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Beaufort
As A Preferred Jumping-Off Point to The Caribbean
Beaufort
(NC) is called the "Gateway to the Caribbean." It makes
an excellent jumping off point for your cruise south. It's actually
only a few nautical miles further to travel from Beaufort, NC
to St. Thomas (USVI), than it is to travel from Miami, FL to St.
Thomas (USVI), due to the eastward projection of our coastline.
In fact, it is considered to be one of the best departure points
due to location and logistics. Additionally, the Abacos (Bahamas)
are due south from the Beaufort Inlet.
But first, Beaufort, (pronounced "Boe-fort") North Carolina
is not to be confused with Beaufort (pronounced "Beuw-fort")
South Carolina as the two are only three hundred seventy nine
highway miles apart. It is, however, a frequent mistake of visitors
to this area. For cruisers departing from northern climates, the
Intracoastal Waterway is the preferred route for beginning the
journey to the Caribbean. Besides enjoying the milder climate
while provisioning, you and your crew will have the opportunity
to test yourselves and your vessel during this phase of the trip.
Beaufort offers numerous facilities for the cruiser embarking
on a long journey. There are an abundance of anchorages available
and numerous marinas in the area that offer transient dockage
and long-term storage. Our area offers numerous marine suppliers,
sail makers, mechanics, several grocery stores, and multiple boat
yards that are 'cruiser-friendly'. A number of northern cruisers
store their boats in Beaufort, saving them weeks of travel time
home, as well as giving them a head start next year.
Both Boat US and Sea-Tow have local branches. To contact Boat
US simply hail them on channel 16 or call (252) 728-5088. Sea-Tow
monitors channels 7, 9 and 79.
If you're taking a break before continuing your voyage there are
numerous good restaurants and shops in the historic downtown area
as well as throughout Beaufort, several within walking distance.
And we'd love to see you during your stopover. If you'd like to
look
over our inventory of boats for sale in Beaufort, just walk
one block west on Front Street from the Beaufort Docks.
To get here by air, US Air services the New Bern airport (EWN),
45 minutes away; and less than a mile from our office is the Beaufort
Morehead Airport (MRH) for General Aviation Aircraft with 4000+
feet of runways available.
Should you need medical care, Beaufort has an Urgent Care Center
and Carteret General Hospital is located nearby. The North Carolina
Maritime Museum is located on Front Street and strolling through
town to admire the beautifully restored historic homes offers
pleasant diversion. With all of the resources available to the
serious cruiser, Beaufort makes an ideal jumping off point for
the Caribbean.
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