PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
The Kingsley Creek Railroad Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 721, south of unlighted daybeacon #13. This span has a miniscule closed vertical clearance of only 5 feet!
“Please be advised that the Kingsley Creek RR bridge mile 720.8 will be closed Monday, May 14 -Friday,May 18,2012 from 8:00AM-11:30AM and 1:00PM-5:30PM and opened 11:30AM-1:00PM.
Ted & Audrey Stehle
Cruising News:
Discovered yesterday that the railroad bridge crossing the ICW, normally open, is closed 8-1130 and 1300-1730 thru 5/18.
Kevin Hopper
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – obviously, it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
This morning we departed FHM following a 10 day stay. The marina hosted a wonderful MTOA rendezvous and went out of their way to be accommodating to each of us. They are very competent, professional, and exude Southern Hospitality. Can’t speak highly enough of the marina, staff, and city, who also rolled out the red carpet.
Laura Lane Bender
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Beach is the first port of call after crossing south from Georgia into Eastern Florida. This community features a GREAT downtown business district with LOTS of good places to eat and shop. Now, we hear there’s a weekly farmer’s market here as well!
[There is a farmer's market in] Fernandina beach Florida every Saturday morn
@ 7th street and main
Ellen Langer
Roy DeLong
M/V Our Turn
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
This shoaling has occurred along the AICW’s run through Sawpit Creek just south of where the Waterway crosses Nassau Sound.
Cruising News:
Shoaling reported on east side of channel behind Talbot Island at ICW marker 49 around mile 731, south of Nassau Sound. Sailboat aground in channel as we passed – stay close to western shore of Talbot and give greens a wide berth to avoid shoals.
Bill Healy
Kings Bay Submarine Base lies on the west side of the AICW’s run through Cumberland Sound and just north of the GA/FL state line. Approximate completion date of the project detailed below is June 1, 2012.
GEORGIA-FLORIDA-CUMBERLAND SOUND-FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY: Dredge Operations (UPDATE).
Cottrell Contracting Corp has commenced dredging operations at Kings Bay Submarine Base, from Cumberland Sound Lighted Buoy 37 (LLNR 6915/37765) to Kings Bay Light 62 (LLNR 7040). Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, pipelines, barge, booster, buoys, cables, derricks operating wires and other related equipment. The dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables attached to anchors from the dredge and pontoons. Buoys are attached to the anchors so they may move as the dredge moves. Submerged lines should be avoided. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution when approaching, passing, and leaving the dredge plant. The dredge “LEXINGTON” will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. Dredge operations will be conducted (24) hours a day, (7) days a week with an approximate completion date of June 1, 2012. Fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work; a slow “NO WAKE” speed is advised of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to passing. Further information contact Mr. Benjamin Cottrell (757) 547-9611. Chart 11503
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Kings Bay Entrance Channel
The name of this anchorage is something of a misnomer, as the best (safest) anchor-down spots are found on the waters behind the charted marsh island, just outside the mouth of Alligator Creek. Be SURE to follow the link below to these water’s listing in the Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory for clarification.
We anchored here recently and found the water deep and holding good. Our spade dug in instantly.Our 2009 copy of Skipper Bob’s Guide to Anchorages warns not to enter or leave through the northern end of the anchorage but we found good water in the center when we left northbound.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator Creek
The Sister Creek portion of the Waterway begins just north of the St. Johns River at mile 470 and continues northward to Gunnison Cut at marker #65. The shoaly portion of the Waterway identified in Captain Graham’s report below, lies just south of the AICW’s intersection with Fort George River.
If anyone else has had a similar or dissimilar experience while cruising through these waters, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are establishing a Navigational Alert for this portion of the AICW!
On 1 Apr 2012 at 1105 hours near MM 735 about 75 ft south of ‘G’ 73 hit bottom while cruising in mid-channel in a 5 ft draft boat at the beginning of incoming tide. Favor the Red side.
M/V Emerald Lady
We transited Sisters Creek northbound May 11 on our way to Fernandina Beach. The Waterway Guide noted potential shoaling between Red “74″ and Green “73″ about MM 735.5. As we approached Red “74″ we slowed down to 5 knots (Far Niente is an Island Packet 45 and draws 5′) and began to monitor depth. At the time we were between Red “74″ and Green “73″ the tide was about 1/2 way up and rising. The depth started to rise from about 10-11′ to 7-8′ as we moved north. Then a couple hundred yards from Green “73″ the depth fell again and we saw as much as 13-14′. I relaxed and increased the speed.
Suddenly about 100-150′ south of Green “73″ and about 50′ west of the east side of the channel, our bow swung rapidly about 20-30 degrees to the west. We slowed noticeably and of course the depth sounder indicated 0′ feet (beneath the keel). We went from 13′ of water to 5′ during mid-tide. The boat plowed through the soft bottom and then the depth dropped rapidly back to 10-12′
I don’t know if favoring the Red side would have solved the problem, but the shoaling noted in the guide is real.
At the dock in Fernandina Beach we had a discussion with the Captain of a trawler that draws 4′. He saw similar depths in the area and tried the “red” side but observed little improvement.
