We finished loading our perishable provisions onto my 32’ Nimble motorsailer, 2-TAC-E, before daylight on this beautiful October morning so that we could be sure to meet our 0800 rendezvous with Marc and Cam Rivard and their 34’ Catalina, First Light, off the Albemarle Plantation Marina. 
Buck and I cast off at 0745 to a bon voyage from Chris and our NJ friends, Al & Carole Fraser, who had been visiting for a few days. First Light was waiting as planned
and we headed out of the channel together. As soon as we cleared the channel, both boats came into the wind and hoisted our sails. The wind was brisk at 15-20 knots from the northwest.
Buck and I cast off at 0745 to a bon voyage from Chris and our NJ friends, Al & Carole Fraser, who had been visiting for a few days. First Light was waiting as planned
and we headed out of the channel together. As soon as we cleared the channel, both boats came into the wind and hoisted our sails. The wind was brisk at 15-20 knots from the northwest. Given that our course to Manteo was southeast, this made for a very comfortable sail.
We were able to sail all the way to Manteo on a single tack at 5-7 knots. The entire voyage of 40+ miles took about 7 hours including navigation of the Currituck and Manteo channels.
I had called ahead several days ago for reservations at the Manteo Waterfront Marina. It was good that I did as they were full. Both boats were also lucky enough to be assigned to tie up along side long face
docks. Tie-up was easy with the assistance of the knowledgeable and friendly Manteo Dock staff: the Dockmaster Carl and his assistant, George.
docks. Tie-up was easy with the assistance of the knowledgeable and friendly Manteo Dock staff: the Dockmaster Carl and his assistant, George. If you haven’t been to Manteo, it’s worth a trip. Manteo is the only town on Roanoke Island, site of the early “Lost Colony.” There are several nice restaurants and shops, and it’s close to the Outer Banks if you’re coming by car. If coming by boat you have a choice of the Manteo Waterfront Marina or Shallowbag Bay. I would avoid Shallowbag Bay as they have little interest in transient boaters these days and would prefer to focus on their condos.
Our marina was directly across the channel from the home-port of the Elizabeth II, a reproduction of the vessel which brought the lost colonists to Roanoke Island.
It is a beautiful ship. Marc and Cam also caught up with the E II sailing to Columbia for a festival on their way home and were able to share these images of her under sail. I'm sorry I missed it!
After securing our boats, Buck and I took a walk to the grocery store to pick up the inevitable couple of items that we forgot to pack (chips, cream cheese, & salad greens). When we returned, Marc and Cam joined us onboard 2 TAC – E for cocktails and appetizers, then we adjourned to First Light for a tasty dinner of home-made tomato soup, shrimp salad, marinated veggies and Chris’ banana bread.
Had we been so inclined, we could have made some money when we arrived at Manteo. No sooner had we tied up than we were approached by several couples who said they were ready for their sunset harbor cruise. They said they had been told to look for a green-hulled sailboat with red sails. We soon figured out that they were really looking for the Down-east Rover, a large steel-hulled, gaff rigged schooner that was docked close to us. Had I realized at the time, that the Rover charged $40/head for a 1.5 hour cruise, we would have taken them all for a sail.Buck and I hit our bunks by 2130 and spent a relatively peaceful night aside from our fenders squeaking against the hull as the wind rose overnight.
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