Sunset at Dewees Creek

Here’s another superb story from our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane Tigar. Her story below concerns anchoring on Dewees Creek, This somewhat complicated, but undeniably anchor rich complex of creeks intersects the AICW south of marker #109. As Captain Jane notes, there are seaward and land-side branches of Dewees Creek. The western arm, in particular has many possibly havens, including on on charted Long Creek.

Even if you think you’d rather be in a marina, this is an anchorage that could change your mind. There are at least four separate anchoring areas — and that’s without going up the creek and exploring — and there’s plenty of room to maneuver.
First, you have two options, West off the AICW or East off the AICW. We did not personally explore the Eastern option but observed a large sailing catamaran take the turn, go past the ferry dock at Dewees Island and drop the hook pretty much exactly as Skipper Bob suggests. She was still there in the morning where we’d last spied her — so we presume it was a good spot. From the Waterway, this Eastern choice appears a little less picturesque than the Western option and you do have Gray Aggie taking people back and forth to Isle of Palms, a feature that is neither a plus nor minus in my book.
We chose West just because it looked pretty. We found lots of deep water, just as charted — even the numbers we thought were typos such as a 71 which we were sure would be 17 were accurate. Had you been listening in on us, you would have heard us both say, with great surprise: Nope, it’s really 71!
The Western option offers you at least three obvious choices without wandering far off the AICW — you can go straight ahead (which we did), take a port turn or take a starboard turn, each to what appear to be fine anchoring spots. Going straight ahead, we found that the depths drop to 20 and just past the first creek arm to port, we found depths of mid- to high teens — perfect for anchoring. There is so much room here, we felt very comfortable, even if a parade of boats were to join us as Isle of Palms Marina and some in Charleston, too, were full. As it turned out, only four vessels joined us for the night. One right near us in the main section of the creek as you can see in the sunset photograph. Another chose the slender arm that heads South. Two other boats took the first turn to North.
It was a breezy night and we found holding excellent. The currents aligned us for a splendid sunset and in the morning conveniently spun us so we faced east for an equally splendid sunrise coming up over the ocean as we reentered the AICW.
It doesn’t get better than this.
Captain Jane
S/V Lady Jane

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Dewees Creek Anchorages

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

Just across the AICW from Jeremy Creek, which provides access to the charming village of McClellanville, SC, cruisers can (BUT DON’T), cruise through Five Fathom Creek and Clark Creek, on the way an uncertain (to say the least) inlet east of Sandy Point. I have NOT recommended this seaward cut since since the channel was shifted from Sandy Point to Clark Creek. Some years ago, I sounded only 3 to 4 feet in this poor excuse for a channel amidst braking waves. We retreated in all haste.
Now, below, no less an entity than the US Army Corps of Engineers has provided the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with the latest depth survey of this errant passage. Just take a gander at the mid-channel depths in the creek’s turn to the south, southeast, southeast of marker #6. Anybody want to tangle with these shallows in a very confused seaway. I think not!
ALL cruisers should avoid the (so-called) Clark Creek inlet without exception!!!!

Between the Winyah Bay Entrance south of the AICW from Georgetown, SC and the Charleston, SC harbor entrance, there is really no safe inlet and Dewees Inlet carries this emphatic warning from Claiborne: WARN ANYONE OFF FROM USING THIS INLET. THERE IS NO CHANNEL TO SPEAK OF AND TO SAY IT’S TREACHEROUS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. IT COULD BE DEADLY!!!

We are headed back off-shore to the south – Charleston, but would prefer Isle of Palms as it takes about two hours off the trip… if we can get in through Dewees Inlet. Charts show no marked channel to the outside but inside the water is charted deep (no channel markers), tides run 5+ feet and there are some tempting areas that may not be shoaled up. Does anyone know if this passage can be made safely with a ~6 ft. draw at HT? Thanks
Captain Ric

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Showing the Location of Dewees Inlet

Minim Creek Anchorage lies west of flashing red maker #4 at the southern end of the AICW/ Estherville/Minim Creek Canal in 6-6 1/2 feet of water with swinging room for a 40-footer. Thank goodness, the winged varmints are seasonal – hopefully!

Great anchorage except the mosquitoes were killer this past weekend.
Captain Tracy Hellman

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For Minim Creek Anchorage

There two anchorages in the seaward intersection of the North Santee and the AICW, one right by the Waterway at marker #16 and one northwest of marker #18. If you can avoid reported shoaling at the mouth of the south branch, just south of marker #16, Captain Hellman suggests dropping your hook farther to the east.

It’s best if you go around the bend and get away from ICW traffic. Good Anchorage!
Captain Tracy Hellman

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For North Santee River Seaside Anchorages

This section of the AICW just north of Charleston remains somewhat of a problem – or a mystery – depending on your luck passing through. Conflicting reports of shallow water, unlike Captain Pascal’s experience, only add to the growing mystique of the newly rebuilt Ben Sawyer Bridge. Check out the links below for information on this area.

