Fourth of July Cruise
Cruise Captains: Robert Short & Brenda Camp
(SV Enchantress)
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Lynn and I always look forward to this uniquely beautiful location and have set aside 4 days for our cruise there, even though it is officially a weekend cruise. This will allow us to anchor in Beaufort before heading over to the Cape. Feel free to join us and caravan over.
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 once the cruise starts. We will send out 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.
We will be planning at least one late afternoon potluck hors d’oeuvres and BYOB social on the beach, and an evening sunset and fireworks viewing. Of course, one of the main activities at Cape Lookout is to relax on the beaches either on the Bight or on the Atlantic side, so be sure to bring your beach chairs, coolers, rafts, kayaks and paddle boards if you wish. More specific details will be sent out to all members who sign up as the dates for the cruise approach. We will be communicating via WhatsApp once we set sail, so be sure we have your text information when you sign up.
For first timers to the Cape:
Although not that far from the mainland, Cape Lookout is offshore from Shackleford Banks, with windswept beaches, beautiful night skies and, of course, the Lighthouse. 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 NSA members. 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). However, we will publish slack tide times from Tide Pro for the planned days once we decide on the best weather window.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the Bight.
