We were unsure of our next destination, but after looking at the weather, we decided a beach stop was the right course. In order to maximize beach time, we took a quick run to Carolina Beach and picked up a mooring ball. Once again, we are traveling on the ICW which has and many stops and attractions along the way, including historic towns, scenic waterways, and beautiful beaches. However, because the waterway is a man-made and maintained waterway, it does require careful navigation and attention to water levels, depth, and channel markers. This segment was one that need particular attention. We had to time the opening of two bridges and transit in between.
One bridge opens on the 30 and hour and one just the hour. For our boat, it takes about 45 minutes to get from bridge 1 to bridge 2. So, if we hit the first on the hour we make the second. Our timing got a little messed up when the Figure 8 bridge opened late. However, the beach was waiting for us, so Three Sons went 10 knots and yes, we caught Wrightsville Beach on the hour. After that, it was smooth cruising into Caroline Beach Mooring Field.
Once settled, we took a dinghy ride to Blackburn Brothers Seafood to pick up some fresh salmon for dinner. Then we loaded the dingy with beach chairs and a cooler and enjoyed a beautiful, relaxing beach day. We enjoyed grilled salmon on the boat and finally Tracy won a game of Bananagrams.
Segment Stats
- Hampstead to Carolina Beach, NC
- Monday, October 30, 2023
- 24.7 Nautical Miles
- Cruising Time: 3h 46 minutes
- Picked up a mooring ball at Carolina Beach Municipal Mooring Field