Inlets of the Southeast

During Voyage 2000, we spent much of our cruising on the 'outside'. Going South, we left Beaufort NC for Cape Fear; Cape Fear to Charleston, and Saint Augustine to Port Canaveral. Heading North, we left West End (Bahamas) for Fort Pierce, Port Canaveral to St Mary's (Ferandina Beach), Saint Mary's to Cape Fear, and Cape Fear to Beaufort NC. We plan similar excursions on the 'outside' for Voyage 2002. Below is a summary of our findings on entering and leaving these inlets.

Beaufort Inlet (NOAA Chart 11541 and 11545)

An all weather inlet, well marked, with a maximum ebb current of 3 knots. We experienced little commercial shipping either time we entered. Entrance to inlet can be made at G5/R6 in 0-3 foot seas. Otherwise, approach G3/R4 or the sea buoy (RW "BM") before entering. Night approaches are not recommended unless familiar with the Morehead City channel and its surrondings.

Masonboro Inlet (Wrightsville Beach) (NOAA 11541)

NOT an all weather inlet. Breakwaters protect part of the inlet. The breakwaters are submerged during high tide. Inlet passage is not recommended when there are strong NE or SW winds. Significant wind generated side currents have been observed. Should be avoided in the night. The only light marking the inlet is the sea buoy (RW A). Encountered no commercial shipping.

Cape Fear Entrance (Bald Head Shoal Channel)(NOAA 11537)

An all weather albeit quite lumpy entrance when current and wind oppose. Ebb currents can approach 5kts. Vessels traveling from Beaufort NC can use the Frying Pan Slew (marked by RW "SA", 9.5 nm SSE of Bald Head Island). Not recommended for vessels without radar as fog can persist in this area for days. Enter the channel anywhere from the sea buoy (RW "CF") through R4/G5. Favor the East side of the channel as you pass Bald Head Island. Commericial shipping was observed entering and exiting the inlet. Also there is considerable ferry traffic (passenger and construction) between Southport and Bald Head Island during daylight hours. During Voyage 2002, we were approached by USCG an reminded to stay well clear of commercial shipping (we thought we were).

Charleston Harbor Entrance (NOAA 11518)

An all weather entrance with breakwaters protecting the North and South sides of the channel. These breakwaters extend nearly 2.5 miles from the shore and are awash at high tide. during daylight, enter the channel at G7/R8. At night, go to the seabuoy (RW "C") then NW up the channel. On December 29, 1997, at 0215 EST, the S/V Morning Dew apparently confused the channel navigiation lights and struck the North breakwater with a loss of all hands. During Voyage 2002, we noticed that the sea buoy had been moved east of its charted position by over a nm. The lower numbered buoys have also been moved to the east.

Port Royal Sound (NOAA 11480)

An all weather inlet leading to Port Royal and Beaufort SC. Current of 2-3 kts was observed. Comfortable anchorage at Cowen Creek if you don't want to go to Port Royal/Beaufort. Leave/enter the sound seaward of R "4". No commercial traffic was observed.

St Marys Entrance (NOAA 11489)

An all weather inlet with breakwaters protecting the North and South sides of the channel. Breakwaters are awash at high tide. Current rarely exceeds 4 knots. Access to the entrance may be restricted during submarine activity (post 9-11). Enter the channel East of R16A/R17A. Some commercial shipping was observed as was submarine traffic entering and exiting the entrance (pre 9-11). Many of the channel buoys have been renumbered when compared to the charts (Voyage 2002).

St Augustine Inlet (NOAA 11485)

A fair weather inlet not for the faint of heart. Navigation aids in the inlet are not charted as they are moved frequently. Prior to entering or exiting inlet, get local knowledge from Seatow or Towboat US. In early 2001, the guidance was to meet the channel at the sea buoy (RW "STA"), then head approximately WSW favoring heavily the green buoys as you approach land. Once you approach RN "60", follow the ICW. Only recommended at high tide and slack water. Not recommended during resricted visibility. Observed current did not exceed 3 knots. No commercial shipping was observed.

In 2002, the inlet was dredged to over 20 feet across the bar so the inlet can be approached much easier. However, the channel remains narrow and you may be greeted with breakers on the North side of the channel.

Port Canaveral Entrance (NOAA 11476)

Excellent all weather entrance with considerable commercial shipping and cruise ships. Oceangoing southbound vessels should stay clear of the Southeast Shoals in all but calm conditions as the seas can become quite lumpy. Stay east of R2 (28 22.88N 080 25.47W). Once South of R2, head for channel markers G3/R4. Considerable commercial traffic is evident at all times. During the evening hours on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, expect one to 5 cruise ships leaving Port Canaveral. In the morning hours, the same vessels will be enetering the port. Post 9-11 restrictions prohibit any vessel from approaching within 25 feet of any commercial dock and 100 feet around commercial ships. Avoid the three North turning basins at all costs. They were well guarded prior to 9-11. No telling what they are doing now. Access to the ICW is through the Canaveral Barge Canal which consists of one lock and two sets of drawbridges. The barge canal exits at the Indian River Lagoon.

Fort Pierce Inlet (NOAA 11474)

Excellent all weather inlet with currents less than 3 knots. This inlet is too far North if headed for Bahamas (for sail and trawlers) unless Bahamas entry is North of Memory Rock. Good entry point from Bahamas (Grand Bahamas). Lights are somewhat confusng when entering at dark. We did not encounter any commercial shipping even though it is a commercial port. Entry to the inlet is best at Fl R "2" but can be accomplished at R "4" or G "5". We anchored North of the inlet just West of the ICW but South of Rt3 60 bascule bridge.

We received reports that the inlet can be quite nasty when wind and current are opposed (e.g., East winds and an ebbing tide). We heard of standing waves were over three feet at times.