Announcement: All Georgia Cruising News

September 21, 2009 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!

Below, you will discover our COMPLETE listing of Georgia cruising news/postings from fellow cruisers, arranged in chronological order, based on publication date. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NARROW YOUR SELECTION of GA cruising news to those messages which pertain to a specific geographic sub-region, locate the RED, vertically stacked menu, on the right side of this, and all Cruisers’ Net pages. Click on “Georgia.” A drop down menu will appear, with a blue background, Now, click on “GA Regional Cruising News.” A sub-drop-down menu will now appear, listing 4 Georgia geographic sub-regions. Select your waters of interest, and after clicking on your choice, a list of messages will appear, confined to the sub-region you have picked!

Yellow Background Denotes Navigation Alert Postings

Light Blue Background Denotes Postings Concerned with “AICW Problem Stretches”

Summer News and Events from Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Savannah, GA

June 27, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

CLICK HERE FOR COMING EVENTS

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects a vibrant hard-bottom reef habitat in the Atlantic Ocean just off the Georgia Coast. This 22 square mile area is teeming with numerous species of fish, such as black sea bass, groupers, and snappers. Loggerhead sea turtles forage and rest year-round at Gray’s Reef, and the sanctuary is within the only known winter calving grounds for the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Photos: Greg McFall, NOAA

It’s Summertime by the Sea!

Join us at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary as we celebrate summer on the beautiful and bountiful Georgia coast.

June 27 to August 1 – Gray’s Reef Tuesdays at Tybee Post Theatre

Our summer film series continues each Tuesday through August 1 with lots of new ocean movies! Doors open at 6:30pm and movies begin at 7:00pm.

August 12 – Get Into Your Sanctuary Day

Experience a 360-degree virtual dive at Gray’s Reef when you visit the Islands Library during Get Into Your Sanctuary Day on August 12. You can also view our exhibit, meet members of our staff, and take home some fun giveaways! In addition, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is sponsoring a photo contestJuly 1 – August 12. We encourage you to take photos while out at Gray’s Reef and join the fun nationwide!

September 22 – 3rd Annual A Fishy Affair

Join us and the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for an evening of fun at this malicious, but delicious lionfish-focused Chef’s challenge featuring four talented local chefs preparing their own unique lionfish dishes.

Gray’s Reef Research Cruise

The 2017 Gray’s Reef research cruise aboard the NOAA ship Nancy Foster culminated with a well-attended open house while she was docked along River Street in Savannah. Read all about the exciting research projects that were conducted during the cruise on the “ships log” blog and take a peek at life on board in this video segment from our friends at WSAV.

For more information please visit

graysreef.noaa.gov

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411

Precise Depths Report from Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602

June 21, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Here For a Full Sized ChartView Page

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. Despite recent reports of shallow water at low tide, this marker by marker, rising tide report from Bob Kovach is good news and good advice for cruisers. SSECN continues to recommend mid to high tide for this passage.

Marine Trader 50 “ALLEZ!” ALL Depths are from the water line. We have a 5 ft Draft
High Tide was at 4:11 P.M. Began Transit at 3:32 North Bound at Marker #90 11.3 ft, Marker #89 11.4 Ft
Marker #87 10.4 ft Speed 7 MPH, Wind 15-22 MPH
Ended Transit 3:39 PM
Safe Cruising.
Chief Engr Bob, Onboard ALLEZ!

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
June News and Events from Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Savannah, GA

June 8, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
Elske: From Hell [Gate] to [Isle of] Hope, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590

June 4, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Here For a Full Sized ChartView Page

David and Jaculeyn continue sharing the log of Elske via their delightful blog, The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop. A personal note regarding Elske’s title for today’s page, David is a retired Methodist minister. Today’s page recounts their passage through Problem Stretch, Hell Gate, and on to Isle of Hope Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, which lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. Be sure to see FOCUS ON Isle of Hope Marina.

CLICK HERE FOR ELSKE’S LOG AND PHOTOS

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Hope Marina
LNM: Sailboat Wreak Northwest of Horseshoe Shoal, St. Andrew Sound, off AICW Statute Mile 690, 5/31/2017

May 31, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Here For a Full Sized ChartView Page

This wreakage is midway between markers 4 and 6 northwest of Horseshoe Shoal off the Waterway but in waters often used by cruisers to avoid St. Andrew Sound when the Waterway’s path through the Sound kicks up. See http://cruisersnet.net/130801.

GEORGIA – ST. ANDREW SOUND AND SATILLA RIVER – SATILLA RIVER: Hazard to Navigation
There is a Sailing Vessel in the Satilla River in approximate position 30-59-28.4N/081-27-35.9W near Satilla River Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 6444). Wreckage is marked with a TRLB, Fl Q G, 4M in position 30-59-37.787N/081-27-29.540W. The S/V is in the channel exposed at all tides with approximately 6ft of mast visible at high-tide. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution as the wreckage poses a hazard to navigation. Chart 11504 LNM 22/17

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Horseshoe Shoal
First Fridays in St. Marys, GA off AICW Statute Mile 712

May 24, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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The St. Marys River, which is the GA/FL state line and a popular side trip for cruisers, departs the Waterway westward just north of Fernandina, FL. See St. Marys River Cruising Info by Claiborne Young. The Blue Goose Hostel and Cafe, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on Osborn Street in downtown St. Marys.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Marys
Photo Journal, Fernandina, FL to St. Simons Island, GA

May 24, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

If you haven’t cruised this segment of the Waterway, this report from Coastal Living will definitely whet your appetite to steer that way.

Dream Trip: Boat from Fernandina Beach, Florida, to St. Simons Island, Georgia
Live Exploration of Gray’s Reef, May 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m. EDT

April 7, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.
LIVE EXPLORATION OF GRAY'S REEF

Diver at Gray’s Reef

LIVE EXPLORATION OF GRAY’S REEF

MAY 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m. EDT

We are partnering with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) for a “Live Exploration” that will unfold the wonders of the sanctuary in an extraordinary livestreaming event targeted toward elementary and middle school students. Working with experts from GPB’s education division and the University of Georgia, Gray’s Reef’s Superintendent Sarah Fangman will take students on a virtual dive so they can explore the reef without getting wet! The virtual expedition will include underwater surgery on a fish to insert a tagging transmitter and beautiful views of the vibrant and abundant marine life found at Gray’s Reef. Students will learn how Gray’s Reef was formed, how the seafloor serves as a habitat and how they can help protect the reef from major threats.

Register now: GPB Live Exploration: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

The Live Exploration will be available on demand after May 10 with supplemental classroom resources for grades K-12. Please tell your friends and coworkers about this opportunity; teachers all over America are welcome to participate!

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

graysreef.noaa.gov

phone: 912-598-2345
email: graysreef@noaa.gov
10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411
Good Words for Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

April 5, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. Our thanks to Charles Ridley for this review and for the depth report on Jekyll Creek.

Spent 3-28-17 here. Going south in Jekyll creek at close to low tide was bad- draw 2 1/2′ and kicked mud till just south of bridge. Plenty of water at dock. Docks in good shape, decent wifi, dog friendly, restaurant on site ( many said very good but we not try it.) nice shower, rest rooms. Will plan to stay there again.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
News and Events from Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Savannah, GA

February 28, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

Read More!
MATE ROV Competition Southeast Region – Port Cities of the Future
Hosted by Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Georgia Southern University STEM Institute
Saturday, April 22, 2017

MATE underwater robotics competitions challenge students from K-12 schools, community colleges and universities all over the world to design and build ROVs to tackle realistic missions, which are modeled after actual scenarios from ocean exploration and maritime industry services.

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and robotics competitions provide a vehicle to apply science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education concepts; prepare students for secondary education and careers; and offer educators training and expertise in applied technologies.

During the 2017 MATE ROV competition, Port Cities of the Future, student teams will compete for overall highest points in a mission to maintain operations supporting the commerce, entertainment, health and safety of a thriving port. At least one winning RANGER-class ROV team from this southeast regional competition will move up to the MATE International Competition, held June 2017 in Long Beach, CA.

ROV teams – registration is open!

Join us on Earth Day, April 22 and watch all of the aquatic excitement! (It’s FREE)

Chatham County Aquatic Center

7240 Sallie Mood Drive Savannah, GA 31404

9a.m. – 4p.m.

Learn more about it.

Upcoming Events

Engage with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary at these public events:

Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting – February 28, 2017
Savannah Boat Show – March 3-5, 2017
Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 17, 2017
Click here to Volunteer for any of these Gray’s Reef events.

phone 912-598-2345
email graysreef@noaa.gov
10 Ocean Science Circle Savannah, GA 31411

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Stay Connected with NOAA’s National Ocean Service
Coast Guard Rescue near St. Catherines Sound, GA

February 9, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

The Coast Guard doing more of what they do so well. Thank you Coast Guard!

News Release
Feb. 7, 2017
VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard rescues 3 fishermen after vessel catches fire near St. Catherines Island, Ga.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND REPORT
Review of Dungeness Greyfield Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA, AICW Statute Mile 711.5

February 7, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Here For a Full Sized ChartView Page

One of Claiborne’s favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW was to leave the Waterway at marker #34 and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel to anchor off the west side of Cumberland Island and east of Drum Point Island. Our thanks to Chris and Alyse Caldwell for this report.

Cumberland Island GA anchorage allows you access to the most pristine beach you can imagine. Wander in by dinghy from the southwestern side of the island, stroll under the canopy of trees over to the incredible dunes of the Atlantic Ocean and I will bet you encounter peacocks, goats and wild horses. This national park offers overnight camping but limits the number of daily visitors. It is a must see for us every time we traverse the east coast.
See you on the water…
Chris and Alyse Caldwell

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
LNM: Changes to Nav Aids, Cumberland Sound, vicinity of AICW Statute Mile 705

January 25, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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These nav aids are private, non-waterway lights on the eastern shore of Cumberland Sound opposite the entrance to St. Marys River and just north of the Georgia/Florida line.

GEORGIA AND FLORIDA – CUMBERLAND SOUND – FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY – CUMBERLAND SOUND: Changes to the
Aids to Navigation System. Read More!
Private Aids changed to Federal Aids:
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light A (LLNR 6773/37843) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, position 30-43-39.000N 081-28-52.200W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light B (LLNR 6837/37837) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, position 30-43-56.400N 081-28-59.400W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light C (LLNR 6847/37827) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, position 30-44-13.200N 081-28-59.400W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light D (LLNR 6867/37808) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, position 30-44-27.000N 081-29-10.800W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light E (LLNR 6873/37803) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, due to shifting shoal new position 30-45-
09.909N 081-28-55.678W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light F (LLNR 6872/37804) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, due to shifting shoal new position 30-45-
16.312N 081-29-08.692W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light G (LLNR 6892/37798) renamed Cumberland Sound Shoal Light H (LLNR 6894/37793) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, due to shifting shoal new position 30-45-16.312N 081-29-08.692W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light H (LLNR 6894/37793) renamed Cumberland Sound Shoal Light G (LLNR 6892/37798) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, due to shifting shoal new position 30-45-09.909N 081-28-55.678W
Cumberland Sound Shoal Light I (LLNR 6927/37753) displaying Fl W 4s characteristics, 5NM range, due to shifting shoal new position 30-46-00.138N 081-29-03.919W
Chart 11503 LNM 04/17

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cumberland Sound
Celebrating 36 Years – Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

January 16, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Today we celebrate 36 years of protection for Georgia’s special live-bottom habitat that supports wildlife in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast. With your support, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will continue to be an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life, supported by healthy habitats in clean ocean waters.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
LNM: Discontinued Nav Aids, Cumberland Sound, AICW Statute Mile 707

January 13, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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These discontinued non-Waterway lights are on the eastern shore of Cumberland Sound between Markers #30 and #32.

GEORGIA AND FLORIDA – CUMBERLAND SOUND – FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY – CUMBERLAND SOUND Read More
The following changes have been approved to the Aids to Navigation System in the Cumberland Sound:
Cumberland Sound Light B (LLNR 6860/37825) will be permanently discontinued
Cumberland Sound Light C (LLNR 6890/37795) will be permanently discontinued
Chart 11503 LNM 02/17

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of discontinued lights.
LNM: Change to Jekyll Creek Nav Aid, AICW Statute Mile 684, Jekyll Island, GA

January 13, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Click Here For a Full Sized ChartView Page

This new light is on the west side of the Waterway just north of the Jekyll Island Highway Bridge. Shoaling was reported in this stretch as recently as September of 2016: http://cruisersnet.net/159758

GEORGIA – AICW – ST SIMONS SOUND TO TOLOMATO RIVER – JEKYLL CREEK Read More
The following change has been approved to the Aids to Navigation System in Jekyll Creek:
Change Jekyll Creek Daybeacon 20A (LLNR 37346) to Jekyll Creek Light 20A
LNM Ref: Proposed 49/16 Chart 11489 LNM 02/17

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Creek Light 20A
CLICK HERE FOR AREA SPONSORING MARINAS

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
SLOW DOWN! Speed and Wake Enforcement, Thunderbolt, GA, AICW Statute Mile 583, New Comments

January 7, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy 12 Comments

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PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this warning is to remind you to slow down and watch your wake wherever you are, not to assist you in avoiding law enforcement. This specific warning of a speed trap is based on hearsay and it’s the first such we’ve had in a long while. However, a word to the wise calls for carefully watching your speed and wake through this area. If you encounter speed/wake enforcement in Thunderbolt, let us hear from you. Our thanks to Steve and Barb Sipe for this report.
Read More!
Have heard reports in the past few days of speeding violations being issued on the GA ICW around Thunderbolt, in the area of G33 to G37. Reports indicate LEO’s are stopping vessels for speeding/violation of no wake zones and issuing warnings and in some cases, citations with a fine of $1,000. No specific information as to the enforcement agency conducting the stops, either state or local, not USCG.
Might be worth a mention on the site as a problem area.
Steve & Barb Sipe
Solo 4303 “Maerin”

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #33
Shoaling South of Altahama Sound, AICW Statute Mile 657

December 9, 2016 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Captain Wes is referring to a narrow stretch of Waterway northwest of Dolbow Island off Altamaha Sound and is responding to an earlier report of shoaling in Little Mud River, see http://cruisersnet.net/161445.

Another area to keep a close eye on is just south of the little mud river starting around FL 4s “202” to daymark “206” passed through about 2 hrs after low water and bumped in the middle of the channel and the boat behind bumped as well, that was a surprise! Luckily just mud…. Both of us draft 5′-5″ were on plane so calculate how you like, I lose about foot [to 4’5″] while on plane. Like Terry I was transiting this same area the same day. I was aware of what lurked ahead as I’ve transited these waters for 15 years now, it always has my full attention!!!
Wes

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shoaling
Shoaling Reported in Cumberland Dividings, AICW Statute Mile 703

December 9, 2016 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Today’s Waterway Guide reports shoaling at Marker #60 in Cumberland Dividings, a SSECN Problem Stretch, where channel shifting at the Waterway/Brickhill River intersection is perennial. For good advice on this Problem Stretch, go to: http://cruisersnet.net/153352

CLICK HERE FOR WATERWAY GUIDE’S REPORT

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch