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Raleigh & Durham, NC Area

• Jordan Lake, Ebenezer Pt:

Directions: From Raleigh take Hwy. 64 West towards Pittsboro. Follow signs to Jordan Lake. When you get to the Wilsonville area (stop light with stores on your left and right) take a left on Ebenezer Church Rd. Drive a couple miles until you come to the Ebenezer Pt. Park entrance (on our right). Take the road to the last parking lot and you will be at the point where everyone sails from. There is a park entrance fee of $4 from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Sailing: Ebenezer Point has nice grass rigging areas and facilities. This is the main for sailing in the Triangle and on windy days you can find 20 - 30 fellow sailors to shred with. The best wind directions for Ebenezer are N, NE, S, and SW, but about any wind direction can be sailed here. If it blows hard enough, Jordan can build some nice swells for jumping! If the wind is from the W or E it can be very gusty (like lake sailing wasn't gusty anyway!). If the wind is West, it may be better to head to Lake Crabtree. If it is East, you want to go to Vista Point on Lake Jordan. During the summer, be aware of other watercraft around you. There can be quite a few boats and jetskis on the water.


• Jordan Lake, Farrington Point:

 
Directions:  From Raleigh drive west on Hwy 64.  At Wilsonville turn right onto Farrington Road.  Go past Crosswinds Marina and drive approx. 5 miles north, to Farrington Point.  Take the first left turn after passing over the causeway, then the next left, leading to the launch area.  In spring and fall there is no problem parking.  Farrington Point is about 25 minutes from Durham.
 
Sailing:  Level of difficulty is 2-5.  It is best on a SW, and OK on a S and SE.  Grassy rigging area behind roped-off area.  A small beach area can be used for launching.  There is a concrete boat launch that can also be used.   The water is uniformly over your head about 15 feet from shore.  There is almost no danger of running aground.
 
No restrooms (woods!) or other facilities; no fees.  This site is used mainly by fishermen.  Jetskis tend to stay in one corner near the causeway.
 
The eastern side of Farrington Point would be excellent on a NE because it has a very large fetch and the chop is not bad. but there is only difficult, emergency launching from a road south of the causeway.  When the lake level was very low an 'island' became exposed, where the old road was, and you could stand on it.  You might see the foundation of a house that was levelled.
 
For a challenge you can sail underneath the causeway.  Try to avoid contact with the concrete pillars.
 
If you sail south for a bit from this launch site you'll pass a quiet sandy beach to the west and a submerged forrest.  There is a point on the south side where the wind funnels around.  You can have some good runs there on water that is almost perfectly flat. You can land on the south side as well.  Cars on the causeway will enjoy watching you at Farrington Point.
 
Hazards:  Wind can get squirrely close to  the causeway.  There may be a few remaining stumps east of the boat ramp and near the point on the south side..  
 
Other:  In the late 1980s and early 1990s there were quite a few windsurfers at this spot.  The beach was much bigger then.  From Chapel Hill you can get to Farrington in about 20 minutes for an extended lunch-break session.

• Lake Crabtree:

Directions: Take I-40, West from Raleigh or East from the Durham/Chapel Hill area. Exit off Aviation Parkway, exit 285 and follow signs to Lake Crabtree County Park (a mile or less from the exit).

Sailing: Lake Crabtree is a small lake. The best wind directions are W to NW only. This is a flatwater spot since the fetch is small, so no chance to build any kind of chop. This is an excellent place for people to learn to sail. No motor boats are allowed on the lake and its an excellent place to bring the family. They have good hiking trails and good single-track mountain biking trails.

• Falls Lake:

Directions: From Raleigh, take Hwy. 50 towards Creedmoor. The entrance to Sanderling Beach is on the left, 4 miles north of Hwy. 98. There is a park entrance fee of $3 from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Sailing: Falls Lake is a narrow lake. The best wind directions are probably NW and SE. N and S will also work OK. Not too many people sail here (that I know of). I'll try and get more concrete info about the sites here. Beware, this is another lake where boating is very popular.
 

• Lake Wheeler

Directions: From I 40 take follow Lake Wheeler Rd. south to the lake.

Sailing:   The best wind directions are probably E to W. Nice sandy launch  area, rest room, and concession stand.  Launch fee $4.00 City of Raleigh residents, and $6.00 for Non-City of Raleigh residents. Please purchase a launch pass at the concession window. Seasonal passes available.

Charlotte, NC Area

• Lake Norman:

Directions: Lake Norman runs parallel with I-77, 25 miles North of Charlotte. Take exit #25 off of I-77. Once you exit you must take a left turn (west) at the stoplight. See below for where to go on SW, NW, and NE winds. Directions below will continue from this stoplight.

