Hey Ron,

Whether headed N or S, I've always rounded Hatteras pretty much as close inshore as possible, usually right outside that red nun "2" right off Diamond Shoals...

However, that assumes reasonably benign weather, and having someone else aboard. I've also usually been approaching the cape from a port like Charleston instead of from the Bahamas, and continuing north either to the Chesapeake, or New York, so cutting it close shortens the trip considerably. I've never gone outside of Hatteras solo, you're probably better giving it a wider berth if going it alone, of course.

I'd want really favorable weather to keep on going non-stop from the Bahamas, however, and you want to make sure you're really well rested, as well... That area off Diamond Shoals is a real choke point for shipping, lots going on around there, you really want to make sure you're feeling reasonably rested, and alert... My general inclination - unless your conditions and forecast were extremely favorable - would be to make a pit stop in Beaufort, or perhaps Cape Lookout (a beautiful spot, btw) Once in there, I'd go up inside through Pamlico Sound, and back out at Oregon Inlet - but I know that area pretty well, and I'm forgetting what your draft is?

One downside to that route, however, especially for a singlehander... Seems I always wind up passing by the Chesapeake Bay Entrance in the middle of the first night, and the approaches to Delaware Bay entrance during the second night... With the amount of traffic going in and out of those places, that can be a bit stressful and tiring... So, the route that takes you more directly from Hatteras to Newport does have its advantages in that regard, keeping you further away from those high-traffic areas...

Glad to hear you're headed back north again, Ron... What are your plans once you get back up here?

best regards,

Jon