Reviews from Robert Graham (26)

Anchorage Review for Morehead City - Sugar Loaf Island (south)

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 25, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Morehead City was quite the adventure for us with strong current and opposing strong wind. The anchorage itself is okay - it is right off the ICW so you're bound to be rocking a bit. I will say however that the holding was great. We swung all over our anchor at high speeds and held strong. There were 2-3 boats here with us so make sure you have 360 room to swing in poor weather. In good weather this would be a good anchorage. Dinghy docks on the other side of the island and a fee at the marina to use facilities. Would only stay here again in fair weather.

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Marina Review for Belhaven Marina

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Belhaven Marina is a class act. Staff was very helpful with docking and were super friendly. For one of the cheapest marinas on the ICW, they don't cheap out! The facilities were great and they even have a golf cart to take for provisioning. Our only complaint is the power pedestal was only 50 amp - would recommend going to the town dock (which is essentially at the marina) if you need 30amp. Be sure to head to ICW Brewing for a beer or two.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Newport News Point

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

We stayed one night here and it was lovely. Albeit, the wind was negligible and traffic was light. This anchorage is huge with 8-12 feet for a long time - you could find a way to protect yourself from anything but a North wind. The stars were incredible at night. We would certainly stay here again.

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Anchorage Review for North River - Buck Island (South)

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

We stayed here for one night and anchored in around 9 feet of water and held great. We did have some winds from the west which created some chop but the wind died at night and it was beautiful. The fleet of large power boats had us rolling pretty good in the morning, but overall, this is a good spot for calm weather. Clean anchor when pulled up.

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Anchorage Review for Pungo Ferry Landing

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

This is essentially a number of pilings still in the water from an old dock. However, still a good place to tie on to. We were there with 3 other boats and there was room for one more small boat. I recommend trying to use the pilings parallel with the channel. If using the perpendicular pilings, hug the pilings tight as we hit bottom with a 5' draft trying to sneak further in as we didn't know if there was enough room with the boat already tied up. Not terribly protected but definitely a spot we'd stop again!

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Free Dock Review for High Street Landing

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great dock in a seemingly safe and friendly part of town. We were packed tight with 4 other boats. Be sure to tie your buoys well as the tide is fairly significant causing movement on the pilings. Cheap ferry into Norfolk at the free dock was very convenient. For a fee we used the facilities at a neighbouring marina. Excellent spot if you are able to squeeze in and aren't in need of power or water.

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Anchorage Review for Mill Creek-Phoebus

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Very large anchorage with good depths. It was quite busy during cruising season but lots of room nonetheless. Town dinghy dock on the far side of the low bridge. Groceries and restaurants in town. Great place to stop before starting the ICW.

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Anchorage Review for Fleets Bay - Little Bay

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 6, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Very large anchorage with a range of depths. Watch for protruding pilings entering. We did not see any crab pots as mentioned prior. Easy dinghy to the beach - be sure to check out Club Scandals. Would certainly stay here again.

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Anchorage Review for Mill Creek - Solomons

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 6, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

This was a very pleasant anchorage. Many cruisers stopped for the night here. We anchored in 10' of water. We had to set it twice but once set was excellent. We didn't dinghy to shore but it seemed there was ample opportunity to if you desire.

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Marina Review for Front Forty Mooring Field (Annapolis City Dock)

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 6, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We stayed here 3 nights to wait out heavy wind and rain and we had no issue. There were lots of boats but no problems navigating the field. 22 dinghy docks in Annapolis makes this the perfect cruising town. $35 per night at this field, $25 on the field at the other side of the bridge. This covers bathrooms and shower. Some wake from larger boats however did not bother us.

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Free Dock Review for Rock Hall Harbor

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 6, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We saw 7.5ft entering the channel. The harbour is well marked and the dock was great. We docked on the lower dock without issue and stayed the night. Locals were very friendly and offered a drive to locations in town. Would certainly stay here again!

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Anchorage Review for Cape May Harbor East

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 2, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Great anchorage to spend before hitting either the Atlantic or the Delaware. Just be weary of the Coast Guard dock and their restrictions. Great holding and can get to town easily via dinghy dock. Would certainly stay here again.

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Anchorage Review for Atlantic City

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 2, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Great spot to stop for a night with good holding. We didn't go to shore however there is a dinghy dock or two. Current was reasonably strong and there was some rolling in the morning from boats headed out.

