Skipper Johnson’s remarks parallel positive comments by other cruisers, as well as my personal experience there. Thunderbolt Marine flanks the Waterway’s southwestern shores just northwest of the small, charted square cove, south of AICW marker #35.
Had a stuffing box failure on the way north from Florida and was lucky enough to make it to Thunderbolt. Their yard treated me as if I was I was their only customer. Stayed at the marina after repairs were done and more than enjoyed the free donuts in the morning. Highly recommended. Wayne Johnson svPaws
For cruisers wanting to make a side trip to visit historic St. Marys, GA, the St. Marys River departs the Waterway at statute mile 712. This reported shoaling is in the dogleg just a mile east of St. Marys docks. The charted shoal between markers #6 and #8 would suggest that favoring the east side of the channel would be best. For more on the St. Marys River, go to /?p=123715
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA ‘“ CUMBERLAND SOUND ‘“ FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY – ST MARYS RIVER: Shoaling. There is excessive shoaling protruding approximately 15ft into the channel between St Marys DBN 6 (LLNR 6805 [30°42.9620N / 081°32.0850W, 30.716033 / -81.534750]) DBN 8 (LLNR 6810 [30°42.6191N / 081°32.0305W, 30.710318 / -81.533842]). The Coast Guard has re-established St Marys TEMP Buoy 6A in position 30-42-52-379N 081-32-00.613W (30°43.4983N / 081°32.0102W, 30.724972 / -81.533504) . Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11503 LNM 19/14
Aha! I KNEW I was in the channel! Thanksgiving 2013 we were transiting that very section coming out of St. Mary’s and managed to nick the bottom (In a 26 foot outboard with a 2 foot draft no less) while holding a good line between those two markers. Hopefully the repositioning of the markers has fixed that, but as mentioned, there is plenty of water to give those markers a very wide berth. MV Top Cat Glacier Bay 2670
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers, actually sits well off the direct path of the AICW, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
This is a very large live aboard approved marina with nice floating concrete dockage in a very protected off shoot of the Brunswick River. The heated and cooled cleaned daily secured private showers and bathroom facilities are very, very nice, and the washer & dryers free as well as wifi on every dock as well as 2 captain’s lounges, 24hr security on site, however not a swimming pool. Many insurance companies have 31 lat (Florida line) as navigational limit during Hurricane season. Thus many cruisers leave their boats here for the summer season due to it’s protected location just across the line within their navigational insurance coverage limits. Brunswick is worth a look around as it has a beautiful old court house and several older homes. St Simons is a class A inlet as well as St Mary’s. It is located at the Gateway to the Golden isIs with St Simon’s and Jekyll, and Cumberland Islands, short drives away and well worth a visit. However, you will need to contract with a diver for regular cleaning as hard growth will occur here. No very close supermarket however the Food Lion and West Marine is approx. 1 mile away and there are downtown restaurants within walking of the marina. Brunswick is a nice southern town that is undergoing an economic downturn but still has much to offer. The barrier islands of Georgia also offer beautiful unique cruising (i.e. Darien, Altamaha,) if the itch to move the boat hits you. Enterprise rental car are available and JAX only 40 mins. drive time. Joe Pica M/V Carolyn Ann
If you have recommendations for a boatyard in the Brunswick area, let Mike and SSECN hear from you! Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers, actually sits well off the direct path of the AICW, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia. For a discussion comparing Brunswick Landing with Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, see /?p=135526
Where is a good alternative full-service yard? We just moved in and are concerned about the pattern of comments regarding the Brunswick Landing Marina. Thank you. Sailor Mike
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.
