo Seafood Marine Supply

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We only stopped for fuel and shrimp, both of which had the best price anywhere. The people were very nice.

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Marina Review for Belhaven Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

With all the great reviews, we had high expectations for Belhaven Marina. Our experience wasn't entirely positive. It was our first time at the marina and nobody really help us to dock. It was a cold day, but there was no lounge to sit in. There were only two bathrooms and by the time we got to take a shower, there were no clean towels left. They did give us a small discount as we were on the new dock without water or electricity. We had a good meal in a Mexican restaurant nearby.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Tuckahoe Point

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

It's a large anchorage with the shores some distance from the deep water. We arrived on a windy day and could not see how there could be any wind protection. The holding was good though. We were surprised to have very good T-Mobile cell service and did our usual chat with the family.

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Free Dock Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The best experience. Dan Smith, the dockmaster, was extremely nice and welcoming, as were other staff and the students we met. In addition to free docking, we were offered a welcome bag with information about the city and a coupon for a free coffee at a local café. We were also given access to the shower facilities in the gym nearby. Elizabeth City has a very nice library and a good museum.

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Marina Review for Lamb's Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We only stopped by to top up the fuel tank, so cannot comment on the facilities. The staff was friendly. The price was reasonable. It seemed there wasn't much going on nearby.

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Free Dock Review for Douglas Landing

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice dock with heated bathrooms. We were there alone. With a child's helmet on the picnic table and a water bottle on the ground, and the bear warning signs, it felt a bit eerie/creepy. To be fair, it's a very nice place.

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Free Dock Review for High Street Landing

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice free dock right in downtown. There are many restaurants nearby and the old town is very pretty. We were not at all bothered by the ferry landing.

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Marina Review for Jackson Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

New docks are quite a bit higher than the old ones and do not yet have power or water (but we were charged the full price). Nice staff. Good restaurant. A convenient stop going up and down the bay.

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Free Dock Review for Reedville Market Restaurant Dock

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We arrived on a day when the restaurant was closed. I had called earlier and was told that we could use the dock anyway. Reedville is very pretty but really quiet during the week - nothing was open while we were there.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

The mooring balls are convenient but have become very expensive after the steep price increase. No complaints otherwise. The facilities are clean and comfortable.

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