Oriental to Swansboro

We made the 44 miles run from Oriental to Swansboro in 8 hours. Our top speed was 8 knots just before the State Port Terminal. Our slowest speed was 4 knots which was shortly after turning into Bogue Sound at the State Port Terminal. Our boat speed must have been about 6 knots and the current 2 knots or more. There was quite a bit of traffic at the inlet with numerous sport fishermen out. The Coast Guard and tow boats were busy. We saw one sailboat trying to clear a fouled prop. We heard a Carolina Skiff calling for help when his engine quit and wouldn't restart. We also heard of one sailboat grounded. We made it to Casper's Marina to refuel and anchored off Swansboro without any difficulty today. Several other boats joined us in this popular anchorage.

Morehead City Railroad Bridge and Highway Bridge with State Port Terminal in Background

We will be in a good position to negotiate the shoals tomorrow as the tide will be in out favor and higher than normal due to the Super Moon (the first Super Moon since 1948). Several other boats are anchored with us. Carla is washing the deck hoping the rain forecast for tonight will rinse it off. We picked up a lot of salt spray over the past few days.