Here’s a quick comment on Brunswick Landing Marina, copied from SailNet. This facility lies off the AICW,on the shores of Academy Creek, within walking distance of downtown Brunswick, GA.

St. Simon’s has a long, deep entrance channel. Few anchorages once inside, but there are a couple of good marinas. Brunswick Landing has good facilities, good rates, is very protected, and is in a better location if you don’t have wheels.
PorFin

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina

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Even before we began the Cruisers’ Net, and Isle of Hope Marina became a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, this facility was our choice as a base of operations when visiting historic Savannah. Dockmaster/owner Charlie Waller simply can’t do enough for visiting and resident cruisers alike. These truly are “good people.” Isle of Hope Marina lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of unlighted daybeacon #46A.

Our planned two day stay turned into two weeks, then a month, then two months, and now we’re staying here as liveaboards. Georgia has abandoned the 30 day annual limit on living aboard and now allows full time liveaboards in certified marinas. Isle of Hope was the first certified and now there are a handful of us liveaboards here.
As everyone else says, the staff are great and the facilities top shelf.
Dave Gibson

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina

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The AICW follows the narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years. Fortunately, dredging during the summer of 2009 had kept depths decent until December of 2010 when reports of new shoaling began. Looks like the surrounding shallows are once again beginning to creep into the channel. Effective immediately, cautious captains should begin to time their traversal of Hell Gate for mid to high tide.

Entered Hells Gate, abeam of “92″ at 1348, about 1 hour after low tide. Strayed a little to far to the red side at the edge of the channel and got as low as 7.5′-corrected to center channel and saw from 8′ to 14′ to “87″ at 1355, where it dropped off to 10-12′. There is a nun “90″ in the cut that may not appear on some charts. Passage should not be a problem, even at low tide.
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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This AICW troublesome stretch lies at the intersections of the Brickhill River, Crooked River and the Waterway. Our recommendation remains to take this passage at mid to high tide.

Cumberland Dividings mile 704, had plenty of water-saw nothing less than 18′, when we went through around 1520; LT at Cumberland Wharf at 1230, +00.4′.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland Dividings

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This AICW/Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch has had shoaling for some time now with reports of depths below 5ft at low tide. Mid to high tide passage is still recommended.

Passing through Jekyll Creek now. This is the area that has had some skinny water. Have HT at 1848, +07.2′. From the bridge to the Jekyll Island Club dock, on the green side, had depths from 15.5′ to 12.6. From dock to G19, center channel, 15.8 to 13.7. Saw depths as low as 12.6 just north of G19 and on the range. From the range, center channel, didn’t see anything under 15′
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek

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Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Earlier depth soundings from other cruisers have confirmed our recommendation to navigate this stretch at mid to high tide only.

Just passed through the Little Mud River area (Mile 655 @ 0825), and found real thin water (when adjusted for tide-HT 0706, +6.8′). At the entrance, G195, dropped from 14′ to 11′ to 10.6 to R194, then it ranged from 12′ to 9′ to G193. We tried to stay on the magenta line, but it looks like deeper water is east of line on the outside of the channel. Favor the green side.
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

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Back in February, of 2012, I visited the small, but surprisingly bustling community of Darien, Georgia by land yacht. I was impressed with the number of restaurants, the waterfront wine shop and the very welcoming attitude towards myself and cruisers in general. Now, with FREE 48-HOUR DOCKAGE, the city of Darien is making a real push to lure mariners along the 7 mile cruise from Darien River’s intersection with the AICW, to the town waterfront. And, with a well marked channel, featuring 12+ feet of MLW water, this is now a decidedly enticing proposition.
We would LOVE to hear from fellow cruisers who have made the trek to Darien’s waterfront. If this accurately describes you, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

Hello Claiborne,
I don’t know how long ago it was that you were here but we have made a great deal of improvements and added a lot of businesses near the waterfront. We are going all out to provide dockage, information and assistance to the cruisers in Darien and this is a big step. We really appreciate this and I am looking forward to seeing it on the Cruisers Net.
Thank you,
Captain Phillip

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks

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Click Here To Read a Local News Article About the New 48-hour Free Dockage in Darien

Morning Star Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.

