Reviews from Abroad Reach (28)

Anchorage Review for The Basin

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Jun 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

A peaceful anchorage with 360-degree wind and wave protection. Can be a little challenging to enter and exit. Be aware of lobster floats being submerged at the entrance. We usually have someone on the bow to spot. There is also a lot of current at the entrance.

The holding is fantastic with thick mud and shell.

There are several places to go to shore but the best two which are in the SE corner are only accessible near high tide.

Dinghy across the river to Cundys Harbor to Holbrooks for a meal or for their market that has a few groceries.

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Anchorage Review for Enterprise Creek - Enterprise Landing

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

A beautiful anchorage off the Waccamaw river. The holding is great and there is 360 protection from the wind. Very few boats were coming through at the end of March, but I would bet there is significantly more small boat traffic in the fall during bird hunting season because we've seen how busy the nearby boat ramp is during that time. There is some current that can make you sit sideways to the wind but we found it wide enough that it wasn't a problem.

The boat ramp on the other side of the ICW provides shore access for a dog walk or to just stretch your legs. As far as we could tell there wasn't anything other than houses nearby.

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Anchorage Review for Enterprise Creek - Enterprise Landing

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

A beautiful anchorage off the Waccamaw river. The holding is great and there is 360 protection from the wind. Very few boats were coming through at the end of March, but I would bet there is significantly more small boat traffic in the fall during bird hunting season because we've seen how busy the nearby boat ramp is during that time. There is some current that can make you sit sideways to the wind but we found it wide enough that it wasn't a problem.

The boat ramp on the other side of the ICW provides shore access for a dog walk or to just stretch your legs. As far as we could tell there wasn't anything other than houses nearby.

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Anchorage Review for Georgetown - Steelmill Channel

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

This anchorage has great wind protection from all directions but the mud is very very soft so it can take a little extra effort to get the hook to set. We've found that giving it some extra time to settle before backing down works wonders and in four visits we've never dragged once set. The mud is also really smelly and it sticks to the anchor and chain like nothing I've ever seen. Be prepared to spend some time with the washdown hose or a bucket as you bring up the anchor.

Georgetown's waterfront has some really great restaurants and cute shops. Highly recommend getting pastries from Indigo Bakery for breakfast. The Maritime Museum and the Rice Museum are both interesting and worth a visit!

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Anchorage Review for Dewees Creek - Unnamed Creek

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

We've used this anchorage a few times now and we keep coming back because it is one of the few anchorages in this area on the west side of the ICW. The holding is good in mud and shell. It is pretty deep (20-25') so it can be a challenge to anchor where this marker is but there is a wider spot if you turn to the south instead. There is a lot of current so most of the time you will point into the current. There is a small oyster shell beach at the junction with the ICW but be very careful as the shells are sharp, and at low tide the mud can be unstable.

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Anchorage Review for Wappoo Creek

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

We used this anchorage because the bridge was stuck in the closed position for 2.5 hours due to an accident inside the gates. It is very narrow and the current is intense but it is easy in and out and the holding was good. We were able to take our dog to shore at the ramp by the bridge while we waited. I would use this as a daytime hook again in a similar situation but would probably find alternatives for an overnight anchorage.

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Anchorage Review for Steamboat Creek

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Great stopover between Charleston and Beaufort. The holding is great in mud. It is low marshland in all directions but still provides good wind protection as there is very little fetch in any direction. The current does run strong through here so you will point into the current, not the wind. The boat ramp offers great access to shore and the road leading to it makes for a great and scenic dog walk. The stars here are so bright! Some of the darkest skies we've seen south of NC.

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Anchorage Review for Page Island - New River

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Large anchorage right off the ICW and inside a no-wake zone. The holding is great in mud. There isn't a lot of wind protection but waves will really only build from the W-NW and the fetch isn't that far. There is a great place to go ashore at the boat ramp across the ICW. We rented a golf cart from Daufuskie Life and they brought it right to us at the boat ramp. A very cool island to explore!

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Anchorage Review for Factory Creek

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

We've used this anchorage many times over the years and love it, but when we came through in March 2023 there were a lot more long-term boats taking up most of the anchorage. The area to the west of the launch ramp but before the cable area is the best spot.

Pros--The holding is great and it is protected from almost every wind angle. Winds from the west can make it a little choppy especially when the wind opposes the current but still not bad. It is an easy dinghy ride to the Beaufort waterfront free dock so you can explore the town. The launch ramp provides easy shore access closer to the anchorage. There is a Publix about a mile down the road.

