Join us on another episode of Sailing & Cruising the East Coast of the United States, where we document an unforgettable leg of our journey: sailing from Beaufort to Oriental, North Carolina. This episode is part of a multi-part series recorded onboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, as we relocated the vessel from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

Hosted by Bela Musits and joined by fellow sailor and boat owner Mike Malekoff, this episode captures the essence of small-town charm, open water adventure, and life aboard a cruising sailboat navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

🌊 Episode Highlights:

• Departing the historic maritime hub of Beaufort, NC

• Navigating canals, bridges, and markers through the Intracoastal Waterway

• Our scenic and peaceful arrival into Oriental, the Sailing Capital of North Carolina

• Docking challenges and anchoring tips from real-time experience

• Capturing the magic of golden hour on the water with photos and video (available in the video version)

• Evening reflections recorded onboard
  

⛵ Topics Covered:

• Sailing and cruising best practices along the U.S. East Coast

• Day-in-the-life insights from liveaboard sailors

• Using navigation tools and local knowledge for safe passage

• Marina life vs. anchoring out — pros, cons, and candid reflections

• What makes Oriental a favorite stop for cruisers heading north or south on the ICW
  

🧭 Why This Episode is a Must-Listen for Cruisers: If you're planning a cruise along the East Coast of the U.S., especially on the ICW, this episode offers practical takeaways and a vivid firsthand account of what to expect in this stretch of the journey. From bridge openings to currents and tides, we discuss real-world challenges and how we dealt with them.

This segment is ideal for:

• New sailors looking for confidence on the ICW

• East Coast cruisers researching anchorages and towns worth stopping in

• Fans of slow travel and boat life stories

• Anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle or boat relocation adventures
  

🎧 Audio Note: This podcast was recorded on the boat, often at the end of each day. You’ll hear the ambient sounds of marina life and nature, adding to the authenticity. For a richer visual experience, check out the video version with photos and clips from this leg of our voyage.

📍 About the Route: We begin in Beaufort, known for its maritime history and waterfront charm, and head up through scenic stretches of the North Carolina ICW. Along the way, we pass through peaceful waters, quiet inlets, and picturesque canals before arriving in Oriental, a haven for sailors and one of the most welcoming boating communities on the East Coast.

🚤 About the Boat: The vessel for this trip is a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, a spacious and comfortable cruiser perfect for coastal passages and long-term living aboard. Listen in as we share our experiences managing systems, provisioning, and handling the boat on this multi-state journey.

🔗 Connect & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes as we continue north toward Burlington, Vermont. Subscribe and follow Sailing & Cruising the East Coast of the United States wherever you get your podcasts. Share with fellow cruisers and help us grow our community of sailors, dreamers, and adventurers!

📸 Watch the Video Version: For visuals of our trip from Beaufort to Oriental, check out the video podcast featuring photos and short clips from the water. It’s the next best thing to being there!

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