Sailing: For SW wind, you need to take a right at the next stoplight. The road has no name, but is referred to as the old Highway 73 (the intersection has a Texaco station and is located 1 mile from I-77). Once you turn right, go 2 miles and look for signs that say "Ramsey Creek Access" (sign will be on your left).

For NW wind, go straight through the next stoplight (where the Texaco station is) and continue on for about 1 mile. Look for "Blythe Landing". Once at Blythe Landing you should see other sailors launching from a private residence favored by some local sailors, but launching from the cove is the same.

For NE wind, go through the next stoplight (intersection where the Texaco station is) and continue on for 4 miles until you hit Hwy. 16. Once at Hwy. 16, go north approx. 3 miles. At the light at Unity Church Rd (Triangle, NC), take a right turn. Go to the end of the road (about 3 miles) and you will see a campground. Launch at the campground or find the boat access to launch from.

Wilmington, NC Area

• Fort Fisher Basin:

Directions: Take I-40 into Wilmington and continue straight and follow the signs towards Carolina/Kure Beaches. (I-40 will merge with Hwy. 132 and then with Hwy 421, its a straight shot!). Fort Fisher is about 17 miles south of Wilmington. Once in Ft. Fisher, continue straight towards and then past the Ferry Station.

Sailing: The Basin is mainly a slalom spot and is great for all levels of sailors. Water conditions are flat with only 1' - 2' chop, depending on the wind. The favored wind direction is SW, but it is also sailable in S, SE, W, NW, and NE (gusty). During the summer there is good SW thermal action. At the launch area, there are oyster shells so wearing foot protection is a good idea. The bottom of the Basin is mainly a mushy silt (gunk), but it is mainly sand bar along the edges except on the west side where the rock jetty is located. Water depth is overhead in the middle, but mainly chest to knee deep in other areas.

• Corncake Inlet (4x4 required):

Directions: Follow the directions to Ft. Fisher above. When you get into Ft. Fisher, take a left towards the Public Beach Access (towards the Aquarium). Take a left on the dirt road beside the parking lot and continue straight for a couple of miles until you come into sight of the inlet. At this point just look for a spot where there is a good break and no fishermen.

Sailing: Corncake Inlet is an ocean sailing spot, with small to medium size waves. It is mainly sailed in S to SW winds. SW is slightly sideoff here, which makes this a good spot. You can pull out onto the beach at any of the crossovers on the way out, and find spots to sail in these wind directions, so anyplace is sailable, but the cleanest wind is usually at the very end towards the inlet.

• The Rocks/Public Beach Access:

Directions: Follow the directions to Ft. Fisher above. When you get into Ft. Fisher you'll see the rock seawall and public beach access area to your left.

Sailing: This is an ocean sailing spot, with small to medium size waves. This area can be sailed in S, SW winds, and NE winds. Sometimes the wind isn't as clean as Corncake, but you don't need to have a 4x4 for access!

• The North End (4x4 required):

Directions: Once in Wilmington, head towards Carolina/Kure Beaches. Cross over Snows Cut bridge and into Carolina Beach. Take a left at the Citgo gas station (I'll get the name of the road later!) and go past the marina on your left. Take a left at the stop sign and continue straight, until you come to the end of the road. Continue onto the beach and drive to the end until you spot the inlet.

Sailing: This is where everyone heads for wave sailing in a N and NE winds. A very good spot, especially in a strong NE wind, where it can build head to logo high waves. In these conditions the shorebreak can be tough, so be prepared!

• The Jetties:

Directions: Head into Wrightsville Beach and hang a right once you cross over the 2nd bridge. Continue going towards the end of the island until you end up in the public beach access parking lot (metered parking).

Sailing: This is another ocean sailing spot. The jetties here can create some decent waves, but watch out for the surfers. Wind directions are S, SW, N, and NE.

Cape Hatteras, NC Area

• Please follow this link The Outer Banks Guide Brett Landry at SailUSA has done an excellent job. This is the preimer Outer Banks site guide!!!! At the request of our members we have written a couple of the sites up, for additional info.

 
• The Boiler:

Directions: Off Hwy 12 on the Pea Island Nat'l Seashore. (I'll get the mile marker later, it's just before the rest area). Paved parking lot Oceanside. You'll know you're there when you walk over the dune and see the Boiler sticking out of the water.

Sailing: This is an ocean launch that offers side-off wave sailing in a NW wind. NE and SE wind directions will also work (side to side-on).

• Morrison Grove:

Directions: Travelling on 64, cross the Croatan Sound on the William B Umstead Memorial Bridge. 1.5 miles beyond the bridge take a LEFT on Morrison Grove (there's a brick sign marking it).

Sailing: Sailing: Grassy rigging, waist deep water, no weeds. See more below.

