DESTINATION
OCRACOKE ISLAND
Ocracoke Island lies just below Hatteras Island as part of the Outer
Banks of North Carolina. Marine facilities are located in the village
surrounding Silver Lake at N35 06.861. W75 59.20
DISTANCE
from Fairfield Harbour is approximately 60nm.
DESCRIPTION
The island is about 13 miles long with most of the population residing
in the village surrounding the lake. The primary industry is tourism.
The island is serviced by Ferries from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.
There is also Ferry service between Ocracoke Island and Hatteras island
to the North. Fishing is the second industry with a good proximity to
the Gulf Stream. The Ocracoke Inlet is a short run to the south of the
village.
MARINA ACCOMMODATIONS
Anchorage Inn Marina, 125 slips, 50 amp electric 252 928 6661 National
Park Service Docks, 16-20 along side dock 50 amp electric, 252 928 7490
no reservations, no showers
RESTAURANTS
Many to choose from (in tourist season), including Back Porch, Pelican,
Howard’s Pub. Several good ice cream shops too.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Neuse River and Pamlico Sound to Big Foot Slough Channel leading to
Silver Lake. The mouth of the Neuse and the whole of the Pamlico Sound
are vulnerable to strong winds due to the open conditions and shallow
depths. Heavy chop will develop in a short time. The sound
is especially susceptible to a NorthEast blow. Traffic in the
channel to the Island includes ferries in and out bound. Ferry
Captains have been known to be helpful to private craft in distress or
heading for trouble, but captains should give a wide berth to their
travel. Ferries give the Royal Shoal a wide berth and you should too.
INTERIM STOPS
may include Oriental Harbour with a good anchorage and service from two
Marinas and some good restaurants.
Lower Broad Creek is a favorite anchorage with good protection from
the North winds. Crab pots will likely be a hazard to your route in the
anchorage and in the channel as well.
CHARTS:
NEUSE RIVER 11552 PAMLICO SOUND 11548 and 11550
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Ocracoke is fun to visit almost any time of the year except when it is
scalding hot. But the wind does blow most of the
time providing a breeze. The village is a great place for a Bike
(rentals are available too). The grocery, ABC, and beach are
a bit of a walk. A nice dinghy trip is down to the inlet to swim or
play in the water.
Anchoring in the Silver Lake: plenty of space to swing with good
access to a dingy dock at the National Park
Service docks. Be sure to set her
good: the mud is deep and beware of buried gear that
could keep her from digging in properly. Old
timers say that "when it starts to blow Northeast, it will blow
for at least three days". That is true.
WEBSITE
http://www.ocracoke-nc.com |
