Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Isle of Hope Marina (Statute Mile 590)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 590 ‘“ I know many of you have spent a night or two at Isle of Hope Marina. Please describe the marina and your experiences here. Did one of the local restaurants provide complimentary transportation to and/or from the docks?
Responses follow:
Spent one night at Isle of Hope in early April. Two courtesy cars. Allowed to retain keys for one overnight to transport a sick pet to a veterinary clinic the next morning. Office stayed open late for our arrival. Gave good information on restaurants and allowed use of courtesy car in evening for transportation to restaurants. Said one of the restaurants provided return transportation but did not pick up. Approximately 1 mile walk to restaurants. Marina in excellent condition. Highly competent, friendly, and helpful staff.
Howard Rockness
Sequel
Spent the night of 4/17/13 at Isle of Hope. It was our second time here. Has many positive attributes-Great dock hands, long face-dock, OK facilities, courtesy cars. You can use cars till after 5 pm. Have mixed feelings due to my problems using their fuel pump, too much air in fuel for my slow speed pumping (can’t slow the fast speed pump). Web advertisement says bring a buddy boat and get a discount. The buddy boat signed up first and after discussion were given the listed discount. When I signed up, no way was I going to get a discount. May stop again but other marinas to try first.
s/v/Skye
Is always a good experience.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
We stayed at Isle of Hope marina for 3 weeks in November/December 2012 while my husband was treated for an infection from a cut on his hand. He was in the hospital for 6 days. The marina staff were very supportive, friendly and helpful. I would have liked it much better if the bathrooms were cleaner. I only used them once and showered on the boat after that! Dinner at the Driftaway Cafe in nearby Sandfly was delicious. We went back twice for the Tybee tuna!
Harriet Hardy
sv Moondance
We had a great experience there. Lovely area to walk around. They provided a courtesy car to get some shopping done. Staff was very nice.
Patricia Sienstra
We have moved our boat there from Chattanooga because of the location and staff! Marina is set in a beautiful neighborhood and you feel like you are walking out of your house to your boat! Quiet area and everyone is so friendly.
Drift away is about a mile away but there are 5 other restaurants and a nice Piggly Wiggly grocery.
Just 1/2 of a mile away we always get greeted by Dolphins.
Tim Gaffney
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Thunderbolt, GA Marinas and Dining (Statute Mile 583)
As part of a 4/22/13 NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 583 ‘“ If anyone has docked this spring at any of the marinas in Thunderbolt, GA, particularly Thunderbolt Marine and/or Bahia Bleu, please tell us about your experiences here. Did you dine ashore at Tubby’s Tank House? How did you find the bill of fare?
Responses follow:
Stayed at Thunderbolt Marina in early January. Stopped there with a radar problem. The yacht yard arranged for an electronics technician to be available to address our problem upon arrival. The technician was able to diagnose the problem but did not have parts to fix the problem that evening. The marina was well maintained and clean, had extremely helpful staff, and provided free donuts and a newspaper in the morning in time for our early departure. Ate a late lunch at Tubbies – a huge very good fish sandwich that was very good but bigger than both our appetites. Service was very slow.
Howard Rockness
Sequel
Sabre 47
We spent a night at Thunderbolt Marine on our way south earlier this year and plan to spend a couple of days there on our way north this Spring. The floating docks are easy to tie to and facilities are first-rate. You can hop a bus a couple of blocks away that will take you to Savannah. We had a very enjoyable lunch at Tubby’s, which is a very fun place with great outdoor seating.
Captain Mary
Intermezzo
Have stayed in Thunderbolt several times this Spring. Once at Morningstar Bahia Bleu and twice at Hinckley Yacht Services. Stayed on the facing docks at both marinas. Plenty of water and easy approach. Bahia Bleu is a “real” marina and has some nice facilites, although the bathrooms/laundry are all on the 2nd deck of the building. Hinckley is a boatyard (wonderful boatyard by the way) so facilities are a little more spartan, i.e., no laundry. We’ve gone to Tubby’s Tank House restaurant everytime. Good food and a lively spot. Very short walk from Bahia Bleu and about half mile from Hinckley
Tom Callan
o/b Great Escape
53 DeFever POC
I spent 2 weeks at this marina [Thunderbolt Marine] and found it very pleasant and the personnel more than helpful. We dined at Tubby’s 7 times in a 2 week period. They have a great $5.00 lunch, but you need to get there before the 12 noon crowd. On Thursday night, there is an oyster roast for about 1hour outside the bar area and is supposed to be free, but donations are accepted. Happy hour beer is priced right all day long in the bar.
