ICW Transit, first voyage

[C_Amos]

Looking for any information on the transit I plan to make from the Yorktown VA to Camp Lejeune NC next week.

It will be my first solo trip in the boat (went sailing with the owner for a couple hours last weekend).

My experience is somewhat limited, mostly power and some limited sailing. I know the
ICW is mostly going to be a motor trip,
but I hope to sail on the Pamlico sound.

I have the chart book for VA (on the boat, not in front of me), and have ordered a book on the ICW (hopefully to get here before I leave Friday.)

Ok, I know I am nuts, (my wife tells me that
all the time)

I am thinking the trip will take 5-6 days,
but have no idea how realistic this is.

Looking for the voice of experience.

Thanks in advance!

[gershel]

Hi. From your location it''s fairly straight- forward. The only area to be cautious of is Albermarle Sound. The best guide for the ICW is Skipper Bob''s. You could also go onto his web site for updates on problem areas, which there are many, since the govt.has not allocated funds for dredging this year.
Marc

[C_Amos]

Thanks Marc,

I took a look at ''Skipper Bob''s'' web site, and found some good info right off the bat that I did not have. His ''updates'' give me some of the bridge opening times. My wife found some other ICW guide that she ordered online (overnight shipping) yesterday so hopefully I will have something to go by, but I will look to pick up a copy of for ''Skipper Bob''s'' too.

I got the chart book for NC, and we have our stuff packed.

I have reviewed the USCG''s info and will have a spare outboard with me so I am thinking I should be ok.

Thanks

I am really looking forward to

[GordMay]

An EXCELLENT ICW resource:
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) - by Tom & Pat Dove
has moved to:
http://mysite.verizon.net/tomdove/icw.html

[C_Amos]

Thanks for the help, we made it fine!

Only needed towing off of one of our journeys into the shoals (that was in the channel!)

STAY TO THE GREEN south of Morehead City NC! The Red side of the channel is less then 4'' in places!

We got a bit tossed about on the Albemarle, with 15-20 knot winds, but it was a good trip.

My wife had never sailed before, and my experience mostly dates to summer camp in the late 70''s.

300 miles later, we are safe and the boat is still afloat. What a great trip!

Thanks!