Ahoy, fellow SCOO members!

Pack your sea bags and ready your sails and motors — SCOO is thrilled to announce our upcoming fall cruise to the enchanting island of Ocracoke! Mark your calendars for October 19-22 for days of sun, camaraderie, and island exploration.  This is the last scheduled SCOO cruise for the 2026 season, so you don’t want to miss it.

Event Details

●     Dates: October 19-22

●     Destination: Ocracoke, NC

What to Expect

●     Spectacular sailing and cruising across the Pamlico Sound

●     Three-night stay at Ocracoke’s picturesque Silver Lake with beautiful sunsets

●     Daily temperatures vary from the mid-50’s to the lower 70’s.

●     Day 1 - Group happy hour at the National Park Service (NPS) picnic area at 5:00 pm; bring an appetizer to share, plates, utensils, and chairs if you don’t want to sit on picnic benches.  Note: alcohol is not permitted in the picnic area; please be discreet.

●     Day 2 – Explore the island; if you are a first-timer, pair up with someone who has been before.  If there is interest, we can organize a dinghy ride over to the beach area near Teaches Hole.  We will hold a potluck dinner at the National Park Service (NPS) picnic area at 5:00 pm.  Note: alcohol is not permitted in the picnic area; please be discreet.  The sun sets at 6:25 pm and is beautiful to watch from the Fort Ocracoke Monument, a short 150-yard walk from the NPS picnic area.

●     Day 3 – Continue exploring the island and enjoying activities with fellow SCOO members.  We will make reservations at Dajios for anyone who wants to join the group for dinner.

●     The days will be open for island excursions; a tour to Portsmouth settlement; time to explore the village shops and food establishments; or venture out to the shoreline beaches to walk, collect seashells, or fly a kite.

●     The island is very bikeable; pack your bikes or scooters to get around the island; bike rentals are also available through local businesses.

●     Golf carts are available to rent through a couple of the island companies; note that the golf cart rental agreements will not let you go all the way to the ocean beaches.

●     The island shuttle does not operate after Labor Day.

Dockage and Anchorages

Ocracoke offers several ways to stay.

●     Silver Lake Marina is run by the National Park Service; these slips are on a first-come, first-served basis; include power, water, and restrooms (no showers); paid daily through the Recreation.gov app. Recommend a fender board to help protect your boat.

●     Anchorage Inn Marina: reservations are required; includes power and water; the cost is $3.50/foot.  Call for availability and reservations. (252) 928-6661

●     Ocracoke Foundation docks: located behind the Community Square; includes electric and water; a porta-potty but no showers. Text  Scott Bradley at 252-921-0321 to check availability and pricing.

●     Anchoring in Silver Lake is another option.  There is a dinghy day dock available at the National Park Service docks (free day use) and a small dock at the Community Square.

●     Additionally, there are several hotels on the island with NCDOT vehicle ferry service from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter if someone is so inclined.

Let’s make this autumn cruise one for your logbook!  More details to follow.

Cruise Captains:       Tom & Carole Brown on M/V Key 2 Cay

                                    Mark James & Darla Bolon on S/V Paya Breeze