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
Good advice for all ICW property owners from Georgia’s DNR Coastal Resources Division.
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
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:
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Seems I recently saw a documentary about St Augustine’s early history and the arrival of native Americans from the Ossabaw area of Georgia when the Spanish took some revenge for hostilities. There is a website from the Georgia Historical Society about the area, which you probably already know about… if not here it is: https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/geography-environment/ossabaw-island
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lang’s Marina is on the north shore of the St. Marys River in downtown St. Marys. Our thanks to the skipper of the Linda Jean for this report.
Lang’s east docks completely gone. Any boats that remained on the docks were crushed during the hurricane. Lang’s west docks mostly destroyed with the exception of one floater remaining, Only two permanent sailboats survived by anchoring five miles up river.
The Blue Goose is a hostel and cafe in downtown St. Marys.
Looks like we are down. All the docks downtown gone, boats were ashore and Lang’s lost some roof. Donna Asbell, CFO The Blue Goose on Osborne Hostel and Cafe 126 Osborne Street Saint Marys, GA 31558
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
SV Linda Jean- September 13, 2017 - 10:55 pm
Lang’s east docks completely gone. Any boats that remained on the docks were crushed during the hurricane. Lang’s west docks mostly destroyed with the exception of one floater remaining, Only two permanent sailboats survived by anchoring five miles up river.
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.
Volunteer to be a steward of your sanctuary!
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects a vibrant hard-bottom reef habitat in the Atlantic Ocean just off the Georgia Coast. This 22-square-mile protected area is teeming with numerous species of fish, such as black sea bass, groupers, and mackerels. Loggerhead sea turtles forage and rest year-round at Gray’s Reef, and the sanctuary is within the critical habitat of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Learn more by visiting:
Are You Ready to Make A Deeper Dive into Gray’s Reef?
Volunteers are integral to the success of Gray’s Reef operations. If you’d like to dive deeper into your local marine sanctuary, please consider the following opportunities to join our outstanding team of volunteers.
Top banner photos: Greg McFall/NOAA
Speakers Bureau
If you would like to share your enthusiasm about Gray’s Reef with organizations throughout the region, consider joining our speakers bureau. We will schedule the presentations and supply you with a comprehensive slide kit and the training you’ll need to get started. Our speakers are in high demand for K-12 education, recreation and general audiences. This is a great opportunity for retired professionals and recent grads looking for public speaking experience. Register your interest here. Or, if you are interested in booking a presentation for your organization, please complete our online request form.
Social Science Internship
Gray’s Reef has a number of internships available throughout the year. We are currently looking for an intern to assist us in conducting a socioeconomic survey in our local area (Jan-Mar). For more information about this project, please click here. Candidates interested in this part-time, unpaid internship can submit their cover letter and resumes here through 12/1/17 for consideration.
Public Events Team
Would you like a front-row seat to the Gray’s Reef Film Festival? Want to march in Savannah’s famed St. Patrick’s Day Parade? How about a fish-eyed view of our underwater robotics competition? We need you and a few friends to help us bring the remote reef to the street through rolling art installations, creature features and education simulations. Volunteers are needed at these and other events coming up this fall, like Coastfest and Skidaway Marine Science Day. Register your interest here.
Sanctuary Advisory Council
Welcome to Monique Gordon who now serves as the K-12 Education representative on the Gray’s Reef Advisory Council, and welcome back Dr. Peter Auster who serves as the Living Resources Research representative. This all-volunteer advisory group consists of individuals from various user groups, government agencies and the public-at-large and provides advice on the operation and management of the sanctuary.
Learn more about the Gray’s Reef Advisory Council by joining us for the next meeting on September 22, 2017 at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography library auditorium.
2017 Volunteer of the Year
Each year we recognize one outstanding volunteer as our Volunteer of the Year. Our honoree, recognized for her extraordinary efforts in 2016, is Mandy Harvey.
“I really enjoy volunteering at Gray’s Reef because it gives me the opportunity to use my existing skills in news ways to support an organization devoted to something I care deeply about—the health of our oceans. And, I get to have a great time doing it!”
Mandy’s dedication, along with that of the honorees from the other 14 marine sanctuaries and monuments, was recognized by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation during Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, DC this past June.
The channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift with each tide and Cruisers’ Net recommends mid to high tide passage. Fortunately, Bob and Ann Sherer, authors of 2017 ICW Cruising Guide, graciously share their 2017 survey of this Problem Stretch, complete with charts of the most treacherous segments, to assist your low tide passage through this fickle channel. Jekyll Creek is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina.
CLICK HERE for Charting Differences at Jekyll Island
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch 
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