Our good friend, Sonny Reeves, who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll, sends these pictures from Jekyll Island beach where a shrimp boat has gone aground, probably during those recent, on-shore high winds. We can only hope that this never happens to any of you!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.170964966446160&type=1&l=e0b742c740
Our cruising duo are also quite right in noting that, “the reigning champion of this year’s ICW Trouble Spots is Georgia’s Little Mud River.” I might also add that very dubious distinction has been true of Little Mud River for many years now. If and until this AICW Problem Stretch is fully dredged, I would be hesitant to navigate anything bigger than a canoe through this portion of the Waterway at low tide!
Hi Claiborne,
As I’m sure you’ll agree, the reigning champion of this year’s ICW Trouble Spots is Georgia’s Little Mud River.
With depths as low as 4 FEET MLLW, Diana and I wanted SSECN readers to have this printable graphic of our November 20th survey report and depth-annotated track:
Best wishes on this Thanksgiving holiday,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Umbrella Cut - Click for Chartview
Floyd Creek - Click for Chartview
The alternate route discussed below by Captain Byron is the Umbrella Cut Route which takes you northbound from Mile 696 in Cumberland River through Floyd Creek, across the Satilla River and into the Little Satilla to rejoin the AICW at Mile 686 in Jekyll Sound. This is often considered the route of choice when the primary Waterway route through St. Andrew Sound is kicking up. If southbound, do NOT confuse Umbrella Cut with Umbrella Creek where severe shoaling has occurred.
11/25/13 Six years ago when we were headed south we used the Umbrella Cut successfully to avoid crossing St. Andrews Sound when the seas were running high. This year the winds were 20 knots from the northeast and we wanted to try it again but were surprised that there was no recent info. We checked with locals and decided to try it on a mid and rising tide. We found it is still a viable alternative. We timed our approach for 2 1/2 hours before high tide. Our boat is a 34 foot trawler with a 4 ft draft. There was a strong following sea and as we made the turn into the cut we were pushed out of the channel where we saw 7 ft. That gave us pause but we kept going and found nothing less than 9 or 10 all the way through. We stayed midchannel away from the markers and kept to the outside on unmarked curves. We transited the alternative route all the way through Fields Creek without incident. As we exited and rejoined the ICW shortly behind us came a 45 foot boat out of the channel as well. I hope this observation is helpful.
Connie Bryon
We also took the umbrella cut October 14, 2012 due to seas being up. We went through at low tide and had only 1 depth alarm at 3 feet which I cleared immediately and the depth went back to 6 feet. Most of the passage we had depths of 5 to 8 feet. We stayed in the middle of the waterway when there were no markers. I was concerned about using the cut with the horror stories out there. We stoped at Jekyll Harbor Marina to ask the locals about the cut. They said they use it all the time and I would have no problem. We also had a 40+ foot sport fishing boat follow us through at low tide.
Richard Clagett
Thank you all for the great post up, as we say on the big river. Am planning on going north on the AICW this coming spring and it has been very helpful hearing from light draft vessel operators!
Capt. Jerry Robbins
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Northern End of Umbrella Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Floyd Cut
PERHAPS THE MOST USEFUL PART OF THE DOYLE’S REPORT, IS THEIR DISCOVERY OF A NEW, UNCHARTED MARKER, #90, LOCATED BETWEEN CHARTED MARKERS #89 AND #91! Be sure to observe the new #90 marker as you cruise through!
Incidentally, Diana and Mark have recently published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above left for more details, and to place an order!
Hi Claiborne,
For those transiting Georgia, Hell Gate has a new, uncharted navaid that should help passage through the shallower sections of this perennial ICW Trouble Spot.
I’ve attached a printable high-resolution file of our November 20th survey report and depth-annotated track.
Hopefully, SSECN readers cruising this area will find the report useful.
Best and hope to see some of the Cruisers’ Net gang at this year’s St. Marys Cruisers Thanksgiving!
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Just transited Hell’s Gate on 11DEC2013. Delivery of 58′ power vessel with 5’4’³ draft. Passed through at 0620, with tide at approx +2.2. Minimum depth noted was approx. 2.5′ under under running gear.
Captain Rob Welling
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Delegal Creek Marina - Click for Chartview
According to a spokesperson at the Delegal Creek Marina, their entrance channel MLW depths are 3 ft, with a tidal range of 8-9 ft, so mid to high tide would be the best time to enter Delegal Creek. Once in the creek, soundings improve, but clearly this marina’s entrance depths are an issue if your vessel draws more than 3 ft. Delegal Creek Marina’s entrance passage lies northeast of AICW marker #86. just north of Hell Gate.
Sanctuary and crew spent a couple of days at Delegal Creek Marina from 11/6 – 11/9/2013.
The entrance to Delegal Creek from the Vernon River/Ossabaw Sound IS NOT correctly drawn on the chart (US5GA24M) of the area; the land features have changed since the chart was produced. Cruisers can download a “local knowledge” satellite view chart from the marina website, or contact Billy, the dockmaster at Delegal Marina, for local knowledge. The region has a 6′ – 7′ tidal range, larger during celestial periods.
Sanctuary and crew entered Delegal Creek about 1 hr after celestial low tide (16h00, 11/6/2013), which wound up being equivalent to MLLW on our tide almanac. There is only one short stretch of shallow water on the entire route from the Vernon River to the marina. For about 20 – 30 yds immediately upstream of G’3′ and R’4′, we saw as little as 4.9 ft. at MLLW. Except for that stretch, water depths in Delegal Creek are not a concern. Minimum depths in marina slips are 6′ all the way against the inner wall. Depths at the fuel dock and face docks exceed 20 ft. The facility is very well protected, has floating docks, wi-fi, restrooms, showers and laundry. Broadband WLAN coverage is 4 bars and fast. Facilities are “newish,” well maintained and clean. Marina guests can get a “pass” from the dockmaster that allows access to all of the member-only clubs, including the several golf courses, in the Landings community. There is a small commercial center that has banks, ATMs, a food market, shoppes and restaurants. Golf carts are available for touring the Landings communities and Skidaway Island. Billy makes every effort to help visitors. This is an excellent stop.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, Monk 36
When we were there July 1, I created a JPG graphic to show the route in. I sent it to the dockmaster so they could us it on their web site to help boaters feel more comfortable about the entrance.
Well since reading your post, I looked on their web site and now they have a fancy graphic of GOOGLE MAPS view showing the approach. It’s a PDF file that can be seen if you click on either of the following hyperlinks:
Delegal Creek Approach Chart
http://www.landingsmarinas.com/downloads/files/Delegal_Chart.pdf
We also found this marina to be very CUSTOMER SERVICE focused. We arrived just minutes before a major thunderstorm. Needed to get milk and bread but didn’t want to take the golf cart into town because of the imminent storm. The girl working the dock actually knocked on our boat and offered to go to the store for us ! We were so grateful !
Ralph Yost
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Delegal Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Delegal Creek
Jekyll Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Every cruiser going north or south along the Georgia ICW will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina, just below the bridge to Jekyll Island at AICW mile 684. There is always a concern about currents or water depth as I pass this marina so I know looking over a marina is the last thing I want to do; I just want to get safely out of the area. Recently things were different and I needed a place to weather out a storm near St Andrews Sound and called the folks at Jekyll Harbor. They couldn’t have been more accommodating in every way possible. Not only did they do a great job of
snatching me off the waterway in strong currents, they arranged a van to take several of us to dinner over at the Club that night. Their dock prices are reasonable and the staff is most helpful. The General Manager, Scott Todd, has even offered that if 6 or more boats come in together, he will personally cook supper for everyone. Make a note of that offer for the Spring migration northward.
Stay safe,
Tom
We too stopped at Jekyll Harbor on our way to Charleston last month. I was pleasantly surprised at the service and the shuttle available. We didn’t have any issues with the strong current because they put us on the outside of the lay along dock. I also recommend this as a convenient stop either north in the spring or south in the fall.
Bill Borchet
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
Jekyll Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Yesterday, while taking the tour of the island along the new path that connects Jekyll Harbor Marina to the historic district and beyond without having to be on the roadway, we stopped at a small tidal creek and were delighted to see manatees feeding on the marsh grass. Manatees visit Georgia from April through October. We normally are here after that so we had not seen them in this location before. But what a sight: a baby and 2-3 adults munching away on the grass leaning out over the water. The new pathway traverses a marsh area with stunning views of the environs. While staying at the Jekyll Harbor marina, transients may borrow their bikes or walk the path to the historic center. It’s a mile + or -. Georgia DNR would appreciate a call and/or photos of any manatees or sea turtles you may see while transiting this area
Martha Crafton
Sandpiper
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
Whenever I get together with a group of cruisers interested in exploring Georgia’s coastal waters, the topic always seems to arise about whether it’s better to berth at one of the several transient friendly marinas in Thunderbolt, GA, and then take a taxi into the Savannah Historic District, or cruise upstream to Savannah, and spend some time at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Savannah Hyatt Docks, or one of the other downtown Savannah facilities. A part of these discussions the possibility is almost always raised at to whether your vessel will be jostled by the wake of a passing freighter or other ocean going vessel. Happily, Captain Tom reports below that he did not encounter any such problems during his visit.
For years, I have read how rough the wakes are on the Savannah River, right downtown; but pleaded with myself to give it a personal try. It was actually fine. The big freighters which pass on average once an hour do not kick up the water that much, the tugs and ferries some more but still not uncomfortable. The only major wake maker was a Coast Guard vessel making a non-emergency run so fast that he was sending water over the top of his boat too.
Savannah has so much to offer in history and culinary delight. Patsy and I have not had so much excellent Southern cooking in our memory, even the grits were always done properly. A history buff could stay on the River forever and still learn new things.
Then, there is the River itself. TV could not hold a candle to the entertainment of seeing the River activity with so many boats coming and going or people just walking the river side.
The dockage rates are high but well worth the experience. Include Savannah in your cruising plans.
Stay safe,
Tom
We are on the Savannah River docks right now. We always stop here going N and S. Take the visitors center elevator to town level and walk up Bull St. You see all the best squares of the town. It is not too bad wake wise. Huge container ships come and go all night. Last night though I awoke to a very loud blast that in my sleep sounded like my alarm clock. It was a freighters horn which lasted over a minute right outside the boat.
At least on this stop the trumpet player looking for tips, who repeated `the Saints ‘ incessantly and badly played, was missing. It’s all part of the experience.
Greg Han
I, too recommend a trip up the river to Savannah. Most of the time you are fine, but the occasional heavy wake does mean you should take some extra care tieing up and put out your biggest fenders. You are right in the middle of Savannah, so it is great for enjoying the restaurants, strolling, and the night life. It is one of the most walkable cities on the ICW, though there is no large grocery store nearby’“enjoy the many great eateries. One night I heard a loud saxophone playing and stuck my head out of the hatch to find out we were the scenic backdrop for a live musician performing before a large crowd.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Savannah Hyatt Docks
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Westin Savannah Harbor
Captain Kipnis’s report agrees with a report from June of this year, /?p=117878, but does not agree with a report from earlier this month, /?p=125114. However you choose to rely on these reports, SSECN advises that you take Captain Kipnis’s advice and navigate this Problem Stretch at mid to high tide.
With a 2′ tide, we saw between 4.3′ and 4.5′ midchannel between G89 and G91. Wait for mid-tide on this one! We have a 3′ draft and found only 1.5′ under our keel. At low tide, we would have been aground.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Cumberland Dividings has been a Problem Stretch for several years due to constantly shifting shoals and boaters’ ill-advised adherence to the erroneous magenta line in this area. Captain Poovey brings us good news and good advice.
Passed through here this morning (10/10/13) from the North at 11:15 AM (3.5 hrs past low tide). I steered a course to within 25 feet of Green markers “59A”, “62”, and “63A” and saw nothing less than 21 feet.
The rule here should be “stay away from the Red side!”
Bob Poovey m/v Threadbare
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland Dividings
Jekyll Creek - Click for Chartview
Cruisers who navigate through Georgia already know that the Waterway’s trek through Jekyll Creek is one of the real “problem stretches” between Little Mud River and the Georgia – Florida state line. And, the shallowest spot is found abeam of marker #19. Captain Poovey confirms increased shoaling at that spot.
I now think this location is the worst for low water on the waterway!
Passed through here today from the North at 9:25 AM (two hours past low tide). Steered a course close (50 ft.) to Green “19.” One hundred feet north of the marker I lightly touched the bottom on two occasions. I draw 3’7″.
Last June on my northern passage I showed 6+ ft. at very close to low tide.
Bob Poovey m/v Threadbare
Click Here To Open A Chart View Page Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
We suspect Captain Poovey may have had the good luck to navigate the AICW/Little Mud River stretch on an unusually high tide. At least, that’s our best guess, and the tides in little Mud River have a 7+ foot range even under normal conditions.
Traveled through this area today [10/9/13] from the North at 11:50 AM which was 1/2 hour before high tide. I was very surprised to observe no depths of less than 13.6 feet. (Green “193”). Usually, slightly North of Green “195” has been the worst. But today it was 15.4 feet. I steered center channel the whole way.
I have made this passage 13 times and the depth readings today were the highest I ever observed. Any ideas?
Bob Poovey m/v Threadbare
I went through Little Mud River southbound today at MLW +3.7′ (Wolf Island) and saw pretty constant 10.5-11.0 depths, which would indicate a fairly constant 7′. That is until I got to the intersection with Altamaha Sound. Just north of G195, the depth dropped severely to 8′, and then midway between G195 and the southernmost range marker, I saw 7.5′, which would indicate about 4′ of depth at MLW. I agree that you should wait until mid-tide or better to pass through here. There can be as much as 9′ of tide here, so it won’t take long if you arrive at low tide.
Bill Raynor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Came through here this morning (10-9-13) from the North at 8:25 AM (2 hours past low tide). Read 8.6 feet abreast of marker Green “89 and 9.2 feet abreast of marker Green “91.” I steered center channel for the entire passage.
Bob Poovey m/v Threadbare
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Brunswick Landing Marina - Click for Chartview
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 good words below were copied from Cruisers Forum ( http://www.cruisersforum.com/)
We are spending our first hurricane season aboard here in Brunswick, Georgia. Close to Fernandina, Cumberland Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. It’s a pretty good home base. Not a mooring, but the best slip prices that we found at $11.00/ft per month. Brunswick Landing Marina – A Full Service Marina in Brunswick, Georgia
So many boats stripped down and left here for the season. Plenty of cruisers on their boats too. Great facilities. Great protection. Stores and restaurants close by. Easy, quick access to the ICW and Atlantic. Just a thought, if you weren’t aware of this place.
RTB
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
Marker #32 - Click for Chartview
Captain Bell offers advice in response to a Navigation Alert posted in August of 2012 – /?p=104973 – and there have other recent reports, including /?p=118925.
Today I ran the magenta line to G31 then turned south and headed directly to the light house on Cumberland island until I cleared the shoal area. I never saw less than 10 feet of water calculated at MLW. At the time of my passage I had 14 feet with 4 feet of tide.
David Bell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of G31 and R32
Now, apparently due more to budgetary considerations than complaints that the “magenta line” does not (at least in places) properly portray the correct channel, NOAA is considering dumping this chart feature entirely.
NOAA is asking for comment and input from the cruising community concerning this deletion. See linked article below for URL’s and e-mail addresses where your point of view can be recorded.
