Advice for Navigating Wappoo Creek-Elliott Cut, AICW Statute Miles 470-472
Noted for swift currents in a narrow, steep walled channel, Elliott Cut is south of the Waterway’s southbound exit from the Ashley River in Charleston, SC connecting with the Stono River. The current flows southbound on a rising tide and northbound on a falling tide. See History of Wappoo Creek. Our thanks to John Stolz for this report and advice.
I came through Elliots Cut today about an hour before low tide, heading south. Tide was furious against me. 36′ sailboat. At 3/4 power I could only manage 1.9-2 knots but could maintain control. Thankful no other boat in cut. Would recommend waiting until slack tide, go like heck and get through.
John Stolz
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Actually, Elliot Cut ebbs to the East and floods to the West. Although the current can be very swift, it is unnecessary to wait for slack tide, the cut is not that long. Typically tugs pushing barges will give a security call before entering the cut. Not a good idea to try to share the cut with a barge.