Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Aug 22, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage (Statute Mile 711.5)
Just like Captains Mike and Mary (see below), we dearly love the anchorage off Cumberland Island’s so-called, “Sea Camp Dock.” Going ashore and just experiencing the lush, maritime forest, walking to the beach, and exploring the old Carnegie mansions, well, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Don’t miss this anchorage!
We recently took our trawler, the Patricia Ann, on a 4-day cruise over to Cumberland Island, our favorite anchorage. We wanted to look for the white deer and walk the deserted beaches at dawn. We saw the white deer several years ago…actually we just caught a brief glimpse of them in the distance. Ever since, we have gone in search of white deer! They are not albinos but real white deer.
We were up at 5 AM each morning as usual; the coffee was just beginning to brew and the aroma was delightful. And just a little while later, with coffee in hand, we watched from the flybridge as the sun began her climb over the horizon. A beautiful day was beginning with not a cloud in the sky.
As we began our day with showers and breakfast, it dawned on us just how fortunate live-aboard cruisers really are. We can leave the dock for days on end and truly understand the term “freedom” and “independence”.
Read more of our exploration of this island wilderness………
http://paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2011/03/trawler-living-aboard-tip-exploration.html
Mike and Mary Dickens
Paradise Yachts
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
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Aug 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brunswick Landing Marina (off the AICW on Academy Creek, near DT Brunswick, GA)
Brunswick Landing Marina is a solid reputation, and is particularly popular with mariners who choose to winter in southern Georgia. Downtown Brunswick is within walking distance, where several good restaurants are to be found.
BLM [Brunswick Landing Marina] is a hurricane hole, well protected. The facility is very nice as well, run by competent staff, and there’s night time security and a large liveaboard community to watch things as well.
Dave and Pam Gibson
I believe BLM refers to Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, GA. We kept our boat there for 9 months, and I would agree, it is a well run marina and well protected.
Marc and Shelley Colby
M/V Rock Chalk
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
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Aug 9, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
FORGET THE CHARTS! AICW and Brickhill River (South) Anchorage Breadcrumbs (St. M. 704) – Captains Mark and Diana Report
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and founder of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com) share another fascinating excerpt from their very soon to be released two volume AICW Anchorage Guide series.
Before going any further, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DOYLES ARE OFFERING A PRE-RELEASE 42% DISCOUNT ON THEIR NEW ANCHORAGE GUIDES. THAT SPECIAL OFFER ENDS TOMORROW, 8/10/12. ALL INTERESTED CRUISERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE WITHOUT DELAY!
Back to the article below – Diana and Mark take a good look at the anchorage found on southern Brickhill River, hard by the Cumberland Island National National Park.
The “dynamic duo” also bring to light some critical info on the Cumberland Narrows “AICW Problem Stretch” (see /aicw-channel-through-cumberland-dividings). Note the AICW soundings on the included excerpt page from their Anchorage Guide below, and how these show the good depths lie on the EAST side of the markers at the intersection of the Waterway and southern Brickhill River, far from the magenta line!
Hi Claiborne,
We all accept that paper and electronic charts are notoriously inaccurate. All too often, charted navaid positions and the ICW’s Magenta Line do not correspond at all to the real world.
Just look at how the ICW is charted to the WEST of the red navaids off Brickhill River’s southern entrance. Ouch!
Cruisers hear that Brickhill River is “mis-charted” and has a “really shallow entrance” … but, “once inside, has excellent depths.”
What does that really mean? Do you just “feel your way in” and hope for the best? That might turn out to be a disaster and is almost certainly not worth the stress. So you pass on the anchorage and move on.
But wait! Brickhill River is a real gem of an anchorage, particularly for active boaters who enjoy hiking in national parks.
Thus Brickhill River (South) anchorage turns out to be one of the better examples of the value of our new AnchorGuides with their digital breadcrumb tracks.
Look at the depth-annotated survey track on the page [below]. You can see the entrance surveyed as low as 10 feet (at 7.0 feet above MLLW) along the southern shore. The northern shore had much more water, with depths consistently in the teens. Now the “shallow entrance” anecdotal report can be confirmed and visualized as an extension of shoaling from the southern bank, with a natural channel running along the northern bank.
And now you can see the true ICW path, EAST of the red navaids, right over the non-existent “mis-charted” shoal and island!
Once you’re safely in Brickhill River, you’ll enjoy a beautiful anchorage with all-around protection off Cumberland Island National Park. Cumberland Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands along the Atlantic coast, home to a national seashore and one of the largest maritime forests in the U.S.
