Anchorage Review for Cumberland Island

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Nov 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

This was our southbound last anchorage before Florida to end hurricane season. It was actually pretty busy with 20 or so boats, but there was still room for several more.

The anchorage is rather narrow - probably worth doing a Bahamian mooring if you intend to stay for a few tidal changes. But the holding was very good on our single Rocna.

Pay very close attention to your charts. There's a huge area that looks like good anchoring and swing room but is actually quite shallow, much of which is actually exposed at low tide.

There's wind protection from the east but that's about it.

We had a few boats come through creating substantial wake, but most people seemed to slow down for the anchored boats and throttle back up once they cleared the area.

Cell service was good enough to stream video.

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Marina Review for Old Point Comfort Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Oct 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Cheap fuel and friendly helpful staff.

But that fuel dock is TINY. Our 43' catamaran seemed to be about all it could handle. I would not take a big boat in there. And I would be very careful about docking with any weather complications.

This review is specifically for the fuel dock. We did not stay at the marina.

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Anchorage Review for Mill Creek-Phoebus

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Oct 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We used this as a day anchorage for a few hours. There is quite a lot of city noise, especially from the bridge, and the construction being done there now.

The holding was very good, but it is rather open to wind. We had a minor amount of current flow, and a bit of wake from passing boats but they were all operating respectfully slow.

The anchorage area is pretty large and would take quite a few boats to fill it. There were only two other boats here while we were here.

You're in the city - cell coverage is great.

We were told that there might be cables on the bottom, but there's nothing on the maps and we had no problems.

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Anchorage Review for North Newport River - Walburg Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Oct 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

The scenery is very interesting if you're into the type of terrain that is here. Seems like marshy land and some low land trees.

The current is SIGNIFICANT. We used two anchors in a Bahamian mooring arrangement and it was really good.

The cellular coverage for AT&T was pretty good. We had strong signal and speed tests over 15mbit. I think we could have stayed here and worked for the week.

There were two other boats anchored here - probably room for 30+ boats so there should always be room.

The bugs were intolerable. After we got the anchor(s) set we went inside and didn't step outside again until it was time to haul anchor(s) and get out of there.

I didn't see any good shore access around and I don't think I would want to even if it were available. Too many bugs!

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Skull Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Oct 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The prices have gone up since we were there last, but they've made some repairs to the marina and are actively improving the docks. The staff are really good.

The Driftwood restaurant next to this marina is good. The other restaurants up the creek are reachable by dinghy with ample dockage, but are VERY busy every day of the week. You'll probably want to be there an hour before you're hungry.

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Bridge comment on ConRail Railroad Bridge

Comment by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Sep 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'

I had my doubts as to the operational status of this bridge but as of September 17, 2021 it does still close. Shortly after we passed under it the horn sounded and the bridge came down. We were out of sight before it went back up.

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Anchorage Review for Wild Harbor

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Sep 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Holding seems to be good.

Wind break from the land seems minimal as the land is pretty flat here.

The current is minimal.

There's not much to look at other than the houses, and there doesn't seem to be anything to go do.

The beaches seem OK and pet friendly.

We are unable to get ATT service, which I find odd, but our TMobile phones are working fine.

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Marina Review for Spring Point Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Sep 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is a great marina with high quality docks (they're currently expanding as well!). The staff are incredible. The facilities are really nice.

The surrounding area is a community college, a city park, and lots of residential. There are two lighthouses a short walk, and several more a short drive/bike away. It's all great for a more subdued boating visit to the south end of Casco Bay. There is a Hannaford's grocery store about a mile and a half away. But more importantly Willard Scoops is only a mile away ;)

Out on the end of the docks you get a great view of the bay along with the forts, islands, and frequent historic sailboat cruises.

This is a great first landing point on a trip north, and it's a great home base for exploring Casco Bay on your boat.

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Anchorage Review for Seal Cove

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Sep 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored here twice this Summer (2021) both times with great results.

Our first time there were about ten other boats but still plenty of room to swing even in this deep anchorage with everyone using long rodes.

Shore access is to the surrounding beaches including the island. The hike around the island is really nice, though it's covered in sheep, goat, and goose poop, along with all the bugs that go with that.