We stayed at this Marina from February until April, on our passage from Ft. Lauderdale, home to North Carolina. We could not have been more pleased.
From our initial phone conversations with Chris Ferguson, the general manager, we were impressed.
All the staff go out of their way to be helpful. There was not a single need that was not met. The office staff called us every time we had a package/mail to be picked up- and we have a lot of packages!! Mary and Penny were great!!
The facilities are clean and ample sized. The laundry is adequate and reasonably priced.
Use of the loaner car (free) is a big plus!!
We initially planned to stay only a few weeks- one month, but liked it so well we decided to stay another month.
We will definitely stay here again when we head back south for the winter.
Of note, Melissa is no longer the dockmaster, but Chick, Buck and Alfred took very good care of us throughout our stay.
Wonderful, Wonderful Marina. Highly recommend it!
S/V SeaQuell-Robert and Becky Nordstrom

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles

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Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.

Stayed here April 14-15, 2012. We stayed the better part of a month in 2009 because we liked the town and the monthly rate.The river on which it is built is considered a hurricane hole and many insurance companies may discount your policy for keeping your boat here durring the season.
Sherry still runs the marina. Her chihuahua, “Killer” has a new companion, “Danger”, another chihuahua.
They have installed a “dock-side” pump-out station at the gas dock so boaters no longer have to wait for high tide for Sherry to use the “Everlasting Gobslopper” which is now retired.
It’s a floating dock marina so drop your fenders to the waterline as you approach.
The town has a couple small grocery stores and the Grog Shop” liquor store are within (daytime) walking distance. Downtown (near the marina) restaurants come and go and there are a few decent ones as I write this. Further away, about a mile, West Marine and grocery stores await.
Taxi fare seems high to me but car rental companies will deliver a car right to the marina and I-95 traffic is close enough to see from the marina.
Every main pier has a gas grill for all to use so fire up some steaks and shrimp.
Clean restrooms and more books in the “leave one-take one” library than you could read in a lifetime.
Laundry is still free.
Max Miller

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina

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Thunderbolt Marine is a full service yacht repair, refit facility and marina located on the Waterway at Marker #35 just outside the city limits of Savannah. We continue to hear about their good people skills, good contacts and good technical skills that make Thunderbolt Marine an excellent boatyard.

We stopped here for fuel and a night on the dock ($1.75/foot) on April 9th, 2012. The current rages here and as I motored against the current alongside the gas dock for a port-side tie-up, I tossed a springline to the dockhand. Since my propwalk swings my stern to port and the 23 ponies laboring ahead down in the bilge couldn’t overcome the rush of water, I expertly backed my boat stern-in against the gas dock. Don’t use a springline to land your boat anywhere in Georgia.
After fueling, the dockhand backed us down the pier and we tied alongside the end of the long gas dock for the night. Other boats were tied alongside the inside of the gas dock.
We ate at Tubby’s, a nearby restaurant which has free appetizers if you order a beer before 5:00.
There is a shrimpdock nearby which sports a sign that reads “Open 10:00″. We didn’t try it but were tempted.
The marina has clean restrooms and laundry facilities.
We heard the sound of “bacon frying” all night which we have been told is the sound of shrimp flicking their tails against your hull to knock the grass from the bottom to score a tasty veggie snack.
Max Miller

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Thunderbolt Marine

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The choppy water problem while running the AICW’s passage across Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound results from the Waterway’s passage practically out into the briny blue, in order to clear Horseshoe Shoal, which occupies the Sound’s mid-width. Recognizing the potential for very dusty crossing here, the US Army Corps of Engineers has provided an alternate route, known as Umbrella Cut, BUT low water depths on this alternate passage can run as thin as 4 1/2 feet.

Cruising News:
Just a note that I recently rounded the north end of Cumberland Island and used the pass out of Saint Andrew bay marked “the hole” on the chart. Once around the north end of Cumberland it became apparent how dangerous this area is with shoals and breaking waves on both sides. Prudent cruisers should avoid this area at all cost. You could easily lose your boat here. The local tow boat captain told me he is not allowed to respond to calls out there. Too dangerous.
Chris Hadden

There is another route to avoid the worst of St Andrews Sound. You can go around the west end of Horseshoe Shoal and have over 8′ of water except for one small spot. Just south of G7 buoy, there is a sharp peak that rises to 4′ MLW. The charted depth of 8′ here is not accurate.
Richard Ross M/V Chez Nous

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Big Tom Creek cuts the eastern banks of the Waterway, south of flashing daybeacon #105A.