You can access the national park at a small park dock or adjacent tiny beach, both for a nominal day-use fee. Nearby shore amenities include picnic tables, trails, and restrooms.
For a hi-res detailed map of the island, visit http://1.usa.gov/NZMHsW
Brickhill River (South) anchorage is located just off “Plum Orchard” on the map.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage
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Jun 20, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Excellent, Detailed Report on Hell Gate AICW Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 602)
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Jun 18, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Avoiding Hell Gate: A Suggestion, Georgia AICW Statute Miles 575 to 619
Capt. Hechtman is offering a suggestion for avoiding Hell Gate (statute mile 602), one of the perennial trouble spots in the Georgia Waterway. Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed.
A fun alternative is to make the fairly short journey outside through St. Catherine’s and back in at Wassaw and up the Wilmington River (and vice-versa) and avoid what is probably the least scenic part of the georgia ICW as well as
Hell Gate. Deep draft boats use both inlets, especially Wassaw, that’s how all those mega yachts that can’t clear 65 feet get into Thunderbolt Marine. It’s very handy to the great Walburg Creek Anchorage, and in our opinion more scenic.
We have a 60ft LOA boat that draws 5 feet.
George Hechtman
What about using the Wilmington Rvr. for exit from /entrance into Thunderbolt? I’ve seen the big boats heading down from Thunderbolt and assume that is where they are heading yet the charts look dicey. Anyone with experience out there?
Peter Malen
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
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wassaw Sound
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Catherines Sound
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Walburg Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Walburg Creek
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Jun 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Update on Pascal’s Report on AICW Problem Stretch Channel Through Cumberland Dividings (Statute Mile 704)
This troublesome stretch lies at the intersections of the Brickhill River, Crooked River and the Waterway. Shoaling and mischarting of the magenta fairway line reder this section of the AICW a REAL problem. Be sure to follow the link below to these water’s listing in our “AICW Problem Stretches Directory” to learn more!
While some tide is nice, I no longer bother passing thru here at high tide as there is plenty of water on the green side. northbound, favor the greens south of the bend then keep going almost as if you’re going into that creek on the NE side. Stay close to the shore line in the turn then come back towards the center after G59A north of the turn. Well over 15′ MLW all the way. No reason to run aground here!
Pascal aboard MY Charmer, 70′ 6+ draft
Came through here today (June 12, 2012) at 11:30 AM which was 1.5 hrs past low tide.
Follow Pascal’s instructions and you will find plenty off water. Lowest reading we observed was 11.4 ft. using his directions.
Bob Poovey
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For the Cumberland Dividings
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Report on Depths in Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683
This AICW/Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch has had shoaling for some time now with reports of depths below 5ft at low tide. Mid to high tide passage is still recommended.
Passing through Jekyll Creek now. This is the area that has had some skinny water. Have HT at 1848, +07.2′. From the bridge to the Jekyll Island Club dock, on the green side, had depths from 15.5′ to 12.6. From dock to G19, center channel, 15.8 to 13.7. Saw depths as low as 12.6 just north of G19 and on the range. From the range, center channel, didn’t see anything under 15′
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR
Came through this area from the south at 12:30 PM today [June 12, 2012] and found the same problem as I have seen for three years. Shortly past Marker `19’³ the bottom starts to come up quickly. 100 yards north of the marker we observed 5.1 ft and began to stir mud at six knots.
Bob Poovey
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 11, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Detailed Report on AICW/Little Mud River Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 655)
The detailed, in-depth posting below is provided to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net courtesy of our good friends, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, authors of the very popular “On the Water Chartguides” (see http://http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mark and Diana are currently wending their way north along the AICW, and will be sending periodic articles to the SSECN.
Captains Mark and Diana are true professionals, and have a wealth of experience on how to research and report on coastal waters, particularly the AICW. The series of articles they are providing to the SSECN should prove to be particularly valuable to ANYONE cruising the Waterway well into 2013!
This posting concerns the Little Mud River section of the Georgia AICW. This “AICW Problem Stretch” is almost universally acknowledged to be the WORST of the worst for the entire run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL, or the other way around. This condition makes Diana and Mark’s article even MORE invaluable!!!
Diana and I transited northbound through Little Mud River, GA this morning on about a third-tide and rising. Wolf Island, South has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 7.8 feet. Our plan was to run the range, then enter the river, staying mid-channel, honoring the aids.
The entry range held good depths as can be seen on the first screenshot (13-16 feet at 2.7 feet above MLLW).
This screenshot also underscores the fact that you don’t typically “Drive the TV” ‘¦ the Magenta Line or the charted channels ‘¦ exactly. That would be a good way to get into trouble, especially in Georgia. On the entrance range, we were quite a bit off the charted channel center line.
My course line is dead-on Range B, presumably marking the deepest water.
The second screenshot shows a known trouble spot just north of G195. You can see some 6- to 7-foot soundings here ‘¦ which translates to less than 4 feet at low water (soundings made at 2.8 feet above MLLW and rising).
The third screenshot shows another area of concern, around G193. At this daybeacon, and about 200 yards northwest, you’ll see some 8- and 9-foot soundings. These translate to less than 5 feet at low water (3.1 feet above MLLW).
No recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, Active Captain, Waterway Guide, and others sources also have data you may want to factor into your departure, transit, or piloting decisions.
As Captain, you’re in charge of driving the bus … and your mileage will certainly vary.
Mark & Diana Doyle
I hope you are alerting the ‘˜authorities’ to your very believeable data. It may help getting some dredging started.
Bob Kassal
Not To Be Used For Navigation
Not To Be Used For Navigation
Not To Be Used For Navigation
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
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May 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brunswick Landing Marina (Statute Mile 680)
Here’s a quick comment on Brunswick Landing Marina, copied from SailNet. This facility lies off the AICW,on the shores of Academy Creek, within walking distance of downtown Brunswick, GA.
St. Simon’s has a long, deep entrance channel. Few anchorages once inside, but there are a couple of good marinas. Brunswick Landing has good facilities, good rates, is very protected, and is in a better location if you don’t have wheels.
PorFin
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of
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May 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Long Visit with Isle of Hope Marina, AICW Statute Mile 590, Savannah, GA
Even before we began the Cruisers’ Net, and Isle of Hope Marina became a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, this facility was our choice as a base of operations when visiting historic Savannah. Dockmaster/owner Charlie Waller simply can’t do enough for visiting and resident cruisers alike. These truly are “good people.” Isle of Hope Marina lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of unlighted daybeacon #46A.
Our planned two day stay turned into two weeks, then a month, then two months, and now we’re staying here as liveaboards. Georgia has abandoned the 30 day annual limit on living aboard and now allows full time liveaboards in certified marinas. Isle of Hope was the first certified and now there are a handful of us liveaboards here.
As everyone else says, the staff are great and the facilities top shelf.
Dave Gibson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Hope Marina
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May 18, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
May, 2012 Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602
The AICW follows the narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years. Fortunately, dredging during the summer of 2009 had kept depths decent until December of 2010 when reports of new shoaling began. Looks like the surrounding shallows are once again beginning to creep into the channel. Effective immediately, cautious captains should begin to time their traversal of Hell Gate for mid to high tide.
Entered Hells Gate, abeam of “92” at 1348, about 1 hour after low tide. Strayed a little to far to the red side at the edge of the channel and got as low as 7.5′-corrected to center channel and saw from 8′ to 14′ to “87” at 1355, where it dropped off to 10-12′. There is a nun “90” in the cut that may not appear on some charts. Passage should not be a problem, even at low tide.
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR
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
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May 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from AICW/Cumberland Dividings Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 704
This AICW troublesome stretch lies at the intersections of the Brickhill River, Crooked River and the Waterway. Our recommendation remains to take this passage at mid to high tide.
Cumberland Dividings mile 704, had plenty of water-saw nothing less than 18′, when we went through around 1520; LT at Cumberland Wharf at 1230, +00.4′.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland Dividings
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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May 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Little Mud River, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
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. Earlier depth soundings from other cruisers have confirmed our recommendation to navigate this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Just passed through the Little Mud River area (Mile 655 @ 0825), and found real thin water (when adjusted for tide-HT 0706, +6.8′). At the entrance, G195, dropped from 14′ to 11′ to 10.6 to R194, then it ranged from 12′ to 9′ to G193. We tried to stay on the magenta line, but it looks like deeper water is east of line on the outside of the channel. Favor the green side.
Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR
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
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May 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Darien, Georgia Looks to Attract Cruisers (7 nautical miles off the AICW, near St. M. 652)
Back in February, of 2012, I visited the small, but surprisingly bustling community of Darien, Georgia by land yacht. I was impressed with the number of restaurants, the waterfront wine shop and the very welcoming attitude towards myself and cruisers in general. Now, with FREE 48-HOUR DOCKAGE, the city of Darien is making a real push to lure mariners along the 7 mile cruise from Darien River’s intersection with the AICW, to the town waterfront. And, with a well marked channel, featuring 12+ feet of MLW water, this is now a decidedly enticing proposition.
