Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 25, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999
Reports from Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602

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We hear lot of stories of extreme shallows at Hell Gate, so this report from longtime contributor and experienced skipper, James Newsome, is good news, PROVIDED you take his and our advice to wait for mid to high tide if you draw more than 4ft. See /156050 . And see 9/24 report below.
I negotiated Hell’s Gate on Sunday 08/28/16 traveling northbound exactly two hours before low tide. High tide was approximately 7.3′ for this day. Therefore, we calculated that we had 1.25′ per hour x 2 = 2.5′ of water over low tide. The least water we saw was 8′ which means the net low was around 5.5′. We steered pretty much down the middle following the magenta line, not favoring any marker.
I draw 5’8″ to 6′ loaded which means I could have made this passage through Hell’s Gate an hour before low tide and barely had water under the keel. At low tide I could not have made it through.
Based on the draft of your vessel, Hell’s Gate is only a concern within an hour or two of low tide, and if you only draw 4.5′ you can travel through here any time of the day, unless there is a negative tide perhaps. Just take it slow and easy on the south side of Hell’s Gate. There is some squirrelly current on the southern entrance to Hell’s Gate, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
James Newsome
9/24 Nelms Graham had a less easy passage, even 3 hours after low tide and in a shallow draft vessel!
Transited Hells Gate on 09/24/16 three hours after low tide, “bumped” in channel approx. 75ft. from marker “89”, in vessel drawing 2-‘6.
Nelms Graham
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Fragrante Delicto - March 5, 2017 - 8:08 am

You fail to mention what tide station you used. Was it Vernon View?
Reply to Fragrante

Wally Moran - September 2, 2016 - 11:43 am

Hey James – thanks for that information – knowing you, I know it is reliable.
Reply to Wally
Jul 6, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.5366,-81.34619999
Shoaling Reported in Sapelo River, west of AICW Statute Mile 636, 7/6/2016

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This area of shoaling is developing from the west and north side of the channel. This western portion of the Sapelo River departs the Waterway near Mile 636.
GEORGIA – SAPELO AND DOBOY SOUNDS – SAPELO RIVER: Shoal
Shoaling reported between Sapelo River DBN 6 (LLNR 5895 [31°32.1970N / 081°20.7660W, 31.536617 / -81.346100]) and Sapelo River DBN 10 (LLNR 5905 [31°31.8490N / 081°21.3510W, 31.530817 / -81.355850]). Depths are reported from 0-6 ft at Mean Low water. Aids to navigation are currently in 0 feet of water. Shoaling protrudes into the channel approximately 20 yards. Channel was found closest to the southern bank with a depth of 6-10 feet at Mean Low water. Chart 11510 LNM 27/16
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Sapelo River
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Wally Moran - July 8, 2016 - 10:23 pm

Just reported this shoal? Was it a cruiser, local boater, or the Coast Guard or other qualified observer?
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Jul 2, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Captain Jim Healy Discusses the Waterway from Charleston to St. Augustine
Longtime cruiser and SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his knowledge and experience in these observations on this portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Thank you Jim!
The entire region from Charleston to St. Augustine has high tidal ranges, ranging from 5′ at St. Augustine to as much as 9′ in Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. Those high tidal ranges create swift tidal currents, and especially for first-times, docking is easiest in the 1/2 hour before and after slack.
There are many areas of shallow water in the region. The very best resource for current data on low water and caution areas is available via www.activecaptain.com. Two other websites that all ICW travelers should know about are www.waterwayguide.com and www.cruisersnet.net. I’m sure you are familiar with the Waterway Guide book series. The “Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net” (SSECN) is really a boating group. It was founded by Claiborne Young. After Claiborne’s untimely loss, the group continued in operation. The Cruiser’s Net website specializes on the US Southeast. There is some duplication of material between the WWG site and the SSECN site, but there is unique value to both. Both are excellent resources for fuel prices, marinas and anchorages. These websites would make a good sidebar for any ICW article. Two of these websites require registration – SSECN does not – and all three are free, and all are very useful to ICW boaters. Both WWG and SSECN also have smart phone apps that duplicate and augment website information and are very useful on small-format devices.
There are some generalizations that apply to the region, including the stretch from Georgetown, SC all the way south to below Fernandina Beach. In some of those areas, boats drawing more than 4′ will want to consider not traveling at low tide; especially celestial low tides. The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for dredging the ICW. USACE is funded by state congressional delegations. In recent years, the money congress allocates to dredging has been diverted to “more pressing needs,” and so many areas of the ICW are shoaling, and in fact, the ICW resource is slowly being lost; well, allowed to die, really, by congress. There is a not-for-profit called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. The Executive Director is Brad Pickel; bpickel@seahavenconsulting.com. That would make another sidebar for any article on the ICW. There are some local knowledge bypasses around some shoal areas. All of the cruising sites above can provide additional detail.
Renting a car in any of these venues greatly expands what a boating visitor can see and do. Some, but not all, marinas have courtesy cars. Generally they can’t be used for long periods, but they are useful for re-provisioning when needed.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Ft. Myers, FL
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Jun 28, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.0462,-81.42259999
Another Good Review of Jekyll Harbor Marina and Jekyll Island, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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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 Dick Lawson for this excellent review and for the name of a good mechanic.
First time to Jekyll in a couple years. Marina under new management and services are good. The adjoining restaurant, DJ’s is closed, but being renovated by new owners and supposed to be open later this year. New town center on the island is beautiful with groceries, shopping and several restaurants – quite an upgrade from the past. It’s within walking distance, or the marina will let you use their golf cart for up to 90 minutes at a time. I required some engine work and they recommended Leo Ross, 912-266-1323, from Brunswick. He did a good and reasonable job and is also recommended.
Dick Lawson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Perry McDonald - October 26, 2018 - 1:28 pm

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.
Reply to Perry

Sonny Reeves - July 1, 2016 - 1:26 pm

In the 7 years we were at Jekyll Island Marina the work we hired done and observed on other people’s boats done by Leo Ross and his son was first class. As a 40 year veteran of the automotive repair business I know a good technician when I see/meet/hire one. Leo is fine Southern Gentleman of the old school where honesty and integrity are the mark of a craftsman.
He also knows where to catch the nicest Georgia Shrimp in the area.
Hope to get back to Jekyll one day before JIA sells it out to the rich and famous.
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Jun 28, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.7711,-81.27789999
More Good Words for Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant and Marina, Medway River off AICW Statute Mile 620

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Skipper Dick Lawson joins others in praising Sunbury Crab Company in Brunswick, GA. Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the Waterway along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
This marina is 8 miles up the Medway River from the ICW. Plenty of deep water. Marina facility is basic but docks are good with water and power. Restaurant serving fresh local shrimp was excellent, but only open Wednesday thru Saturday nights. Ask for the owner, Elaine, and she will make sure you have a comfortable stay.
Dick Lawson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Sunbury Crab Company
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Jun 26, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Captain Jim Healy on Charleston and Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Charleston and Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA where several SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs are located. Thank you Jim!
Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city. Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges. (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada). We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about. At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center. Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks. In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located. In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com). The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft. There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors. From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).
Beaufort, SC: from the Beaufort Downtown Marina, take a carriage tour through the historic ante-bellum homes in the area. The downtown is friendly with many shoppes and good restaurant options.
Jim Healy
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Jun 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.1544,-81.49969999
High Praise for Brunswick Landing Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 680

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Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers, sits off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I love this marina! As a delivery captain and salesman, for Prestige Yachts, I stop in many marinas. Brunswick Landing is in a safe hole, with little boat traffic, easy fuel, FANTASTIC staff, free beer, and bicycles to pedal around town.
The floating docks are great, the restrooms are very clean, ice at tge end of the docks, and coffee in the morning on the fuel pier.
I’ll be back in a few weeks. Thanks for the hospitality.
Brad Heil
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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Dave Gibson - June 24, 2016 - 1:50 pm

Yep. I totally agree. One of the nicest marinas on the entire ICW, in my opinion, with great staff. Its also dog friendly! I no longer boat, but if I did, I’d still be there.
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May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.1673,-81.4149999
Ridley Report: Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, AICW near Statute Mile 676

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Charlie and Jackie make another entry in their log with this report from Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles which lies along the southern reaches of the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge.
5-4-16 Now at Morningstar Marina at St Simons. At MM590. One of my favorites. Restaurant at top of docks is very good- under new management and got liquor license last Thursday. Great app’s and a great margarita!! Make res’s as very busy. Mitch- dock hand- is the beat. Current can be very bad and combined with wind can make docking no fun. Listen to Mitch (or Chick) and he’ll get you in safely. Showers are very nice and laundry also. If on south end of face dock, long walk to take out dog, go to Coastal Kitchen or borrow the loaner car (but we need the exercise!!) A very nice CRV loaner. 1 hour limit. Of course best things are the muffins and newspaper delivered to your boat every morning– best muffins anywhere!!! one of our favorite marinas!! Almost forgot– if need diesel mechanic that I think is not only good but honest– ask for Wayne. He impressed me and that is not easy!!
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles
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May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999
Ridley Report: Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590

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The Ridleys continue their log with a report on 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. And in case you missed their FOCUS ON, see /150925.
5-3-16 Now at Isle of Hope Marina at MM590. Went to fuel dock first– $2.09/gal. Dock (34′) and 30 amp for $75.00. great place to walk around old homes, etc. cable not work but pulled several channels off antennae. Put us on very northern end and very weak wifi. OK for email but not much else. Loaner car and bicycles available and a reasonable ships store. Strong Verizon. Really a great place to stop.
Jackie and Charlie on Traveler.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina
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May 16, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0462,-81.42259999
Detailed Report from Jekyll Creek, Jekyll Island, GA, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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Robert Sherer is author of 2015 ICW Cruising Guide: A guide to navigating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. See /?p=150181. SSECN is grateful for Captain Sherer’s willingness to share his knowledge and experience with our readers. Jekyll Creek is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina.
I’ve been through Jekyll Creek a dozen times and although there is a channel with 5.7 MLW depth, the problem has always been how to find it. This time through I found a good fit using ENC charts as displayed on the iPad app, Charts and Tides. I would think that any app that used NOAA ENC charts would display the same route (my laptop with ENC charts showed the route correctly).
At Jekyll Creek just south of the bridge
Sitting at anchor just south of the bridge on 4/22/216, we were astounded when we saw two huge tugs with several hundred feet of dredging pipe go through Jekyll at dead low tide, one tug on each end of the pipes. I followed in my dinghy. The mud stirred up was incredible. They stopped multiple times and rev’ed up the engines and plowed through. It took 20 min to round G19. In other words, they created the channel and successive runs is what keeps the channel open.
After they passed I got in my dinghy to measured the deepest spot by G19, R20 and R20A, going side to side with a portable depth sounder and found that 80 to 100 ft off each mark was best, at least now after the two tug plow team.
Route notes:
– Do not hug any marks, stay off R20A, R20 and R19 by 80 to 100 ft.
– Garmin charts are useless here but NOAA ENC charts work well.
– The depth readings were taken the day after two tugs passed (plowed!) through.
– A GPX file of the route is available here or go to http://tinyurl.com/hvugdss
Route depths:
Bridge 10.6 MLW, use as a check on general water depth, the bridge height gauge read 65 ft (it was near high tide when I passed through but all readings have been corrected to MLW)
Heading north:
– 1/2 way 6.7 MLW
– R20A 8.3 MLW
– 1/2 way 6.2 MLW
– R20 6.6 MLW
– By docks 9.2 MLW
– 1/2 way 8.1 MLW
– G19 5.7 MLW (80 ft off )
– At shoal mark 7.6 MLW
– G17 9.1 MLW
– R16 7.8 MLW
Deeper the rest of the way north.
I don’t claim this is the best route but it worked on 4/22/2016 for 5.7 MLW.
Robert Sherer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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May 10, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.1544,-81.49959999
Unhappy with Brunswick Landing Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 680

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Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers, sits off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I have been a loyal customer of this marina for 15 years. I’ve seen it grow due to the efforts of the marina staff and the camaraderie developed among other cruisers and have always given it high marks for being among the best marina in the area. Unfortunately that has all changed under new management. Exorbitant charges are being billed as “environmental fees” i.e wifi, pump out, live aboard fees and marina security. These are to me the cost of doing business in an environment where boaters need and expect these services, but to add an additional fee to higher dockage rates has made Brunswick Landing intolerable. The boat yard in requiring outside vendors to add 20% to their normal charges to compensate the marina is ludicrous. It is clear the management is only looking out for themselves and has no understanding as to “who brought them to the table.” You may want to look into this and steer boaters to distant shores….it is NOT a place you would want to recommend.
Robert Wilson
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina
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Doug Jarrett - May 15, 2016 - 7:53 am

We didn’t notice any extra fees, in fact, we got a 10% discount on fuel and slip for MTOA.
Maybe slightly less organized than before, but nothing significant.
Reply to Doug

Michael Torras - May 13, 2016 - 2:48 pm

Mr. Wilson,
I’m sorry to hear that you feel that way. As you are aware, we recently increased our monthly rate by $0.50/foot, up to $12.50/foot. This is after not raising our rates for the proceeding couple of years. We have made substantial infrastructure upgrades since our last increase. Our two local competing marinas charge $12.50/ft and $14.00/ft., respectively.
We had intended to raise our rates to $13.00/foot. However, after much deliberation, we decided that instead of the extra $0.50/foot, we would make it a flat $24/month fee. We did this on the basis that we thought it would be nice for our customers to see where the extra $0.50/foot was going toward. We came up with the $24/month figure by taking our average size boat (48ft) and multiplying it by $0.50. This gave us an even $24 figure.
If you look up the definition of “environment” you will find it to be defined as “the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.” Surely all of the things you mentioned fall into this category?
Again, I am terribly sorry that you are unhappy with our new rate structure. We wish you all the best.
Michael Torras
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Apr 13, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.1544,-81.49969999
More Good Words for Brunswick Landing Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 680

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Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers, sits off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
The marina is the best in the area, and while the facilities are some of the best on the ICW, the staff – Sherri and Cindy – are the most welcoming and “make you feel at home” people on earth. The marina is well represented by these two young ladies as anyone that has visited will attest to. Without them, it would just be another struggling marina.
Jimmy Crack Corn
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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Apr 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.7706,-81.47079999
Middle Earth On The ICW, Georgia’s Intracoastal Waterway

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Apr 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Catamaran Skipper Seeks Boat Yard near Brunswick, GA
Skipper Ted is looking for a DIY boat yard for his catamaran. Let us know if you have recommendations.
Would like to know how to find out or post a message to find best marina in the New Brunswick GA area that can accommodate 24′ beam Cat for haul out and allows DIY bottom painting. Any help?? Thank you in advance. Ted
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Mar 30, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999
Advice on Hell Gate Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

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We are always hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate and recent conflicting reports still indicate problems at low tide. See /153633 and /153843. This report comes from one of our friends in AGLCA. SSECN still recommends MID TO HIGH TIDE as a requirement for navigating through Hell Gate.
Hell Gate GA
As a general rule, this section is best attempted with a rising tide. I guided 5 sailboats through there last November 21, 2015 during the Sail 2015 Rally Down the ICW.. We entered Hell Gate at exactly dead low and proceeded slowly. Of the 6 of us all drawing between 4.5 and 6 feet only the 6 footer ran aground. We draw 4.5 feet and several of the other boats with us were 5.5 feet. We were fine at dead low. In my experience, it is best to stay off G 89 about 75-100 feet.
Reversing that route for north bound, stay center channel as you proceed into Hell Gate and then be on the west side of the as you approach G89, After the G89 continue north for about 300 feet before you actually take the turn towards the east. G89 does not exactly mark the actual bend in the channel After bend continue to stay west but then shift to the center of the channel as you approach the Vernon river.
The most recent crowd sourced charts show 4-5 feet in the channel at low water. Given that the tidal range here is 9 feet, If you approach Hell Gate an hour or two after low you will have plenty of water in the channel. If you would like to have a copy of my tracks, please PM me.
Cheers,
Tom
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
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Nelms Graham - September 25, 2016 - 5:14 am

Transited Hells Gate on 09/24/16 three hours after low tide, “bumped” in channel approx. 75ft. from marker “89”, in vessel drawing 2-‘6.
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James Newsome - August 31, 2016 - 11:47 am

I negotiated Hell’s Gate on Sunday 08/28/16 traveling northbound exactly two hours before low tide. High tide was approximately 7.3′ for this day. Therefore, we calculated that we had 1.25′ per hour x 2 = 2.5′ of water over low tide. The least water we saw was 8′ which means the net low was around 5.5′. We steered pretty much down the middle following the magenta line, not favoring any marker.
I draw 5’8″ to 6′ loaded which means I could have made this passage through Hell’s Gate an hour before low tide and barely had water under the keel. At low tide I could not have made it through.
Based on the draft of your vessel, Hell’s Gate is only a concern within an hour or two of low tide, and if you only draw 4.5′ you can travel through here any time of the day, unless there is a negative tide perhaps. Just take it slow and easy on the south side of Hell’s Gate. There is some squirrelly current on the southern entrance to Hell’s Gate, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
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Mar 26, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999
Good Words for Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590

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Isle of Hope Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. And in case you missed their FOCUS ON, see /150925.
Have been at ISLE of hope now for about 2 1/2 years the staff is and has been great. The showers are always kept clean (you can always come in behind some one who leaves it messed up but the staff jump on it and make sure it’s cleaned. Restraints are close and downtown is full of things to do. Thanks and will probably keep coming back as we start our island hopping.
Nick on the Cavalier
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina
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Mar 17, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 30.993,-81.41279999
Course Suggestion for St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690

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Bypassing Marker #32 in St. Andrew Sound to avoid open ocean waters has been the topic of much discussion in the past, see /130975 and /130801. Rick offers a straight forward course that does not require extra miles of travel. Mid to high tide would be essential for this route. If you try this course, let us hear from you.
Cruising News
We are local to this area and find that if we run along a line between the larger water tank on Jekyll with the lighthouse on Little Cumberland we have no problems with depth. We only draw 4.5′ but I don’t recall ever seeing single digit depths along this line. I’m not recalling any number below 12′. In timing out passage through Jekyll Creek we try to pass here at half tide which would be +3 above normal MLLW.
Rick
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound
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John F Pholeric, Jr - March 19, 2016 - 7:13 am

We have cut the R-32 buoy for several years. Our draft is 4 feet and I don’t recall seeing less than 4 feet even at low tide.
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Peter Colket - March 18, 2016 - 5:07 pm

I have followed the suggested “shortcut” countless times in the last 10 years. Draw 4 feet, usually find 12 foot depths.
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Feb 13, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner Now Available Online
Here is an opportunity for boaters to learn more about the plans that our state government agencies are considering for our coastal waters. Even without the training session, the website can be very useful.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Training for the Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner February 17, 2016
As use of our ocean’s resources increase so do potential conflicts between user groups. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division (CRD) facilitates state management of coastal and ocean resources through improved planning and coordination.
CRD is partnering with the Georgia Tech Center for Geographic Information Systems and Strategic Energy Institute to launch a new planning tool called the Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner (GCAMP), which provides key information to coastal and ocean use stakeholders. GCAMP is a web-based map viewer that provides Georgia-specific data and information for planning and decision making. The resource assessment and planning tool provides easy access to geospatial information without the requirement of expensive or complicated software. GCAMP was designed to provide biological, physical, and human-use information in the offshore environment to planners, managers, decision makers, and the public.
“GCAMP establishes a transparent and open process for fostering better understanding among stakeholders about what is happening in Georgia’s coastal and ocean environment. It provides factual information about the location of natural resources and the location of human uses. This will help coastal and ocean resource managers avoid conflicts when modifying existing human uses and planning future activities,” said Jill Andrews, program manager at CRD.
Training on GCAMP will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm February 17, 2016 at the Susan Shipman Environmental Learning Center located at the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters, One Conservation Way, Brunswick. The public is invited to attend. There are also tutorials on the viewer’s website Geospatial.gatech.edu/GCAMP
For more information on GCAMP please contact Sonny Emmert or Jill Andrews at 912-264-7218

Questions? Contact Us
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Haskell Royer - February 19, 2016 - 2:23 pm

When will GA decide to become cruiser/boater friendly and keep their portion of the ICW reasonably maintained? Most boaters that have capable boats and crews opt to go offshore to avoid the state. Many others going off shore are at high risk. Even SC has finally decided to increase maintenance.
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Jan 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.7711,-81.27789999
Compliments for Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant and Marina, Medway River off AICW Statute Mile 620

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AGLCA member Benjamin Peeler has these good words for Sunbury Crab Company in Brunswick, GA. Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the Waterway along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
Had 2 great stays at Sunbury Crab Co. on our last trip down ICW to this summer. Highly recommend.
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Jan 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.8862,-81.2129999
Good Words for Fort McAllister Marina, Ogeechee River, near AICW Statute Mile 603.5

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Loopers Michael and Marian War give many reasons to take a delightful cruise up the Ogeechee River to this excellent marina. The marina is located on the southern bend of a hairpin curve in the Ogeechee River.
Fort McAllister Marina on the Ogeechee River. Turn to port at R98 and CALL them – 912-727-2632. Follow their directions precisely as you will cross from one side of the river to the other as you approach. The marina has added buoys to mark the route from the north side of the river across to the dock. Best to dock at slack tide as the current runs about 5-6 knots. The marina has alongside floating docks, gas and diesel fuel, and Fish Tales Restaurant for dinner. Two showers and a washer/dryer just across the street, and if you’re interested in history, it’s just under a mile to Fort McAllister State Park, where Sherman ended his march to the sea.
Michael and Marian War
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bob McLeran - January 22, 2016 - 3:28 pm

We went there by boat in 2009 for a couple of days and again in 2011 and visited the area several times by car since then. It’s a great marina and close to some interesting history, as the poster said. It is worth the 7 mile trip upstream from the ICW. Make sure you put your pointy-end upstream when you tie up!
Going upstream, follow close to the starboard/north/LDB bank until you get the marina in site. Water is plenty deep very close to the bank.
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