Our thanks to Captain Quinn for sending us the latest official bulletins from the Department of Commerce re the status of the Magenta Line. And our thanks to Captain Jim Healy for first passing along this question from the SW Florida district of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. All boaters should respond to Federal sources given below, or to Mr. Michael Henderson, S. Florida and Caribbean Navigation Manager, OCS, at southflorida.navigation@noaa.gov.
And, by the way, this proposed deletion has brought a FLOOD of comment from the cruising community, both on the SSECN, and on other nautical web sites and forums. Follow this link for LOTS MORE information on this subject, and a sampling of cruising community reaction and input:
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Jekyll Harbor Marina
We think Captain Sonny makes a very good case for NOT bypassing the Georgia portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, IF and only if you have the time to play the tides, and are willing to take extra navigational care.
In an earlier posting (9/6/13) here on the SSECN, Captain Sonny gives more good advice, AND provides a homemade video, of how best to navigate the Waterway channel through the Jekyll Creek AICW Problem Stretch (see /?p=119133)
Also, don’t miss Captain Sonny’s discussion below of the shoreside Jekyll Island delights. Clearly, this is a GREAT place to visit, and access is easy enough from Jekyll Harbor Marina!
Hi Capt. Claiborne,
I am seeing a lot of discussion from ICW boaters on the Georgia ICW. Please don’t fear the ditch! Yes, there is shallow water! Yes, you do have to pay attention and watch: The tides, the depth, the shore, the markers, other boaters with their head in their rear locker and currents. Our tide range runs to 8 ft. twice a day. We do have many very nice places to stop and visit: Blackbeard Island, Cumberland Island, and Darien are wonderful this time of the year as it cools off towards November. I and my wife are legal liveaboards at Jekyll Harbor Marina. We travel up to Charleston and down to St. Augustine often.
http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2013/05/brickhill-river-ancorage-cumberland.html
Here on Jekyll Island we enjoy the miles (27 and counting) of very safe bike trails; the trail via the maritime forest to the old village is awesome!, Millionaires Village, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Driftwood Beach, fresh Georgia Shrimp, (Reds are Running!) fishing and all the amenities of Jekyll Harbor Marina: grills, hot tub, pool, free loaner car, bikes and the new ships store. Jekyll Island is a state park and very safe.
Our world famous Shrimp and Grits Festival is coming up Sept 20. Please don’t fear the ditch in Georgia. Many barges with tugs that draw 8 ft pass by north and south at low tide. As long as those commercial barges get through the shallow spots the Army Corp of Engineers is not going to try and dredge. None of the states on the ICW that I know of can afford to dredge the ditch.
Call Capt Wes or Capt Scott at Jekyll Harbor Marina for local knowledge
Too many cruisers bypass this beautiful section of the world with its unique character because of the rumors perpetuated by those that don’t know.
Enjoy!
Sonny Reeves
Claiborne, We did a recent blog post on just this subject, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/06/should-you-avoid-georgia-icw.html . It will also be published in the Defever Cruisers upcoming magazine. Georgia is one of our favorite sections of the waterway.
Chuck Baier
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Chartlet Above to Open A Chart View Page Centered on Wassau Sound
Over the first part of September, 2013, there has been an interesting discussion on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (http://www.greatloop.org/) as to the usability of Wassau Sound Inlet, which pierces the northeastern Georgia coastline a few miles south of the Savannah River inlet. From the AICW, the most practical approach to this seaward cut, is to leave the Waterway at marker #40, southeast of the Waterway – Herb River intersection (just a short hop south of Thunderbolt, GA), and then follow the wide but scantily marked Wilmington River channel to Wassau Sound, and eventually to this sound’s inlet.
Personally, I wouldn’t think about attempting this passage without a well functioning chart plotter aboard, outfitted with the latest charts, and, even then, only with light winds and good weather in the offing!
My real question is, does anyone use or are the inlets between Thunderbolt and Brunswick usable for a 5 ft draft? Assuming a calm day.
I see many are marked by buoys, but does that mean that you can follow the charts and not have a problem ? I would like to run out of Delegal Creek and run to St Simons.
I realize St Simons entrance is not a problem as it is a shipping channel.
Bob and Libby
I used Wassaw Sound inlet last about two years ago. Beyond G9 and R10, I had trouble finding the movable marks over the bar to R2. Latest chart shows the channel bending quite sharply to the south and that is how I recall we found the movable marks. Take it slow in good visibility at half tide or higher the first time.
There is plenty of water once you know where the channel really is. My first time through in a sail boat 10 years ago didn’t work out so well, spent about four hours at the bottom of the tide cycle with our keel on the bottom.
Chuck Gorgen
ODYSSEE
Olivia, To get the latest information you might contact Sea Tow or TowboatUS for that area. The buoys are constantly being moved because of shoaling and if there are steep seas running, they are hard to find because they are spaced far apart and get lost in the troughs of the swells. The inlet should only be used in calm conditions.
Chuck
Last year, after Hurricane Sandy had passed the area, I was helping a friend move his 48ft Island Packet (5ft draft) south to Miami and we used, with no issues, Wassau inlet. We had spent the night in Thunderbolt. The marks are far apart but a chart plotter helped keep us oriented. Wind was 15/20 WSW with a good 4-5ft chop once we were away from the inlet. Tide had just ebbed at Thunderbolt and current was light and with us as we came down the river, and while a bit confused, there were no standing or breaking waves at the inlet. The inlet was no issue for our offshore capable boat. If you look at the mast heights of the really big sailing yachts in maintenance at Thunderbolt then Wilmington River/Wassau inlet is most likely what they use as they can’t get under the 65ft bridge just to the north and have drafts not appropriate for the ICW travel to the south.
Roger Arrowood
My name is Kevin Quinn. I keep my boats on the Wilmington River and I am out on the Wassaw Sound every week. I have a USCG Masters License with a Sail Endorsement. I would be glad to help anyone wanting to make this passage down the Wilmington, through the Wassaw sound and out the inlet. I will help you on the phone, Email or on board. 912-355-0737
krquinn@bellsouth.net
Kevin Quinn
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wassau Sound
Any of you who have taken the time to study our SSECN “AICW Problem Stretches Directory,” particularly for the Georgia coastline (see /category/ga-aicw-problems/) already know that the Waterway’s trek through Jekyll Creek is one of the real “problem stretches” between Little Mud River and the Georgia – Florida state line. And, the shallowest spot is found abeam of marker #19.
Our 7/16/13 conversation with the local captain, who wishes to remain anonymous, advises mariners to pass NO MORE THAN “20 or 30 feet” west of #19 (OFF THE MARKER), and Captain Sonny advises to “stay [within] 50-75 [feet] of the marker [#19]. By following these procedures, acceptable depths can currently be maintained, at least as of 9/6/13. Apparently, the real problem comes when cruisers attempt to follow the “magenta line,” and consequently pass farther west of #19 than they should!
OF COURSE, the AICW channel through Jekyll Creek is subject to continual change, and this advice, even though thoroughly steeped in local knowledge, should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt, and all captains should proceed through this stretch of the Waterway with more than the usual caution. Any groundings which might happen in Jekyll Creek, and any damage that might result from those incidents, are the sole responsibility of the vessel’s captain. (Don’t you just love “legal-ese!:)
And, of course, smart skippers will time their Jekyll Creek passage for mid to high tide.
Wise navigators will also make an advance telephone call to the good people at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Jekyll Harbor Marina (912-635-3137) to check on the very latest Jekyll Creek conditions. Both Captain Scott and Captain West can give you the latest. Now, that’s what I call SERVICE to the cruising community!!!!
In Captain Reeve’s video, linked below, he is traveling south. Note that AICW marker #19 lies on the east side of the Waterway. north of the fixed bridge at Jekyll Harbor Marina.