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Marina Review for Captain Bill's Landing

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Nov 2, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Captain Bill's is a good spot to stop for a night. Very reasonable fuel and dock prices. Getting into the pilings can be tricky with current. We did touch bottom at low tide with our 4.75 draft. Bathroom open during open hours however we were told they were getting more bathrooms next year. Beware leaving the channel in the morning as many other boats make it quite rough.

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Anchorage Review for Atlantic Highlands - Municipal Harbor

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 29, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

What a beautiful anchorage! Very spacious and good holding, great spot to stage for the Atlantic. Dinghy dock is free and $5 for showers and bathrooms. There is also a great restaurant/bar on the water. No laundry but there is a grocery store that was a quick uber. Public transit was also great and affordable to check out Sandy Hook and the beach. Nothing but good things at this anchorage - we stayed on the south side of it, closer to shore. The only thing to add is an E wind might stir the water up and make some good chop.

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Anchorage Review for Liberty State Park

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 29, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

The anchorage itself was quite good. We held well in strong winds and 4ft tide changes. There were many boats in the anchorage, many of which showed no signs of human presence over the 3 nights we spent there. There are signs on the boat launch dock that say no dinghy tie up or access to shore via the dock. If you're interested in seeing the city, I recommend going farther south to Atlantic Highlands anchorage. You can ferry from there and it is certainly cheaper than staying at a marina in NYC. If you're just looking for an anchorage for the night, this will certainly do!

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Anchorage Review for Haverstraw Harbor

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 23, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

This is one of the best anchorage's on the Hudson. We kept to the middle of the channel and saw 8-9ft depths with the tide having started to rise. Depths inside the harbour are nothing to worry about, we anchored in 12ft. Very well protected and room for a number of boats. It appears you could dinghy to the park however we didn't investigate. Would certainly stop here again for a quiet night.

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Anchorage Review for Port Ewen

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 23, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Was a little challenging to get into the anchorage as previous reviews have mentioned. We didn't have any issues with the charted dangerous rocks or submerged dolphins. We came in through the south side of the anchorage which worked well for us. We did have a NE wind which churned up quite the chop making for a wavy night. Would really only stay here if you have to due to exposure and risk. However, definitely works in a pinch.

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Marina Review for Hop-O-Nose Marina

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 23, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Good spot to put the mast up after the canal system. The creek going into the marina had 40ft+ depth and there were a number of boats anchored in the creek. Mast service is first come first serve. They did just about everything themselves and worked very timely. I would certainly return here for mast services.

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Free Dock Review for Coxsackie Riverside Park Town Dock

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Very nice aluminum dock however likely 80-100ft. Beautiful park right beside a restaurant and bar. A little wavy but nothing to complain about. I would suspect more waves with a N or S wind. There is an outhouse in the park but otherwise a quiet spot.

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Free Dock Review for Waterford Harbor Visitor Center

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Perfect spot before or after the canal system. $10 power overnight and $5 for bathroom and shower. Gas station nearby and groceries in a 20 minute walk. Stayed overnight without any issue. Would definitely stay here again.

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Free Dock Review for Lock E7, Vischer Ferry, Erie Canal

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

We docked in the bay on the south side of the dock. As previous reviews mentioned there was a metal pillar on the side of the dock just below the water line. We doubled our bumper boards and had no issues. Nothing around but we found it a fine spot to stay before the last few locks.

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Free Dock Review for Lock E15, Fort Plain, Erie Canal

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Very acceptable dock. There is access to power however only one pedestal. They had an outhouse at the lock as well. There isn't too much around however you can walk into town along the bike trail. Lockmaster greeted us in the morning to have the lock ready for us.

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Free Dock Review for Bellamy Harbor Park

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Good but small dock at the west side of the wall. Beware it was quite shallow - we saw 5ft on the depth sounder by the red buoys on the west side of the wall. The east side of the wall is practically unusable at this point making power inaccessible. There is a carded bathroom you can use on the far side of the bridge but you will have to call the number on the sign. Previous reviews mentioned crowds of homeless however we did not experience this.

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Free Dock Review for Brewerton Town Dock

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Very large and excellent dock. We easily docked on the canal side and did not have any problems. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite and a drink. There is also a gas station about a 5 minute walk away. Otherwise a quiet spot to stay before or after crossing Lake Oneida.

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Marina Review for Oswego Marina

Reviewed by: Robert Graham on Oct 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great stop to put your mast down. Very affordable and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly! We stayed 2 nights to work some kinks out and enjoyed our stay. Restaurants within walking distance, Walmart 30 minute walk or a short taxi away. Well kept bathroom with showers - coin laundry.

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