Working while cruising, especially if you are compulsive, can be difficult. Throw in enticing small towns like Georgetown, South Carolina, where the marina office features a veranda with rocking chairs – locals use them – and the schedule quickly goes out the window. We stopped here to have the folks who make our controls, Glendinning Marine, give their system an inspection. There have been a couple of unexplained glitches that we were hoping to get answers to. But while they were not able to make the time to visit us, we did enjoy meeting a former Sundeer 60 owner, and walking this very inviting town.
Downtown is quiet and looks like a movie set.
There are coffee shops galore, interesting eateries, and universally friendly inhabitants.
We arrived at the beginning of shrimping season, and the catch of the Stormy Seas was on sale adjacent to our dock at Hazzard Marine.
Fresh off the boat demands a quick trip to the table. It was as good as it looks.
Next on the list was Beaufort, North Carolina.
Our anchorage east of town was tight, we barely had room to swing, but oh so lovely.
The marshes adjacent are teaming with wildlife.
Some of which is so close we cannot use our big lens.
There are several knots of current, which sometimes has our rudders in the mud.
And lots of activity going on around us, much of a pleasant nature.
Families are out in force.
And the kids are getting taught about nature up close and personal.
Stand up paddling has made its way here from California.
Lest you think it all peaches and cream weather, we offer the above. Mother Nature has a way of putting on impressive shows. This cloud formation had us watching with the dinghy on deck, and engines warming up.
Beaufort’s waterfront sees the passing of all manner of interesting craft. This one in particular caught our eye. Nice looking cruising yacht, and we bet she will reel off the miles on a passage.
Between working on various FPB related matters, doing a bit of socializing, and exploring what is our favorite ICW town so far, the cruising schedule has fallen by the wayside. We had expected to be in Maine by now, but then boats and schedules rarely mix.
We have not seen many osprey since leaving Florida. The short hop North to Oriental made up for it. There were four active nests on channel markers, off two of which we anchored to observe the comings and goings.
Speaking of anchoring, the hook is presently down near Oriental, North Carolina. We have between nothing and a foot under the keel. Last night the fireworks show took place 300 feet (90m) off our beam. Today was another work day, tomorrow we’ll explore a bit ashore, and then on towards Norfolk.
For a high res slide show click here.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 3, 2011)
July 4th, 2011 at 6:31 am
After dragging various boats both power and sail up and down the ICW for the past 40 years, I’ll totally agree with your assessment that Beaufort, NC is at the top of the list. Not sure if some my favorite “characters” are still there, but you might ask for Jeb the Dockmaster at the City Marina, the “Muffin Lady” who use to bring fresh baked goods around to all and of course the lovely Carol Roop who will lend a helping hand and who knows what, where and how, as well as everyone in that magical town. Did I mention that in the Fall, it is the best jump off spot to the Caribbean? Enjoy.
Capt. Gonzo
July 4th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Sometimes I forget you’re a crusier who designs boats not the other way around! It makes a difference.
I’ve always love the “inland (intercoastal) waterways” of any country, the canals too.
On another subject, here’s some different thinking for a stimulus.
http://www.john-shuttleworth.com/adastra.html
By the by, the latest woodenboat magazine contast was won by a sailing tri.
July 4th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
That black ketch sure looked like a copy of GODSPEED/CONDOR.
July 5th, 2011 at 5:42 am
You are right, Dave:
It is Kondor, close cousin to Beowulf! What a pleasant surprise to see her after all these years.
July 4th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Schedule?
July 5th, 2011 at 5:50 am
Schedule? What schedule, Nancy.
Sans distractions Maine in two weeks .
July 4th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
The osprey photo is unbelievable!
July 5th, 2011 at 5:46 am
Thanks, Nancy:
Even better yesterday, which we will post when we get time.
July 5th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
How many sisterships/cousins to Beowulf were built?
July 5th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Howdy Jim:
Kondor was the only close cousin to Beowulf.
July 5th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
John,
The link to Suttleworth’s latest certainly verifies the fact that there is nothing new on the planet. Fifteen years ago I brought together a design team that did the preliminary design concept for a virtually identical boat. Mike Schatt, a brilliant stylist from Bayliner! did the styling, Kurt Hughes the hull form and structures, and I integrated it into a complete transportation proposal for Puget Sound and San Fransisco Bay. My concept could turn around the vessel at the dock in less than ten minutes, operate on half the fuel and produce 30% of the wake of the competition.
Of course when I presented it to BART and the Wash. State Ferry System 15 years ago the chances of it even being understood let alone being considered were less than absolute zero.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Hi Steve, great blog and I’m following your FPB journeys, new designs and construction with great interest. as a result working hard to make an FPB for me a reality.
by the way, are those cushions on the deck seats of that adastra superyacht strapped down with cableties ready for the North Atlantic? 🙂