Seagull Sail On Program 2010 Daily Log

Today we have met at Camp Sea Gull to embark on S.A.I.L. On. The program will take us on a 14 day sailing trip around the outer banks of North Carolina. The boys will spend their first two days at Camp Sea Gull getting acquainted with the boat and prepared for the trip. We will go through courses on weather, boat handling, and navigation.The program will depart from Camp Sea Gull Tuesday morning after breakfast and we hope to make it to Belhaven, NC by tomorrow evening. There we will take on fuel and begin our trek up the Alligator River - Pungo River canal.
 

After an exciting first day at sea the S.A.I.L. On Program arrived safely in Belhaven, NC. We departed from Camp Sea Gull and made our way out of the Neuse River. We had a good strong breeze as we skirted around a storm. Our sail took us out out of the river and into the Pamlico Sound. The boys helped prepare dinner underway, and we anchored at Bellhaven, and we will head to the River Forest Marina in the morning to take on fuel and provisions. 

The boys left Belhaven, NC this morning after taking on fuel and a few provisions in town, as well as a hearty breakfast at Farm Boys. The crew navigated Jeanie B through the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal and into the Alligator River. Once out of the canal, they headed for Milltail Creek to anchor for the night. They enjoyed swimming and exploring the creek in the dinghy. They plan to sail to Elizabeth City in the morning.

After some more exploring in Milltail Creek, the boys hauled up the anchor and set the heading for Elizabeth City. This leg of the journey took us through the Albermarle Sound, where the boys enjoyed a 15-20 knot breeze. Once they arrived in Elizabeth City, the boys docked us at the town dock before eating chicken bog for dinner. They capped off the night with a viewing of Pirates of the Carribbean in the main cabin.

This morning, the crew and the boys decided to head north from Elizabeth City for Norfolk, VA up through the Dismal Swamp Canal. It was generally agreed upon that the Jeanie B should make it to mile marker 0 on the Intracoastal Waterway. The boys, captain, and crew all made their way through a lock for the first time in order to enter the canal. The boys stopped at the Dismal Swamp Visitor's Center and hiked the nature trail before returning to their journey. The day ended with a trip to La Familia, a Mexican restaurant in Deep Creek, VA near the end of the canal.

This morning began with a quick breakfast before crossing through the Deep Creek Lock. We steamed ahead toward Norfolk, arriving around lunchtime. The boys docked the boat and walked down the street to Nauticus, an incredible maritime museum. The boys learned about America's nautical history, including a tour of the USS Wisconsin. After exploring the museum, they boys pointed us south again, heading for Coinjock. We arrived at the Coinjock Marina in time for a homemade fried chicken dinner and hot showers ashore.