Cons--While it is in a no-wake zone you'll find that there are still quite a few small boats buzzing around. The road noise is also pretty loud.

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Marina Review for Thunderbolt Marine

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a great stop for exploring Savannah and the surrounding area! The staff is helpful with lines coming in which is good because there can be a lot of current. Our stay on March 20th, 2023 was the first time we've been on an inside and not on the face dock which made getting in and out a little tricker as a sailboat with no bow thrusters but we managed even during unfavorable (albeit close to slack) current. The docks are large floating docks with many cleats. The marina is in a no-wake zone, however, there can be the occasional wake that affects those on the outside of the face dock. During three separate visits, we have seen marine patrol pulling folks over so it's surprising how often this still happens.

The bathrooms are clean, and as a plus, each shower/toilet room has a separate lockable door which is always appreciated. There are two washers and two dryers that worked well and were $1.50 a load.

I am sorry to the bearer of bad news, but the local Krispy Kreme has closed so no more donuts. But we were pleasantly surprised to have access to a courtesy car! We were able to take it the short distance to a Publix to stock up on some groceries.

An Uber downtown is about $15 (before tip) and definitely worth it! The city is beautiful and there are many great restaurants. We had a great brunch at the Collins Quarter on this trip! And the famous Leopold's Ice Cream is a must-try!

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Anchorage Review for Duplin River

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Good holding and anchor came up very clean. Exposed to the S/SW. Make sure to anchor past the ferry dock as they really move and throw a pretty large wake. There is a small dock on the south side of the ferry dock to tie up to and take a dog to shore. Not a lot nearby but did the trick for a dog-friendly stop!

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Anchorage Review for Frederica River (North)

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Great anchorage if you want to visit the Fort Frederica park. The hold is good in mud. We typically anchor to the west of the fort but there is space to the south as well. While there is very little fetch in this area there isn't a lot of wind protection from any direction except E. There is also a lot of current and unless there is significant wind you will point into the current which will keep you centered in the channel.

The park is really nice for a walk, and we enjoyed the ranger talk. The dock to get to shore is only available mid-tide and higher. Be careful you don't get stranded at low because there are several feet of mud exposed between the river and the ladder at low tide.

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Anchorage Review for Cumberland Island

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Cumberland Island itself gets this a five star review. The anchorage is pretty exposed, especially from the South but even when the wind was 15-20 out of the NW we were bouncing quite a bit. The holding is very good in sandy mud. There is also quite a bit of current.

The reason to put up with all of the above is because the island is magical. Many beautiful walking trails, visit the Dungeness ruins, and spot the feral horses. The park rangers offer short tours, and there are several other tours of the island offered by outside companys. The NPS also has an app that has two self guided tours, one for the Dungeness area, and the other for the River Trail. The beach is stunning and because of the remote nature of the island practically empty.

NOTE--As of March 16, 2023, the normal dinghy docks are closed at both Sea Camp and Dungeness. They have opened one small area on the inside of the south dock at Sea Camp for dinghies/private boats to tie up. It is marked with blue paint. Do not block the area marked with red on the inside, or the ferry dock on the outside. There is currently no landing dinghys at Dungeness at all.

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Anchorage Review for Bells River Entrance

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Anchoring in this area beats the mooring ball banging on the hull when the wind opposes the current. There is a lot of current (we've seen upwards of 2 knots), and there is also not a lot of wind protection from any direction except east. Low salt marsh does not provide much wind protection but there isn't a lot of fetch for the waves to build. However, in a north or south wind the channel between the anchorage and shore can get choppy making getting to shore a wet experience. Also, the western area of this anchorage is outside of the no wake zone and during the day many small boats came very close at high speed. Certainly not the most relaxing anchorage.

The town is wonderful. Many great restaurants and shops. Amelia Island Coffee makes for a great breakfast, Akari Sushi was great, and the Tavern by AIBC has both great food and drinks.

We were disappointed to learn that the bus that used to run out to the grocery store is only available on Saturdays and you must call to have them come get you. We decided to take an uber and while finding a ride out was easy, it was a challenge to find a ride back with few drivers operating in the area. But Walmart and Winn-Dixie are in the same plaza which is convenient.

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Anchorage Review for Black Point Settlement

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Black point is a great stop for cruisers! The anchorage has good protection from NE-S but in a SE-S winds you will get some wrap-around swell that can make it a bit rolly. Great holding in sand. The mail boat does come through the anchorage on a line running NW from the town dock so try to avoid that area while anchoring.

