August Cruising Outlook

Our cruising plans continue to run into weather issues, but like good sailors, we have been adapting as we go. Six boats made it to Belhaven for the Dog Days Cruise, July 10-12, from an original list of 12, and the weather turned beautiful. We toured the old River Forest Manor and enjoyed a socially distanced gathering on the veranda. And, after a week’s postponement due to Hurricane Isaias (pronounced “that hurricane”), most registered boats were heading to River Dunes last weekend for our Lazy Days Cruise.

The registration for our popular Labor Day Cruise to Ocracoke, Sept. 4-7 – 33 boats as of last Friday – reflects an optimism that we are going to pull off at least one cruise without a hitch this season. The Anchorage Inn Marina was able to set aside 17 slips for the club. Those slips were filled within the first day and a half after registration opened on July 7. Another six boats requesting a slip remain on a waiting list. And we have 10 boats indicating they will either anchor in Silver Lake or go into the National Parks Service docks, which are first-come, first-served.

Cruise Captain Chuck Gordon will be communicating with the fleet about plans for socially distanced gatherings at Ocracoke and other information. Make sure you are “subscribed” to the Labor Day Cruise Forum on the website so you don’t miss anything. You can also use the Forum to learn when others are leaving. I have two requests for buddy boats. And suffice it to say, we will practice safety while together on the island. Please bring your mask and maintain an appropriate distance from others. And plan to BYOE, Bring Your Own Everything, e.g., food and drink, to all socials. We’ve learned we can do these things and still have a good time.

On the horizon also are the Fall Cruise to the  West Bay anchorage, Oct. 9-11. Once again, Scott Westwood and Sandra Emerson, s/v Aphrodisiac, have agreed to be our cruise captains. And our final cruise of the year, our Halloween Cruise, to the Galley Stores Marina in New Bern, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. John Messer and Pat Thomier, are our cruise captains. Registration is open for all remaining cruises this year.

I hope to see you on the water!

Robert and I have learned that the best way to meet and get to know people in the NSA is to jump in and participate in the bridge!

We are looking for a tech savvy individual or couple to work with us for the rest of the year to learn about taking care of the website and doing the monthly newsletter.  We've enjoyed our two years at the helm of technology and are ready to share with others as we will be going cruising this winter!  Please contact us if you're willing/able to support the organization as Vice Commodore of Communications.

We also love having members share stories of their adventures on the water in the monthly newsletter.  If you have a good story to share or just want us to join you on your adventures, please consider writing an article and sending it to me around the first of the month.