We anchored here on 4/8/2012. We dropped right over the 9 ft mark on the chart and the hook grabbed quickly. The charted depths are accurate. Deep side to side. Unnerving ‘monster sounds’ from shore in the middle of the night (cows snoring, I presume).
Max Miller

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Big Tom Creek

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Wallys Leg Anchorage is on the waters of Wallys Leg, west of flashing daybeacon #231.
In reviewing my on-site notes taken during our last visit to Wallys Leg, I can confirm that the shallow water that Captain Miller found abutting the northern shore is for real. We have always been able to find sufficient swing room to comfortably anchor vessels as large as 40 feet by favoring the southerly shoreline slightly, and dropping the hook near the stream’s mouth.
We would be very interested to hear from more cruisers who have, or have attempted, to anchor in Wallys Leg. What did you discover. Please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

On 4/7/2012, I tried to motor a circle here to assure swing room and ran aground on the north shore as soon as I left the center of the river. I gave up on this anchorage. I didn’t record the depths as charted.
Max Miller

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Wallys Leg

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Fort McAllister Marina lies on the Ogeechee River’s southern banks, well off the AICW and upstream of Waterway marker #98.
Actually, this is not a “newer” marina in the strictest sense, as it’s been at its current location for many years. However, Captain Colleen and Stan are right in the sense that this facility underwent a major renovation and upgrade a couple of years ago!

To all you cruisers not in a hurry, this marina/stop is a must! Ft.McAllister Marina is a beautiful newer marina in Richmond Hill, GA. Ritchie Roberts (912) 727-2632 marina #, (912) 213-1368 cell#, is the manager and so nice and helpful! the cost here is very reasonable, just $1.00 foot, plus $5.00 for electric!!! you can afford to stay a few days and tour the historical Civil War Fort McAllister and the “Ford” museum, that’s Henry Ford. Ritchie will let you take his truck during the day sightseeing or go to the local supermarket for provisions. there is a restaurant on site, “Fish Tales” open Mon. – Thur. 4PM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat. 11 AM – 12 AM , Sunday 11 AM – 8PM. well worth the stop heading north in the spring or south in the winter… Just 8 miles up the Ogeechee River off the ICW on Ossabaw Sound! this just might be the New BEST destination.
Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2 on the Power Cat, Next Endeavour

The Ogeechee River is an excellent example of a river that follows the “rules of a mud bottom channel”! Look at the chart up to Ft. McAllister Marina and you will see what we’re talking about. DO NOT GO UP THERE FOLLOWING THE CENTER OF THE RIVER!!!!
Chuck Gorgen

The river is well marked by green and red buoys all the way to the marina!we went in at low tide, it is much better if you draft over 4 ft to go in at slack tide or high tide, it is so worth the trip if your boat will take you there!
Colleen, Stan and Maybea2

The charts, both paper and Garmin and Navionics are not worth a tinker’s dam [in cruising to Fort McAllister Marina, up the Ogeechee River from the AICW]. Follow the markers until you get to the sign on the right bank that points across the river and says Marina. Then 90 degrees to port at sign and go within 100 yards of left bank where you turn upriver to marina. Now all your charts will tell you that as you cross the river you will run aground in two feet of water but if you continue straight at the sign it is deep water all the way. Nay, it is just the opposite. Alex at the marina saw us and called on the phone to warn me we were going to be in trouble.
He saved us just barely. Call ahead and stay in touch with them as you go up. Great stop and great food. Very friendly folks. Current runs fast at
dock.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister

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A popular side trip off the Waterway and up the Savannah River, the city of Savannah will be a busy port during the visit of tall ships from around the world. As of this date there are 14 ships confirmed for the Tall Ship Challenge and more are expected. These ships will be moored on both banks of the river in downtown Savannah, Thursday through Monday. Navigation Restrictions will be place for the waters adjacent to moorings, staging and parade of the participating vessels. This is definitely a weekend to visit Savannah by land. There is an admission charge. For more information, go to: www.savannahtallshipchallenge.com

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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

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In addition to the extensive repair facilities at Thunderbolt Marine, so ably described below by “Captain T,” don’t overlook the excellent transient dockage available here as well! And, I also second the recommendation for Tubby’s Tank House. The seafood is AWESOME!
The message below was copied from the GL (Great Loop) Mailing list.

Try Thunderbolt Marine on the Wilmington River. Coming North go in via Wassaw Sound, but watch the buoys carefully. Huge facility. Used to be the refit facility for Palmer Johnson. If they can’t fix it, I’d be surprised. We had a turbo replaced there a few years ago.
Watch out for the flying teeth, nasty little black fly thang’s that come out just before sundown.
Check out Tubby’s Tank House Resturant a short walk from the marina.
T

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Thunderbolt Marine

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The Georgia version of Hinkley Yacht Services guards the AICW’s westerly banks, a short hop north of the Thunderbolt high-rise bridge. This firm has had a wonderful reputation for quality repairs, going back many years.

Personally we had very good results from the Hinckley yard that is just south of Savannah. Prices were very reasonable, they work fast and they know what they are doing.
David

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Hinkley Yacht Services

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