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    • Urmbrella Cut Alternate AICW Passage (near Statute Mile 686, northern end)

      On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      34. If anyone has run the alternate `Umbrella Cut’ ICW passage, thereby avoiding the often rough waters of St. Andrew Sound, PLEASE share your experiences, and particularly the depths you encountered, with the cruising community. My impression of this passage is that, while very useful in avoiding the Sound’s waters, depths are deteriorating.

      Responses follow:

      We have used this half a dozen times in the last 8 years and have never had a problem. The last time was in 2007, so we have no current information. We have always used it on at least a mid tide and have always had plenty of water, even for a deeper draft (our draft is 3′). It is important to remember to stay toward the outside of the curves when there are no markers
      Ralph Small
      M/V AmmyBoo, Endeavour TrawlerCat 44

      Subject: Umbrella Cut in GA
      Cruising News: We keep our trawler at Jekyll Harbor Marina and often find the \\\”back route\\\” thru Umbrella Cut to be more comfortable than going outside around the sea bouy via the ICW. The route is easy to follow especially if you are using electronic charting, but, a word to the wise, only at mid tide rising to full tide. If you draw 4 ft or more there are a couple of places that will greatly increase your pucker factor. Just go slow and understand the bottom is soft mud so if you do touch it is usually easy to back off. It is very protected and a welcome alternative to the Atlantic if the wind kicks up. The seas can be confused and fairly rough if the wind is against the tide at the sea buoy. Also note, the shoal marked by the sea buoy has progressed seaward so it is best to give it a wider berth that the chart indicates.
      Randy Tyson
      Second Star

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    • St. Marys Village and Lang’s Marina (near Statute Mile 712)

      On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      37. Can someone who has left the Waterway, and cut west up the St. Marys River to St. Marys village, southernmost port of call in coastal Georgia, please give us a report on your passage upriver, and what you found in St. Marys. Did you stay at Lang’s Marina? If so, what were your impressions of this facility. Can you recommend some good places to dine in St. Marys.

      Responses follow:

      In April 2008 we started at St Marys. This is a neat little village with some good eateries right near Langs where we tied up. The ferry to Cumberland departs from Langs. Amazingly, there is no grocery store in this town within walking distance of the marina. We stayed at the Spencer House, a wonderful taste of the old South an easy walk from the marina. There is a good boat yard around the corner a couple of miles northeast of St Marys.
      Best regards,
      Woody Norwood

      St.Mary’s Is a Wonderful little stop We stoped and are still there for the summer Langs is a reasonable Marina with lots of Restraunts neer by and it is a intresting town to visit with musiems and shops all in the down town area. Shopping is a problem if you need provisions it is a ride about 6 miles to the Walmart and outher stores the local yahct club host a Thanksgiving crusers party and members are verry helpful with local information you can usually find members at the Bait Shop in the down town waterfront park. be reminded that Georgia has a NO liveaboard law so you can only spend 30 days in Georgia living on your boat a year .(we leave the boat there and live in our land place in Florida)
      Captain Roy

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Langs Marina

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    • Jekyll Harbor Marina (Statute Mile 685)

      On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      32. Can someone please give us their impressions of wonderful Jekyll Harbor Marina, just south of the Jekyll Island Bridge (near Statute Mile 685). Did you eat at SeaJays while you were docked here? How was the food?

      Responses follow:

      We had a great stay there last month. The setting is lovely, the pool divine. No problem docking when we took the dockmasters advice. We ate at SeaJays and thought the food was quite good. Staff very friendly.
      Paul & Judy Jones
      SV Gratitude
      2005 Island Packet 445
      Draft 5′

      Our next stop was Jekyll Harbor Marina (in 2008 and 2009). This is a small facility with friendly competent service. The restaurant is open only seasonally, but the food is fine and on Friday and Saturday nights they often have live music and it can be a long wait for service (a good sign, but frustrating). The store has very limited supplies.
      Best regards,
      Woody Norwood

      Did not stay at Jekyll Harbor this year, but ate at SeaJay’s last year. I highly recommend the Brunswick Stew and Bourbon pecan pie.
      Shel Rabin
      M/V Evening Star

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

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    • Lang’s Marina (St. Marys River, Statute Mile 712)

      To visit the charming village of St. Marys by water, cruisers must depart the AICW’s track, hard by the Georgia – Florida state line, and wend their way several miles upstream (off the Waterway) to the village watefront. Here, you will find many good restaurants, and as absolutely beautiful village which demads exploration. If you want to spend a night or two with solid ground under your feet, there are at least two excellent B&B’s within easy walking distance of the marina.
      Lang’s Marina, as noted below, has always struck me as being indifferently managed. Hopefully, you will have a better experience.
      Check out this facility’s full specs by going to it’s listing in our “Georgia Marinas” at /langs-marina .

      We stayed over night at [Langs} marina and found it to be a place to rest for the night. The bathrooms were just ok (showers needed cleaning) and it was hard to locate dock master or anyone to discuss docking. The town was cool because it was so small and we were able to stop at all the local watering holes. We cruised inland up the St Mary’s and found it to have good depth worth taking a ride to see the large bluffs
      Charles Parks


      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Langs Marina

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    • Floyd Creek – Umbrulla Cut Alternate AICW Route

      Veteran AICW cruisers will tell you that the Waterway's passage across St. Andrews Sound, south of Jekyll Island, can one of the most daunting between St. Marys River and Norfolk, VA. To avoid a shoal in the sound, the AICW channel cuts almost out into the open sea before jogging back inland.
      Recognizing the potential for rough water in anything even approaching bad weather, the US Army Corps of Engineers created an alternate route around St. Andrews Sound, back when the Waterway was constructed in the 1930's. Most authorities I've seen call this alternate passage, Umbrulla Cut, though the "cut" is but a small section of this channel, and, below, Captains Jim annd Lisa refer to this route as Floyd Creek. Actually, Floyd Creek is only the southernmost portion of the passage.
      Whatever you call it, this can be a useful alternate route but ONLY at or within a hour of HIGH TIDE. I've sounded depths of as little as 4 feet in part of this alternate route at LOW water, and, these days, some soundings may even be shallower than that!
      Please note that this message was copied from the AGLCA mailing list.

      For those [cruisers] North bound on the ICW that are just getting into Georgia @ MM 694 you¹ll find Floyd Creek on your port side. If the winds have been kicking it up and it appears St Andrews Sound might be less then pleasant you have an alternative for a calm ride, as spelled out in Skipper Bob. We entered the Creek and headed NW, leaving the red buoy's to our port and green to starboard while in the Creek. If you go, go just before the high tide. We were half way through at an hour past high tide and never saw anything less then 8 feet and most was 12 to 18 feet. When you exit in to the Satilla River head NW and enter into @ G A17, follow creek and exit at G A5 in to the Little Satilla River and proceed W to Jekyll Creek and Jekyll Island where you rejoin the ICW. This route is 5 miles longer but worth the time if St Andrews Sound is sloppy or worse.
      Jim & Lisa Favors – Kismet
       Fathom 40

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    • Langs Marina – St. Marys Village (St. Marys River)

      St. Marys village is the southernmost port of call on the Georgia coastline. You must make a trek of several miles upstream on St. Marys River (which is the coastal division between Georgia and Florida) from the AICW to the village waterfront. But, it's worth it! I just love this place, at least as long as the wind is not blowing from one of the nearby pulp and paper mills (heard some of these are now non-operational). Anyone have more info on that????

      Hello All: Monday 3-16-09
      Palmetto Moon, Jim, Su, and Alex (the lazy cat) spent 3 great days Fri. – Sun. in Lang's Marina 5.3 miles up the St. Mary's river, exit ICW at MM 712.3 Good floating docks (1.00/ft), city H2O, nice tourist attractions and GOOD restaurants.
      You must try Pauly's, very small and fantastic food and inexpensive.
      This stop is worth the out of route miles. As always YMMV.
      Jim Cobb
      Palmetto Moon

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    • Cumberland Island – Sea Camp Dock Anchorage

      Captains John and Pat, in their message below, are referring to the protected anchorage abeam of the Sea Camp Dock, on the inner, southern portion of Cumberland Island. The other posting they refer to details an anchorage just off the AICW, much farther to the north. Thus, these two postings are actually concerned with two entirely different havens.
      However, anchoring off the old Sea Camp – Park Service dock is a GREAT thing to do. Dinghy ashore, and experience an unspoiled maritime forest like few others left this day and time!

