"Have Banjo, Need Bluegrass"

I was at my desk when I received an unusual phone call from Larry Greenlund - he needed directions to Sawmill Point Marina.

I pride myself on my excellent 'direction-giving-skills', so I jumped at the opportunity with the obvious, "where are you?" - expecting something along the lines of 'Market Street or College Road' - instead he replied, "I'm on the Waterway, I think I just passed Topsail Sound and I'm headed South."

"You're on a boat?!" - I don't know why I was so surprised, but it wasn't the response I had anticipated from my caller.

Sure enough, late that afternoon, the 'Sea Horse' slipped alongside face dock #29 and seemed quite content to be a little further South and enjoying the Wilmington sunset over the Cape Fear.

'Sea Horse' is a 42’ Krogen trawler. Larry Greenlund and his “first mate”, Bonnie Lohmeyer, braved frigid temps, ice and an electrical fire underway to the Florida Keys. They left Cambridge, MD on the Choptank River December 30th and spent New Year’s Eve anchored in the Chesapeake Bay.

Unfortunately, New Year’s Day they had a fire in the electric panel which held them up for 4 days in Virginia. Sea Horse then became an “Ice Breaker” as they traveled south along the ICWW in search of warmer weather.

When I stepped into the wheelhouse, I noticed Larry's banjo. He asked if there were any good places to listen to bluegrass in town and I assured him we had an excellent bluegrass scene, I just wasn't sure what was going to be open on a Monday night though...

Later that week, Larry flew back to Washington (State) where he is an engineer for the state ferries in the San Juan Islands and Bonnie returned to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she works for a real estate company.

They plan to return to Wilmington in February, spend some time in the area and relax for awhile before continuing south.

From Larry via email, "We feel so lucky to have the good folks at Sawmill Marina looking after our boat while we return to our jobs."

Well Larry and Bonnie, we're glad to have you and 'Sea Horse' - and don't worry, I've already called the Rusty Nail, open mike nights are Tuesdays at 8!

"Summer is Coming"

In honor of the Winter Solstice, I thought it would be fitting to celebrate the coming of Summer with a shot of the Jacatash - who can't wait to take it's owner, Abram Lambertson out diving as soon as possible!

Abram bought the Jacatash in August and has been fixing it up, doing maintenance and getting it rigged for some traveling and A LOT of DIVING this Spring!

This incredible 1972 38' Hatteras Sportfisher is a true classic - it'll never go out of style and we can't wait for its arrival at Sawmill Point. Thanks for bringing her up the river Abram!

"Annie's World"

I just got off the phone with Rich Conners from Cary, NC. He and his spouse, Annette Lloyd are avid boaters and will be soon taking delivery of "Annie's World" in the next couple of weeks.

They have a second home here in Downtown Wilmington and are thrilled to be relocating their new boat to Sawmill Point Marina.

They are already planning ahead for trips in their Motorcat 30 (MC30) around our area (Outer Banks, Charleston, Beaufort) and are looking forward to meeting up with other boaters and including themselves in more events and adventures within our diverse but inclusive boating community. Welcome Rich and Annette!

Welcome Hugh, Kathy and the "Joint Effort"

The McLawhorn's know a great deal when they see one. They are among the first new residents at Sawmill Marina.

Taking advantage of our introductory 'Free Slips' offer for Sawmill, we are thrilled to have them in the new, floating neighborhood Downtown.

Hugh and Kathy have been boating together for more than 12 years and enjoying life aboard the Joint Effort. Their 43' Trawler is 'home' until they begin charting their course toward their next great adventure, the 'Great Loop'!

Welcome Hugh and Kathy, we're glad you're here.