2026 Eastern North Carolina C-Dory RAFT UP - Labor Day - Shackleford Banks, NC.

[olddemps]

Labor Day weekend 2026 round up to view wild horses and surrounding pristine beaches of Cape Outlook light house and Beaufort NC waterfront.
Boat ramp and trailer parking nearby in Beaufort for launching.
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. or info on facebook here https://fb.me/e/8jlprGbB6
Happy boating
Chris

 

[FrankisCaptBobo]

Gotta ask a questions... not trying to be a pain either, but why pick one of the busiest weekends for driving as well as for Beaufort/Atlantic beach/Lookout light house and other boaters? The Hontoon Island get together was perfect because it wasn't on a holiday and C Dory's ruled the roost with easy driving, launching, parking and full access to the park. Just asking, maybe for future consideration... Oh and please post all details here as some of use aren't Facebookers.

 

[olddemps]

Gotta ask a questions... not trying to be a pain either, but why pick one of the busiest weekends for driving as well as for Beaufort/Atlantic beach/Lookout light house and other boaters? The Hontoon Island get together was perfect because it wasn't on a holiday and C Dory's ruled the roost with easy driving, launching, parking and full access to the park. Just asking, maybe for future consideration... Oh and please post all details here as some of use aren't Facebookers.

Thanks Frank. Understood.
The majority of the people in our core N. Carolina group (Wilmington) are still working and using holiday time off window for extended get away. I realize most CDory owners are older / retired so off peak event optimal but the ocean / Cape outlook is a big place with room for all. Hope you can join us. Final update coming next week as we're 1 month out. Happy boating.

 

[FrankisCaptBobo]

Cool, didn't know that! I'ts nice being retired...

 

[Glenn]

We live a 15 minute trip in our C-Dory from Shackleford Banks, a great hang out mid week. But on any Holiday weekend, we head AWAY from Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks because of severe crowding on those more protected beaches. Be careful to claim a spot early in the day and bring ear plugs. I hope to be able to come by and see what's going on one of the days of the raft up, but I've seen how crowded things get. On the way, look out for amateur boaters as well.

Sorry to rain on the parade, but you ought to know and be prepared.
Glenn

 

[brucechinery@yahoo.com]

Labor Day weekend 2026 round up to view wild horses and surrounding pristine beaches of Cape Outlook light house and Beaufort NC waterfront.
Boat ramp and trailer parking nearby in Beaufort for launching.
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. or info on facebook here https://fb.me/e/8jlprGbB6
Happy boating

 

[brucechinery@yahoo.com]

This is great. I keep my boat in Beaufort. I'm planning on it.

 

[FrankisCaptBobo]

I'm planning on being there and looking forward to it! I would like to start planning. Any firm details yet?

 

[olddemps]

Hello All, Working out the details now and will post times and launch recommendations by this Saturday 8/15/26.
Reach out directly anytime if you have some concerns / contributions or suggestions.
Chris

 

[olddemps]

Hello C Dory fellows. Hope you can raft up with other C Dory owners all or in part this Labor Day.

Here is the basic plan for Labor day 2026 raft up.

Optional Thursday 9/3/26 Beaufort NC, Town Dock https://maps.app.goo.gl/jPJUWfWjAPnqTAaR9

Coming in early because we can , “JOKA” & “Rising Resilient” will be staying @ Beaufort Town docks Thursday night (9/3). If you can come in early to meet up, book your own slip here https://beauforttowndocks.org/slip-reservation/ or anchor nearby on the adjacent protected ICW.

Friday 9/4/26 Evening 6PM~ Meet up and get settled off Shackleford Bank

Meet Friday evening at your convenience for overnight anchorage off Shackleford Bank. Hopefully see Wild horses on Shackleford on Friday night / Saturday morning.

34°40'28.9"N 76°36'30.1"W or https://maps.app.goo.gl/MMwvo1HDvb5Ez3G69

Saturday 9/5/26 - Cape Look out Bight - explore Cape Look Out

Group sunset campfire 7:30P (Conditions permitting) circle up – Bring a Chair~ Etc!

Anchorage near “1907 Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (Barden House)” at Cape Lookout bight.
34°36'35.8"N 76°32'08.2"W or https://maps.app.goo.gl/BCZ8BN89FLqDZQys9

Sunday 9/6/26 – Back to Beaufort = Carrot Island overnight anchorage. Leisurely morning off Cape Lookout then transit to across ICW from Beaufort Town Docks, anchor off Carrot Island and explore Downtown Beaufort for dinner / drinks. Join us by land if you’re not boating.

34°42'51.5"N 76°39'59.4"W or https://maps.app.goo.gl/xBNkG6AXoPhi2RdQ8


Monday 9/7/26 (Labor day) leisurely morning on Carrot island or more time at the beach or load up and head home.

Three anchorage locations – approximately~ Attached

Approximate Sailing plan - Attached

Purple semi protected. Yellow Ocean if its calm, Capt’s choice. Blue most protected, some slow water

Boat ramps and parking options if trailering.

Newport River Pier & Boat ramp (AKA Radio Island)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MX5kowsXGaZpZi2e8

NC Wildlife Beaufort Boating Access

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6mqLuo2ZvrMiDLUH6

Harker’s Island Public Boat Ramp (If you’re coming from the north maybe easier)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcqBVm2DRejv6WJVA

DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK IN ATTENDING, GAIN LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & MAKE A FLOAT PLAN.

In summary = Basically do / go where ever you want, it’s your adventure and vacation time. Having our shared interest of C Dorys these evening anchorages / gatherings are encouraged. This is a non-hosted event.

Direct Message me and I can send you my approximate GPX / route coordinates and my cell phone number so we know to look for you.

Happy adventures, Chris Dempsey on CD22’ “JOKA”

 

[FrankisCaptBobo]

Hi All

I'll be coming down to Beaufort on Thursday 9/3 for the NC Raft Up and have reserved a spot at the town dock for the night. I just wanted to post here and on a separate post, that I have 3 items of interest to C-Dory 22 owners that are large hard to ship items. I would be willing to bring one or all with the proper commitment that they are purchased and picked up while I'm at the town dock on Thursday evening or Friday morning. I do NOT want to store them on the boat for the whole raft up!

I have 2 rocket launchers, one that came off the roof of my boat (71") $200 and one that came off of the forward inside of the splashwell (32") ($150) prices are 1/3 off of what the former owner showed me that he paid for them about 3 years ago. Neither have been cleaned up, but were closely inspected and have zero corrosion on them so they should polish up very easily by hand and look like new. I also still have the 1" x 2' X 8' piece of 1" Coosa Board ($150 and my cost for a 4' x 8' sheet was $404 so it's discounted) that will replace the transom core in a 22 Cruiser and maybe even a 25?

If you're coming to Beaufort and want any of these items please message me.