The paragraph below was taken from SHREDDER Outer Banks Guide '95
in a section called "Shredding the Northern Outer Banks" by
Brett Landry and Bill Bell

"One of the few northeast onshore soundside launches, Morrison Grove offers radical bump and jump conditions on strong northeasts. Spring and fall are the seasons for Morrison Grove and the site can really go off. However, it is a private launch and access is limited. Yet there is lodging available at the Boothe House right at the launch site. Rates run $25.00 per room during the spring season (March to June) and $35.00 per room during the summer (July and August). During the fall season, the place is usually closed to guests; however, reservations can be made for specific times.
For more information on Boothe House call (919)473-3696. Morrison Grove is located at the northern end of Roanoke Island near the Lost Colony and Elizabethan Gardens."

Next comments by TBC member Tony Gaunce:

"When the water blows out of the sound at KHS in a Northeast wind this place is the call. I also saw guys launching that day off the west end of the William B Umstead Memorial Bridge ... even larger fetch.

As I was rigging, I noticed an older gentleman drive by to dump some garbage, looking at me. I walked over and asked if he minded me sailing there to which he replied "Not at all, but don't drive down on the grass and get stuck. Some guys have done this before" and also offered up the accomodations if needed for $35 per night. This is a great place to sail, although you may end up sailing alone, but should be respected as it is private access and we would not want to make enemies of the owners."
 
 



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Morehead City, NC Area

Morehead City Area

• Radio Island:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 through Morehead City and across the bridge towards Beaufort. Once over the bridge, take the first right and go behind the boat storage building and turn left across the railroad tracks.

Sailing: Radio Island is a high intermediate to expert site which is best sailed in south or southwest winds. It offers a wide variety of sailing and when its good it will provide you with some of the most memorable days you'll ever have. When its bad, you will also have memories (the kind you want to repress). Timing is important here - the currents add to the apparent wind when the tide is going out, and reduce apparent wind when the tides are incoming. Therefore, this launch is usually sailed on an outgoing tide, which means that if you breakdown in the inlet (or if the wind dies), you're going out to sea. The sailing conditions include flat water, big rollers, backside wavesailing on sand bar breaks, down the line wave sailing at Fort Macon, and jumping at Shackleford banks. Beware of the boat traffic, the sand bars at low tide, and learn how the currents work. DO NOT sail beaufort inlet without a buddy, and make sure you are initiated by a Radio Island veteran.

• Harkers Island:

Directions: Take Hwy. 101 S. from Havelock and follow signs to Cape Lookout National Seashore or Harkers Island. When the road dead ends at the eastern most point of Harkers Island (aka Shell Point), you're there!

Sailing: Harkers Island gets the strongest and most consistent northeast wind of any launch in the Emerald Isle/Morehead area. It is almost guaranteed whenever a high pressure is centered over New York or Pennsylvania. It is also a good place to sail in a SW, but most people prefer Radio Island. This is a high intermediate to expert sailing area due to strong currents at the launch site and the intensity of the shorebreak. There is good chop hopping in the channel just off the launch, and great flat water sailing in Mike's Hole to the lee of the grass islands (so named because a guy named Mike learned to duck jibe there). Wavesailing can be had by sailing 2 miles across the sound, up Iron Creak (a long drag at low tide), and then doing a 200 yard portage over Core Banks to the ocean. The waves here in a NE may be the biggest along the outerbanks due to the long fetch from Diamond Shoals; likewise for the shorebreak. Also, by the second day of a big nor'easter, the current runs a long the beach at a blistering pace. This spot was pioneered by Don Ketterrer and Bill Hanner, both of whom will tell you that if you can sail the ocean off Harker's, you can sail anywhere. If you break a mast on Core Banks . . . well, you figure it out. DO NOT learn to wavesail here.

• North River:

Directions: On the way to Harkers Island, launch on the south side of Hwy. 70 on the west side of the causeway.

Sailing: North River is best sailed in a southerly wind and is a great place to learn how to jibe - mostly because you have to jibe alot. When the wind is southerly, it is also generally stronger here than at the flat water sites on Emerald Isle because of its exposure and the fact that it is a little further inland. On those days when the wind is due south and Emerald Isle is shallow and squirrely, this is the place to go.

• The Circle:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 to Morehead City and turn right over the bridge to Atlantic Beach. Go straight until you hit the ocean and park near the Jolly Knave.

Sailing: The Circle is an ocean launch best sailed in E, any southerly wind, and W. You'll find ocean swell and waves here. Watch out for the surfers and the fishermen and get there early in the summer to get a parking spot.

