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    • Healy Report: Walburg Creek to Cumberland Island, AICW Statute Miles 623 to 711


      Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! For timely remarks on Cumberland Island Anchorage, see Anchoring off Cumberland Island.

      On Tuesday, 0/20/2018, Sanctuary and crew transited from Walburg Creek anchorage to an anchorage on the Cumberland River, south of St. Andrews Sound, off the ICW at Cumberland Island. Observations follow:

      We arrived at the Little Mud River at 11h00. The tide station at Wolf Island was reporting 5.1’+ rising. North to south:

      R184 12.9′
      13.4′ low water between markers
      G184/R188 19.6′
      10.2′ low water between markers
      G189 20.7′
      R190 15.1′
      11.0′ low water between markers
      R192 13.9′
      11.0′ low water between markers
      G195 11.8′
      10.9′ low water between markers
      R194 11.1′
      G195 12.2′

      The control depth was (10.2 – 5.1) = 5.1 and MLLW. Follow the visual center of the river on the straight section and SLIGHTLY favor the outside radius of the curves. We were too close to G195, but that wasn’t the low water anyway.

      In Altamaha Sound, you must clear R208 by at least 300′; stay to the far green side for the best water.

      In Altamaha Sound, clear G211 by 200′. There is a range there that will take you too close to G211, so do not follow the range; favor red for the best water.

      We arrived at Jekyll Creek and 17h08. The tide station at Jekyll Island Marina was showing 4.9’+ falling. North to south:

      G5/R6 11.5′
      G7/R8 22.4′
      R10 15.2′
      G11 12.5′
      9.9′ low water between markers
      G13 10.0′
      9.6′ low water between markers
      R16 9.7′
      G17 5.7′
      G19 8.6′
      6.1′ low water between markers
      R20 8.0′
      7.8′ low water between markers
      R20A 8.9′
      BRIDGE 10.2′

      We were at 1/2 tide for this transit. The control depth was in the vicinity of G17 (5.7 – 4.9) = 0.8′. Wow. Could we have been is a less than ideal place? Sure. But this creek is quite narrow, so it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference. There’s very skinny in that area.

      Jekyll Creek and Hell Gate are the two places we’ve seen so far that will require help from the tide for most boats to get through.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      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

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    • Anchoring off Cumberland Island, GA AICW Statute Mile 711.5


      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. I am not sure if this anchorage is where Perry McDonald dropped hook, but I am very sure that Perry was experiencing the true essence and joy of cruising and that you will enjoy his observations!

      We recently anchored (s/v Rasselas) with my friend Fred (s/v Rhombus) for a couple of days at Cumberland Island, GA. Cumberland is unique from most islands in that it offers abundant wildlife (horses, deer, hogs, eagles, hawks, etc.) and 18th/19th century ruins (Dungeness) not to mention a beautiful long beach one can leisurely stroll or reserve one of the Park’s bikes for several hours or miles along clearly marked bike paths.

      I arose early the second morning taking note of the sounds and sights while lazily sitting in the cockpit of the boat. I first noticed the calm still water surrounding our boats as the sun made it way above the horizon to welcome this sailor a new day. At first the water seemed motionless but upon further examination you could see the ever slow current carrying a number of barely visible particles glimmering in the water as the sun rose. I noticed a school of bait fish making their way along to the shore and then a splash as they came under attack. This only lasted a few minutes and then the water return to the stillness I had been enjoying. Soon I heard the sound of an osprey in search of food maybe for itself or possibly some hungry nesting young. It was soon joined by several other ospreys. Then one of the birds swooped down with great speed and grace and plucked a fish from the water and flew off to the tree line. By this time my morning cup of coffee was gone and the temperature was rising so I decided to dangle my feet in the cool water from the swim platform. To my amazement I was soon visited by a group of dolphins frolicking nearby but became curious about who might be anchored in the their waters. To my astonishment they came within feet of my feet as if to say good morning and welcome to our home. They would return several more times during my stay. On the shore some of the island’s famous wild horses moseyed along the shoreline feeding on the tender green grass revealed by the low tide. When you think you have heard and seen all there is–there is more. The sky above Rasselas filled with high pitch squeals of two magnificent bald eagles circling above as if performing a ballet of sorts. They flew in perfect unison scouring the waters below much like the earlier ospreys in search of meal. They soon vanished as they had appeared. Not long after the eagles disappearance the calmness and quietness of my surrounding were soon to be interrupted by the blasting horn from the arrival of the first Cumberland Island ferries depositing a small number of early arrivals to the island. Soon to be joined by the first if several sightseeing tour boats loaded with anxious tourists wanting to take that perfect picture or maybe just one of several selfies. Next to Rasselas lies Drum Point Island and it was beginning to become awash in the wakes of the passing boats as the morning passed.