Good spot.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
If you go south on the Wilmington River from where the AICW joins the Skidaway River, about a half mile down is Turner Creek. In the creek right on starboard is Sail Harbor Marina Boatyard. It is certainly not fancy, but a great value. And they did very nice work on our boat.
Dunniganj
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Thunderbolt Marina
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Jekyll Harbor Marina (Statute Mile 684.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, I posed the following question:
25. Statute Mile 684.5 ‘“ Did you spend a night or two at Jekyll Harbor Marina, immediately south of the Jekyll Island Bridge? What were your experiences at this facility? Did you dine ashore at SeaJays? How did you find the bill of fare?
Responses follow:
Still a great stop and still has courtesy car. Price could be cheaper, but given they have a pool, car, etc, then the price is ok. Restaurant is still there and good. Water depths thru Jekyll Creek still shallow, but we see 5′ draft boats going thru threre at dead low tide. We did it at dead low tide in our 4′ draft and were nervous, but did fine (saw nothing less than 5′)
John Winter
We spent a few nights at this marina on our way south earlier this year. The floating dock is easy to tie to, the facilities are clean, and the historic district is a short walk away. There are several liveaboards at this marina, and they are very outgoing, usually inviting transients to one of their many cookouts. We think that the food at SeaJays is not as good as it has been in years past, but they have a great happy hour every day, which we enjoyed.
Captain Mary
Intermezzo
In spring of 2010 we stayed two nights at Jekyll Island Marina. Fine place. We had a GREAT dinner at the Jekyll Island Club. Have not eaten at sea-Jays.
Terry Bieker
Claiborne,
In response to your request for NE FL/Ga wish list items – here is Jekyll Harbor Marina:
We spent two nights at Jekyll Harbor Marina starting on March 30, 2013 as part of our journey home from Marathon to VA on our 37′ sailing vessel. We were tied up on the face dock directly parallel to the waterway. Entry for tie was easy into the current with good help from skilled and friendly staff. Depth may be a problem here for some. We draw only 4.5′ and had no issues on the face dock. However, we did see as low as 5.8′ while tied up and another sailing vessel that also draws 4.5′ in a slip at a right angle to the face dock closer to shore and across from us told me they sit in the mud during many lows. However, this is their third year here as their home port and they “love the place”.
There is clearly much to love here. We specifically stopped here because our 6 year old grandson was onboard for a four day visit. Don’t miss the Jekyll Island Club in the historic district for some great food, stop at the sea turtle hospital, use the many miles of excellent biking and walking trails for access all over the island. Driftwood beach on the north end is a special spot at low to mid-tide with massive exposed trees blown over that must be explored by kids and adults. There are guided 3 hour kayak tours operated from the Univ. of GA marine site south of the marina that we did not do, but heard good things about.
Issues reported here with shallow water just north of the Jekyll Island bridge are true. We departed near low tide and expected to be OK with our 4.5′ draft. We did make it through but bumped several times starting just south of Marker 19″ .
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Have stopped there many times. Four (4) days early 2013. Everything is good about this marina. What ever your needs, they can accommodate. Wife needed medical attention from a prior finger injury, no problem. Gave us their vehicle to travel to a Medical Facility in Brunswick, Ga. Also, very friendly and helpful live a boards.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
We stayed at Jekyll Harbor marina for one night in December 2012. It’s still a nice place–low key and very friendly.
Harriet Hardy
sv Moondance
We docked at Jekyll Harbor a few days ago, as usual the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. This can be a challenge when the current is running strong and the staff knows exactly what you should do if you have any doubts. Dinner at SeaJays was good. The night we were there the crowd was much greater then they had anticipated and they only had one wait staff and she was literally running to keep up. She did a great job and no one was upset with a little extra wait time. Prices were good and the food was great. Could have used a couple more shrimp in the shrimps and grits but it was great.
John Holmes
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Darien, GA and Darien City Docks (Statute Mile 651.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
29. Statute Mile 651.5 ‘“ anyone cruised up the Darien River to the community of the same name? If so, what depths did you find? Did you tie up to the free city dock? How did you find them? How about some shoreside dining recommendations in Darien?
Responses follow:
Did it about a month ago and this is a must side trip. Town is really neat, great places to eat,free dock is neat (with a couple of sports having electrical, including twin 30 amps for those who need 220 volts). Easy navigation. If you do not take the time to see this place, you are not cruising, you are traveling. If you stay at the south dock (before the bridge) then walk up hill to town office to let them know you are there. If you call on radio at channel 16, a volunteer may hear you and visit you at boat to welcome you. Most likely, you will get welcomed anyway. Provisions are a long walk, but bike gets you there just fine.
John Winter
We draw 5 feet and managed to hit the Darien River at near full low tide. Not having been through there before we were careful to watch markers and depth. There was only one area where a second river diverts off of the Darien that we saw depths that were of most concern;5 – 7 feet. At that junction, you turn sharp to port staying just off the bank for only about 20 yards then back to starboard. There did not seem to be a well defined channel in this area. It is about 8 miles off the ICW to Darien and when you get there, currents are swift. The dock that accomodates the larger boats is just before you get to the bridge. It will only accomodate about three trawlers and if it is full, there are no other options unless you can convince the shrimpers to let you tie up there.
The people in Darien are great, food convenient and good and there is a wonderful little hardware store that stocks a lot of marine hardware to accomodate the substantial shrimping business based there. Certainly worth the trip. I wish there was a way to find out if there was dock space before you make the trip as we had to squeeze in between two boats already there and I emphasize again, the currents there are swift.
Rod Busbee
We spent four night in Darien and had a great time. There are so many good places to eat within walking distance. Skippers just under the bridge (west). I don’t remember the name of the little rest. that is in the end of the 7-11 across the road from the marina great food there. If you like shrimp, about 1/2 mile north on US 17 is “J& B or B&J rest. Great Sea Food there. Altamaha River Cruises will let you rent or have a guided Kayak cruise through the old rice fields. Fort King George is a short bike ride or you can walk there if you like walking. The Darien Rive is well marked. I went up the river at low tide, no problem. If you can reach David Bulter at 912-223-8855 or 912-222-8855. He was a lot of help. He is the unoffical dock master. The town of Darien is a great place to walk around.
Tim
We stayed here in October, 2012 and again in March 2013. We think it is a great place. our comments following our October visit, sent to SSECN follow:
On October 25, 2012, we are currently docked at the free Darien docks. This a wonderful place, well worth the trip of about seven miles up the Darien River. We came here on 10/24 at dead low tide. We saw two places with some shallow depths, one at R10 with 5.5 feet and one at R12 with six feet. At both locations depth went back up to 12+ feet very quickly. At low tide, the shoals are very visible, and the channel markers, and chartplotter were accurate. It took us about 1.25 hours to get here after leaving the ICW at R184. It was a pleasant run. We are a trawler, cruising with a sailboat.The town is lovely, with a Piggly Wiggly about a mile from the docks, and a hardware store about two blocks. The Wine Bar, near the hardware store is beautiful.This a wonderful side trip. Do not miss it. There are about 30 large shrimpboats docked just downstream of us. The only reason for four stars rather than five is the lack of restrooms, but it is free, including 30 amp power and water. What more can you ask for two nights free.
Thanks Claiborne for the suggestion on this one.
Norman Mason
Monk 36, Peggy Sue
Norfolk, VA
Anyone who would like to see a video of Darien, check out my blog: http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/2013/04/blessing-of-fleet.html
Interesting town and SUPER friendly people.