Wind protection is actually pretty minimal - we were seeing 15 to 20 kts in the anchorage after sailing in from the ocean where we also had 15 to 20 kts. But there is excellent wave protection for all but east. In that circumstance just go around to the southwest side of the breakwater and re-anchor.

Cellular coverage is great for ATT and TMOB.

The only other services would be beyond the state park to the north along ME-77 / Bowery Beach Road. There are a few restaurants. But it's all a long walk.

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Anchorage Review for The Basin

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Jul 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

There can be a LOT of current at the entrance, and there are a LOT of lobster traps there as well. If you tangle your prop you will have almost no time to react before you are pushed into a rocky shore. Plan accordingly. It's very narrow but I didn't see less than 13 feet even at low tide.

The anchorage has some very deep areas, which would require a lot of rode. And there are areas that are shallow and would not require much. So the swing circles vary greatly within a small area. Fortunately for us there was almost no wind and everyone seemed to be sitting right on top of their anchor. Once you are in The Basin the current from tides seems minimal, and we only pivoted around on top of the anchor without pulling much on the chain.

The scenery is nice, but not particularly diverse, and mostly low tree covered hills.

Everyone motors very slowly in this area so there's no wake to speak of.

I think it's mostly private land, but there are places to land and go ashore for some hikes.

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Marina Review for Boston Waterboat Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Jul 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

It's a pretty spectacular feeling being on a mooring ball in downtown Boston. We were here for the 4th of July and got to see the USS Constitution make its "turn around tour" decked out with flags and escort ships and perform a gun salute to the US Coastguard. And we had front row seating for the fireworks show performed from a barge on the 3rd.

A-MAZE-ING.

The marina is very nice with great new docks, a protected dinghy dock, helpful staff, secure gate, and services.

There is immediate access to all the great downtown sites and sights.

Unfortunately the airport is very noisy most of the day, including evenings, there is a train tunnel directly under the mooring field and docks that you can hear and feel trains going through most of the day, and the ferry and charter terminal is right next door so you get big boat wake all day long.

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Marina Review for Constitution Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Jul 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We were here a week in our wide catamaran and were, as usual, out on the end because of our beam. The harbor traffic does create some wake but it's not too bad.

The USS Constitution fires a cannon at least twice a day, morning and evening. We were as close as you can be and it was jarring every time. Good thing we like historic boats or it might have been annoying ;)

There is loads to do in the area. It's Boston after all.

The staff are great. The docks are reasonably well maintained. The other boaters are friendly.

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Marina Review for Kingman Yacht Center

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We were here one night and did not go ashore, nor did we actually interact with staff.

We had reserved a mooring ball ahead and picked it up on arrival. Then departed in the morning to catch the favorable canal current.

But the mooring ball was in good shape!

Navigating in from the bay has many twists and turns. Our chart showed much shallower than our depth readings were. There are boats on moorings the entire way - many of which seem to be in the channel.

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Anchorage Review for East Harbor

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

This is a good one night stop as there's nothing to do ashore, which I believe is all private land anyway.

Holding was good, protection from waves, wakes, wind, weather, was pretty good though we had little to contend with anyway.

The major issue here is it's very small and with even just a few boats becomes very crowded very quickly. It's also very shallow in most of the bay. Check your charts before dropping anchor!

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Marina Review for Oyster Bay Marine Center

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The transient moorings are pretty far from the dock but I tend to prefer that anyway - there is usually less traffic.

The town is very nice with several great restaurants to choose from. Though everything is quite expensive (Long Island pricing!). It's a bit of a walk but not terrible.

There is a commuter rail terminus here, but I believe it would take a considerable amount of time to get from here into Manhattan.

There is really good protection from wind, waves, current, and general weather in their mooring field, and the boats are well spread out.

There is a little bit of wake but the boaters seem to abide by the 5mph speed signs (or at least get close).

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Marina Review for City Island Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We stayed with City Island Yacht Club on one of their transient mooring balls for a couple weeks. They provide a tender boat to pick you up from your boat. I believe their hours are 8AM to midnight. They also have a dock if you want to use your own dinghy.

The bay here can get quite rough with extensive fetch to the S, SW, and W.

There is a fair amount of wake from passing boats.

There is a fair amount of noise from passing boats. Somehow you can hear their music long before you can see them.

The view of the city is neat, but quite far off.

There is mass transit at the street intersection that the yacht club is on, and I was able to get from the boat, to Central Park in less than 2 hours.