      Before I realized it was time to find a shady spot to hide from the noonday blazing sun ending my account of the sounds and sights (14-15 Oct 30, 2018 of my incredible morning anchored at Cumberland Island.

      Perry is a retired LTC and sails s/v Rasselas (Hunter 36) with his wife. When not cruising and exploring the southeast coast and nearby islands they.live in St. Augustine, FL.
      Perry McDonald

      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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Healy Report: Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA, AICW Statute Miles 539 to 619N or 623.5S


      Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. My young daughters always declared the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg!

      On Monday, 10/29/2018, Sanctuary and crew travelled from Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA. Following, some observations:

      We arrived at Ramshorn’s Cut at 10h15 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Daufuskie Landing) showing 5.8+ rising. We saw 11.0 ft, so (11.0 – 5.8) = 5.2′ at MLLW. The channel between G39 and R40 has narrowed further. We took the visual center.

      We arrived at the un-named connector between the New River and the Wright River at 10h38 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Hargray Pier) showing 6.2+ rising. We saw 12.2 ft, so (12.2 – 6.2) = 6.0′ at MLLW. Follow the visual center. Honor, but stay away from, the lateral markers on pilings.

      We arrive at Field’s Cut at 11h06 with the tide station at Field’s Cut showing 7.6+ rising. Southbound, take the visual center between G47 and R48, and line up on Field’s Cut. HONOR R48A, which appears off-station to the East. We saw 11.2 ft passing about 25 ft off R48A, so (11.2 – 7.6) = 3.6′ at MLLW. This was a surprise! We followed the visual center of Field’s Cut, favoring the outside radius of the turns. That 3.6′ area was the control depth of the cut. Cross-currents are significant at the Savannah River. Be alert for river traffic and cross currents.

      There was a large, working crane barge at the Causton Bluff bridge. It appears “they” are replacing that bridge with a high rise. Another surprise.

      We arrived at Hell Gate (MM600) at 14h18, with the Egg Islands Tide Station reporting +7.0 falling. Depths we saw:
      G87 13.5′
      G89 10.4′
      9.8 low water between markers
      R90 10.9
      G91 10.4

      So (9.8 – 7.0) = 2.8′ MLLW. Also note, as you enter this cut from the Vernon River, there is a STRONG cross current that will try to sweep you sideways. Boats will need some power and some aggressive steering to stay on the best route. We crabbed into the lee of the current at about a 20° angle. There is a prominent visual distraction just to the west of the marked channel. There is a piling left over from some previous danger mark standing prominently, while the red and green floaters that mark the channel are low to the water and hard to see. Do not confuse that piling as a valid channel marker. Follow and honor the cans and nuns in the water

      Net: the overall condition of the A-ICW continues to deteriorate. Most cruising boats will need some tide help to get through this section. Plan accordingly.

      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina

      Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Richard Ross -  November 9, 2018 - 7:24 pm

        Passed thru Fields Cut on Nov 9, 2018, and found a minimum of 8 feet MLW at north end of Fields Cut. But there are two possible "gotchas". R48A appears to be off station, but it is not. For best water pass half way between R48A and the eastern shore. Also, be aware that once you turn to enter Fields Cut, (if southbound) you will be subject to strong cross currents.

        Reply to Richard
    • Sherer Report: Hell Gate, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


      Our thanks to author/cruiser, Bob Sherer, for this report on the notorious Hell Gate Problem Stretch where the Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. As posted on Bob423.

      Robert Sherer to ICW Cruising Guide by Bob423
      October 27 at 10:21 PM ·
      Hell Gate report (10/27/2018) There is no deep path. You need tide. Strong west wind lowered the water level some, perhaps 0.3 ft or more. The 3.5 ft MLW spot was very brief, just a flash on the depth sounder. The 4.2 to 5.6 MLW areas were persistent.

      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

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    • Praise for Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5


      A 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 Perry McDonald for these good words for Jekyll Harbor Marina.

      We had the pleasure of staying here Oct 16-18 while waiting on some weather to pass. This is ONE FINE MARINA. From the dock staff to the dock master PROFESSIONAL and HELPFUL. Dockage, diesel fuel and 20lb bags of ice were reasonably priced. The restaurant serves EXCELLENT food (shrimp and grits first night and fried shrimp and flounder the second night). They have a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Clean showers. Bikes for touring the island. Or if you prefer you can get a golf cart for 90 minutes. Flash foods and Dairy Queen are within walking distance if you are looking to get a BLIZZARD. Plus they have safe and protected walking trails all the way to the resort. I am so glad for my friend Fred recommending we stop here. Call ahead and reserve your place they fill up fast. Great marina, restaurant, and friendly staff are what we all want after a day on the water.
      Perry McDonald

      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

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    • Report from Little Mud River Problem Stretch , AICW Statute Mile 655


      Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire Waterway from Norfolk to Miami. Our thanks to Stephanie Wakelin for this report as posted on Bob423. And, as Skipper Wakelin confirms, Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only. Also see the Healy Report  on Little Mud River from Fall of last year.

      10/25 – just went thru Little Mud River on rising, almost high tide. 7.5’ above MLW. The most water we saw thru the whole stretch was 9.9 under our 4.9’ keel. That means at low tide we would have 2.6’ under our keel, at best. Many spots showed 7.5’ and less. Essentially dry. Unless you’re in an airboat, don’t try it at low tide.
      Stephanie Wakelin

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

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

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    • Report from Hell Gate, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


      Our thanks to Lori Rackliffe for this report on the notorious Hell Gate Problem Stretch where the Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. As posted on Bob423.

      Hell Gate- MM601. Georgia
      We transited at 9:30 Tuesday Oct 23,2018. With 6.7’ of tide assist. High at 7:43,8.2’ above datum.
      Using Navionics Sonar Chart we stayed centered, no hugging or favoring.
      The least depth recorded was 10.9’ just before G91. Directly off G91 we saw 12.6’. Off R90-13.2’
      Lori Rackliffe

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

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    • Advice on Hurricane Damaged Waterfront Property

      Good advice for all ICW property owners from Georgia’s DNR Coastal Resources Division.

      gadnr
      Was your beach front property, private dock, bank stabilization, marina, commercial dock, or other structure within coastal waters, marshlands or along barrier island beaches impacted by Hurricane Matthew?

      Emergency Repair of Structures in Tidal Waterways, Over Marshlands and Along Shorelines

      • Secure any structures that pose safety or health concerns immediately

      • Call the Georgia Emergency Response Team at 1-800-424-8802 to report a fuel or oil spill

      • Remove any debris from marshes, beaches and waterways that originated from your structures to the extent practical and safe

      • Take photos to document damage from Hurricane Matthew

      • Compile any documents, permits, and photos to show the pre-storm condition of the structure

      • Call DNR/CRD at 912-264-7218 to report the need to rebuild damaged structures

      • In order to be eligible for emergency authorization, you must make a request by Wednesday, November 2, 2016

      • CRD staff will call back within 1-2 business days with guidance or verbal approval for repairs pursuant to state law

      • Emergency authorizations will be limited to repair of structures in their original location and in their original size and configuration

      • Some repairs may require authorization from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or local authorities. CRD staff will provide guidance based on the extent of the damage and location of the structure.

      • Non-essential projects currently under review and new permit applications for non-essential projects are temporarily suspended until emergency requests are addressed

      DNR Responds to Impacts of Hurricane Matthew

      Marsh and Shore Permits Page

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    • Candidates Sought for Positions with Gray’s Reef Team

      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.


