The Crystal Coast

My parents, recently retired, were planning a cruise on their 46’ sloop to the islands this fall. They’ve had the boat for some years and sailed her up and down the northeastern seaboard…as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as their home sailing grounds on the Chesapeake Bay. But this was to be their first true long distance voyage…an itinerary that would take them down the coast to Florida out to St. Thomas U.S.V.I. and points south. Unfortunately, family responsibilities have them delaying the trip until next year but in consolation they’re heading to Beaufort, NC …passing by Morehead City and perhaps doing some cruising in Pamlico Sound. Known as the “Crystal Coast,” this area of seaside North Carolina is severely underrated – which is good news for anyone used to struggling with crowded Northeast anchorages. And of course we can all use some of that down home southern hospitality ;-) Oriental, NC - named after the USS Oriental, a Yankee cargo ship that sank in stormy seas off the Outer Banks in 1862 - is a good sailors destination. Essentially it's the Annapolis of Pamlico without the attitude. Stormy seas are the other side of the coin...the NC coast is well known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic."