Below, you will find a truly discouraging story. Can it be that cruisers are no longer welcome in Savannah. Of course, you can always dock at one of the several excellent marinas at nearby Thunderbolt, and then take an inexpensive taxi ride into the Savannah historic/business district, but, at least for the moment, it appears as if pleasure craft dockage in downtown Savannah is no longer a viable possibillity!

Cruising News: Anyone interested in heading up the Savannah River to Savannah and tying up for the night at a very reasonable rate of $1/ft. had better think again.  There is a new sheriff in town (on the job for 1 month as of this writing) and his name is Jim Gilliamsen.  I arrived Sunday afternoon after sailing outside overnight single handed from St. Augustine.  There were two other boats tied up at the dock.  At 7:00 am Monday (today), I heard a rap on the hull, and there was Mr.Gilliamsen with two policemen telling me I wasn't welcome and I must leave.  He did the same to the others, who had paid for numeroous days in advance.  I tried to reason with him, saying my experience in January during the trip south was you go to the parking garage and pay for the space on the dock, and he said they should not have done that, and that it wasn't going to happen anymore.  I then told him that if that is the case, the cruising guides and websites would need to be updated as such.  I
also explained to him that I had just spent nearly $1000 in provisions and boat parts, and had dinner at Huey's, and if that isn't important to the city of Savannah, then I would gladly take my business elsewhere.  To make a longer story short, he reconsidered his position and allowed me to stay one more night, but I expect that this great spot for an overnight visit will not be available to future cruisers.  That is, until Mr. Gilliamsen chooses to leave, or is asked to leave by his employer.  It is my impression he is making this stuff up as he goes and it may be that the powers that be may not approve.  Particularly in this economic environement, when every merchant can use every dollar of revenue they can get.
Randy Kruml
s/v Kristinly