Hi Capt,
I checked on Green 19 today [September 5, 2013]. The best advisement I can give the season/s Snowbirds is to stay [within] 50-75 [feet] of the marker. Come through at mid to high tide IF they know the channel and mid to low if they don’t so they can see the channel and low water. The channel is narrow with mud banks on both sides. Today I saw no less than 7 feet weaving in the channel staying 50-75 feet from the visible banks of mud and markers. Most depths are 8-9 ft even off the marker Green 19.
Any Capt. coming through can call Tow Boat US or the Marina at Jekyll for local knowledge.
Video of Check: http://youtu.be/FQjWdt2VROk
Sonny Reeves
Unless you can do this stretch on a higher rising tide, I suggest just going outside from St. Simon’s cut and come back in at Fernandina, and just miss the problem area.
Beverly Feiges
In concert with Beverly Feiges (above) the last time we traveled the ICW thru Georgia we decided to avoid the state completely on the way back north, outside from Fernandina to Savannah River. If GA doesn’t care to make their waterways safe, we have no interest in spending money in the state.
Richard Becker
I wanted to respond to Richards posting about avoiding Georgia because they don’t maintain their waterways. It really isn’t the state of Georgia that isn’t maintaining the waterway. They would love to have the dredging done and have lobbied hard for it. The Corps Of Engineers is responsible for dredging the waterways and maintaining them and they have not received any funds for dredging in years. So if you’re upset with someone be upset with Congress, budget cuts, sequester and more, but not the state of Georgia. This is one of our favorite sections of waterway and we play the tides and do what we need to when we transit. Of the approximate 90 miles, only small sections are a problem. This [same] applies to Florida and the Carolinas. Each state has their problem stretches. It’s all part of the adventure. Add to the blame list, the environmental regulations the Corps must deal with. If they received every dime they needed for dredging in Georgia, they couldn’t do most of it anyway because environmental regulations make it near impossible to dispose of the dredge material. We’ve written many blog posts and articles on the Georgia ICW and for us, it’s a don’t miss.
Chuck and Susan. Trawler Beach House
Came through Jekyll creek yesterday [9/8/13], timed it for high tide and saw 11.7′ at 19. Good advice to transit at no more than two hours off high.
Jim Bulluck
We also passed through this area in January and again May of this year. On our January passage we called ahead to the Jekyll Harbor Marina for some `local knowledge’, as this has been a known trouble spot for years.
We stayed mid channel while transiting the section north of the Marina, with the recommendation to stay 50′ from ’19’, going through about mid tide. The result ‘“ no drama.
Take away from this is utilize the Jekyll Harbor staff for assistance, and avoid navigating the creek at MLW.
As for the comments regarding state’s responsibilities for dredging, in the absence of Federal funds several states have funded dredging on their own. This is in acknowledgement of the financial benefits derived from the ditch, both from recreational boaters as well as commercial interests. Georgia was one of the worst stretches along the ICW and though I love the area, I will do without the stress and go outside next trip ‘“ avoiding the state entirely.
Gregory Yount
Note: If you should choose to go offshore in the next few weeks, be sure to read this Navigation Alert /?p=122812
Click Here To Open A Chart View Page Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
Delegal Creek - Click for Chartview
According to a spokesperson at the Delegal Creek Marina, their entrance channel MLW depths are 3 ft, with a tidal range of 8-9 ft, so mid to high tide would be the best time to enter Delegal Creek. Once in the creek, soundings improve, but clearly this marina’s entrance depths are an issue if your vessel draws more than 3 ft.
Delegal Creek Marina’s entrance passage lies northeast of AICW marker #86. just north of Hell Gate. The advice given below is courtesy of the AGCLA Forum.
Have you, like me, bypassed Delegal Creek on Skidaway Island, AICW 601, because you couldn’t figure out how to enter the creek and get to the marina. Don’t fret, call the dock master or look on their website. The marina is first class, the staff very helpful, a courtesy golf cart will take you to get provisions and to restaurants as well as a tour of the island. It is worth the extra effort to call ahead and even ask for a “follow me” boat to come out and lead you into the creek. We did and they were wonderful. You won’t regret this stop.
Stay safe,
Tom
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Delegal Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Delegal Creek
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