      GRNMS State Manager, Public Council Members and Student Internships – Apply Now!
      Join the Gray’s Reef Team

      Our team is growing and we are seeking capable candidates to fill a variety of positions at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Please consider the following opportunities:

      Join the Gray’s Reef Team

      Our team is growing and we are seeking capable candidates to fill a variety of positions at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Please consider the following opportunities:


      State Program Manager

      The State Program Manager supervises and manages state employees at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and serves as a liaison to NOAA. In this role, your responsibilities would include promoting team building, undertaking innovative actions to fulfill staffing needs, and assisting with partnership development initiatives and outreach efforts to further the mission and vision of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. 

      For more information on this position or to apply, please click here.


      Student Intern

      We are seeking a “virtual” intern—meaning that you could be located virtually anywhere—to help develop and implement a communications campaign that illuminates the importance of innovative technologies for ocean conservation. The Virtual Student Federal Service projects on USAJOBS offer eight-month, unpaid remote internships for U.S. citizen students, college-level and above, who would like to make a real difference in the work of the U.S. government. See all of the available VSFS opportunities or apply directly for this Gray’s Reef NMS internship here.

      Applications are due by July 31, 2018


      Public Council Members

      The Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on the management of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The council members include community members from fishing, diving, conservation, science, education, and citizens-at-large along with state and federal agencies.

      We are currently accepting applications for the following seats:

      • Charter/Commercial Fishing
      • Sport Diving
      • Sport Fishing
      • Non-living Resources Research
      • University Education
      • Citizen-at-Large
      • Conservation (2 seats)

      Click here for more information, or contact Council Coordinator Becky Shortland at:   becky.shortland@noaa.gov or (912-598-2381)


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    • Dive Into Your Sanctuary, May 19-20, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Savannah, GA

      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.


      Get Into Your Sanctuary – May 19 – 20
      Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of ocean life found in your National Marine Sanctuaries. So, we invite you to explore Gray’s Reef this summer or join us at these upcoming community events.

      CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

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    • Problem Stretch Report: Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 683


      The channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift with each tide and, as recommended in this report, Cruisers’ Net likewise recommends mid to high tide passage. Jekyll Creek is home to A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina. Jerry and Sam’s report on this Problem Stretch is reprinted with their kind permission from AGLCA’s Forum. Thank you, Jerry and Sam!

      We went through Jekyll Creek yesterday about an hour before low tide with two days of west winds blowing what water was left out to the Atlantic. I wouldn’t suggest anyone try this section in the conditions we had, I’m just hard headed and have a 2’10” draft.
      We lost readings on both depth finders, and the Admiral stood in the cockpit and told me which prop was stirring up mud in an attempt to keep us in the deepest water as I idled the entire length from the bridge North to St. Simon sound. We never bumped bottom, but it was not a comfortable section to navigate. There was not enough room in the wet part of the creek for a Jon boat to comfortably pass either side of us.
      This is one of those sections on the AICW we will consider a mid to high tide only area on future trips.
      Jerry and Sam Williams

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

      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 Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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    • Georgia ICW Article from Sail Magazine.

      Here is an interesting and attractive article by Tom Hale in Sail Magazine on the Intracoastal through Georgia. While informative, such articles may not be as up to date as Cruisers’ Net. Before embarking, please always check our Homepage for AICW Problem Stretches, as well as Nav Alerts and Local Notices for each state. Our thanks to Kim Russo of AGLCA for sharing this link.

      Updates: The ICW North Bound from Sail Magazine via AGLCA’s Forum

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

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

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

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

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    • Ahoy Historians: Request for Knowledge of Ossabaw Island Settlers, St. Catherines Sound, near AICW Statute Mile 620


      Georgia’s Ossabaw Island forms the northern shore of the mouth of St. Catherines Sound. Mike Dalton is asking about the history of Ossabaw after reading Claiborne Young’s Ossabaw Island History from 2013. If you have information about the early settlers, we would all like to hear from you!

      I was raised mostly in Wabasso Fl in Indian River County and I understand Wabasso was named by freed slaves the moved to Florida from Ossabaw. What can you tell me about some of our early settlers that left Ossabaw and moved to Florida?
      Mike Dalton

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Ossabaw Island

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Jonathan Bryant -  May 6, 2018 - 8:43 pm

        The Ossabaw Island Foundation has a page suggesting some books.
        http://www.ossabawisland.net/ossabawbooks.aspx

        In my last book I dealt with the Morel family who at one time owned the island. Over the Last two decades Mrs. West has allowed the restoration of some slave cottages and several archaeological digs on the island.

