Reviews: Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Paul Lacroix on Oct 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Elizabeth City is known as "Harbor of Hospitality" and it truly lives up to it. Upon arrival with had friendly locals help us dock, my wife was welcomed with a rose bud and Dan lent us his truck for a store run. Great stop and many thanks.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Adam Ondrejack, ADA, on Oct 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a great stop. Friendly people! Borrow a car, grab a shower or meal. Wife got a rose! Town has all you need within biking distance. Clean, safe, welcoming!

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Jason Spitz on Sep 22, 2024
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Dan and the entire staff/studens at Mid-Atlantic Christian are all welcoming and offer a wonderful dock and services to cruisers. So please - if you stay here, pop onto their website and make a donation to them or one of their great causes. They'll never ask or mention it, so thought I would. Click on the link in Admin Comments.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  https://maritime-ministries.org/purpose-mission-vision/
  

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Rick Vicars on Jul 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

06-07-24 This is a great free floating dock with room for only a few boats depending on length. No power or water. The staff was very friendly and informative. It is quite a walk to town without bikes or scooters but doable. An awesome museum and several restaurants and bars. This is a great town to visit.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: David Fanion on Dec 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.9'

Rating: 5

This was a peaceful nights stop back on Dec 4,2023. We were met there at their free dock by Keith and another sailor also recently docked. We met the dock master Dan just as we were setting out for a walk to Lowe's for a grub screw. Dan offered us the use of a vehicle. Were so thankful for this. Once at the store, our tiredness set in. We had dinner at the Universities beautiful cafeteria along with many energized happy students. The folks here are dedicated to reaching out in a friendly welcoming way with knowledge of not only their incredible maritime ministries, but also local resources if needed. Was a quiet rest filled night on the dock. Would definitely stop here again with hopes to have more time to explore Elizabeth City.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

This is a great place to stop. Aaron met us at the dock and got us situated and gave us a gift bag, with lots of info about the town. There is a great meat shop a block from the campus. We ate dinner at the university's cafeteria. The free museum in town is really good. We were able to use a small truck for a run to Food Lion. There is only room for 3 boats so plan your arrival accordingly.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Francis Gravel on Nov 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 6.7'

Rating: 5

Nice place to stay for max 48h if all is ok but help you the more they can if you need to fix something. Been there 3 days because of bad weather and the are comprehensive. Shower and all you need at a walking distance. Hospitality is really there speciality. People help each other in this town. Someone even want to give me money as I look like homeless. Other one give us a ride to the grocery store. The MACU bless our journey before leaving the last night. I recommand this stop.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Jeff Abbotts, White bread, on Oct 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

From the moment we docked.
Aaron Greeted us with a nice bag of goodies maps etc.. Free dock, let us shower there,local info, super folks !!

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: William Cooper on May 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

I give 4 stars because of the helpfulness of the people in general in Elizabeth City. There is room for maybe 3 boats on the face dock. We used one of the slips. Short fingers so we backed in fine but needed to remove our dinghy and place in the yard to get on and off the boat. Plenty of help tying up and I think the bridge tender was actually pointing out the free docks as we went through the bridge. I'd go here first, then Jeanette's, and as a last resort the city docks which are a bit rough and exposed to SW wind.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Apr 14, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

The dock consists of 150 feet of side tie with 20 foot depths and several slips for transients. 48 hour docking is free but you must be prepared to be confronted with some of the warmest hospitality imaginable. We have been here twice and cannot begin to describe how nice everyone here is. Starting with the "dockmaster" Dan Smith all the way to the students at the college, everyone is wonderfully positive. While there is no security on the dock, it is within the campus and we never felt a moment's concern for our security.

The access to the university facilities has already been described in other posts. The welcome bag, including free stuff, from Maritime Ministries is quite remarkable. Downtown is less than a half mile away with several good restaurants and pubs. The Museum of the Albemarle is worth taking a rest day in Downtown Elizabeth City. Pet friendly. Good cell phone coverage. If you need groceries, Dan will arrange for transportation if at all possible.