We stayed here 3/26/14. The facility is really clean, and the docks are very accessible. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The views across the marsh are beautiful! The outdoor shower is completely enclosed and would be quite a treat after a long, hot day on the ICW. RJ
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. SSECN recommends navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only, as Skipper Lancaster was savvy enough to do. For a comprehensive report from Little Mud River, go to /?p=128659
I hit Little Mud River just after low tide. Following the guidance I anchored for 2 hrs. Went through on a rising tide 6 minimum except for the SW entrance which was 4’8″, more water on the E Side. Keep up the good work, I check regularly. Sliding behind Hilton Head Island right now. Steve Lancaster
In early March, we timed our north bound departure from Brunswick to traverse Little Mud at high tide, and saw nothing less than 11 feet all the way through. This river is too shallow to pass at low tide, but because the tide here is approx. 8 feet, there is lots of water when the tide is up. A captain who follows SSECN advice to pass at mid to high tide should not have any problems. Richard Ross MV Chez Nous
We traversed the Little Mud River this morning 08/17/15 at 2 hours before high tide. We say 7 ft. near G 193. We draw 4 ft. As others have said, don’t try it at low tide.
One of our favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW is to leave the Waterway at marker #34, and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel and anchor opposite the `Sea Camp Dock’ in the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage on the west side of Cumberland Island.
A well protected anchorage. Tide is about 6 ft. Seacamp dock is the most popular, but further N is quieter. Park entry is $4 for seven consecutive days. Steve Lancaster
Sunbury Crab Company Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies off the AICW along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
We stopped here in May of 2012 on our way north during our Great Loop trip. Elaine welcomed us at the dock and invited us up for a couple of free beers. We were disappointed to find the restaurant closed the day of our visit, so Elaine called her sons, opened the restaurant just for us and cooked us a wonderful meal. True southern hospitality and a very gracious lady. Don’t miss Sunbury Crab Co. Joe Apicella
A lot of you have probably been in the same situation as Skipper Len. If you have recommendations for storage of his 28ft sailing vessel, let us hear from you or you may contact Len at his email below.
Searching for affordable dry or wet storage for 28 ft. sailboat from st. Marys to Charleston and points in between. Or a boat yard with crane for loading sailboat on trailer and use a rv storage facility. lencad@gmail.com Thanks, Len
Lang’s Marina in St. Mary’s GA is a good option. I’ve not used this boatyard but understand they will allow owners to work on their boats there, which is a rarity in GA. http://www.langcharters.com/Lang_s_Marina.html Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles is an excellent dry and wet storage marina with a public boat ramp across the road from the marina. They do not normally lift sailboats but can handle boats in your size. The staff is awesome. Just ask for the manager, Chris Ferguson. He is very nice. This is my home marina. http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/golden-isles Probably the least expensive option is Two-Way Boat Yard near Darien. This is where I have my boat work done. It’s not pretty, but they do good work and will work with you better than any place I’ve dealt with. http://www.twowayboatyard.com/ James Newsome
Sunbury Crab Company Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies off the AICW along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
Although my visit to Sunbury Crab Company and Marina has been over a year ago, I feel compelled to submit kind words and a hearty recommendation for this excellent marina and restaurant whenever I find the opportunity. Everyone is always looking for a little local knowledge and treasured stopovers when traveling the ICW. Sunbury is one such place that flies below the radar of most cruisers. Located along an isolated stretch of the GA coastline and several miles up the mostly uncharted Medway River, the marina & restaurant are not well known. One trip there and you will never pass this stretch of the ICW without making Sunbury Crab Company & Marina a regular stopover. The marina & restaurant are owned and run by Elaine and Bernie Maley and their sons. They literally catch the crab from the river, cook them, bring to your table, mix your drink, and do it all! During weekend visits I think Bernie even plays in the band. I wrote a review for TripAdvisor and called this place a little piece of heaven and the keys all bundled together. For Elaine and her family it is their paradise, and they are willing to share with everyone who stops by. I suggest calling ahead to make reservations. Calling is much better than email for some reason. After the first couple miles off the ICW the Medway River is not marked. There is a tricky crossover point with 5′ or less water at low tide. After my visit there I marked the channel on a chart and sent to Elaine. It is now posted on their web site. There are many good articles and reviews about Sunbury Crab Company on the facility’s web site. Believe every word you read! While the crabs are excellent, I think the boiled shrimp are the best I’ve ever eaten ‘“ and believe me I’ve eaten a lot of shrimp!! James Newsome Contributing Writer ‘“ SOUTHWINDS Magazine
Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles – Click for Chartview
Recently, SSECN has received reports and opinions on Brunswick Landing Marina and Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles (/?p=135526 and /?p=135528) Now Skipper Newsome provides a fair and comprehensive comparison of the two facilities.
