Wilmington Cruise (yes Wilmington!)
See the fabulous write up by cruise organizer extraordinaire Nick Lawler. A great time was had in Wilmington after a several year drought in being able to go there. Pictures to follow.
Exploring Wilmington
SSBC Cruise: St James Marina to Wilmington NC
October 6-8
The year was 1720, or thereabouts, when explorer Giovani da Verrazano first sailed what’s now the Cape Fear River and discovered what would become Wilmington, NC.
Some 303 years later, a tiny band of sailors on four vessels-Felictas, Lagniappe, Chanceux, and Kay Lee Jean from the Southport Sailing and Boating Club—would retrace Verrazano’s cruise to explore the Port City once again. It would be the first time in many a year that the SSBC visited the city that was once was called New Carthage, New London, and Newton. And oh, how the city has grown in commerce and history since its discovery.
Approaching Wilmington after the 27.5-mile cruise, our fearless explorers first came upon giant freighters, the Battleship North Carolina, and soon passed under the oh so familiar Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Heading north, SSBC sailors cruised past shops and restaurants along the Wilmington Riverwalk, until reaching the Port City Marina and a most hospitable welcoming by marina attendants Lanier and Taylor.
Before long it was time for the traditional SSBC Dock party, hosted by Gerry and Diane Ryerson aboard Kay Lee Jean. Thanks to the mates for preparing tasty treats
While walking to dinner we witnessed a stunning sunset. Jake, was our server at the nearby Marina Grill, and no, he didn’t try to sell us insurance. (But you know we asked.)
After dinner, there was more conversation and a nightcap or two on Felicitas.
Saturday turned into a day of exploration—visiting the sights and sounds of Wilmington. Our explorers discovered that just a block away, Wilmington was celebrating Riverfest, which should have been renamed Foodfest. Seems like everyone was selling Funnel Cakes.
Our merry band joined hundreds upon hundreds of locals walking block upon block of merchant booths selling everything from honey to hats. Although, someone called the displays “the land of useless items.” Maybe that’s why none of our sailors—to this scribe’s knowledge—purchased any of the local trinkets.
A highlight of the trip for some was a visit to Wilmington’s Railroad Museum, where Bob Johnson manhandled the “Johnson Bar” on Engine 250. (In case you were wondering, according to Google, the Johnson Bar is the reverse lever on a steam locomotive. What were you thinking?) The train museum is worth visiting, especially if you like model trains and railroad memorabilia. And don’t forget the Battleship North Carolina. There’s a shuttle to the ship from the boardwalk.
Saturday afternoon we ventured to the top of the nearby Embassy Suites Hotel and the “Steam” Rooftop Bar. Wow—talk about great views of the city and river. So much fun.
Then it was off to the “Basic’s Restaurant” for a goodbye dinner, and more after-dinner camaraderie on Kay Lee Jean.
More now about the Port City Marina. Recently the marina was unable to accommodate most transient vessels and especially groups because of ongoing construction. In addition to boat slips, the marina is also home to over 20 -30 two-story contemporary houseboats. (You can purchase one for about $350,000 we’re told, plus the slip cost.) During the construction period, many houseboats were docked among the boat slips. Construction is complete, and the houseboats are located on separate docks, so the marina is now able to accommodate transient vessels. Sign up on Dockwa or call the marina directly.
Port City Marina is located with-in walking distance to many of Wilmington’s historical sites, museums, and restaurants. Hotels too for those members who no longer have a boat but enjoy traveling with the SSBC.
In the past year, the SSBC has added three new ports of call to our list of cruise cities: The Federal Point Yacht Club at Carolina Beach, Grand Dunes at North Myrtle Beach, and now the Port City Marina in Wilmington. No doubt, Port City Marina will become a favorite.
For more on the trip to Wilmington ask those who were the explorers: Bill and Lindi Wagner aboard Chanceux, Gerry and Diane Ryerson aboard Kay Lee Jean, Bob and Kathy Johnson aboard Lagniappe, and Nick and Julie Lawler aboard Felicitas. All would agree the Wilmington Cruise was a Fantastic Voyage. No doubt, we think Verrazano would agree too.
Respectfully Submitted by Nick Lawler, Cruise Director and Scribe.
Use the scroll bar on the side to see all the photos!