• Minnesott Beach:

Directions: To Sail from the North side of the Neuse: If it is a true NW and not NNW, you should be able to get good sailing in at Minnesott Beach.  Take 306 down towards the Ferry Launch. Approximately one block from the Ferry Launch you will see an old BP gas station.  Turn right there and go down past the Sea Gull Villa Condo?s on your left and follow the road as it curves to the right.  Just past the old real estate cottage on the left, on the rivers edge, you will see a grassy knoll with a picnic table.  Park on the side of the road there and walk over to the rivers edge.  There you will see an old dilapidated pier and a small sandy beach.   Launch there and head straight out.  If it is a true NW it should be almost side shore as from the Minnessot Ferry up river the river turns to a NW/SE orientation.

Directions: To sail from the South side of the Neuse: Take 101 S. from Havelock and follow signs to Minnesott Beach (left on 306). Turn right, into Pine Cliffs Recreational Area, which is marked and about 1 mile before the ferry.

Minnesott Beach can be very good on a NW and the Neuse gets some pretty good size river swells that build up in a NW too but not generally as big as Cedar Island.  If it is blowing it will provide plenty of great sailing and big ramps to jump to make the old adage, never leave wind, to find wind a  strong reason to stay and sail there vice the extra hour and a half to get to Cedar Island.

Sailing: Minnesott Ferry is hardly in the Morehead area, but I put it here anyway. It is about the only place in the area to sail a NW if you are into airtime. Because of the long fetch from New Bern and the fact that the Neuse River narrows here, there can be outstanding chop and swell at this launch. Watch for the Ferry when sailing here . . . or take advantage of the captive audience and make them watch you.

• Cedar Island, NC:

Directions: Take Hwy. 70 to Hwy 12 untill you get to the  ferry toll booth area. To get to the launch look for a dirt road with a "camping area" sign just to the right as you enter the ferry toll booth area. Take the dirt road and bear left.  Follow it along the Ferry area fence until you come to a gravel/sand parking area boat launch.  Launch is just to the right on the beach through the gate in the fence.  There is also a motel for anyone who wants to make an overnight trip in style, a restraunt, and gift shop and restrooms at the Ferry.

Sailing: If you want some of the finest NW wind sailing in the state of North Carolina, go to Cedar Island!! Its a long drive, about 50  minutes from Beaufort/Morehead City area,  but if a good NW is blowing you will be rewarded with some fantastic "inland ocean" type conditions.    The launch is immediately to the right of the Cedar Island / Ocracoke Ferry jetty.  A NW wind provides a side on wind from the left and the Jetty smooths out the waves and chop to allow easy launching off a sandy beach. Once up and sailing you will find the waves progressively increase in size and you'll get the full force of the wind outside the Jetty.  Unlike other NW sites, the long fetch across the wide  Pamlico sound allows the waves to build up into a more open ocean like state and not the generally short choppy conditions characteristic of other NW shallow water inland sites.   A 25-30K NW will yield good size 6' -8' swells on the outside and rideable surf on the inside.   The beach extends several miles down to the east so if you get blown downwind you can beach and walk back up.
 
 

Emerald Isle, NC Area

Emerald Isle Area

• Park Street:

Sailing: On Emerald Isle, right at mile marker 15 is a public bath house ocean side with a big parking lot, toilets, and showers (probably cold). Park Street has public sound access on the other side of Emerald Dr for beginners to advanced - wind dependent. Seems like E, N, W wind would be great, but I've been told S creates a wind shadow. The road has been paved almost up to the waterfront, sod has been  laid from the road to the seawall, and a new seawall has been built. You can drive close to the end, unload your gear on the grassy side of the  road, then park back at the bath house a couple hundred yards away. While the sod is still rooting, please choose to rig further back on the grassy side of the road which has better wind protection anyway. You can walk your gear over the sod and carefully climb down the seawall    to set the gear in the sand. Be nice to the neighbors and respect the property lines (which aren' t really obvious). You can walk your board out past the end of the piers to launch in knee deep water. Wear booties for clamshell protection. The sound here is mostly never more than neck deep (could depend on tides?), and I detected no noticable current. The huge transformer station makes a great landmark. Be aware of the white and red tipped marker posts in the sound when sailing fast. Others have warned of clam beds beneath the surface too. Start off slow and define some good boundaries, then crank it up! 

• 15th Street:

Directions: A 15th street.

Sailing:15th Street. East, any Northerly, and West wind directions are best. This side offers flat water and chop on the north side of Bogue Sound. 

• 3rd Street:

Directions: Park at the Sheraton.

Sailing:3rd Street is an ocean launch that is best sailed in W, SE, SE and E winds. At the time of this writing, it had a great break, but these things continuously change. 3rd Street is a little better than the Circle in Morehead City in a S/SW wind because the wind is less onshore. Be careful of the surfers and surf casters!