Maiden voyage

[Capt. Sea Fever]

In three weeks my wife and I (newbie power sailors) will be taking out our new (to us) Grand Banks 49 Classic on our maiden voyage. She’s a 49’ trawler, draws 5’, 50w power.

We plan on traveling north up the ICW to Portsmouth, Va. from mile marker 345.....near No. Myrtle Beach, SC

I’m reaching out for some advice. Traveling 7k avg. and wanting to spend a total of three weeks cruising, round trip, what suggestions would you have for marinas, etc.? Is Portsmouth a reasonable destination for this cruise?

Thanks for any advice!

Capt.SeaFever

 

[Comodave]

We have not done that part of the loop yet. Someone will chime in with the info, but in the mean time, good luck with your new baby.

 

[GregBrannon]

Advice? For what?

Have a good depth sounder.

 

[swampu]

You might want to take a few shake down trips first, what’s the 50 w?

 

[caltexflanc]

Get a copy of the Waterway Guide AICW edition and study it, as well as cruisersnet.com and the LNMs

https://www.waterwayguide.com/guide/atlantic-icw
https://cruisersnet.net/

I'd have to say from pretty extensive experience that is the dullest stretch of the ICW in my not so humble opinion. I'd go south myself and spend a week in the Waccamaw River and tributaries. Gunkhole down to Savannah, or better yet St. Marys. if towns are your thing Georgetown, Charleston, Beaufort await you.

But if going north...

Veer off and anchor in Cape Lookout Bight and explore the incredible beaches there
Go to Ocracoke and anchor in Silverlake and enjoy the fun and charming town and beaches. Next Manteo. Turn back around, anchor in beautiful South River. Thence up the Neuse to New Bern, maybe. But you can do that by car easily. There's a lot more but that's a start. Study the above mentioned documents see what sounds good and explore according to your own whims.

GB 49 classic... great boat, chartered one a few times. Have fun!

 

[Capt. Sea Fever]

Get a copy of the Waterway Guide AICW edition and study it, as well as cruisersnet.com and the LNMs

https://www.waterwayguide.com/guide/atlantic-icw
https://cruisersnet.net/

I'd have to say from pretty extensive experience that is the dullest stretch of the ICW in my not so humble opinion. I'd go south myself and spend a week in the Waccamaw River and tributaries. Gunkhole down to Savannah, or better yet St. Marys. if towns are your thing Georgetown, Charleston, Beaufort await you.

But if going north...

Veer off and anchor in Cape Lookout Bight and explore the incredible beaches there
Go to Ocracoke and anchor in Silverlake and enjoy the fun and charming town and beaches. Next Manteo. Turn back around, anchor in beautiful South River. Thence up the Neuse to New Bern, maybe. But you can do that by car easily. There's a lot more but that's a start. Study the above mentioned documents see what sounds good and explore according to your own whims.

GB 49 classic... great boat, chartered one a few times. Have fun!

Thanks caktrxflanc!

 

[Capt. Sea Fever]

Thanks caktrxflanc!

......caltexflanc

sorry....

 

[Nomad Willy]

I’d like to go on a maiden voyage too but can’t find enough maidens.

 

[siestakey]

welcome and please share pics of the adventure