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    • May 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0648,-81.4289999

      Healy Report: Jekyll Creek, GA Problem Stretch AICW Statute Mile 683


       View In Chartview

      Experienced cruisers and frequent Cruisers Net contributors Jim and Peg Healy share their ships log and navigation watches as M/V Sanctuary travels north on the FL/GA Waterway. Thank you Jim and Peg!
      Jekyll Creek is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina, one of the best, as Jim and Peg discovered!.

      We called Jekyll Harbor Marina for local knowledge on dredging status in Jekyll Creek. The dredge is now working in the shallowest area of the creek, and the advice was to stand down and wait for more water. JHM let us tie up on the face dock, and let us hook up to power at no charge. The mid-day heat was brutal, so I considered that courtesy as above and beyond! Kudus to Jekyll Harbor for their welcome! We enjoyed a nice lunch there, and departed northbound at 13h30 with the tide at +2.3 ft. No issues. From the bridge to the dredge, we saw a steady 9.0 ft up to the dredge. North of the dredge, for about 1/4 mile, it was bad; 5.5 ft. Not passable for most cruising boats at MLW. But, within a couple of weeks – and certainly by fall – Jekyll creek should be fine for a change! Around 6.5 to 7 ft, MLW.
      Jim and Peg Healy aboard Sanctuary
      Monk 36 Hull #132

      See also Shallow Depths in Jekyll Creek

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Jekyll Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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    • May 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.9937,-81.41639999

      Healy Report: St Andrew Sound, GA AICW Statute Miles 685-690


       View In Chartview

      Numerous route options to navigate St Andrew Sound, especially in foul weather, have been posted on Cruisers Net. Type St Andrew Sound in our Homepage Search window for those reports. Experienced cruisers and frequent Cruisers Net contributors Jim and Peg Healy share their ships log and navigation watches as M/V Sanctuary travels north on the FL/GA Waterway. Thank you Jim and Peg!

      We crossed St. Andrews Sound between 08h45 and 09h15, with the tide at Jekyll Creek at 1.8 ft. We crossed the tip of Horseshoe Shoal with 7.5 ft of water. Conditions were dead flat, so I would not recommend that route near low tide with any significant seas on St. Andrews Sound. With only 5.5 ft, +/-, some cruising boats would potentially have problems, and certainly so with 2 ft seas.
      Jim and Peg Healy aboard Sanctuary
      Monk 36 Hull #132

      See also Comments on St Andrew Sound

       

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW’s Passage Across St. Andrew Sound

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    • May 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.8504,-81.47689999

      Healy Report: Cumberland Dividings, GA AICW Statute Mile 704


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      Experienced cruisers and frequent Cruisers Net contributors Jim and Peg Healy share their ships log and navigation watches as M/V Sanctuary travels north on the FL/GA Waterway. Thank you Jim and Peg!
      Problem Stretch Cumberland Dividings at the intersection of the Waterway and Brickhill River has been a Problem Stretch for several years due to constantly shifting shoals and an erroneous magenta line on many chartplotters.

      The Cumberland Dividings were fine as marked. Floating R”60″ has been moved slightly north again. We cleared R”60″ at 08h30, with tide at Crooked River at +3.5. We saw at least 9.0 ft, so at least 6.5 ft at MLW. We did not that we needed to stay north there, close to the shoreline. The south side is shoaling. Creates anxiety, but doable for most cruising boats except at celestial lows.
      Jim and Peg Healy

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net 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 27, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0648,-81.4289999

      Shallow Depths in Jekyll Creek, GA Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 683


       View In Chartview

      As Richard Ross warned in early May, Caution Still Needed, Sean Foley reminds us that, despite ongoing dredging in the creek, a sharp eye on your depth finder is a wise choice until the dredging project has been completed. And like TowBoatUS, mid to high tide is Cruisers Net’s recommendation for safe passage.

      If you draw five feet or more, enter Jekyll Creek from the north only at or very close to peak high tide. Our depth finder showed less than 6 feet of water at Marker 17 an hour before the afternoon peak high tide. We draw 5 feet so we had less than a foot of clearance. The ongoing dredging operations will greatly improve this situation, but until the project is completed use caution and time your entry properly. The dockmaster told me it will take another few weeks to complete the project. I had called TowBoat US for local knowledge before entering the Creek and he suggested a mid-tide or higher entry would be ok. He was correct, but I’d say make it closer to peak high tide.
      By the way, after I submitted my comment I spotted a couple of skeptical responses to the early May advisory from two other skippers. The answer here is that the dredging equipment is by necessity occupying the Jekyll Creek channel around markers 17 and 19, forcing boat traffic into the western shallows. The dredging crew has advised Tow Boat US to tell deep draft vessels to pass as close as safely possible to the west side of the dredging barge/equipment.
      Cheers,
      Sean Foley

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Jekyll Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      AREA SPONSORING MARINA

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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    • May 2, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 31.0648,-81.4289999

      Caution Still Needed in Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683


       View In Chartview

      This long overdue dredging is very welcome, but as Richard Ross confirms, the dredging has not been completed so GO SLOW and KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE DEPTH FINDER! Because the channel through this Problem Stretch seems to shift with each tide and until the dredging proves otherwise, Cruisers Net still recommends mid to high tide passage.

      By now everyone cruising the ICW should know that Jekyll Creek is being dredged.
      We came thru there today (May 2/19) near high tide and saw 2 ft MLW near the infamous marker 19. The dredge is at the north end and will be working its way south. Completion is scheduled for June 15. So don’t strike this off your list of Georgia problem stretches yet.
      Richard Ross

      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

      AREA SPONSORING MARINA

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Richard Ross -  May 15, 2019 - 10:48 am

        In reply to Dave and Bob. Sorry it took so long, we have been out cruising.

        MLW depths mean the water depth at low tide. Of course the water was much deeper at close to high tide when we went thru (We draw 5 ft), but I subtracted the tide when calculating water depth. The bottom line is that until the dredging is finished, most boats will not be able to pass this section at low tide.

        Reply to Richard
      3. Bob Keller -  May 2, 2019 - 10:01 pm

        With all due respect, it is hard to believe that there was 2 ft mlw in Jekyll Creek today near high tide. These kinds of reports are useless to cruisers and actually are detrimental because they do not potray a complete picture. Exactly where near green 19 were you when you saw 2 ft? I suspect you were quite far off G 19 and which direction were u heading, north or south? I travel through here several times a year and have never heard of 2 ft at mlw except if you are out of the channel, off course or have not paid attention to the many tracks and routes posted online to easily traverse this area.

        Reply to Bob
    • Apr 26, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Explore Your Ocean Treasures at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

      Explore your ocean treasures at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

       

       

      Upcoming public meeting, student robotics competition, and special volunteer recognition

      EXPLORE GRNMS diver banner

      NOAA science diver Randy Rudd descending to the depths of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo credit: Dr. Peter Auster/UCONN

      SAC October 2018

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to meet

      NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will hold a meeting on
      April 30, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Library Auditorium of the University of
      Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. The public is invited to attend.

      Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council holds two in-person meetings every year. The council will receive reports about science activities and results, including a presentation by NOAA research scientist Dr. Jenni Stanley about her work to characterize soundscapes in Gray’s Reef and three other national marine sanctuaries. Council member Bob Crimian from The Nature Conservancy will report on TNC’s recreational angler engagement project.

      Public comment will be taken at approximately 4:00 p.m.
      For updates including a final agenda, visit
      https://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/sac/council_news.html  

      MATE ROV Gray's Reef

      Gray’s Reef Southeast MATE ROV Competition

      Students from across the southeast will compete in Savannah, GA on Saturday, May 11th with their underwater robots (ROVs) in a mission involving habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, maritime archaeology, and structural maintenance of freshwater dams. Come learn about applied ocean sciences, operations, engineering and opportunities for student learning with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at the Southeast MATE ROV Competition!     

      #graysreef #materov #graysreefnmsf

      Gray's Reef NMS Volunteer of the Year Katie Miller

      Gray’s Reef Volunteer of the Year – Katie Miller

      Join us in congratulating Katie Miller for being Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s Volunteer of the Year! Katie has acted as a dedicated and engaged outreach volunteer since 2015 and is being recognized for her outstanding service to the site in 2018. Katie is a stellar student, now in her first year at Dartmouth College, who is inspired by the ecology of coastal Georgia and seeks opportunities to learn about and protect our ocean planet. We wish her all the best and congratulate Katie on a job well done!

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    • Apr 25, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Georgia’s Coast Given an A- on the Ecosystem Report Card

      Georgia’s 105 mile coast has been given an A- for this year, the highest grade since the grading began in 2014. This is good news for everyone. See links below for the full story.

      CRD: Coastal report card shows improved environmental health

      The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources today announces the release of the 2018 Coastal Georgia Ecosystem Report Card. This annual snapshot of Georgia’s 105-mile coastline examines key indicators in human health, fisheries and wildlife.

      This year, the report card’s metrics scored our coast at an “A-“, which is the highest score for the report card since its inception in 2014.

      Here is a link to a press release, and the report can be downloaded directly by visiting https://coastalgadnr.org/sites/default/files/crd/PressRelease/Report%20Card%202018.pdf or clicking the link above.

      Have a great day,

      Tyler Jones
      Communication Specialist 
      Coastal Resources Division 
      (912) 262-3140 | M: (912) 230-9709
      Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
      Buy a hunting or fishing license today!
      —————————————————

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    • Apr 23, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.0647,-81.42869999

      Good News! UPDATE: Dredging Underway, Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683


       View In Chartview

      This long overdue dredging is very welcome, because the channel through this Problem Stretch seems to shift with each tide and, until the dredging proves otherwise, Cruisers Net still recommends mid to high tide passage.


      Below is a link to information about the dredging of Jekyll Creek off Jekyll Island set to begin  April 10 (date revised March 11, 2019). Crews will arrive Monday for staging. This has been a long time in the making. Jekyll Creek is one of the most shallow points in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Georgia and has not been dredged since 1998.

      Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be using two new techniques to manage dredge sediments. You can read all about it in the link below. Please don’t hesitate if you have questions. I’m also working on putting a short video together about this with some drone footage showing the locations referenced on the website. I expect to have that available tomorrow for TV stations and anyone else who’d like it.

      You can read all about it here: www.coastalGADNR.org/JekyllCreek

      Tyler Jones
      Communications Specialist
      Coastal Resources Division 
      (912) 262-3140 | M: (912) 230-9709
      Follow us on Facebook
      Buy a fishing license today!

      Click here to sign up for CRD news delivered to your inbox

      —————————————————
      A division of the
      GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

      3/12/19  Jekyll Creek dredging pilot project set for April
      Brunswick News

      GEORGIA
      Dredging in Jekyll Creek begins this month
      News4Jax

      Jekyll Creek Dredging Information Video

      Dredging in Jekyll Creek begins this month
      WJXT News4JAX

      Big dredging project underway in Jekyll Creek
      WJXT News4JAX

       

      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

       

       

      AREA SPONSORING MARINA

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Richard Ross -  May 2, 2019 - 2:31 pm

        By now everyone cruising the ICW should know that Jekyll Creek is being dredged.
        We came thru there today (May 2/19) near high tide and saw 2 ft MLW near the infamous marker 19. The dredge is at the north end and will be working its way south. Completion is scheduled for June 15. So don’t strike this off your list of Georgia problem stretches yet.
        Richard Ross

        Reply to Richard
    • Apr 14, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0462,-81.42259999

      Jekyll Island, 2011-2014 by Sonny Reeves


       View In Chartview

      Our thanks to Sonny Reeves, an experienced cruiser and photographer, for this photo essay on Jekyll Island where he, his wife, Jean and their rescue Dachshund, Suzsea, lived for a number of years on their boat at Jekyll Harbor Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.

       

      Click here for Jekyll Island, 2011-2014

       

      Suzsea

      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

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    • Apr 9, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.7706,-81.47079999

      Excellent Report on Cumberland Island, South Georgia AICW


       View In Chartview

      Our thanks to Richard and Jill Spurlock for granting permission to share their excellent description of Cumberland Island as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Cumberland Island National Seashore is a National Park on the east shore of the Waterway’s passage through Cumberland Sound south of Jekyll Island. There are only dinghy docks on the island and one of Claiborne’s favorite side trips along the south Georgia coast was to leave the Waterway at marker #34 and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel to anchor off the west side of Cumberland Island and east of Drum Point Island. See Anchoring off Cumberland Island and the Park’s website is https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm.

      If you would like to explore a great island park stop at Cumberland Island National Park just North of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Cumberland Island is the first barrier island you see [northbound] after you cross the Georgia line on the ICW. There is a long anchorage area that is protected except from the south and southwest. There were boats from 22 feet to 55 feet anchored in this 1/2 mile long anchoring area while we were visiting. There is a lot to see and do here if you like the outdoors. There are the Dungeness ruins, remains of a huge mansion and outbuildings, wild horses, Plum Orchard Mansion still intact with tours. You can also walk a half a mile to the Atlantic side and have a beach that goes as far as you can see. We only met two people walking the beach the day we were there. If the weather is nice you can easily spend 3 days here walking and enjoying the outdoors. There are 2 docks where you can tie a dinghy on the southern end and one on the Brickhill River where the Plum Orchard Mansion is located. This is a national park so there is a $10 per person entry fee for adults. Check it out on the web.
      Richard and Jill Spurlock
      Jill Kristy
      MacGregor 26 X

      Cumberland Island Beach, photo by Sonny Reeves

      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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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Mar 28, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.9937,-81.4169999

      Comments on St. Andrew Sound, GA AICW Statute Miles 685-690


       View In Chartview

      In this Facebook posting on Bob423, Tom Hale describes his recent  St Andrew Sound passage. St Andrew Sound can kick up nasty conditions in the shallows of the Waterway’s magenta line east around infamous Marker 32. Alternative routes have been explored and suggested as long as I can remember. See Robert Sherer’s alternate route for more on this often challenging sound.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW’s Passage Across St. Andrew Sound

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    • Mar 28, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Comments on Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683

      In this Facebook posting, Tom Hale is referring to Dredging to Begin, Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683 on Bob423’s blog.

       

      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

      AREA SPONSORING MARINA

      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

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    • Mar 14, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Celebrate Spring with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Savannah, GA

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

       

      Fall gorgonians at GRNMS credit Greg McFall

      These sea fans at Gray’s Reef are animals classified as cnidaria (naɪˈdɛəriə), a family containing over 11,000 aquatic species found mainly in our ocean. Photo credit: Greg McFall/GRNMS

      R/V Joe Ferguson

      Calling all Captains!

      Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, a unit of the University of Georgia, seeks applications to fill an immediate need for a Captain / Marine Operations Coordinator with NOAA/Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

      This position serves as Master of the R/V Joe Ferguson, a 41 ft research vessel, and the R/V Sam Gray, a 36 ft research vessel operated by Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. In coordination with the Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC), ensures effective vessel operation and safety of ship and crew personnel to successfully complete science cruise missions. This is a full time position with time/effort split between cruises (<120 days per year with average duration of 10hrs) and shore duties.  For more information on the duties and responsibilities, training and experience, and how to apply click here

      Float

      Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade

      Be on the lookout for the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary float during the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16. We will bring the reef to the street and showcase the treasures of the sea during the “Hostess City” of the south’s 195th heritage parade. Take pictures of the Gray’s Reef float and share them with us at  #graysreef

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    • Feb 8, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.0653,-81.4289999

      More on Capsized Tug in Jekyll Creek, GA AICW Statute Mile 683


       View In Chartview

      This large tug capsized in December just north of the fixed bridge over Jekyll Creek, Jekyll Island, GA. The tug has now been removed, see Bruce’s comment below. See Sunken Tug and Capsized Tug for earlier reports. 

       

      Capsized tugboat floating off Jekyll Island for more than 2 weeks
      WJXT News4JAX

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bruce Hildreth -  February 8, 2019 - 4:51 pm

        The capsized tug located to the side of the AICW approximately 1 mile north of Jekyll Island Marina has been removed.
        Bruce Hildreth

        Reply to Bruce
    • Jan 24, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0462,-81.42259999

      Great News: Jekyll Creek Beneficial Use Project Awarded, GA AICW Statute Mile 685


       View In Chartview

      This improvement project for this major ICW Problem Stretch is an example of how Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association is working to secure the necessary funding to benefit all intracoastal boaters. See FOCUS ON AIWA and join today! Jekyll Creek is home to Jekyll Harbor Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, lying along the easterly banks of the Waterway’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge.

      Dear Georgia stakeholders and friends of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA),

      As everyone knows, the AIWA has been focused on the maintenance dredging of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway at Jekyll Creek, Georgia and the placement of material in a beneficial use project for over two years. Today, we received great news as those efforts and the heavy lifting of many others has led to an upcoming project- The Jekyll Creek Beneficial Use project has been officially awarded to Cottrell Contracting Corporation. This project will involve the dredging of material from Jekyll Creek and placing the material in a thin-layer on the northern end of Jekyll creek for marsh restoration and enhancement, and also in a nearby deep hole.

      Although a schedule is not yet available as the contract was just signed, everyone wants to move quickly so I am hopeful that they will be starting in 30-45 days. I am happy to answer any questions you might have and want to thank you for your ongoing support, and for some of you, your direct support of this effort.

      All the best and congratulations to all of us.

      Respectfully,

      Brad

      Brad Pickel
      Executive Director
      Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association
      5A Market
      Beaufort, SC 29906
      843-379-1151

       

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Jekyll Creek

      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

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    • Dec 22, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.9678,-81.50189999

      Another Alternate Route for St. Andrew Sound, GA AICW Statute Miles 685-690


       View In Chartview

      St Andrew Sound can kick up nasty conditions in the shallows of the Waterway’s magenta line east around infamous Marker 32. Alternative routes have been explored and suggested as long as I can remember. Robert Sherer’s alternate route below does avoid Marker 32 but is a bit longer. However, Robert’s southbound alternate route, which parallels the north shore of the sound, if continued parallel on a southwest course, would connect nicely to the Satilla River, then into Floyd’s Creek, rejoining the Waterway in the Cumberland River near Mile 690. See Jim Healy’s report on St. Andrew Sound and Avoiding Marker 32.   Our thanks to Robert Sherer for this discussion via Bob423.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Satilla River/Floyd’s Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW’s Passage Across St. Andrew Sound

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. William Shaw -  December 29, 2018 - 6:42 am

        I’ve been using this for a couple of years, it still gets rough but the waves are smaller than the old route

        Reply to William
    • Oct 31, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.7706,-81.47079999

      Healy Report: Walburg Creek to Cumberland Island, AICW Statute Miles 623 to 711


       View In Chartview

      Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! For timely remarks on Cumberland Island Anchorage, see Anchoring off Cumberland Island.

      On Tuesday, 0/20/2018, Sanctuary and crew transited from Walburg Creek anchorage to an anchorage on the Cumberland River, south of St. Andrews Sound, off the ICW at Cumberland Island. Observations follow:

      We arrived at the Little Mud River at 11h00. The tide station at Wolf Island was reporting 5.1’+ rising. North to south:

      R184 12.9′
      13.4′ low water between markers
      G184/R188 19.6′
      10.2′ low water between markers
      G189 20.7′
      R190 15.1′
      11.0′ low water between markers
      R192 13.9′
      11.0′ low water between markers
      G195 11.8′
      10.9′ low water between markers
      R194 11.1′
      G195 12.2′

      The control depth was (10.2 – 5.1) = 5.1 and MLLW. Follow the visual center of the river on the straight section and SLIGHTLY favor the outside radius of the curves. We were too close to G195, but that wasn’t the low water anyway.

      In Altamaha Sound, you must clear R208 by at least 300′; stay to the far green side for the best water.

      In Altamaha Sound, clear G211 by 200′. There is a range there that will take you too close to G211, so do not follow the range; favor red for the best water.

      We arrived at Jekyll Creek and 17h08. The tide station at Jekyll Island Marina was showing 4.9’+ falling. North to south:

      G5/R6 11.5′
      G7/R8 22.4′
      R10 15.2′
      G11 12.5′
      9.9′ low water between markers
      G13 10.0′
      9.6′ low water between markers
      R16 9.7′
      G17 5.7′
      G19 8.6′
      6.1′ low water between markers
      R20 8.0′
      7.8′ low water between markers
      R20A 8.9′
      BRIDGE 10.2′

      We were at 1/2 tide for this transit. The control depth was in the vicinity of G17 (5.7 – 4.9) = 0.8′. Wow. Could we have been is a less than ideal place? Sure. But this creek is quite narrow, so it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference. There’s very skinny in that area.

      Jekyll Creek and Hell Gate are the two places we’ve seen so far that will require help from the tide for most boats to get through.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage

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    • Oct 30, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.7706,-81.47079999

      Anchoring off Cumberland Island, GA AICW Statute Mile 711.5


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      One of Claiborne’s favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW was to leave the Waterway at marker #34 and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel to anchor off the west side of Cumberland Island and east of Drum Point Island. I am not sure if this anchorage is where Perry McDonald dropped hook, but I am very sure that Perry was experiencing the true essence and joy of cruising and that you will enjoy his observations!

      We recently anchored (s/v Rasselas) with my friend Fred (s/v Rhombus) for a couple of days at Cumberland Island, GA. Cumberland is unique from most islands in that it offers abundant wildlife (horses, deer, hogs, eagles, hawks, etc.) and 18th/19th century ruins (Dungeness) not to mention a beautiful long beach one can leisurely stroll or reserve one of the Park’s bikes for several hours or miles along clearly marked bike paths.

      I arose early the second morning taking note of the sounds and sights while lazily sitting in the cockpit of the boat. I first noticed the calm still water surrounding our boats as the sun made it way above the horizon to welcome this sailor a new day. At first the water seemed motionless but upon further examination you could see the ever slow current carrying a number of barely visible particles glimmering in the water as the sun rose. I noticed a school of bait fish making their way along to the shore and then a splash as they came under attack. This only lasted a few minutes and then the water return to the stillness I had been enjoying. Soon I heard the sound of an osprey in search of food maybe for itself or possibly some hungry nesting young. It was soon joined by several other ospreys. Then one of the birds swooped down with great speed and grace and plucked a fish from the water and flew off to the tree line. By this time my morning cup of coffee was gone and the temperature was rising so I decided to dangle my feet in the cool water from the swim platform. To my amazement I was soon visited by a group of dolphins frolicking nearby but became curious about who might be anchored in the their waters. To my astonishment they came within feet of my feet as if to say good morning and welcome to our home. They would return several more times during my stay. On the shore some of the island’s famous wild horses moseyed along the shoreline feeding on the tender green grass revealed by the low tide. When you think you have heard and seen all there is–there is more. The sky above Rasselas filled with high pitch squeals of two magnificent bald eagles circling above as if performing a ballet of sorts. They flew in perfect unison scouring the waters below much like the earlier ospreys in search of meal. They soon vanished as they had appeared. Not long after the eagles disappearance the calmness and quietness of my surrounding were soon to be interrupted by the blasting horn from the arrival of the first Cumberland Island ferries depositing a small number of early arrivals to the island. Soon to be joined by the first if several sightseeing tour boats loaded with anxious tourists wanting to take that perfect picture or maybe just one of several selfies. Next to Rasselas lies Drum Point Island and it was beginning to become awash in the wakes of the passing boats as the morning passed.