        Jonathan Bryant

        Reply to Jonathan
    • 17th Annual Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck, St. Marys, GA, off AICW Statue Mile 712

      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.

      17th Annual Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck in St Marys, GA
      This is an event hosted by a group of St. Marys’ residents and the Riverview Hotel to provide a Thanksgiving stopping place for all of those boaters who are transiting south for the winter. We welcome all cruisers and boaters to St. Marys for our annual Thanksgiving week gathering and meal. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
      ALTHOUGH THE WATERFRONT SUFFERED DAMAGE FROM IRMA, THE DINNER WILL BE HELD. DOCK BERTHS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE, SO PLAN TO ANCHOR AND USE THE CITY DINGHY TIE-UP FOR SHORE TRIPS. CHECK THE FACEBOOK PAGE AT “ST MARYS CRUISERS THANKSGIVING” FOR UPDATES TO THE SCHEDULE.

      Off ICW mm 712 up the St Marys River Info, Navigation & Map
      All are welcome. Events, Courtesy Rides, Fun Schedule of Events

      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE

      Thank you,
      Kathi

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Marys

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    • Healy Report: Cumberland Dividings Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 704


      Cumberland Dividings has been a Problem Stretch for several years due to constantly shifting shoals and an erroneous magenta line on many chartplotters. Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, share their observations and advice on navigating this Problem Stretch.

      Sanctuary and crew departed Brunswick, GA, southbound, at 08h40 on 11/1/2017. The weather was clear, winds light and variable, seas flat, low humidity. A great welcome to Florida in November!

      Cumberland Dividings – SOUTHBOUND at approximately MM 703, the ICW makes a 90º turn to STBD, at R”60.” Shoaling in that area is growing eastbound. We transited at 11h30. The tide station at Crooked River, Cumberland Dividings, Georgia, reported +2.8 ft. We saw 8 ft through that area, but advise to favor Green, the OUTSIDE RADIUS OF THAT BEND IN THE RIVER for much better water depths. Screen Shot “Dividings” shows that area, attached.

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      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

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    • Healy Report: Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statue Mile 690


      The unpleasant passages through St. Andrew Sound experienced by many cruisers have prompted any number of alternate routes to avoid the infamous R32 at the mouth of St. Andrew Sound. See /144151. Cruisers Jim and Peg Healy suggest a route east of Horseshoe Shoal that they have used many times as weather permits.

      Sanctuary and crew departed Brunswick, GA, southbound, at 08h40 on 11/1/2017. The weather was clear, winds light and variable, seas flat, low humidity. A great welcome to Florida in November!

      St. Andrews Sound – for many years, we have followed a route along the East end of Horseshoe Shoal. The shoal does not seem to have been affected by Hurricane Irma, but is growing toward the east. We transited at 10h00 with the tide at +4.1. Along the route we take, we saw nothing less than 8 ft. That implies 4.0 ft at MLLW, but today winds were light and variable and seas were flat. On a day with lots of energy coming in off the ocean, and/or more vigorous winds, the practical depth in wave troughs would have been much less. Anyone else using this “shortcut,” heads up. Screen shot “StAndrews” shows that area, attached.

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound

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    • Healy Report: Problem Stretch Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 683


      The channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift with each tide and Cruisers’ Net recommends mid to high tide passage. Our thanks to experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, for their observations and advice. Jekyll Creek is home to A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina.

      Sanctuary and crew departed Brunswick, GA, southbound, at 08h40 on 11/1/2017. The weather was clear, winds light and variable, seas flat, low humidity. A great welcome to Florida in November!

      Jekyll Creek – We transited Jekyll Creek southbound between 09h10 and 09h30. Tide at Jekyll Creek Tide Station was +5.1 dropping to +4.7. We saw 7.8 feet along the route, so 7.8-4.7=3.1 feet at MLLW. The most serious shallow spot is in the vicinity of G”19.” We were on a route that was too close to G”19,” and we saw 6.0 ft in the channel on our route. Although we were in the channel, we were not in the best water. I would ass/u/me all cruising boats will need some help from the tide to clear Jekyll Creek. Screen shot G”19″ shows that area, attached. Favor red at G”19.”

