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Oriental’s Marinas > Pecan Grove Marina

P

ecan Grove Marina is located across from the Oriental anchorage. Sunday, the day after Hurricane Irene, approximately 100 sailboats and power vessels were counted in the slips. The marina occupies formerly agricultural land that was dredged for marina use.

Pecan Grove Marina on Sunday. This view is directed toward the marina’s north-east facing entry to the Neuse River. The marina’s narrow opening would have been exposed to the storm winds preceding Hurricane Irene’s eye. Once the eye passed, winds would have blown from the photo’s 3 o’clock position.

Cleats ripped from the docks. The majority of loose cleats were located in the section of the marina that leads to the Neuse River. The storm surge would have flowed through the narrow opening, leading to great stress on the dock.

Failed cleats were attached to boards secured to the pier’s substructure. When the boards failed, the cleats broke free. During the storm, lines securing vessels to the dock were then tied directly to the pier.

View of the docks on the side nearest the highway. In many places there was no obvious storm damage.

Dock boxes are stored on dedicated platforms at Pecan Grove. They were placed away (and higher) from the docks after Isabel. But not high enough for Irene. Here, 2 boxes are all that remain where many more had been stored.

Torn furling jib. As of Sunday, 2 torn furling jibs were evident. Normally furled tightly when not in use, this jib failed during Hurricane Irene. To minimize the risk of damage, some sailboat owners took the precaution of removing their boat’s jib. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the marina is discussing requiring sail removal as part of hurricane preparation.

The view looking toward the marina’s river opening, located at approximately the 9 o’clock position. Damage on this side of the marina included scraped rub rails and a swimming pool filled with storm water. The clubhouse, seen in the distance, escaped major structural damage.

The Pecan Grove clubhouse had its deck and rails twisted, but it did not suffer any major damage. The clubhouse did not flood.

Pecan Grove Owners Association President and Developer Lee Cox said Irene’s waters were at least a foot higher than Isabel’s (2003) at Pecan Grove. Cox was proud that no boats sank, and stated “the only damage on boats you’ll find are some worn rub rails.”

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Posted Thursday September 1, 2011 by Keith N. Smith