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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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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
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.
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.
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
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.
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club is a transient friendly facility, located on Troupe Creek. This body of water intersects the AICW, immediately north of St. Simons Sound, near markers #237 and #238. These good words are from Loopers Michael and Marina War.
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club north of St. Simons Island. Meeting Bobbie, the manager, is worth the trip. In a previous life, she was a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles, and she knows boats and the Georgia waters. It’s a small marina, part of a condo complex, and easy to find on Troupe Creek. http://hiddenharboryachtclub.net/ Bobbie will call the owner of a nearby restaurant to fetch you and return you to the marina. Patty’s (not sure of the name) is run by a retired law enforcement officer and caters to the nearby Glenco Federal Law Enforcement training center. Best pecan pie we’ve ever had. Michael and Marian War
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.
If it were not for the exposure to the weather, I would have given this marina five stars. You are tied up to a face dock and wind out of the south can make things exciting. There can also be a wake problem when one of the jerks who can not understand the “no wake” sign come past. Aside from the above the place is wonderful. It is right on the ICW, has fuel, a pumpout ($15.00) and the rate is reasonable. The staff is on the ball and will be happy to help you with any questions. There is a restaurant at the marina but for serious dining you want to head for the Jekyll Island Club. In fact, if you have the time a tour of the historic district is a must. You can find out how the rich and famous lived back around 1900. They have made quite a few changes over the last few years. There is now a high end market available next to the convention center. It is well stocked and also has a few restaurants inside. Be forewarned, nothing on Jekyll Island is cheap. Public transportation is very limited, so bring your bikes or be prepared to rent a car from Enterprise, in Brunswick, they will pick you up at the marina. If you rent a car, everything that you will ever need is in Brunswick. If you like to ride bikes, the Island has over 20 miles of trails. The locals will stop for you where the trail crosses the road. Most tourists, not so. They will flatten you ass in a heartbeat. We arrived in early December and ended up staying for the entire month. We will be back in the spring. Dave Boxmeyer
First, I loved Dave’s comment about tourists and bikers. That cracked me up!
Back to Jekyll Island (JI). I am so glad that more and more cruisers are discovering all that JI has to offer. It is a biker’s paradise with lots of roads and trails and very little vehicle traffic. Groceries are available on JI in the new shopping area, which is a short bike ride from the marina.
If you are looking for beach access, then you are in for a treat with the newly built Great Dunes Park. This beach is near the Convention Center and new shopping area and have excellent facilities. Here’s a map link.
Also, as mentioned by Dave, a visit to the Historic District is a must. Photos just don’t do this place justice. My wife and I spend part of our honeymoon on JI 43 years ago, and we visit there several times a year and it never gets old.
If you are a cruiser looking for a nice layover then JI is just the place. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. From the Turtle Center, to Drfttwood Beach, to Glory Beach, Latitude 31 and Driftwood Bistro restaurants there are treasures to be discovered on Jekyll Island, GA’s “Nearest Far Away Place.”
We were there for 5+ years. The bike trails are awesome! The restaurant is closed (had a kitchen the size of a closet) Better eats at other places on island. The comment about the bikes and tourist are spot on. Georgia law DOES Not require a motorist to stop for a person on a bicycle in the crosswalk.
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.
Great Marina. Stopped specially to fill LPG tank because it advertised refill on site. That is not the case, have to do 1-1/2 mile walk to refill tank. Bit disappointed with the refill situation but overall good experience with my stay. Tracie
It is always nice to get good reviews and especially nice when it is on one of our SPONSORS! Jekyll Harbor Marina is one of my favorite stops – even Jimmy Buffett stops here! Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge.
Once safely through the shoals before the bridge, Jekyll Island Marina justifiably remains a favourite friendly stopover for boats of all shapes and sizes. Not only impeccable facilities but now they offer a courtesy golf cart enabling you to visit the brand new Beach Village stores and ogle at the huge mansions once owned by JP Morgan, Rockefeller and other “robber barons” of bygone years. Wonderful golf courses and even croquet amidst impeccable and super clean landscaping wherever you go. An onsite restaurant offers great local sea food dishes. Other amenities include a laundry, free WiFi, fish cleaning station, clean showers and fuel at competitive prices – I was able even to have Pisces pressure washed at very reasonable cost. Both staff and fellow boaters will do everything possible to make your stay pleasant and safe. During “snowbird” season, you might like to make a reservation either via VHF 16 or telephone (912) 635 3137. Undoubtedly a Five Star rating……. Cap’n Parky
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