Not a place I would necessarily swim as we saw quite a few bull sharks during our week here, and the town dock regularly has fish being cleaned.

The sand bar/beach to the east is a great place to run a dog at low tide but just be careful if you go ashore there at high tide, you could end up carrying the dinghy quite a distance.

The laundromat here is the best we've used in the Bahamas,and the food at both Black Point Yacht Club and Emerald Sunset View is great. You should also check out the blow hole around mid -tide. It's a great one!

There is RO water and trash available at the town dock, and a donation to the local school is requested for their use. Overall this is a very cruiser friendly settlement!

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Anchorage Review for Pine Island Loop

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

This anchorage is pretty close to as far north as you can anchor before getting to the Palm Valley stretch. There is a decent amount of current and you will swing with tide changes. It is also exposed to wake from the ICW, but after sundown it was very quite. Holding was just ok, it took a little extra work to get our 55lb Mantus to grab but once it did it was very good. Judging by what was on the anchor the next morning there is just a lot of oysters on the bottom that the anchor needed to get through.

We had no issue entering or exiting and found the Navionics sonar charts to be a very accurate representation of depths. Start your entry at R26 and head NE until level with G25 before turning more E.

There were quite a few crab pots but they thinned out as we went further in.

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Anchorage Review for Memorial Bridge Southeast - Daytona

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

About as good as anchorages in Daytona get. Exposed from the SE to SW. The anchorage is technically with in a slow speed minimum wake zone but does occasionally have a few wakes. Both the north and south entrances have 7+ feet of water at low. Enter between R40 and G43, or to the north following the instructions in the description. Great holding in heavy clay/shell. You will swing with current if there isn't much wind.

Road noise from the bridge is some of the worst we've experienced with many very loud motorcycles at all hours.

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Anchorage Review for Titusville Down-By-The-River!

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

The entrance to this anchorage has shoaled some since the last time we used it. We saw 4.8 feet while following the deepest water we could find on the Navionics sonar chart. The sonar chart is accurate as to the placement of the bar coming in, but it is slightly more shallow (as of March 8th, 2023). Good protection from NW-E winds and would probably be fine in SE as well.

The mud is soupy (and stinky), so you have to give the anchor a chance to settle in before backing down, we initially were very slowly dragging but with a little extra scope and some time to settle, our 55-pound Mantus held well in 15 knots of wind at 7:1 scope.

We've used this anchorage twice and only seen one, very slow-moving train. There is quite a bit of small boat traffic in the late evening and early morning, but generally quite with dolphins and lots of birds!

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Anchorage Review for Bonds Cay

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Good holding in sand with grass and good protection from the NE to S. There is slightly more water than charted with 7-8 feet in most of the area.

Getting a dinghy to shore can be a bit of a challenge as the beach is pretty rocky at the shoreline.

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Anchorage Review for Hoffmans Cay West

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Great anchorage with a lot to do nearby. Holding is great in sand with some grass. Good protection from NE-SE and one of the few anchorages in this area not prone to swell. Hoffmans itself has a great blue hole, the beach is beautiful, and there are several small coral heads off the beach. The small lagoon has lots of sea turtles!

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Anchorage Review for Cistern Cay (southwest)

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

This anchorage provides the best protection for south component winds on the west side of Great Harbour. It is good in NE-S winds. The holding is good in sand with grass.

There is a great little beach to bring the dog to shore and relax with a few shaded spots.

There can be a lot of boat traffic during the morning and late afternoon as the boats ferry employees out to the cruise ship islands. There are also some jetskis from the cruise ship islands so it's not the most peaceful anchorage.

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Marina Review for Great Harbour Cay Marina

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We were just planning to use the marine to clear in with customs and immigration, but after some engine issues we asked if they could accommodate us with late notice and they managed even though they were very busy which was very much appreciated. They also have the processes with customs and immigration nailed down, we had many boats checking in the same day, and it was a holiday, and while it took a while it was an easy process right at the marina.

The staff is friendly and helpful with lines, the bathrooms are clean, and the weekly BBQ and pizza nights are a nice touch. The marina is walkable to the beach and there are bikes that will get you into town if you want to grab a few provisions.

It is nice that they have free washdown water as well as the option for RO water at the slips.