Both BLM and Morningstar at Golden Isles are great marinas. Over the past 14 years I’ve spent 6 years at BLM and 8 total years at GIM. I’m currently located at GIM and overall prefer it, but it is strictly a personal preference as to what you are looking for in a marina. DIFFERENCES: Pool‘“ GIM has a pool, BLM does not. this is very important to us. Captain’s Lounge ‘“ BLM has a newly expanded GREAT Captain’s Lounge with free laundry facilities. GIM does not have Captain’s Lounge but does have an open air Observation Deck with covered roof and grill. There is a laundry room, but it is coin operated. Restaurant ‘“ BLM has no restaurants on the marina property, but there are a few in the downtown area. The walk from the marina to the downtown is reasonable if you’re on the first few docks, but not so much if you’re on the docks closer to the Captain’s Lounge. GIM has a restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, on the property. It is very good, but a little pricey. Staff ‘“ This is the real difference in my opinion. BLM has recently hired marina manager who was the Commodore of the local sailing club. He is doing a great job, but otherwise the staff there is limited to one lady. I have pulled up for gas there and never had her put down the cell phone or quit smoking cigarettes to even help me dock, pump gas, or cast off. GIM has a highly professional staff who are on duty 7 days a week from 7am until 6pm or whenever is needed. I’ve seen them leave after 9pm because they were waiting on a transient to arrive. Current ‘“ No comparison here either. BLM doesn’t have a current, it’s all over at GIM. Depending on your docking skills this is important. While it’s nice not to have a current to deal with, I personally prefer a current. I’m a better skipper because of learning to deal with current at GIM. Docks ‘“ Top notch concrete docks at BLM, and well maintained wooden docks at GIM. No dockboxes at BLM. Large dock boxes at GIM. Managers ‘“ Both marinas have excellent managers. I know both personally, and suggest that you contact them for a tour of their facilities. Golden Isles Sailing Club ‘“ I’m a member and there are members at both marinas. If you’re a sailor then I invite you to join. Great activity all year long with excellent racing opportunities. Some of the member will appear to be a little standoffish, but most are very friendly. It’s one of those things where you just have to walk up, introduce yourself, and then go make your presence known on the race course. Parking ‘“ More than enough at BLM. Not enough at GIM, but you can always find parking. Access to St. Simon’s Sound ‘“ As already pointed out you are very close to open water at GIM. It is a haul from BLM, but not unreasonable. Because BLM is located further inland it is more protected from strong ocean wind. BLM is also very hot in the summer. At low tide you are below the level of the land and it can be like a sauna. GIM is closer to the ocean so if there’s a breeze you will feel it. Social ‘“ Both marina do have active boat owners who are regular visitors to the docks. Social interaction depends a lot on which dock you’re on. I was located on Dock 9 at BLM and for some reason there were very few active boaters there. Seemed like most were just moving up from Florida during hurricane season. I’ve found a much more active social interaction at GIM, but I know it exists also at BLM. In particular the GISC (Golden Isles Sailing Club) members tend to occupy two or three of the finger docks. There are other differences but these are the ones I consider important. Hope this helps. James Newsome
To be fair, BLM has TWO full time staff, and is single handed only two low traffic days a week. Our arrivals and departures and pump outs have all been handled by both staff together. Secondly, BLM has virtually zero current. GIM extends well across a tidal channel that makes all but slack water arrivals a big challenge ‘” not really an issue if one doesn’t come and go. Chris
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers, actually sits well off the direct path of the AICW, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia. The discussions below, comparing Brunswick Landing with Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, were copied from Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/).