Jeff Graham
aboard s/v Far Niente IP45 #33
Lying Fernandina Harbor Marina
The much needed and long awaited dredging of this downtown marina in Fernandina Beach, FL has been completed.
The dredging project has been completed at Fernandina Harbor Marina. Final cleanup is taking place and things are returning to normal. This project was completed in time to allow the marina to prepare for the Marine Trawler Owners Association Spring 2012 Rendezvous scheduled for April 16 – 19.
Joe Springer
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
The missing marker detailed below lies on the north side of a westward turn in the AICW’s run through South Amelia River, between marker #33 to the east and marker #37 to the west.
Daymark R34 just south of St Mile 725 is missing. Stay close to G33 to avoid the shoal. I found out the “hard” way, but BOAT/US will tow me off in about 1/2 hour.
Update:
A temporary buoy had been placed near the marker when I went through February 7.
Roger Long
St. Marys River flows into the northern tip of Cumberland Sound and the path of the AICW, just north of Fernandina, FL, and serves as the coastal state line between Georgia and Florida. The town of St. Marys is an easy trip up the St. Marys River, departing the Waterway at flashing green marker #29, statute mile 713.
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA-ST MARYS RIVER: Temporary Aton Established.
Due to shoaling, St Marys River Temporary Buoy 6A has been established in position 30-42-51.900N 081-32-00.600W. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area.Charts 11489 and 11503
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position in St. Marys River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To St. Marys GA
The AICW’s path through Amelia River south from Fernandina Beach to Nassau Sound has several shoals to be reckoned with. Add another to your list of Navigation Alerts!
I think I may have seen something about this on your site but I can’t find it now. Anyway, here is some recent information.
I dug some trenches at low tide with my 4′ – 3″ draft between G 43 and G 45 running down the South Amelia River to Nassau Sound (Mile 729). Here is my track. I was keeping close to the greens because of a warning by friends.
While down south, I updated my Garmin Blue Charts. On the return, I ran the same track at high tide to see if I could spot the shoal spots and was startled when I looked at my GPS to see this:
I was pretty much running the magenta line as I did before. Note that, if this hydrography is correct, the deepest water is now outside the Red 44. I’d want to check that out though before suggesting anyone go that side. It’s pretty clear though where I dug trenches. It was a low low tide. I did hit at more than one spot so there have been changes since this survey.
This area is a real hazard with shoaling and the marks are not set well..we ran aground last June in there following a sister boat and between us we could not find the depth of water near either side to travel safely in. We ran aground in the channel hard and were unable to ketch off, winds came up with quick storm that set us hard into shallow. The tow boat came and had a hard workout getting us off. It was a nightmare and the tow boat was very busy going back to tow others, so I would not travel unless at high tide through there unless dredged or marks get moved.
Susan Dawson
aboard S/V Colleen Mae
Just to clarify, the whole area seems to be bad, we were at marker #34, just checked my log book.
S/V Colleen Mae
Fort George River Anchorage lies just west of unlighted daybeacon #5 – the westerly entrance to Fort George River, from the ICW, lies east-southeast of flashing daybeacon #72. We hope you have a better stay than Chris did.
We anchored here winter of 2011. Came in at low tide. Sticking close to the southerly shore. Anchored initially just to the east of the plantation. We experienced a great deal of boat traffic. Center cockpit fishing boats racing through. Felt like we were taking up the whole river. I was not comfortable with it. Picked up and moved just to the south east of green #18 Chart showed a little 5 ft deep area .We draw 3’10″ did a lot of sounding around to pick a spot as close to the north shore as possible. Felt better about it then being in the center of the channel. That night the “Flounder Barge” spent about 3 hours around the plantation. For those not familiar with the “Flounder Barge” from what I could tell it looked like a giant air-boat, with a huge generator on it. This was to power the billion candle spotlights used to search for the flounder. Being not only the loudest machine man has ever made. It appears to be one of the deadliest. It skims the shallow areas looking for prey. On the deck stand what seem to be drunken college kids with spears which they stab at whatever looks like something that might be alive on the bottom. The only thing louder then the generator and giant fan are the hoots of a successful kill. It was a tough night to sleep.
Chris
Had no trouble exiting ICW to Ft George River. Anchored overnight 11/30/2011 opposite plantation main buildings by mark “5″. Depths 10′+, good holding. Dinghied to park dock just before ranger closed the gate to it at 1630. At dawn, slack tide left it to the wind to push us close to the southern shore. Started engine to keep us off. Tidal current took over again and gave us time to walk the plantation, before leaving mid morning. Recommend this anchorage.
Will and Cheryl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort George River Anchorage
Fernandina Harbor Marina lies at the foot of the main street of this charming artist community and makes exploration by foot very easy. Fernandina Beach lies immediately south of the GA/FL state line.
