Reviews from Bill M. (18)

Anchorage Review for Neuse River - South River

Reviewed by: Bill M. on May 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

This is a great fair weather anchorage if you're transiting the Oriental area and as an alternate to Adam's Creek. Straightforward approach and well marked. Anchor set easy and holding was very good. The usual sticky mud on recovery but that's everywhere in this area.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Zimmerman Marine - Oriental

Reviewed by: Bill M. on May 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 5

Exceptional customer service from Karen, Jim, Eric and the team at Zimmerman. We stopped for an assessment on repairing one of our refrigeration systems and received excellent and timely response. Even as busy as they were with other customers, they took the time to evaluate our options and then offered us a ride to the local grocery. Highly recommend this facility and its crew.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Ensign Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Bill M. on May 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 5

After spending a few days at the Beaufort Town Docks, Ensign Harbor Marina was a great break from the touristy waterfront of Beaufort. Lourdes and Todd (the owners) have done a wonderful job of creating a very enjoyable stop. Shower and bath facilities were first class. If you're looking for a nice quiet stop without needing supplies this is a great one or two night option.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Archbell & Plum Pt. - Bath Creek

Reviewed by: Bill M. on May 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

We anchored for a calm night here in May 2026 just north of the indicated anchorage area. There are a few local markers that I think fishermen had placed but overall easy in and out. Holding was good with the usual sticky mud on recovery. Minimal small boat traffic during the afternoon and morning but no large wakes. Good stop over if your transiting from "Little" Washington to Ocracoke or the ICW.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Anchorage Inn & Marina

Reviewed by: Bill M. on May 22, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

Our first time sailing to Ocracoke. We had a great weather window to sail from Beaufort to Ocracoke Island. Dockmaster Clay was very professional and helpful in getting us in and out of the lateral side tie dock at the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Shower and bathroom facilities were well kept and clean. I suggest timing your arrivals and departure with the Ferry schedule. If you depart just after 0730 you can follow the last one out, but overall the approach channel is well marked. It is challenging if you plan to do any day sailing however b because of how deep into the pier a sailboat must go in order to reach the 50 or 30 amp power pedestal.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Patuxent River - St. Leonard Creek

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 15, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

St. Leonard Creek is a quiet setting for a safe anchorage, albeit a bit off the track to the northern Chesapeake. If you're looking for a side trip the Patuxent River is wide and easy to navigate. If Vera's is open they have a moderate selection of food and beverages, but there is no fuel at the White Sands Marina.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Solomons Yachting Center

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 15, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

Great stop in the Solomons. Lots of activities around the marina but overall a good location. Without a vehicle its a bit of a hike to the great local restaurants, but overall a nice marina.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc.

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 15, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

Good stop for fuel and overnight but a bit of a hike for amenities. Easy in and out just past the Great Bridge.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for River Forest Manor Marina

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 15, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 3

Belhaven is a quiet little NC town and River Forest is a nice setting, easy off the ICW. A bit challenging if docking in a strong breeze but overall a nice facility. There was only one other sailboat there during our stay so not sure how it would be if it were crowded.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Washington Waterfront Docks

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 15, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 5

Two years ago we sailed up from Florida and stopped in Little Washington. Rick, the lead dockmaster, could not have been more helpful. We ended up staying for two months before heading north to the Chesapeake but in spring of 2026 we returned to purchase property and a slip in nearby Chocowinity. Just stayed at the Washington City Docks for two nights and was a great experience. Rick had passed away sadly but George and his team were helpful and super friendly. It's a great little stop for a day or a lifetime.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Ocean Yacht Marina

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Mar 27, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 3

Dockmaster very helpful during business hours. Good access to ferry service and Nauticus Museum.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Boca Ciega Bay (1)

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Jul 20, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Boca Bay is good for short stays in fair weather. Open to west and south. Lots of derelict and sunken boats in area.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Front Forty Mooring Field (Annapolis City Dock)

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 29, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 5

Great spot adjacent to Naval Academy. Easy approach and excellent response by Harbormaster.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Maximo Point West

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Feb 9, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

We live close by in the Broadwater neighborhood but have used this anchorage a few times for some quick overnights. Since Hurricane Milton and Helene there are several sunken and damaged boats in the area. It's a short dinghy ride to the park and then a quick Uber ride to Publix. There is a lot of boat traffic on weekends but fortunately it's adjacent to a lengthy no wake zone. Close to O' Neils Marina for bait but not much help for sailors. There are better spots to anchor in the area.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Jan 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

Great marina and location. After a long offshore passage from Marathon we stopped here to re-provision and take on two more friends. Dockmaster and his crew were very helpful. Although its a bit noisy near the bridge, we enjoyed our visit to St. Augustine and the great restaurants. Pay attention to the ripping current if you're docking near the old pirate boat. the docks are open to the public during the day but seemed secure at night.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Cumberland Island South

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Jan 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

In April, 2024, we dropped the hook at this anchorage after sailing on the outside from St. Augustine to Cumberland Island. Remote and beautiful except for the occasional submarine (if you're lucky enough to see them). Lots of bird action. Love the Georgia Golden Isles.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for New Point Comfort Lighthouse

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Jan 29, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

On our trip north after departing Atlantic Yacht Basin and transiting through Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Navy Yard, we set sail with a fresh breeze ending up in Mobjack Bay. Originally our plan was to go up into one of the creeks but we had a light north breeze and plenty of swinging room. One of the more pleasant stops along the way to the Solomans. The New Point Lighthouse is the 3ed oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and the 10th oldest in the United States. In fair weather its a great stop.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Thunderbolt Marine

Reviewed by: Bill M. on Apr 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

Great Dockmaster very helpful. Nice facility and easy in and out with a couple of restaurants close by.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer