Just passed Hatteras on the Outside

[caradow]

Wow can someone educate me on going south?
Just sailed from Connecticut to Wilmington NC and got our butts kicked around Hatteras.
Have never seen anything like it in my life. The Stream was right on the beach. In fact we passed Diamond Shoals within a half mile and was barley making it with both engines running full speed with wind on the nose. Tried to stay in less than 70 feet of water because the current was so strong. Any depth over 100 feet we came almost to a stand still. Apparently all commercial traffic was hugging the beach also. A few 1000 foot bulk carriers with their 100 foot beams were very close. Guess they were trying to save fuel. Love my AIS!!
Has anyone ever experienced this?
Never again, have only rounded one time previously and that was heading north. In the future will cross stream north of Hatteras then cross again to get to Wilmington.
Checking the stream data does show variation on how close it gets to shore but until last week I had no idea it was that close.
We had a weather window so we went for it only to be battered by the stream. The ICW was not an option with the current flooding and a 62 ft. mast.
After Hatteras the wind veered to the NW at 20-30 and had a welcomed slay ride to Wilmington.
Was this Stream encounter common?

[caradow]

Where we were:[URL="IMG_0532.jpg"]

[ughmo2000]

Yeah that's a tough place to get around south or northbound! I've been beat up a few times rounding Hatteras and have bailed a few times as well. If you've a shallow enough draft, a lot of boats use the ICW to pass that stretch.

[Double-Wide]

There is good reason that Cape Hatteras is known as "The graveyard of the North Atlantic". I lived in NC for many years and sailed along the coast quite often and really have a deep respect for that area. I too agree that if possible take the ICW from Norfolk to Beaufort.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by Double-Wide

There is good reason that Cape Hatteras is known as "The graveyard of the North Atlantic". I lived in NC for many years and sailed along the coast quite often and really have a deep respect for that area. I too agree that if possible take the ICW from Norfolk to Beaufort.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

===

I like to run outside as much as anyone but I always take the ICW between Norfolk and Morehead City. It's a nice scenic route, well protected and many places to stop. Is your draft over 7 ft or your air draft over 64 ft? Those are the only reasons to go outside that I know of. I prefer going inside around Cape Fear also. We go in at Masonboro Inlet and out at Southport.

[caradow]

Thanks to all for your input.
However still trying to find out if it was an UNUSUAL occurrence for The Stream to come right into Diamond Shoals?
Believe me I have great respect for Hatteras however we had a weather window and the timing was right after NC had all the rain. Did not want to chance those bridges with a 62 foot rig. If you recall the tide was running quite high around that time.
If it wasn't for a meander in the stream the passage would have been uneventful.

[MarkJ]

I did it about 5 weeks ago and it was fine. But I was much closer than half a mile off Diamond Shoals. Can't tell u exactly how close I was because I am not on the boat. Hug that sucker real close.
I was lucky I had a mild NE but definitely didn't have current to talk about.

It is a tricky but of sailing. It just doesn't feel "right". It just feels like it could turn to hell in 5 minutes.



Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[MarkJ]

Ok here's my course around it. Note how close I decided to go compared to yours. But remember I had NE wind so it wasn't really a lee shore.

[caradow]

Wow you were close!
Thanks for the information but please tell me it was daylight when you where there......
We were there around 0100 and after hearing all the stories I was concerned being as close as we where.
But excellent knowledge for future trips.
Again many thanks for your response.