      Before I realized it was time to find a shady spot to hide from the noonday blazing sun ending my account of the sounds and sights (14-15 Oct 30, 2018 of my incredible morning anchored at Cumberland Island.

      Perry is a retired LTC and sails s/v Rasselas (Hunter 36) with his wife. When not cruising and exploring the southeast coast and nearby islands they.live in St. Augustine, FL.
      Perry McDonald

      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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    • Oct 30, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.6677,-81.1619999

      Healy Report: Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA, AICW Statute Miles 539 to 619N or 623.5S


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      Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. My young daughters always declared the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! 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 northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg!

      On Monday, 10/29/2018, Sanctuary and crew travelled from Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA. Following, some observations:

      We arrived at Ramshorn’s Cut at 10h15 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Daufuskie Landing) showing 5.8+ rising. We saw 11.0 ft, so (11.0 – 5.8) = 5.2′ at MLLW. The channel between G39 and R40 has narrowed further. We took the visual center.

      We arrived at the un-named connector between the New River and the Wright River at 10h38 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Hargray Pier) showing 6.2+ rising. We saw 12.2 ft, so (12.2 – 6.2) = 6.0′ at MLLW. Follow the visual center. Honor, but stay away from, the lateral markers on pilings.

      We arrive at Field’s Cut at 11h06 with the tide station at Field’s Cut showing 7.6+ rising. Southbound, take the visual center between G47 and R48, and line up on Field’s Cut. HONOR R48A, which appears off-station to the East. We saw 11.2 ft passing about 25 ft off R48A, so (11.2 – 7.6) = 3.6′ at MLLW. This was a surprise! We followed the visual center of Field’s Cut, favoring the outside radius of the turns. That 3.6′ area was the control depth of the cut. Cross-currents are significant at the Savannah River. Be alert for river traffic and cross currents.

      There was a large, working crane barge at the Causton Bluff bridge. It appears “they” are replacing that bridge with a high rise. Another surprise.

      We arrived at Hell Gate (MM600) at 14h18, with the Egg Islands Tide Station reporting +7.0 falling. Depths we saw:
      G87 13.5′
      G89 10.4′
      9.8 low water between markers
      R90 10.9
      G91 10.4

      So (9.8 – 7.0) = 2.8′ MLLW. Also note, as you enter this cut from the Vernon River, there is a STRONG cross current that will try to sweep you sideways. Boats will need some power and some aggressive steering to stay on the best route. We crabbed into the lee of the current at about a 20° angle. There is a prominent visual distraction just to the west of the marked channel. There is a piling left over from some previous danger mark standing prominently, while the red and green floaters that mark the channel are low to the water and hard to see. Do not confuse that piling as a valid channel marker. Follow and honor the cans and nuns in the water

      Net: the overall condition of the A-ICW continues to deteriorate. Most cruising boats will need some tide help to get through this section. Plan accordingly.

      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina

      Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Richard Ross -  November 9, 2018 - 7:24 pm

        Passed thru Fields Cut on Nov 9, 2018, and found a minimum of 8 feet MLW at north end of Fields Cut. But there are two possible "gotchas". R48A appears to be off station, but it is not. For best water pass half way between R48A and the eastern shore. Also, be aware that once you turn to enter Fields Cut, (if southbound) you will be subject to strong cross currents.

        Reply to Richard

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