2026 SCOO Southern Cruise to Southport

2026 SCOO Southern Cruise to Southport

The SCOO Southern Cruise this year will again take us to some of the most enjoyable ports on the ICW in North Carolina, including Swansboro, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Southport, with an option for a return passage offshore for those interested, weather permitting. The one-way distance is about 116nm.

The official dates for the cruise are Wednesday, June 10, through Friday, June 19.

Some cruisers may want to extend the cruise in Southport or add longer stops on the return. All these ports offer dining and entertainment, as well as fuel and provisions.

These dates conflict with the Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, June 5-14, in Morehead City. All the slips in the Morehead-Beaufort area are already booked.

So, the plan is to head straight to Swansboro on the ICW, 44nm, the first day and stay two nights. This eliminates the option of an offshore run from Beaufort Inlet to Masonboro Inlet (Wrightsville Beach) because the 10-12 hour passage requires a departure at first light from Beaufort. Cruisers starting beyond Oriental may want to anchor the first night at the top of Adams Creek and continue to Swansboro the next day.

Although Bald Head Island is not on the itinerary, some cruisers may want to visit this lovely marina and island on the southern Cape Fear River, 3nm from Southport, though dockage is limited.

We will organize a full potluck social during our 3 days at the Morningstar Marinas/Southport, with more casual get-togethers in the other ports.

More information will be sent to those who register as we get closer to the date. If you missed the presentation last month at Town Hall, you can find it here. Or if you prefer a .pdf version, I can email It to you. Just contact me at carlcrothers52@gmail.com.

Carl and Donna Crothers
S/v Sanctuary
336-408-4993