Topsail Sound

… extends NE from Mason Inlet, NE New Hanover County, across Pender County to Stump Inlet on the Onslow-Pender county line. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a barrier beach. The sound, about 17 mi. in length, is filled with tidal-marsh islands. Named for the fact that local residents watched from there for the appearance of topsails of approaching vessels.