Wally Moran
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Sunbury Crab Company Marina, Statute Mile 620
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, I posed the following question:
Statute Mile 620 ‘“ those of you who have cruised up the Medway River to Sunbury Crab Company Marina, please describe what you found, and the depths you observed between the Waterway and the Marina. Did you dine ashore at Sunbury Crab Co.? How was the food?
Responses follow:
Another neat run. There is one marker that as you travel from the south, and then have to make a turn to starboard to cross over the river appears to be out of place on an island, but as you get closer, it makes sense. It is an easy navigation, but there are many shallow spots that if you watch your charts, they are plotted correctly. Strong currents, but since you tie to a face dock, it is not big deal. Neat old GA area with nothing there, but if you want to eat, make sure the restaurant is open when you go.
John Winter
We have stayed here in the past for several nights. We love it.
The channel has a few markers, but you can follow your chart for the deep water which meanders from one side of the Medway River to the other as you go west to the marina. We encountered nothing less than 8 ft. on our way up, but most was much deeper.
If you like fresh Blue Crab, then this is your place. They bring you a big bucket of them and a mallet to open them up. The restaurant
owners go out each day to harvest their crabs, so you cannot find anything fresher. Delicious.
The docks are OK, not great. You tie along their long face dock and it is a fair walk to shore. There are really no facilities on shore other than the restaurant.
There is one reason to go here, and it is the fresh Blue Crabs. So good!!
Marc and Shelley Colby
M/V Rock Chalk
Endeavour 44 Trawlercat
Cruising up the [Medway River] was easy. It is well marked and has adequate water depths. We draw 3 1/2 ft. Docks at Sunbury Crab are fine and the food there is GREAT. Best fried shrimp we have ever eaten.
Captain Bren
I intend never to pass mile 620 again without a visit to the Sunbury Crab Company. The best crabs I have had anywhere, hands down. I saw them in the bottom of the boat a few hours before. They try to catch only what they will serve that night each day. You won’t find fresher without catching your own. The marina and the owners make this a very friendly stop.
There is also a very interesting anchorage up the river around the bend with vertical bluffs falling into the water. Very deep but you can find shallow water upstream with some protection from the fast current. I sheltered from very strong winds both here and at the marina.
Lots of history here you would never expect. It was once the major trading port in Georgia.
My SBO post on Sunbury:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=148218&#post985358
Roger Long
S/V Strider
We stayed there one night in May 2012. We went there for the food and were disappointed to find the restaurant was closed. When we arrived the owner, Elaine, and one of her sons met us at the dock with 2 cold beers in hand, compliments of the house. When we told her how disappointed we were that we couldn’t eat there, she opened up the restaurant for us and had her son prepare a wonderful meal for us. As someone who catches and eats blue crabs every summer on Cape Cod, I wanted to watch how a `professional’ crab picker picked crabs. Her son was only too happy to show me. He brought 3 crabs to the table and picked them all within 3 minutes, then gave me the crab meat as an appetizer. Elaine sat with us during dinner and told us about her family, her business, and the area history. Needless to sat we were thrilled with the stay and will make it a point to stop there whenever we go by.
Pat and Joe Apicella
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sunbury Crab Company Marina
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Delegal Creek Marina (Statute Mile 600.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 600.5 ‘“ Anyone visit Delegal Creek Marina on (what else) Delegal Creek. Did you have difficulty with the entrance channel? What depths did you discover on Delegal Creek, particularly at MLW?
Responses follow:
Went in at mid-tide and the low spot is only for a few feet and had not difficulty. We saw a huge boat come in. The dock master is maybe the best in the USA. The currents are ripping thru here and with the slips being parallel with the river, when you turn into to alley way, you can be swept into boats. Free cart to take to village is a must. This is a definite return stop for us, but we will work for slack tides in the future, even if it is low tide. Price is very good.
John Winter
Was there two times early 2013. A little tricky getting in the first time. Red entrance aid missing. Best to enter at mid tide. Nice docks etc. Part of a private community on Skidaway Island. Not your everyday stop over unless you are stopping to visit some one you know there.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
Stayed there in Nov., 2012. The creek is shallowest at the entrance. The staff was very helpful on the radio with specific instructions. ie. green side, red side, etc. The marina was fairly quiet in Nov. The amenities were, clean, neat and accessible. The kicker, though, was the free use of the marina’s golf cart. You can run into town for anything you might need. What a deal!
Jeff Moore
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Delegal Creek Marina
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Hinkley Yacht Services (Statute Mile 583)
Hinkley Yacht Services lies along the AICW’s western banks opposite Savannah Bend Marina, in Thunderbolt, GA. As Captain Winter notes below, this facility is more of a repair yard than a marina, but transients are accepted here for overnight dockage.
If you want to take a cab to Savannah, we recommend staying in Thunderbolt (we use Hinckley for price even though it is not as nice as other marinas there – it is a boat yard), but the cab ride to town is shorter, therefore cheaper. Also, docking at HInckley is a breezeThe bus from Isle of Hope to downtown is ok, but you have to make a transfer and it therefore takes some time.
John Winter
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hinkley Yacht Services
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Apr 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brickhill River Southern Anchorage (Statute Mile 704)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
22. Statute Mile 704 ‘“ has anyone cruised the Brickhill River, which makes into the western shores of Cumberland Island, near marker #63. What depths did you discover at this stream’s southern and/or northern intersections with the Waterway? Did you find good or not so good anchorage on Brickhill River?
Responses follow:
It has been 2 yrs. ago, but I did enter at this marker unfortunately. When entering in center the water depth was good; stayed in center and water dropped out to 5 ft. and less and yes I went aground; All charts indicated 14 ft. of water at MLLW, but obviously very incorrect; it took Boat U.S. over 2 hrs. to get me off; deeper water was actually almost on Northern shore ‘“ 10 ft. Would not go in here again not trusting what is correct with charting etc.
Pat Kenefick
We did the entire river and depths are still as reported, including entering the river. However, one must use common sense as they cruise the river as there are shallow spots in obvious places (stay on outside of turns, etc). Beautiful run and anchorages.
John Winter
We recently very much enjoyed a night at the south end of the Brickhill River and did visit Plum Orchard. We entered the river from the south and after passing the shoaling to the west at the opening found 20+ feet around the bend to the protected water. Beyond the bend it shallows to about 10 – 12 feet at low tide. This is a most enjoyable anchorage protected from the wind, gentle tidal flows, beautiful scenery and dingy access to the island. While at the dock, you need to be mindful that ferry’s and supply boats do tie up here and make sure you are not in their way. There is a $4/person “on your honor” box at the dock along with envelopes and a pen.
To summarize, it is one of the best anchorages on our recent trip from N. Myrtle Beach to Fernandina. The persistent winds had made other anchorages less comfortable. Our pet on board insists on trips to shore and the protection along with the accessibility made this one stand out.
Rod Busbee
Stayed here 4 17 13 easy in and out. Goood depths, not much wind protection , Good holding.
Greg and Donna
on Lady in Red.
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Brickhill River Anchorage
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Apr 22, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Wally Visits Darien, GA’s Blessing of the Fleet
Click This Chartlet to Open Chart View Page Centered on Darien, GA
The text below is copied from fellow nautical writer, Captain Wally Moran’s site, LiveBloggin’ the ICW (http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/). Be SURE to follow the video link below. This very professional looking visual narrative provides a good account of this festival’s FUN times, as well as a good look at the city of Darien’s dockage facilities! THANKS Captain Wally!
Last Thursday, I decided to check out Darien GA – it’s about 8 miles off the ICW, so it’s out of the way. My friend James, from St. Simon’s Island, had written a piece about it for Southwinds – it’s not published yet, but I’ll post the link when I have it – and it sounded interesting. Also, there was a nasty storm on its way, so a dock sounded good.
I arrived in the dark, and was helped to tie up by another sailor docked there. He told me that this was the weekend for the Blessing of the Fleet, the 45th annual shrimp boat festival and blessing. Well, that sounded interesting, and since Darien was providing 48 hours free dockage to encourage visitors – why not?