The only negative for this free dock is the road noise for the nearby bascule bridge. This is definitely an excellent stop.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Bev Hewitt, Blue Odyssey, on Apr 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Great free dock! So friendly and came out to help us dock. Short walk to very cute town. Fun restaurants and breweries - most seemed pet friendly. We were able to walk a short distance north from the dock and let our dog run and stretch a bit.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun, Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The best experience. Dan Smith, the dockmaster, was extremely nice and welcoming, as were other staff and the students we met. In addition to free docking, we were offered a welcome bag with information about the city and a coupon for a free coffee at a local café. We were also given access to the shower facilities in the gym nearby. Elizabeth City has a very nice library and a good museum.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Oct 13, 2022
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Entering from the South go up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City, through the bascule bridge in the center of town, Christian University Free Dock will be in front in front of you. If you are southbound, you will have traversed the Dismal Swamp Canal and should slow down once you see the bridge. The dock will be on the right, in front of some of the school's buildings. There is over 20 feet of water on approach and 18 feet at the dock. There is no lunar tide but care should be take tying up to the fixed dock as water levels rise and fall with strong winds from either the north or south. We used our fender boards to keep the boat off the dock pylons. Wind, wake, and wave protection is excellent. There is road noise from the nearby bridge that continues into the evening. There are both slips with short finger piers as well as a 125 foot dock for side ties The dock is in very good condition with potable water available but the free dock has no electricity or pump-out facilities. The University "Guest" Wi-Fi reaches the dock with very good speeds. Cellular connectivity is also very good for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The University has restricted stays to 48 hours, but the price is right.

The normal expectation for a "Free Dock" is quite low but the Christian University has opened its doors to visitors. Dan Smith is the "dockmaster" (336.681.0575) and it is best to give him a call to check on space availability before arriving. He and his people are truly helpful and will provide you an information packet for the city which includes several discount coupons. We found the city to be very interesting with good restaurants, music and art venues, an excellent local museum, and opportunities to just kick back and relax on the swinging benches at the University fire pit which is just off the dock. The school opens its facilities to you as well, including meals at very reasonable prices. Everyone is so welcoming and, even though the dock is technically open to the street, the University provides illumination and security was never a concern to us. This was the best free dock experience we have ever had.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: James Newsome, Cooler By A Mile, on Sep 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

No trip up the ICW would be complete without a stop-over in the Friendliest Town on the ICW, and the most accommodating Free Dock host on the entire ICW. Dan will meet you and help with lines if he's available. He's always a good source for local advice on weather and restaurants. Thanks much Dan!!

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 5, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Great overnight stop. No power, but there's water available. Very well-kept dock. Not a long walk to downtown restaurants. This will become a regular stop for us.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Bruce Krizmanic, S/V Inspiration, on Aug 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 4

Nice place to hold up for a day or two, everyone was very helpful. We were able to get a shower after docking. Close to town with several restaurants, craft beer and coffee shops.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: C W on Aug 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Easy Contact with Dock master. Close to town and very quiet.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Teresa Scott, Vayu, on Jun 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Spent one night here. Very convenient to town. Water available. We weren't able to take advantage of the cafe food I read about, probably because it was after classes had ended for the summer. Would have stayed a second night but it was just too hot so we moved to Lambs marina to plug in and treat ourselves to ac.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Trent Billingsley on May 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Wonderful free dock. Just a stroll off town on a quiet expansive lawn great for the dogs. We even got a canvas shopping bag as a welcome packet! Had dinner at Hoppin Johnz and it was great

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley, Calypso, on May 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We stopped here along with 3 other boats and enjoyed the hospitality of the Mid Atlantic Christian University. There are nice, fixed, wooden slips as well as a long dock. Water is available but there is no electricity, pump out or fuel. We walked to downtown and checked out the free museum and a local pub. There are many restaurants to choose from. We will definitely stay here again!

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: John Johnson on Apr 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Nice floating dock with some finger slips and a wide cat slip. Room for 2-3 boats past the finger slips.
Water available. Dock master let us use his pickup to get groceries.

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: Donna Arnott on Dec 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Traveling late in the season, arriving at Mid-Atlantic Christian University to the open arms of Dan Smith, Dockmaster (17 December 2021). He was quite accommodating, rearranging boats, catching lines, assisting in tying up, giving great recommendations. We had an electric motor issue and he assisted in getting us to/from a local shop for our repairs.
Can not recommend this establishment enough!! 5+stars!!!!!

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Review for Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Reviewed by: James Newsome on Sep 1, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Review submitted on behalf of Capt Joe Brasfield. Traveling south on June 12, 2020 through Dismal Swamp on a 50 foot Pontoon delivery. High winds were forecast the next day, so we felt that a crossing of the Albemarle Sound was not advisable and decided to lay over in Elizabeth City. With 20-25 knot winds out of the south, there was much better protection north of the Highway 158 drawbridge rather than at the Mariners Wharf in the downtown area.
We contacted Mid-Atlantic Christian University, who offer a Free Dock facility as part of their ministry. It is a beautiful place and the protection was an 8 out of 10. The hospitality of the Dockmaster Daniel was over and above what was expected. Daniel providing extra fenders and a fender board, and also provided great recommendations on where to eat and purchase supplies. We will stop again. 5 plus star rating! Thanks Daniel!

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