There is a nice grocery store on the island - CTown Supermarkets. It's a fair walk or short bus ride. There is also a decent little marine supply store as well, though it's quite a walk or a nice bus ride. Bridge Marine Supply. There are MANY tourist seafood restaurants on the island. They're all kind of pricey.

Getting off the main street and out into the neighborhood streets is a really pleasant walk. The north side of the island is a bit nicer, but it's all kind of neat to see.

I don't believe this yacht club gets many long term (more than a couple days) guests. Everyone we talked to was surprised we were there for so long.

I'm not sure I'd stay here again as there are so many other options around, but I'm glad I got to see it once :)

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Anchorage Review for Liberty State Park

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored between Liberty Island and the breakwater for a quick lunch. There is quite a bit of chop in the bay and I wouldn't stay for too long. There wasn't a lot of traffic on this side of the island, but the ferries come and go on the south and east side of the island quite regularly.

I'm also not sure we ever had a proper anchor set here, but there wasn't much wind or current during our lunch stop so it was good enough for the brief time we were there.

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Marina Review for Pier 7 Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on May 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We stayed here as transients for a few weeks. The docks and facilities were in pretty good shape, with lots of work being done to improve the few areas that weren't.

The marina is very secure. The marina staff were very helpful.

There seemed to me to be an excessive amount of weather affecting the boats in the marina. It's pretty exposed.

Other than the one bar, you'll have to travel for food and shopping, and the main road is a little awkward to get in and out of.

The single most frustrating thing for me though was the road noise. It's right next to a major bridge and there is traffic including large trucks driving over the bridge 24h/day. Literally. It's definitely a better place to leave your boat than to try to live on your boat.

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Anchorage Review for Atlantic Highlands - Municipal Harbor

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on May 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Not much wind protection!

The boats coming in to the marina seem to be oblivious to the anchored and moored boats, so there's a bit of wake.

Cell coverage for AT&T and T-Mobile are superb. I just had the fastest T-Mobile speed test of my life. Over 220mbit download. What-the-what!?!

The dingy docks seem to be pull out and store for reservation holders only, but there was a reservation holder there working on his dinghy when we motored up. He said to tie behind a particular dinghy that was ... disused ... There is probably somewhere better to be taking the dinghy.

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Anchorage Review for Bohemia River - Veazey Cove

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on May 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

This is a good overnight stop. There's nothing to do here - it looks purely residential. Maybe use it as staging for going through the C&D Canal at the best time.

But the holding was good and the depths were accurate.

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Anchorage Review for Sassafras River - Woodland Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on May 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We were anchored at:

Lat: N 39° 21.801' Lon: W 075° 54.653'

There is a bit of tidal current here, and minimal wind protection. The holding is fair. There are several little beaches to land on, and marinas up the river with full services.

There is a speed restriction on the water for Sat/Sun and holidays, and most people seem to adhere to it so the wakes are not bad at all.

This little strip gets VERY busy on the weekend with power boats anchoring and rafting up. Several camp out for the whole weekend and many more come and go all day long.

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Anchorage Review for Mill Creek - Solomons

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, S/V Nova, on Sep 12, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We were up Mill Creek at:

38 20.158' N
76 26.133' W

Holding was good, scenery was good, swing room was good.

For shore access and pet "services" I think you'd have to go back down where the Waterway Guide has the anchor icon. There appeared to be a small beach as part of a park maybe?

There are speed limits in this creek that are mostly adhered to, but there were a few power boats towing skiers while we were there on Labor Day weekend. For the most part the wakes weren't bad. There also is very little current and excellent wind protection all around.

We had great cell reception on ATT and TMOB.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Sep 3, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Docks are in good shape. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Facilities are in good shape. Plenty of parking. There is a lot to do nearby.

The marina seems deceptively quiet. The surrounding town can get quite busy and noisy, especially on the weekend. Even with our restricted socializing these days.

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Anchorage Review for Mattawoman Creek Bight

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Jul 6, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We stopped here because it appeared to be the last anchorage off the main river. At the end of June there were a LOT of small power boats here. I'd guess more than 50. Only about 10 stayed overnight.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot to do in the area, and it is quite shallow.

If the weather is amenable I think I'd rather just anchor on the Potomac.