To be honest, Darien is a different sort of place….very down to earth people would be the best way of putting it, and you know, when the first tune from the band is an old Merle Haggart standard, you’re going to be hearing a lot of country and very little rap. Not a bad thing, come to think of it, and I’m not a big country fan…
Darien partied on all weekend, I made some great new friends, and Gypsy Wind had a front row center seat for the festivities – as loud as they were. And on Sunday, the big event – the blessing of the fleet.
This video gives you an idea of what it was like….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b59nWMMebho
Captain Wally Moran
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks
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Apr 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
Jekyll Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. These good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and one heck of a friendly stop!
Some great things going for this place: ultra clean showers, wifi that actually works at the docks, courtesy car and loaner bikes. Just make sure you budget for the extra charges on dockage. Bravo, Scotty, for great service.
We are currently staying here at Jekyll Harbor Marina on our journey back north and wanted to let cruisers know that they are charging for every foot your boat, dinghy, davits, anchor overhang, etc. take up on their face dock. We are a 37 ft. sail and they wanted to charge us for 49 ft. We negotiated them down to 42 ft.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0458,-81.4319999
Derelict Adrift near Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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Derelict Vessel - Click for Chartview
The downstream flow of the creek west of Jekyll Harbor is eastward toward the Waterway and, should the derelict drift out of the creek, it could become a hazard to Waterway navigation. Capt. Sonny will keep us updated on the vessel’s position.
Cruising News:
There is a small sailboat in the unnamed creek (to the west of) across from the Jekyll Harbor Marina. It’s last position was approximately 31 02.75 N 081 25.859W. The top of the boat shows at low tide and the boat has moved around somewhat since first spotted. There is no mast. this boat is of no danger to the ICW traffic at this time.
Sonny
Derelict
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Derelict Vessel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Hidden Harbor Yacht Club (Statute Mile 670.5)
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club, which gladly accepts transients, is located on Troup Creek. This body of water intersects the AICW, immediately north of St. Simons Sound, near markers #237 and #238. The message below is copied from the AGLCA Forum.
This is a great little marina in the Troup [Creek] [known as Hidden Harbor Yacht Club] about 1 mile off the ICW. Plenty of water on approach and alongside. I figured to report to the forum on it. No fuel here but pump out available and 20/30/50A power with floating dock. The managers, Kev and Judith, could not be more accomodating and the facilities are the cleanest we have seen since Lake Michigan. There is excellent shopping close by and they have a courtesy car – a Mini Cooper S to get you there!
At $1.50/ft/day plus electric, it is great value for money and I recommend it as a stop to all Loopers.
Phil Johnston
Loopy Kiwi
I too stayed at Hidden Harbor Marina on the Troup Creek on April 8 [2013]. I would definitely recommend this marina. Kev and Judith go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. They have a nice boater’s lounge, scenery is great, and for a buck donation you can do your laundry. Just off the ICW, so no wakes.
Ken Westby
aboard Roundabout
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hidden Harbor Yacht Club
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Apr 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Excellent Report from Darien, GA, Darien River, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 653
Darien, Georgia - Click for Chartview
Here is a much detailed report of a popular off-the-Waterway side trip:
Those of you still in FL or just reaching GA should give Darien, GA some consideration. It is a quaint little shrimping town N of Brunswick and well worth the stop. About 7 miles off of the ICW, the town offers free dockage for 48 hours. Floating concrete docks are conveniently located right downtown and power is free also. There are 3 pedestals, each with twin 30A power. The free dockage is limited to the outside dock which can hold about 4, maybe 5 typical cruisers. There are 3 of us here now. The town makes this offer to attract cruisers of course and all of the town really makes you feel welcome. Great food within walking distance – we’ve tried Skippers, B&J’s, and The Purple Pickle so far, all outstanding. Fort King George is an interesting historic site and the town has great bicycle trails around the perimeter of the city and within. The historic Butler rice plantation is 1 mile south, Piggly Wiggly is 1.2 miles away, and a well-stocked Hardware/Marine Supply store is a couple of blocks away. With the storms rolling through, they are allowing us to stay an extra day without charge so we just want to put in a plug for a town that wants our business and is really making a great effort to get us here. We think the Blessing Of The Fleet is scheduled for next weekend so you might call and confirm availability for that time.
