Manteo & Roanoke Island

[Brent]

Here is a question for those who have sailed the North Carolina Outerbanks.

It seems to me there might be a very fine sailing trip coming up sailing through the Outer Banks area. The basic plan might be to visit the Alligator River area, Manteo & the Raonoke Island Festival Park, and then camp along the shores of Hatteras. Perhaps making a large circlular tour over the period of about a week.

I know how to conduct myself in the primitive areas, but would like to know if the Manteo & Roanoke Island area is friendly to small craft looking for a place to land to take in the waterfront and park, catch a meal, then perhaps slip away to camp on the hook for the night.

Any experience to share here? Any marinas in the area that could be recommended as a good place to launch from and provide security for the vehicle while away for a while? Any must do dining experiences?

[Roanoke Islander]

Good afternoon, Brent.

I live on Roanoke Island and it is very boater friendly. There are five public launch ramps on the island and several others just across the bridges in Mann's Harbor and at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. There are also several commercial marinas at which to launch your boat.

Festival Park is on it's own small island called Ice Plant Island that forms one side of Manteo's waterfront. A replica of a sixteenth century English square rigged bark is home ported at Festival Park and on Manteo's waterfront is one of the North Carolina Maritime Museum's boathouses.

Next to the Museum is public (free) docking at the pier that leads to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. You can walk to anything in Manteo from this point.

There are a lot of places to anchor off for the night all over the area's sounds (bays to some) that are private and protected from weather. Shallow draft is a big plus in this area.

PM me if I can be of any assistance to you as I could help with vehicle storage and etc.

Have a great day,

Tom

[Guest]

Please let me know what time frame you are talking about. It maybe that I can venture up and take a day or so and do a trip with you with my hull.

[Dale Niemann]

Brent,

I too would be interested in a trip like you describe if you would like company. (that is if I can ever get my CS 17 done). I am now shooting for Christmas. Everything takes 3 times as long as I think it should.

This is my first year of retirement so I should generally be able to fit a trip into my "busy schedule". I have been busier now than when I was working.

[Brent]

Thanks for the input Tom.

Having a few friends for the forum join in would be an added bonus to this trip. I think that would be grand. This is most likely an April/May event on my calendar - exact time will have to be set later.

So Dale you have a short while to get the boat launched and through sea trials! I'll count you in too Oyster.

[Dale Niemann]

Thanks Brent for the invite. Please keep us informed as to your plans.

The only thing I know of going on during the period you mentioned is the Big Cedar Key, FL messabout. I think it is on the weekend of May 6-7 next year. It is usually the first weekend in May. It is a great event. I have attended for many years and it is a lot of fun with many different boats attending.

I was hoping to see several B&B designs there next year. Maybe you all could make it down to FL to attend it.

[Brent]

I have heard of the Ceday Key event, and have been tempted to make the trip.

I am not at all familiar with the area and logistics around Cedar Key. Tell me where you would launch and how would you go about meeting up with the event.