We just bought a Hunter 380 and are moving to St. Simons Island within the year. We need to move our new boat up from St. Mary’s Island and are undecided as to whether we want to keep it at Brunswick landing Marina or Morningstar Golden Isles. The difference is about 10 minutes further drive to Brunswick from our house on SSI, but probably at least an hour to open water by boat. BLM is slightly cheaper and offer more “free” amenities. Any opinions from people who have had experience at either/both marinas? Any thoughts on the social aspects? Customer Service? We plan to be in one or the other by the second week in April. Thanks, Dave
Stayed at BLM for about a week a couple of years ago. Great marina, good pizza close by, farmers market on Saturday. Understand you don’t want any work done on your boat by them. Finistere
Also no experience with MGI but kept my boat at Brunswick Landing for three months and was very happy with the stay. Management was friendly and laid back, prices very reasonable, facilities were clean. The only negative, the place is huge. If you’re on the last dock towards the end of the pier it’s a bit of a hike to the restrooms or even the parking lot. Have also heard that this is not the best place to get boat work done. Problem going to the Brunswick Landing showers, the hike is mostly down a really long pier (at least if you’re on the last dock up the river) so not a good place to ride, even if allowed by the marina (most don’t). Skipmac
I suggest a couple of cheap bicycles for the commute to the showers, etc. You can find them for ~$10 at GoodWill, yard sales, etc. We have had a pair of bikes passed around our marina for years. Kind of fun to track where they end up. Dale Hedtke
Have stayed at both… Morningstar is a hike to the showers/restrooms too. BLM is closer to shopping I believe but still a mile from grocery, West Marine. A car is the equalizer and I believe Morningstar has a loaner (on a tight leash). I’ve never spent more than a night at Morningstar so I don’t have a feel for the residents of the marina…BLM has a large nmber of regulars and a local sailing association out of it for a whole gang of friends and activities (my friend in current commodore). pseelnd
When we spoke to the lady who is dock master at BLM she indicated that the former Yard Manager is no longer in that capacity and they have a new one who is great. They were aware of the reputation for bad customer service on having work done and have tried to address it. Thanks, Dave
We spent a couple months at BLM a few years back: If you are concerned about the hike to the showers, ask for a slip closer up or at least compare slip locations they are suggesting in both marinas. Odds are there isn’t a huge difference. We looked at GI but without a car it’s pretty isolated. BLM won out for convience to walk to things. (if you have a car this may be less of an issue). BLM is better protected. We tried to anchor near GI one time and with a strong south wind, it looked pretty bouncy. BLM has the advantage of being right next to the shrimp docks and farmers market. GI’s big advantage is distance to the open ocean for a sail boat. If you are weekending and have a car, that might win out. Valhalla360
Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles – Click for Chartview
Morningstar Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart northward from the Waterway south of ICW marker #247 and Frederica River marker #1. The comments below come to us from Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/).
Spent quite a bit of time at Morningstar Golden Isles off and on, I like the staff and it’s really convenient for a day sail. Good restaurant on the premises plus I like St. Simons Island more than Brunswick. Sail Fast Live Slow
GI’s big advantage is distance to the open ocean for a sail boat. If you are weekending and have a car, that might win out. Valhalla360
I have docked my sailboat at MSGIM for 7 years. They have a top notch staff and an outstanding sunset without the mill. The restaurant is fine dining. Dunbar Sales (on site) provides excellent service, especially if you do not live in the area. Russell Wright S/V Tuesday
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Savannah, enjoy the recommendation offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
Much discussion has taken place regarding Marker #32 at statute Mile 690 in St. Andrew Sound, most of which has involved alternate routes to avoid Marker #32. Below, John Hersey, ARGUS Project Leader for SURVICE Engineering Company offers two ARGUS perspectives of the waters surrounding Marker #32.