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

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

      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 Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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    • Healy Report: Altamaha River, AICW Statute Miles 656-660


      The southbound Waterway passes through Little Mud River, crosses the Altamaha River to reach Buttermilk Sound via a twisting, often narrow and shallow channel. Cruisers’ Net thanks Jim and Peg Healy for this on-site report.

      Sanctuary and crew transited southbound through the Little Mud River, GA, see /167922 and the Altamaha River, GA, on 10/29/2017 between 08h00 and 08H50, about 2 to 1-1/2 hours before low (10h22, Ayetides app).

      1. Altamaha River – There is a marsh island in the ALtamaha River that extends from about R”202″ through R”208.” The ICW channel passes to the south of that island. The ICW channel-side of the island is shoaling. We transited mid-channel with the tide at Wolf Island, GA, reporting +2.6 ft. Southbound between R”206″ and R”204,” we saw one sandpile where our depth sounder reported 5.6′. So, 5.6-2.6=3,0 ft at MLLW. The remained of the run was 8.0 ft or more, about what we saw in the Little Mud River. Clearly, a developing hazard.

      2. Altamaha River – At R”208,” there is a shoal growing south from the south tip of the marsh island that extends well into the ICW channel. Jimmy was running a route mid-channel, not paying attention, and bumped. Bumped! Mid Channel! Dag nabit, I hate that! Tide for Wolf Island, GA, was +2.5 ft. We draw 4.3 ft, so that shoal is 4.3-2.5=1.8 ft at MLLW. Strongly favor green here (outside radius of a turn), but certainly, stay well clear of R”208.”

      Jim

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Altamaha River Marker 208

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    • Healy Report: Little Mud River Problem Stretch , AICW Statute Mile 655


      Little Mud River, where shoaling was reported as recently as September, is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire Waterway from Norfolk to Miami. Cruisers’ Net is grateful to experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, for this report. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.

      Sanctuary and crew transited southbound through the Little Mud River, GA, and the Altamaha River, GA, see /167923 on 10/29/2017 between 08h00 and 08H50, about 2 to 1-1/2 hours before low (10h22, Ayetides app).

      Little Mud River – We entered the Little Mud River at 08h02 with the tide station at Rockdedundy Creek reporting +3.2 feet. Our depth sounder reported not less than 8.0 ft, so the control depth for the Little Mud River would be 8.0-3.2=4.8 feet at MLLW, less on a celestial low. Favor the outside radius of the curves of the Little Mud River for best depths.

      Jim

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

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

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

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    • Healy Report: Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


      The Waterway 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. See /165309 for a June ’17 report. Due to constantly shifting channel, Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for this passage. Our thanks for this report from experienced cruiser, Jim Healy.

      Sanctuary and crew transited Hell Gate (A-ICW, Georgia, MM 600) 10/28/2017, southbound, at 11h00, +3.4 ft on the tide (Ayetides app, Egg Islands Station). Passing G”89″ at a distance of about 30 feet, we saw 5.5 feet of water.
      Passing R”90″ at a distance of about 15 feet, we saw about 5 feet of water. Not good. The control depth of Hell Gate at MLLW is 5.0 – 3.4 = 1.6 feet. We may have been slightly too close to R”90,” but in any case, no more than about 2 feet of water at low tide, less for celestial lows.

      Jim

      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tom Hale -  October 29, 2017 - 10:26 am

        Hi Jim,
        Thank you for the update on Hell Gate. The shoaling at G89 has been the worst place on HellGate for at least the past 4 years.
        I learned the hard way to stay away from G9. I now have two waypoints which have given me better water.
        Southbound I stay more or less mid channel to a waypoint 31 51.721 N, and 081 05.008 W. This places you about 300 feet northwest of G 89 before I turn to the south. I then stay about 150 feet west of G 89 to 31 35.677 N and 081 05.017 W. These points are based on 7 tracks through here over the past 3 years. There is no doubt that this is very shallow, but it does pay to stay north of G89 before you turn, and then stay well west of it as you head down the southern section.
        Cheers,
        Tom
        Southport NC
        Southbound on the ICW

        Reply to Tom

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