We would LOVE to hear from fellow cruisers who have made the trek to Darien’s waterfront. If this accurately describes you, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
Hello Claiborne,
I don’t know how long ago it was that you were here but we have made a great deal of improvements and added a lot of businesses near the waterfront. We are going all out to provide dockage, information and assistance to the cruisers in Darien and this is a big step. We really appreciate this and I am looking forward to seeing it on the Cruisers Net.
Thank you,
Captain Phillip
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Darien City Docks
Click Here To Read a Local News Article About the New 48-hour Free Dockage in Darien
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May 2, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Morning Star Marina at Golden Isles, AICW near Statute Mile 676

Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles - Click for Chartview
Morning Star Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.
We stayed at this Marina from February until April, on our passage from Ft. Lauderdale, home to North Carolina. We could not have been more pleased.
From our initial phone conversations with Chris Ferguson, the general manager, we were impressed.
All the staff go out of their way to be helpful. There was not a single need that was not met. The office staff called us every time we had a package/mail to be picked up- and we have a lot of packages!! Mary and Penny were great!!
The facilities are clean and ample sized. The laundry is adequate and reasonably priced.
Use of the loaner car (free) is a big plus!!
We initially planned to stay only a few weeks- one month, but liked it so well we decided to stay another month.
We will definitely stay here again when we head back south for the winter.
Of note, Melissa is no longer the dockmaster, but Chick, Buck and Alfred took very good care of us throughout our stay.
Wonderful, Wonderful Marina. Highly recommend it!
S/V SeaQuell-Robert and Becky Nordstrom
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Golden Isles Marina
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Apr 20, 2012by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
A Good Visit to Brunswick Landing Marina, Northwest of AICW Statute Mile 680
Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
Stayed here April 14-15, 2012. We stayed the better part of a month in 2009 because we liked the town and the monthly rate.The river on which it is built is considered a hurricane hole and many insurance companies may discount your policy for keeping your boat here durring the season.
Sherry still runs the marina. Her chihuahua, `Killer’ has a new companion, `Danger’, another chihuahua.
They have installed a `dock-side’ pump-out station at the gas dock so boaters no longer have to wait for high tide for Sherry to use the `Everlasting Gobslopper’ which is now retired.
It’s a floating dock marina so drop your fenders to the waterline as you approach.
The town has a couple small grocery stores and the Grog Shop’ liquor store are within (daytime) walking distance. Downtown (near the marina) restaurants come and go and there are a few decent ones as I write this. Further away, about a mile, West Marine and grocery stores await.
Taxi fare seems high to me but car rental companies will deliver a car right to the marina and I-95 traffic is close enough to see from the marina.
Every main pier has a gas grill for all to use so fire up some steaks and shrimp.
Clean restrooms and more books in the `leave one-take one’ library than you could read in a lifetime.
Laundry is still free.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina
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Apr 20, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Good Night at Thunderbolt Marine, AICW Statute Mile 583
Thunderbolt Marine is a full service yacht repair, refit facility and marina located on the Waterway at Marker #35 just outside the city limits of Savannah. We continue to hear about their good people skills, good contacts and good technical skills that make Thunderbolt Marine an excellent boatyard.
We stopped here for fuel and a night on the dock ($1.75/foot) on April 9th, 2012. The current rages here and as I motored against the current alongside the gas dock for a port-side tie-up, I tossed a springline to the dockhand. Since my propwalk swings my stern to port and the 23 ponies laboring ahead down in the bilge couldn’t overcome the rush of water, I expertly backed my boat stern-in against the gas dock. Don’t use a springline to land your boat anywhere in Georgia.
After fueling, the dockhand backed us down the pier and we tied alongside the end of the long gas dock for the night. Other boats were tied alongside the inside of the gas dock.
We ate at Tubby’s, a nearby restaurant which has free appetizers if you order a beer before 5:00.
There is a shrimpdock nearby which sports a sign that reads `Open 10:00’³. We didn’t try it but were tempted.
The marina has clean restrooms and laundry facilities.
We heard the sound of `bacon frying’ all night which we have been told is the sound of shrimp flicking their tails against your hull to knock the grass from the bottom to score a tasty veggie snack.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Thunderbolt Marine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Thunderbolt Marine
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Apr 18, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Umbrella Cut a Good Alternative to St. Andrews Sound, AICW Statute Mile 686
The choppy water problem while running the AICW’s passage across Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound results from the Waterway’s passage practically out into the briny blue, in order to clear Horseshoe Shoal, which occupies the Sound’s mid-width. Recognizing the potential for very dusty crossing here, the US Army Corps of Engineers has provided an alternate route, known as Umbrella Cut, BUT low water depths on this alternate passage can run as thin as 4 1/2 feet.