Submitted on 2010/06/14 at 12:28pm
Came through northbound with a 6 1/4 draft late May, this section was dredged last year but you must stay on the centerline. IF you do, you will have plenty of water (8′ MLW)… do not favor either side.
Same further north, just north of Isle of Palm and the marinas, after the turn to port. Plenty deep on centerline, shoals up quickly on either side on the edge of some of the cuts.
Captain Pascal

I run a 22′ Grady and have seen depths as shallow 4.5′ and as deep 5.5′ at MLW during the last 5 weeks. Be sure and check your tide tables for this area as any minus low tide means extra attention to depth!
Captain Pascal is correct in that any deviation from centerline means shallow quick, but i have never seen 8′ MLW on the strectch between Ben Sawyer and IOP connector. I get nervous wih my draft much less anything with 3-4′.
Captain Farley

Click Here To View a Previous Posting on AICW Depths Near the Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of An Earlier Grounding N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Bridge

Even being “on their toes” didn’t prevent Laura and crew from confirming the shoaling that’s occurring in this stretch of the AICW. Slow and Easy is still the by-word as you travel to or from the north side of the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Check the Chart View of this area in the previous posting linked below.

Submitted on 2010/06/10 at 8:03am
After reading the above we were on our toes going thru this area. We were towards the red side between Inlet Creek and Swinton Creek and ran aground in 5.5 ft of water at MLW.
We were able to motor our way thru the mud to get off heading back towards the center of the channel.
Laura

Click Here To View A Previous Posting For Shoaling N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Here is valuable information and advice from Larry Shick aboard his Valiant 42 about the AICW just north of Charleston:

As we were entering Charleston Harbor from the S, we got a VHF call from a skipper from one of the towboat companies (sorry, I can’t remember which, or I’d give credit) warning of shoaling between the Ben Sawyer Bridge (MM 462) to the Isle of Palms Bridge (MM 459). His advice was to avoid the green side (which does not mean favoring the red side). According to his report, this is a new (last several months) problem.
We went through at MLW and “touched bottom” (6′ draft) at 32-47.3N 079-48.3W, which is a bit N of the channel according to the e-charts, but by turning SW we were able to proceed immediately.
As a reminder, the Ben Sawyer bridge is passable only on its N side. After several weeks of swing bridges, I made the assumption that both sides of the swing were available, and was saved from ignominy at the last moment by the bridge operator. Also, the operator’s VHF was *very* faint: even when we were just below her cupola we could barely hear her.
Captain Larry Shick aboard S/V Moira

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Grounding N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Bridge

Others have experienced uncomfortable evenings in Whiteside Creek due to current and wind, so I am not surprised at the report that follows.
This stream pierces the western shores of the AICW north of Charleston, and northeast of marker #96

Submitted on 2010/05/24 at 11:06am
We anchored here on 11/22/09. One sailboat was already anchored in the prime spot so we went around the 1st bend and attempted to anchor. After two unsuccessful attempts to get the Danforth to set, we moved back to the first leg of the creek and anchored just up stream of the other sailboat. Shortly afterward another sailboat anchored just off the other boat’s stern.
It was raining and the wind was 15 gusting to 20 knots. This creek is totally exposed with nothing but marsh grass all around. After two failed anchor sets, my anxiety level about the anchorage was maxed out. It was getting dark so we were stuck with this place. One of those sleepless night anchorages.
Captain Dick Litchfield

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For Whiteside Creek Anchorage

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

Hmmm, the clearance at this bridge could be a problem at times for sailcraft skippers piloting vessels with particularly tall masts. Read on!

Subject: Isle of Palms fixed bridge clerance
Cruising News: Be advised that the Isle of Palms fixed bridge at SM 458.9 had, according to the height guage, only 63 feet clearance at the morning high tide March 30 (full moon) and that was not the highest of the two high tides that day. We need 64 and waited for 65 by the guage. We did not test it for accuracy! Judging by the marking board scunge line, the 65 foot mark is often under water, rather than being only occasionally covered under exceptional tide and surge. All you tall rigs beware
John and Joan
Destiny

McClellanville remains one of the most charming ports of call in all of South Carolina, a coastline filled with charming ports of call. As for Leland Oil Company marina, it’s certainly considerably better than it was a few years ago, but don’t look for any posh accomodations.