Wayne and Rhonda McManus
“Help Me Rhonda”
44 Gulfstar
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Apr 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Words of Praise For Thunderbolt Marine (Statutue Mile 583)
Not only does Thunderbolt Marine offer some pretty dockage directly on the AICW, but their repair facilities are EXTENSIVE. Just from the note below, looks like Captains Pam and Warrick found their work exemplary!
Were at Thunderbolt last year. Excellent service. Great bathrooms. Close to marine electronics store. Security guard on car park. Easy walk to bus but check that the office has given you the latest timetable. Buses stop around 6.30.
Pam and Warrick
Morning Star
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Thunderbolt Marine
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Apr 1, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Security Issues at Darien City Docks, Darien River, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 653
Lack of security is not limited to Darien City Docks and Captain Stephens offers good advice to transients at almost all public marinas. Especially in the current economy, break-ins have been increasing in the past two years. Even at gated marinas, thefts are not uncommon these days. The two-nights-free Darien City Docks are in a friendly, lovely small town – a highly recommended side trip off the Waterway.
If you do dock at Darien, make sure you lock your boat and anything else you would like to keep when you go ashore. This is a public area with marginal lighting and absolutely NO security. Several boats have been broken into in the past several years, including mine! The police officer told me people roam around the area at all hours of the night!!
Kent Stephens
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Frederica River Anchorages (off the AICW on Frederica River Near St. M. 666 – Northern Entrance)
Frederica River flows east and south from the AICW marker #229, and re-intersects the AICW at marker #241. Over the years, we have received MANY conflicting reports here on the Cruisers’ Net about shoaling at both the Frederica’s southern and northern intersections with the AICW. Many have gotten through without a problem, while others reported thin water.
I suspect that the tides have a lot to do with what’s going on here. The tidal range in these waters is greater than 6 feet, so it’s easy to see that if your vessel and enters or leaves the river at mid to high tide, chances are you will not have a problem, as interior depths are generally good, except possibly on the inside shores of some bends in the river.
The reason for spotlighting attention to this river is the real possibility of anchoring within sight of the Fort Frederica National Monument. As of two years ago, there is dinghy access from the anchorage to the National Monument, and, I can tell you from personal experience, this historical attraction is well worth your time. By all accounts, don’t miss the little movie presentation. It’s surprisingly well done.
So, the best advice is to time your entry and egress for mid to high tide. With this plan, you should be able to visit the Frederica River anchorages (follow links below) with a minimum of difficulties.
Has anyone recently anchored in the Frederica River opposite the Fort? Also has anyone traversed the entire length of the river? Comments on Cruisers.net indicate some shoaling on the North end. Other comments indicated this as a good anchorage but are not too recent.
Maureen Mezei
No problem in the Frederica River if you follow the channel. Like any “soft bottom channel”, DO NOT GO DOWN THE CENTER OR FOLLOW THE MAGENTA LINE! Take the outside of the turns as the tide flows “out”.
We went through the Frederica River at near low tide three weeks ago. In the “channel” no less than 12′ of water, in the center many dry sand bars. If you run the ICW through marsh channels of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in the center or on the Magenta line you will also run aground at low water, read the banks, study the tide chart and determine if the current is coming up “in”, or going down “out”, then you can determine what side of the channel you want to be on, works every time.
Chuck Gorgen
Chuck’s advise is excellent. the last time we were in there the northern entrance was about 3 1/2 feet at low tide. Don’t know about the southern entrance.
Chuck Baier
Stay to the SW side of channel, outside curve, as you leave or enter ICW at north end. You’ll find shallow water in center to inside of curve. Steep drop off on outside curve, so find 6-8′ of water and come back towards center and follow curve. Should be able to follow 6-8′ depth at the radius of curve shown on your chart. There’s probably more water further to the outside of the curve, would expect near 12′ based on depths we found in the rest of the river, but quickly goes to nothing, which you will see at low tide and not at higher tides. 6-8′ of water is plenty for any of us to get through.