Cruising News:
Just a note that I recently rounded the north end of Cumberland Island and used the pass out of Saint Andrew bay marked “the hole” on the chart. Once around the north end of Cumberland it became apparent how dangerous this area is with shoals and breaking waves on both sides. Prudent cruisers should avoid this area at all cost. You could easily lose your boat here. The local tow boat captain told me he is not allowed to respond to calls out there. Too dangerous.
Chris Hadden
There is another route to avoid the worst of St Andrews Sound. You can go around the west end of Horseshoe Shoal and have over 8′ of water except for one small spot. Just south of G7 buoy, there is a sharp peak that rises to 4′ MLW. The charted depth of 8′ here is not accurate.
Richard Ross M/V Chez Nous
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW’s Passage Across St. Andrew Sound
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Northern End of Umbrella Cut
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Umbrella Cut
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Apr 14, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shallows Reported in Wallys Leg Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 666
Wallys Leg Anchorage is on the waters of Wallys Leg, west of flashing daybeacon #231.
In reviewing my on-site notes taken during our last visit to Wallys Leg, I can confirm that the shallow water that Captain Miller found abutting the northern shore is for real. We have always been able to find sufficient swing room to comfortably anchor vessels as large as 40 feet by favoring the southerly shoreline slightly, and dropping the hook near the stream’s mouth.
We would be very interested to hear from more cruisers who have, or have attempted, to anchor in Wallys Leg. What did you discover. Please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
On 4/7/2012, I tried to motor a circle here to assure swing room and ran aground on the north shore as soon as I left the center of the river. I gave up on this anchorage. I didn’t record the depths as charted.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Wallys Leg
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wallys Leg
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Apr 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Several Reports on Ft. McAllister Marina, Richmond Hill, GA, near AICW Statute Mile 603.5
Fort McAllister Marina lies on the Ogeechee River’s southern banks, well off the AICW and upstream of Waterway marker #98.
Actually, this is not a “newer” marina in the strictest sense, as it’s been at its current location for many years. However, Captain Colleen and Stan are right in the sense that this facility underwent a major renovation and upgrade a couple of years ago!
To all you cruisers not in a hurry, this marina/stop is a must! Ft.McAllister Marina is a beautiful newer marina in Richmond Hill, GA. Ritchie Roberts (912) 727-2632 marina #, (912) 213-1368 cell#, is the manager and so nice and helpful! the cost here is very reasonable, just $1.00 foot, plus $5.00 for electric!!! you can afford to stay a few days and tour the historical Civil War Fort McAllister and the “Ford” museum, that’s Henry Ford. Ritchie will let you take his truck during the day sightseeing or go to the local supermarket for provisions. there is a restaurant on site, “Fish Tales” open Mon. – Thur. 4PM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat. 11 AM – 12 AM , Sunday 11 AM – 8PM. well worth the stop heading north in the spring or south in the winter… Just 8 miles up the Ogeechee River off the ICW on Ossabaw Sound! this just might be the New BEST destination.
Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2 on the Power Cat, Next Endeavour
The Ogeechee River is an excellent example of a river that follows the “rules of a mud bottom channel”! Look at the chart up to Ft. McAllister Marina and you will see what we’re talking about. DO NOT GO UP THERE FOLLOWING THE CENTER OF THE RIVER!!!!
Chuck Gorgen
The river is well marked by green and red buoys all the way to the marina!we went in at low tide, it is much better if you draft over 4 ft to go in at slack tide or high tide, it is so worth the trip if your boat will take you there!
Colleen, Stan and Maybea2
The charts, both paper and Garmin and Navionics are not worth a tinker’s dam [in cruising to Fort McAllister Marina, up the Ogeechee River from the AICW]. Follow the markers until you get to the sign on the right bank that points across the river and says Marina. Then 90 degrees to port at sign and go within 100 yards of left bank where you turn upriver to marina. Now all your charts will tell you that as you cross the river you will run aground in two feet of water but if you continue straight at the sign it is deep water all the way. Nay, it is just the opposite. Alex at the marina saw us and called on the phone to warn me we were going to be in trouble.
He saved us just barely. Call ahead and stay in touch with them as you go up. Great stop and great food. Very friendly folks. Current runs fast at
dock.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort McAllister Marina
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