Captains Chris and Janet are responding to a recent posting relating a very rough passage that adhered strictly to the magenta line through St. Andrew Sound (/?p=130811). Their suggested route below comes complete with a chart. We would like to hear from others who might have made a similar cut close to Horseshoe Shoal to the west of Marker #32. Note Chris and Janet’s very wise tracking of tide during their crossing.
Unless seriously constrained by draft or schedule, a 6 kt boat passing through Jekyll Creek at high tide can cross the outer end of Horseshoe Shoal well to the west of both #31 and #32. We made our first transit of this area 30 minutes after high tide at the Jekyll Marina Station and never saw less than 12 feet on the shoal with wave conditions moderated. Heading south [from Jekyll Creek], when the magenta line crossed Latitude 31 on the chart, we turned for the old tower on Little Cumberland Island. When the water depth plummeted (west of #32 by 0.6 nm) we turned to intercept the magenta line off #33. This became our standard route. Caveat, we are unhurried cruisers with 5.5 foot draft. We arrange our days to pass Jekyll, Crooked River, Amelia River #1, and Sawmill Creek #49, each, an hour before high tide. Chris and Janet
We have taken a similar path six times across Horseshoe Shoals with our 3ft draft Great Harbour trawler. Our route is more north/south right along 081 25.0 W. We’ve always seemed to transit at half tide or better on both ebb and flood tides and are careful to not let the strong current set us east or west. Correcting for the tide we’ve always seen depths that concur with those charted (7 to 8ft mlw). We don’t turn away from our N/S heading until the depths drop off. Have been hesitant to share this as we are each responsible for our on navigation and have different risk tolerance. With a 3ft draft we are probably more tolerant of 7ft charted depths even in area’s where the significant tidal currents can change the bottom quickly. Roger Arrowood
Hi All, I think Capt Chris and Janet have my chart plotter 🙂 That is the course I take every crossing of that sound. Good job explaining how to BTW. As always you are welcome to call for local knowledge at Jekyll Harbor Marina or Tow Boat US. We have several Captains that cross the sound each day ferrying clients to Cumberland and can report on conditions. Hope this helps! Sonny Reeves
Jan 18 2014 We can confirm the above comments on this route. Came thru 1 hour before high tide with 5.5 ft draft and never saw less than 12′ of water. Randy Tice
We have crossed this path many times most recent was Jan 12 going South. Always cutting the corner at the angle shown. As soon as we pass R30 we start turning to the light house. We draw 4 ft and have crossed at low tide. Sonny Reeves
Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. All Waterway cruisers, north or southbound, will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina.
Jekyll Harbor Marina is a great spot right on the ICW to spend the night, or spend several months. We are spending the winter here. Great facilities – pool, restaurant, bicycles available, dog friendly, the staff is friendly and always ready to help, and the General Manager, Scott Todd, makes it all run like a well oiled machine. If they don’t have what you need just ask and they will do everything they can to make your visit a pleasant one. The Island is not to be missed – oozing with history, awesome dog friendly beaches, beautiful golf courses and miles of scenic bike paths. Alan /Kathy Morris
Here are good words for Thunderbolt Marine as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. Thunderbolt Marine flanks the Waterway’s southwestern shores just northwest of the small, charted square cove, south of AICW marker #35.
Thunderbolt Marina is only in walking distance to Tubby’s Tank House. However, they may still have donuts in the morning for transients. Out at Thunderbolt cabs would be my preference to get into town. They may have city bus service out there. I don’t know that they have a courtesy car. Don on “Monstruck”
Here are good words for Isle of Hope Marina as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Isle of Hope Marina lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of AICW marker #46A.
Isle of Hope is a good marina, and sometimes has a loaner car, but walking distance to nowhere. Don on “Moonstruck”
Here are good words for River Street Market Place Dock as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. River Street Market Place Dock is located on the Savannah River in downtown Savannah.
If you want to be downtown, the River Street waterfront is best. Just fender up, put away, lockup and enjoy. You will not lack for activity both on the water and in town. Don on “Moonstruck”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Shoaling Site
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