We keep our boat at the marina and winter in Fernandina. Couple of notes in response to above posts. As of this date the wine store mentioned above is closed. You can buy bottles of wine and beer at Atlantic Seafood and the Marina Store (right next to the fuel pumps). Unfortunately the “general store” mentioned above is now also closed. Alternatively, a short walk up Ash Street is Fred’s discount department store. They have quite a bit of food in there. Lots of canned goods, bottled water, soda, and frozen foods including some meat. What they don’t have is fresh vegetables. The only place to get those in town is the Saturday farmers market. I have read in the local paper that they are planning to dredge the marina again this winter. Currently the Marina has very little water in many of the slips. I also saw an electrician putting meters in on my dock last month, he said they planned to eventually change to metered electric rather then the $90 month flat rate. Good news.
Fernandina Harbor Marina was a great stay for a visit to the old town of Fernandina Beach. Dockmaster was very competent in our docking. We tied up to the back side of the face dock and were shielded from wave action. Very comfortable there.
Fort Clinch was a wonderful excursion and is highly recommended. Taxi was just above $11 each way. Admission was a bargain for $2.
The marina pumpout was broken the days we were there 12/1, 12/2/2011. Also the showers were very moldy with black mold so we showered on our boat. This was not up to Westrec standards I believe.
Cool Change, Wayne
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
The entrance to the marina’s approach canal lies along the ICW’s easterly banks, south of unlighted daybeacon #13, and just north of the Kingsley Creek Bridge. Amelia Island Yacht Basin is one of our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
The marina has switched management, and is now owned by Suntex. Our prices have changed, and so has our staff.
Daily: $2.00 per foot $7.50/10.00, 30amp/50amp
Weekly: $10.00 per foot $40.00/60.00, 30amp/50amp
Monthly: $17.00 per foot $52.00/72.00, 30amp/50amp
Annual: $14.00 per foot $52.00/72.00, 30amp/50amp
Our new general manager is Tom Moore; you can email him at tom@aiyb.net.
I’m Amber, one of the newer members employed by this company. We’ve refashioned the ship store, we’ve painted the fork lift, we’ve added scenery to the front entrance, and soon we will be remodeling the bathrooms, fixing the docks completely, and creating a much livelier ambiance over all. I can assure you that if you ever decide to give this marina another shot, you will be more than pleased.
Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Eastern Florida Marina Directory
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
Lighted Buoy 6 is just north of Fernandina Beach and opposite Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park.
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 43/11
The Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling channelward of Amelia River Lighted Buoy 6 (LLNR 7070). Reported depth at low tide is 6ft. All mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting this area. [Ref: JAX BNM 358-11] Chart 11489
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lighted Buoy 6
Our collective hat is off to all who participated in this worthwhile project, but particularly the First Coast Cruisers. Good job everyone!!!!
On Friday and Saturday, September 23rd & 24th, 24 stay-at-home First Coast Cruisers participated as a team in the Palm Coast fourth-annual waterway cleanup. Combining the city event with their own barbeque, the FCC team manned their dinghies to collect 876 pound of debris and 32 pounds of recyclable materials – more than half of the 1,706 pounds collected by all volunteers. On November 15th at the Palm Coast City Council meeting, the First Coast Cruisers will be recognized as contributing the largest amount of trash collected and will receive a plaque and invited to comment. FCC
members will be there wearing MTOA hats and shirts.
Today’s (Oct 6th) issue of Palm Coast Observer has an article on our cleanup efforts on page two with a picture of new members Debbie and John Coffey, their Whaler, and trash bag.
Pending publication, date as yet unknown, the Daytona News Journal will publish a similar article, probably in the section dealing with FlaglerCounty on Saturdays.
The MTOA Magazine will also be printing more of the photos.
Thanks to Fred and Elaine Becker, for doing a great job coordinating the event.
Barry Kipnis
FCC coordinator
Formally a commercial marina, Sisters Creek Marina is now a large, recently expanded city boat ramp and park area with restrooms, free pump-out station and free transient dockage on a new long floating face dock which has water but no electricity. The facility is located just north of the Waterway’s intersection with the St. Johns River.
The City of Jacksonville has installed a pump-out facility at Jim King Boat Ramp and Park at Sisters Creek Marina. Cruisers can tie up to the floating docks for no charge. The FDEP Clean Marina designation makes Sisters Creek Marina the 244th designated marina in the State of Florida and the 13th in Duval County. The pump-out station allows boaters the ability to safely discharge waste without harming the environment and a BaitTank cigarette receptacle for cigarette butts. These amenities will assist in improving the quality of the waterway and the atmosphere of the marina by minimizing waste and pollution.
For more information on the City of Jacksonville’s other recreational facilities, contact Jax Parks at (904) 630-CITY (2489) or visit online at www.jaxparks.com.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sisters Creek Marina
The Sister Creek portion of the Waterway begins just north of the St. Johns River at mile 470 and continues northward to Gunnison Cut at marker #65. Earlier reports in January had indicated shoaling at marker #73, prompting us to establish a Nav Alert at that position. However, Skipper Terry did not find the shallow water.
We came thru this section today at dead low tide and saw nothing less than 10 ft staying mid channel in the vicinity of 73
Terry m/v Orient Moon Trawler
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
