It's a great place, there is a public launch (state) at the east end of town. Tides can be tricky but several places to go including Cape Look Out light house and Shackleford Banks (wild ponies). On the west side of town is another free state launch in between Morehead City and Beaufort by the state port that will put you into the river/turning basin/ocean channel by Fort Macon. Tides/current very stiff so be careful if you go out there. Launches are concrete and plenty of free parking spaces at both.
I live about 15 miles west of there and sail Bogue Sound often. It's better protected, not open ocean and has several bays and islands to explore and enjoy. You'll have a blast as this is a really nice area for TI adventures. If you want to try to get together while you're in the area to sail or just get some ideas of other things other than TI adventures around here just email me at
[email protected].
There is a young lady in that area that has a TI, I believe she lives on or near Taylors Creek but I'm not sure how to contact her. She will have better info on the specific area of Beaufort that you're off to. Long story short: water, ponies, shells, sun, light house, all sand/no rocks, and many islands with horses/turtles/birds but no people.