Chuck Gorgen
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Frederica River Anchorages
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Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St. Marys, Georgia READY To Greet Cruisers
St. Marys, Georgia is a beautiful, charming village, with also doubles as the southernmost port of call on the Georgia coastline. There is a small city dock that can be used for dinghying ashore, and Langs Marina, located in the heart of downtown St. Marys, offers transient dockage, though, it must be noted, they also have some of the scuzziest showers along the AICW.
All the town dockage is within easy walking distance of multiple GOOD dining attractions, particularly Langs Restaurant, and many historic sights, including unforgettable Orange Hall.
It’s a pleasant cruise of several miles off the AICW, up St. Marys River (which acts as the coastal state line between Georgia and Florida), to the town waterfront. It’s well worth your time to make this journey!
We were surprised yesterday, to see the following message on another nautical mailing list:
Orange Hall - St. Marys
Take St. Marys, GA off your favorites list. They got pretty beat up by Sandy last fall and haven’t repaired the damage.
Well, that was a surprise to us, so first thing this morning we were on the telephone to the good people at the St. Marys Visitor’s Center, and confirmed that ALL damage has now been REPAIRED, and the town is ready and EAGER to greet the cruising community.
And, several fellow cruisers have already chimed in with similar info:
St. Marys is a wonderful stop, with several very good restaurants, the submarine museum, a park along the river, and many many homes and churches on the National Historic Register, all within walking distance. The marina has floating docks which are older but fine and very safe, and I saw no evidence of any hurricane damage.
Larry and Anne
Great Laker
Sandy caused no damage to St Marys, Ga. We are just fine. Come see us—Azaleas have just finished blooming and warm temps are on the way.
Mike
S/V Makai
We were in St Mary’s a few days after Sandy made landfall in NJ and observed no damage whatsoever.
Mark and Bev MacMahon
Calypso
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Langs Marina
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Mar 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Times at Fort McAllister Marina (on the Ogeechee River, Near AICW Statute Mile 603.5)
Here’s a great recommendation for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort McAllister Marina. Now that new owners Butch and Sherri, have taken over, and done a good job of marking the channel from the AICW to the marina dockage basin, there’s every reason to take a delightful cruise up the Ogeechee River to this excellent marina.
I might also add, echoing Captain Warlick’s remarks below, that the revitalized, on-site restaurant is a real hit with the locals, a sure sign of GOOD food!
If you are cruising up the Georgia coast nearing Savannah, Marian and I recommend Historic Fort McAllister Park http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?LocationID=24&s=0.0.1.5. It is 5 miles up the Ogeechee river from the ICW.
You can dock at Fort McAllister Marina (and walk less than a mile to the Park. http://www.fortmcallistermarinaga.com/ The owners are Butch & Sherri Broome. They also own the best seafood restaurant on the Georgia coast, Fish Tales, at the marina. Ask Butch if you can use their golf cart to ride to the Park. Our boat is docked at Fort McAllister so if you decide to stop tell Butch or Sherri that Marian & Mike Warlick sent you their way.
Michael Warlick
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina
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Feb 25, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brunswick Landing Marina (near St. M. 680)
Brunswick Landing Marina lies off the direct path of the AICW, on Academy Creek, just a stone’s throw from downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I have stored EOS at BLM [Brunswick Landing Marina] for the past two years from mid May until November and have never had a problem except she gets a bit dirty occasionally from pollution from the nearby paper plant. Sherrie and Cindy, co dockmasters, are very helpful, and show a lot of concern for their “charges”. There is a large livaboard community, who will look out for all the boats on their dock, and the marina in general.
Donovan Vezin
Click Here To View the Georiga Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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Feb 24, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Morningstar Marina at Bahia Bleu, Thunderbolt, GA, AICW Statute Mile 583
Morningstar Marina at Bahia Bleu - Click for Chartview
Morningstar Marina at Bahia Bleu guards the western banks of the ICW, south of the Thunderbolt bridge.
Stayed here 3 weeks in October, 2012. Good Diesel and gas available, clean, but remote, showers. I was able to ride my bike to stores and restaurants in the area. WIFI was good, AT&T cell phone was good. Downtown Savannah is about 5-7 miles, one way.
S/V Nomad
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bahia Bleu Marina
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