Anchorage Review for Prentice Creek

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 30, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Good overnight spot while heading north from Hampton, VA to Annapolis. Easy in/out from the Bay. There is good wind protection from all sides, except probably the east. The day we came in, the waves on the bay were 2-3' from the SSE with winds in the high teens to low twenties. Some of the swell did make it to the anchorage. The anchor held really well. The sunrise was beautiful. We didn't try to go ashore anywhere.

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Free Dock Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 26, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stayed here for one night while headed north and we were the only boat on the bulkhead. The bulkhead was in very good condition, with cleats on each piling. It was a short walk to town, with tons of restaurants and bars. Other reviews mentioned access to MACU facilities but we didn't see how to take advantage of that. We did register our stay at rose-buddies.com. Highly recommend this sto.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Deep Point

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 24, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We have anchored in this area a few times and our anchor held well. The most recent time, we were headed north but the Alligator River swing bridge was closed for heavy north winds. We came back to this anchorage and were well protected from the waves. Barges do transit this area so we are mindful of staying clear of the channel. We didn't go ashore so can't say if it's pet friendly or not.

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Anchorage Review for Pungo River G23

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 24, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Excellent anchorage. Anchor held on first try and stayed put in 30 kts of north wind. Very scenic and quiet. Easy on/off the ICW. There was one other boat but room for many more. At this time of year, there were a few crab pots but easily avoided.

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Marina Review for Oriental Marina & Inn

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen , Katoomba, on Mar 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We had read in the waterway guide that this was one of the few spots on the Neuse River to get diesel. Although we ended up staying at the free dock #2, we got gas and fuel here. Joe, the dockhand, was excellent. He gave excellent directions as we came in and was helpful getting us tied up for diesel and water. He was also knowledgeable about the area. The tiki bar had good cheap drinks. The location is super convenient.

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Free Dock Review for Oriental Town Dock #2 - Free Dock

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We took advantage of the 48 hour free dock limit to explore Oriental. It is right next to the Oriental marina fuel dock. After getting fuel and water, we literally threw our lines over to the free dock pier to get tied up. As noted in other reviews, it's best to go bow in as it is shallow by the bulkhead.

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Marina Review for Harbour Village Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen , Katoomba, on Mar 20, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is an easy in and out from the ICW. The fuel dock is conveniently located and has a floating dock to tie up to. We are a sailing catamaran with a 22' beam and had no trouble.

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Anchorage Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 20, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We stopped here headed north. It's a great anchorage and very good for staging for the Onslow Bridge, which as of 3/20/26, opens only at the top of the hour during the day. Anchor held well in 10-12 knot southerly winds. There were two other boats and room for several more.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Beaufort

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen , Katoomba, on Mar 14, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This marina is easy to access right off the ICW. There's a large TDock with fuel and pump out. It's a short walk to the lovely downtown area. The marina is clean and secure. Laundry is only $2/load. The tidal current is very strong but dockhands were available to assist.

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Anchorage Review for Stono River R22

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 14, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We stayed here one night while headed north to Charleston, SC. We anchored here because we would be arriving at the Wappo Creek Bridge on a weekday when it doesn't open in the late afternoon and we didn't want to arrive in Charleston after dark. Our anchor held well in the tidal current. There is a small public dock nearby but we didn't go ashore.

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Anchorage Review for Moon River

Reviewed by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 11, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We spent one night here, arriving late afternoon. It's a decent anchorage a few miles north of Hell Gate. There were a few small power boats going in and out. It wasn't too windy and anchor held well in the tidal current.

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Bridge comment on Islands Expressway Bridge

Comment by: Gaye Bugenhagen, Katoomba, on Mar 11, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

There is still on going construction at the new bridge, with barges taking up half the channel. The barge had moved out of the way to allow a cruise ship through and we passed right after that. We would not have fit if the barge was still there. We are a sailing catamaran with a 22' beam. We went at low tide and had plenty of clearance for our mast.

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