We stayed at Leland Oil Co. on January 7, 2010. What a beautiful location! Claiborne Young’s Cruising Guide to South Carolina and Georgia was what lured us in, and we agree, McClellanville is mystical and magical. Time has completely forgotten it, and that is a joy to experience. The Episcopal Church, overhung with Spanish Moss and live oaks, is spectacular. Don’t fail to go in.
Leland Oil Co. is very friendly and most accommodating. The restroom is basic, but provides a shower and all other necessities. We will certainly Return on the return north to Norfolk.
Norman Mason

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company

Back in 2007and 2008, we received some seemingly definite reports of a foul bottom and shallower than expected depths on the upstream portion of Five Fathom Creek, northeast of marker #20. For that reason, we removed these waters from our South Carolina Anchorage Directory. Now, as you will read below, Captain Thomason has had a much different and better experience dropping the hook here.
Has anyone else tried to anchor on the upstream portion of Five Fathom Creek lately? If so, PLEASE tell us what you found. Either e-mail me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net, or click on the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.

I don’t see Five Fathom Creek anchorage on the cruisers net list. We have anchored there (Upstream from the red 20 on Five Fathom Creek) several times, most recently on September 23. It’s fun to watch the shrimp fleet go by on Town Creek but no problem with wakes. As I recall, depth was about 10 feet MLW. Beautiful sunset!
Jean Thomason
Trawler DOVEKIE

On November 23rd, 2009 we anchored in same spot as “Dovekie” (message above posted Sept.2009). No problems with depth – it was about 9 feet MLW (we draw 5′). We did not find a foul bottom – all clear on the anchor. Good holding for us even though we were swinging to the current. As with “Dovekie” watching the shrimp boats go by is very nice, they are quiet with very little wake.
Beth Bauer, S/V Adagio

Whiteside Creek lies just off the South Carolina AICW, several miles north of the Waterway’s intersection with Charleston Harbor. The marshy shores do not give the best of protection in really heavy weather, as noted below, but otherwise, this is a good overnight haven.

We anchored here and also found the current a little challenging. There was a sailboat anchored in the 11′ sounding area so we went around the bend to the 13′ area. Two attempts to set our Danforth were unsuccessful. The wind, tide and rain didn’t help our efforts. We retreated to the area between the 38′ and 11′ soundings and were able to get a good anchor set. We too rode strangely with the wind/current situation. Northerly winds remained at 15+ with gusts so not much sleep that night. The Danforth held ok and was tough to unset. In all three sailboats rode out the evening here. In less windy conditions it would be a great spot to anchor.
D&D
s/v Ninkasi

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Whiteside Creek

We love McClellanville. Wandering its old, sand covered streets is like taking a step back, some might say “far back,” in time. Leland Oil Company marina is certainly a bit on the minimalist side.

We stayed one night at Leland Oil Co on Oct. 26th, 2009. The dockmaster put us at the floating dock next to the shrimp boats. It is tricky at low tide with my Irwin 46 Ketch’s 6 ft. keel but did not run aground at mid tides in and out. We walked the nearby street but did not see any part of the town. The stop was part of a 332 mile uneventful 8 day trip from Dowry Creek Marina in Belhaven, NC to Charleston, SC. Our only problem the entire trip was fishermen with nets. They had them stretched almost entirely across the ICW at the Sunset Beach pontoon bridge (MM 337.9). We did catch one in our prop while waiting for the bridge to open,and drifted into the shallows and had to call SeaTow to get off the bottom and call a diver to get the net off the prop.
Charles and Jo Ann
S/V Osprey

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina

The South Santee River, south of Minim Creek, is only one of several good anchorages between Winyah Bay and McClellanville. You might want to also check out the overnight havens listed in the “South Carolina Anchorage Directory” (http://cruisersnet.net/category/anchorages-icw-belle-isle-sullivans-island/) for the anchorages we list on the North Santee River.

Spent a very nice evening at anchor here. No traffic to speak of. Just three other cruising boats. Use the proper scope and the currents are not problem. I found the holding ground to be very good.
HB Koerner

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For South Santee River

Whiteside Creek is one of many deep streams that offer good, even in not ultra-sheltered, anchorage directly off the AICW between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor. And, yes, Captain Emerson is quite correct that this whole region suffers from strong tidal currents, but, hey, that’s pretty much the rule in all of coastal South Carolina and Georgia.

We anchored here and liked the location but found the current somewhat challenging. We anchored just north of the 23′ sounding in the chartlet (the indicated location, near the 11′ sounding, is not a great choice) and had plenty of room to swing in. As did two other 40′+ boats. The problem was we were caught in a wind vs. current situation and rode strangely all night. The hook held well, but the amount of current is worth noting.
Rick Emerson

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Whiteside Creek

Graham Creek is one of the many deepwater streams that offers good overnight anchorage between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor.

Anchored in Graham Creek with 2 other boats as we write. Beautiful spot with miles of salt marsh in 3 directions. Plenty of depth and swinging room.
Pete & Mary Ann
s/v MicMac

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Graham Creek