Finally February is over, and next weekend we will be turning the clocks to eastern standard time, thank God I am done with this winter, the snow will be melting fast, and I am thinking of boats and sailing. When the sun comes out I am climbing on the boats and taking the covers off. 

 This time of year I am also thinking of the Dismal Swamp, as the snow birds start making their way north for the sumer. I think of the Dismal Swamp because it is my favorite part of any trip heading either south or coming back. From the North the Dismal Swamp Canal starts in Norfolk Virginia and travels in just about a straight line except for one turn for sixty miles to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The canal is very narrow, and travels through dense woods which is a National Park. It was surveyed by George Washington and dug by slaves. 

There are three stops along the canal, The first coming from the North, are the locks in Deep Creek. You can pull over for the night along the bulk head and, go to the Mexican restaurant right beside the canal, also there is a shopping center for provisioning.

 The next stop is interesting it is the only rest stop in the country that serves boat boats as well as cars. If you are traveling along rte, 17 right near the North Carolina, Virginia boarder you might see the yachts docked along the river behind the rest stop. Must be strange to see boats so far from the ocean. 

 The last stop in the canal are the locks in South Mills, NC. All the boats try to get to the locks in South Mills first so they can get the choice docks in Elizabeth City. 

 I have transited the canal many times now but my favorite was the trip that I did with Preston Lucy, Delivering his uncles boat the Ker Mor to Port Royal Sound.

 For a young kid on a boat, he has been the best crew yet, we had a blast. Click Here to check out the log Sailing the Ker Mor South.

Click here for more in formation on the Dismal swamp 

  Before spring gets here make sure you check below for other things to do around Newburyport

  So far my plans are still on track to have the Bella Donna back in the water and sailing on May 1st, now is a great time to start making your plans for a sailing adventure this coming summer.

  Captain Ed's Sailing was  very successful last year with just about 50 days of sailing under our belts, and meeting and sailing with many great people. 

  I want to again thank everyone for their support of Captain Ed's Sailing if it is even just through reading my news letters.

 

Thanks Captain Ed's Sailing

 

Captain Ed's Sailing gets more popular each year, however there are always great weekends as well as weekdays available.

 At the end of the day you walk away from the boat and leave the cost of owning and maintaining the boat up to me.

 Call or email to reserve your spot for next summer.  508-451-0431  Captain Ed's Sailing

 If you like what you see feel free to forward it to friends and family no matter where, as my clients come from around the country, as well as from around the world.

  

Captain Ed's Sailing has been doing charters out of Newburyport  Massachusetts since 2005. Well over 200 people have gone through either a Basic Sailing , a navigation class, or a family hands on sailing charter. We offer hands on sailing instruction in a very relaxed easy to understand manner.