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Anchorage Review for St. Inigoes Creek - St. Marys River

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Jul 6, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Excellent holding and wind protection. It is deep, so plan for a lot of rode and big swing area.

In June we had a lot of power boats come through, and a few ski boats towing skiers around us - literally around us.

AT&T tested download speed over 25mbit reliably.

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Anchorage Review for Horseshoe Bend - St. Marys River

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Jul 6, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Excellent protection, holding, and scenery, but there are no services nearby and even the cell service is curiously poor in this area.

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Marina Review for Waterside Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on May 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is a five star marina. The docks are impeccable. The staff are excellent. Access to the city is immediate.

There is a bit of shipyard noise throughout the day. The commercial traffic on the river does slosh the marina around a little. And being IN the city there is a pretty constant stream of lookers on the public portion of the pier.

But there's dozens of great restaurants, parks, and mass transit all within a 5 minute walk.

It's also an expensive marina.

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Anchorage Review for Willoughby Bay

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on May 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We spent one night here. The holding was fine, but we did have to make three attempts. There is pretty constant noise from the road and Navy base. There were also quite a few crab pots in the north side. Cell service was all good, which is expected considering you're in the city next to a highway.

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Anchorage Review for Piankatank River - Fishing Bay

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on May 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We were here for two weeks with excellent holding through several big blows. Wind out of the south to southwest is a bumpy ride. The Fishing Bay Marina provides dinghy access but we were there during Covid lockdown and the county had suspended transient access.

This was the first area in the Chesapeake I've been able to run our watermaker for significant time without dirtying up the pre-filter. The water is cleaner and clearer here than anywhere we've been so far (which is admittedly limited so far).

Cell coverage for AT&T was good. Verizon was very good. T-Mobile was weak/none. Sprint was mediocre.

I could see the marina wifi from my devices while at anchor but didn't ask for access since they were not allowed to accept transients.

There was a fair amount of fishing and pleasure boats coming and going, especially on the weekends, causing a fair amount of wake in the bay.

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Anchorage Review for Garrison Bight Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 20, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We were here for February and March. On north wind days the waves get pretty bad and the boats get bounced around pretty hard.

The jet skis and fishing boats tend to keep their distance but occasionally someone cuts through the middle of the mooring field.

The dinghy docks are moderate distance, and it's rare you won't get sea spray on your dinghy trips.

The facilities at the Key West City Marina dinghy dock were not clean the few times I used them.

The tourist section of Key West is easily walk-able from the dinghy docks. There is also parking as part of the KWCM.

There are grocery stores and a West Marine within walking distance of the dinghy dock, though the grocery stores are probably closer to bicycle range. There are very nice sidewalks.

Cellular coverage was good for ATT, TMOB, and VZW. There is no free wifi out there.

Even though they check the moorings regularly, on a particularly calm night our neighbor's mooring failed at the anchor end and they drifted into us at about 0.25kt. There was a bit of commotion and they were able to drop their anchor.

The pumpout boat was irregular. They only make trips on calm days, which is understandable, but they seem to just meander through the mooring field. We were told it's not necessary to contact them for pumpout, but the only time they came to our boat was when I spotted them and waved them down.

Overall it wasn't a bad experience, but I have to think there are vastly superior places to keep a boat in Key West, that are also inexpensive.

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Anchorage Review for Marine Stadium

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

It's free and has a great view of the Miami skyline.

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Marina Review for Harbour Towne Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Good helpful staff.

Reasonably easy access from the Atlantic - very good access from the ICW.

Very aged docks.

Very unpleasant bathrooms, showers, and laundry. How do marinas let it get this bad?

Wifi is so-so.

HUGE selection of services. Basically I would only use this marina if you are getting work done on your boat. All of the services here seem to be very good, but they are all priced as such.

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Anchorage Review for Lake Worth R6

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

When we were here the north end near the inlet was very busy. We anchored as far south as Rybovich super yacht marina/yard and still had many neighbors.

The current isn't terrible but certainly noticeable.

The holding was very good.

There is a very nice city dock south of the bridge to land a dinghy, or even tie up a large vessel temporarily, but no overnight docking. From there you have immediate access to the city. There is no car parking associated with this dock. There are no services associated with this dock. I did get the impression they were building something new there, though. It may be more like St Augustine in the future.

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Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Good staff.

Well built docks.