Diesel and Gasoline are available but not at the marina, it is a separate fuel dock close to the cut to enter the inner harbor.

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Marina Review for Vero Beach City Marina

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Mar 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Vero Beach is a great stop before busy south Florida. Before you can head to a mooring ball they will ask you to go to the fuel dock to get a pump out. Be prepared to raft up on the mooring balls, especially during peak migration season. The north mooring field is quiet and has very little boat traffic, while the south field has some wakes from the ICW (it is a slow speed minimum wake zone but there are those going too fast) and some road noise from the bridge. It is well protected from all directions. The boater community here is fantastic with a daily cruisers net and weekly events. The bathrooms are clean, and while the laundry facilities are a little run down they are certainly usable. The best part of Vero Beach is the free bus that will take you to the beach, the farmers market (on saturdays), and to groceries. The area around the marina is pretty quiet traffic wise so it allows for nice walks through the neighborhood, and there is a dog park next door!

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Anchorage Review for Oriental - Neuse River

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

This is a small anchorage. There is only room for about 6 boats if the channel is to remain clear and even that is tight. Keep in mind that the shrimp boats will leave and arrive at all hours so do not block their ability to get to their docks. If you can get behind the breakwater this is pretty protected from all directions but if you are closer to the bridge it will be exposed from SE to SW. If your air draft allows the anchorage on the other side of the bridge is better protected. There is some small boat wake.

There are two nice dinghy docks, one close to the anchorage and the other is down by the free docks. The Bean is great for a hot coffee in the morning, and we had a great meal at Barcos Food Company on the waterfront. Inland Waterway Provisions is a great small marine store and gift shop. They have a small consignment section toward the back that can have some nice finds. We had a couple of delicious beers at the New Village Brewery.

The Piggly Wiggly here is small but they have packed a lot in with a wide selection! it is about a mile walk but they provide a shuttle that can drive you back. Inland Waterway Provisions also offers free bikes, many of which have baskets for a grocery run.

Overall a very cruiser-friendly town!

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Anchorage Review for Pungo River - Pantego Creek

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Great holding and great protection during a NE blow, but can be a little exposed and bumpy with winds above 15 knots from the E to SE and NW. We rode out the remnants of Hurricane Nicole here and saw 30 knots out of the SE, it was pretty bumpy but the anchor never budged. The anchor came up with very thick mud.

Great free dingy dock for getting to town and the streets are very walkable with sidewalks. Spoon River has some of the best food on the whole ICW! The ACE Hardware store is very well stocked and has some marine supplies as well. If you stop between Thanksgiving and Christmas the train display is very cute and worth a stop in!

Groceries are a bit of a walk (a flat 1.5 miles from the dinghy dock) but it's a well-stocked Food Lion. There is an auto parts and liquor store next door to the Food lion as well. A huge shout out to Radcliff Marine who was able to get us a new fuel pump for our dingy in just three days. They were amazing to work with and would highly recommend them if you have a need for outboard parts/maintenance.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Tuckahoe Point

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Tuckahoe point is a beautiful anchorage with great holding but can be a little bit exposed if winds are from the NE to E. Depth makes the entrance narrow between G49 and R52 but it does open up to a large space of 7-10 feet of water. Tucking in further will give you better protection from the wake of boats on the ICW.

There is shore access for a pet walk but it requires a little over 2-mile dinghy ride. If you head west up the bay on the north side there is a small canal marked with small buoys. At the end of the canal there is a boat ramp with a dock to tie up to. It's a beautiful ride through the swamp!

No cell reception for Verizon or T-Mobile.

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Anchorage Review for Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Nice well protected anchorage with a little exposure to the Northeast that is easily rectified by moving to the north side of the river. Some minor wakes from small boats headed up and down the river. Easy dinghy ride to the Mid Atlantic Christian docks which makes for an easy walk into town. One downside is with winds out of the N or NW the waste water treatment plant can be a little smelly.

Two great breweries (Seven Sounds and Ghost Harbor) and great food at Hoppin Johnz. The Museum of the Albermarle is really well done and provides a lot of information about the area's history.

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Free Dock Review for Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Nice free dock. Be prepared to raft with others, the night we were there it was four boats deep. Free water but it's been moved to under the dock so it's a little hard to find. It's on the north end of the dock. The restrooms are clean for being a highway rest stop. The Dismal Creek State Park on the other bank is a must-visit and the short and easy boardwalk hike is fun! Plenty of trails on both sides to walk a dog or stretch your legs!

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