Excellent access to the city which has loads of restaurants, bars, shopping, history, and entertainment.

Grocery delivery services know how to deal with the limited parking and marina situation.

Great city services like hardware stores and barber shops.

There is lots of current which can make docking tricky.

There are also an absurd amount of fish in the marina. Big fish chase massive schools of small fish that will even just ram into your boat at full speed from time to time. It's crazy.

Highly recommended stop on the ICW. You'd be missing out on one of the east coast boating treasures if you didn't take advantage of this marina to access St Augustine.

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Marina Review for Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We discovered this marina during an impromptu plumping maintenance session on board when we'd rather have been underway.

They accommodated us immediately, were very friendly and helpful, and provided fresh muffins first thing in the morning!

We returned about a year later and had another good stay. Consistency is key.

The airport is a short Uber ride away, but otherwise you're stuck with the few services at the marina area (which do include restaurants, salons, and real estate).

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Marina Review for Deep Point Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

As wide beam transients we were put on the dock next to the ferry terminal. The ferry captains have complete disregard for other vessels in the marina.

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Marina Review for Bridgeton Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very nice owner. Docks in excellent condition - I don't remember walking barefoot comfortably anywhere else!

Unfortunately there's not much to do on this side of the river. But it's a short dinghy trip to New Bern's docks.

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Marina Review for New Bern Grand Marina Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Excellent access to a great town.

Really good staff.

Really good rates.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Skull Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Our boat was here on a T-dock for the fall out of Hurricane Dorian, and survived unscathed. However, Skull Creek sees a LOT of traffic and a LOT of tidal current. There is also considerable wind exposure north and south, so if you're not in the core of the marina you will get jostled around considerably.

The staff were decent, but the marina changed hands recently and much has changed that we were not exposed to.

There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity without typical HHI memberships which are not included in this marina's fees.

Wifi out at our T-dock was on the fringe of coverage.

It is reasonably priced.

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Marina Review for Harbour Town Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Excellent staff.

Well built docks.

Very protected from weather.

High level of physical security.

Very good high speed wifi.

Lots to do in the surrounding resort.

Not an economical choice.

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Marina Review for Salt Ponds Marina

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We are here during Covid:19 restrictions, so this definitely modifies the impression.

However, the limited staff on site are very good and very helpful.

The aging docks are actively being refurbished.

Unfortunately the main boardwalk appears to be public access, so we're seeing lots of foot traffic. If that's a concern, be aware. There are no physical barriers to accessing the boats.

The inlet is not ideal, though we were able to get in and out with our 25' beam and 4' draft sailing catamaran even at low tied (though I won't be trying that again).

Because of our beam we are out on the T-dock, per usual, and the wifi signal is a tad weak even with our external antenna. I am able to associate to it but the speed is not great. Your mileage may vary.

There isn't much in the immediate vicinity. You have to go through quite a lot of uninteresting neighborhood before you get to the park/beach/restaurants. Which all seem mediocre.

I would rate this a "utilitarian marina", and I say that as a compliment because it's actually more my interest as a transient who prefers to be on anchor. Low traffic, quiet, people are either friendly or keep to themselves.

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Anchorage Review for North River - Back Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We moved here for a big westerly and found strong holding at 37° 25.492' N x 76° 27.001' W. Originally we tried where the anchor icon is on the map and could not get a set.

We sat through 30kts on consecutive days without a budge.

There is not much to see other than a random collection of houses, and I did not see anywhere to land the dinghy that felt public and safe.

Cell reception on ATT, TMOB, and VZW, was slightly better than East River. (yes we have all three, don't ask).

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Anchorage Review for East River - Woodas Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

There were other boats in the area so we tried to anchor at 37° 25.254' N x 76° 21.375' W and could not get a holding. The other nooks looked to be much better, as there were boats in them. No wonder this particular one was empty!

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Anchorage Review for East River - Put in Creek

Reviewed by: Paul Smyers, SV Nova, on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored here twice in April 2020 (covid hideout). We had good holding in mud through as much as 20kts of wind. Our actual anchor location was 37° 24.871' N x 76° 20.325' W. There were a few crab pots to avoid but we did OK.

It is possible to dinghy to the top of the creek in Matthews but only during high tide. It nearly dries out at low tide. I recommend using the boat ramp near the anchorage and walking or cycling.

Small exposure to southwest.

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