      Subject: Cumberland Island Anchorage
      Cruising News: I was surprised to read the posting about poor holding at Cumberland.  We anchored Summertime just off the Sea Camp Dock over the New Year’s holiday as we have done many times in the past.  Using a 35# CQR and 100 feet of chain in 20 feet, we were indeed secure even with 30 knot gusts on the first.  True, the anchorage is open to the SW, but in any other wind, it is OK.  Don't miss the chance to anchor here and dingy ashore to explore one of the most interesting and beautiful islands in the SE.
      John & Pat Rodgers

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE) -  October 8, 2009 - 8:58 pm

        A little farther north of the sea camp dock one can anchor in 11-12 ft of water. We had no problem with holding, though the current is swift here.

        Reply to Jean
    • Cumberland Island – Waterway Anchorage (Statute mile 694)

      The anchorage referred to by Captain Chuck below consists of a charted lobe of deep water running off the AICW. There is minimal protection here from foul weather, but I did not know about the "hard" bottom. Note Chuck's reference below to grounding as well.

      Subject: Cumberland Island anchorage ICS SM 694
      Cruising News: Anchored on 8/17/08 in the waterway anchorage adjacent to Cumberland Island at FL G 37.  Had a difficult time setting our hook (35 # delta) in 10 feet of water with 7:1 scope.  Bottom very hard.  Grounded briefly the next morning at low tide.  Chart soundings are very liberal!  We bounced like a cork with moderate west winds.  I\'d suggest bypassing this anchorage for one of several within 5 miles further south.
      Chuck Taylor
      aboard S/V Music

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    • St. Marys Village, Langs Marina and Cumberland Island

      The charming village of St. Marys sits perched on the northern banks of it liked named river, hard by the Georgia – Florida state line. We ALWAYS enjoy cruising upstream (off the ICW) to St. Marys. This community is a great place to visit, with good restaurants and more than a little history!
      Cumberland Island flanks the Waterway to the east, jsut north of the St. Marys River  and the Florida-Georgia border., It is a National Park, and is WELL worth a visit. The martime forests on Cumberland, not to mention the two surviving "mansions" are absolutely dream-like!
      Thanks to Captains Ben and Barbara for the wonderful report below!

      We recently stayed at Lang's Marina in St. Mary's, Ga. This is the only marina in St. Mary's.? The small town is quite quaint and interesting. The rate was .75 pf weekly and 1.00 pf daily.? We stayed for 10 days since Ben was doing work on the boat. We had water & electric.? No other amenities.? The Harbor Master, Nate is most helpful. We were able to off load the motorcycle which allowed us to get groceries and Ben was able to get the parts he needed. You can walk to several restaurants, but it is too far to get much of anything else without transportation. The town is wonderful to explore with 2 VERY nice museums one on the Cumberland Island (which is a must stop on the ICW on Cumberland Island we anchored out and took the dingy in and went on a very informative tour given by the National Park Service ) and the other museum is on the seaport hay day of St. Mary's.? This little town is one that time has almost forgotten. We were eating on the balcony of a local restaurant and when we saw 2 cars on the street at the same time Ben said, they had a traffic jam! There are more golf carts then cars. They have a BEAUTIFUL waterfront park. The best thing was buying shrimp right off the shrimp boats as they came in! In the 10 days we were there we bought over 15 pounds of shrimp and even bought enough stone crabs for a wonderful Sunday lunch! We recommend Lang's Seafood Restaurant. Food was very good and the cost reasonable.
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

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    • Cruising South Along the Atlantic ICW

      I have copied the discussion below from the MTOA Mailing List. I hope no-one minds, as there are just too many people involved to seek individual permssions. Anyway, there is soooo much useful info in this string, which will be VERY useful to anyone traveling the Atlantic ICW, that I have taken the liberty of repeating the string here. Further coments on cruising the Waterway are certainly invited!

      We will be leaving Wilmington, N.C. sometime the 1st week of Sept.7 [and] heading south to somewhere along the Florida east coast.? We have absolutely NO schedule and want to take our time stopping along the coasts of S. Carolina, Georgia and Florida along the way.? We have been to many of the costal towns by car, but never by boat.? We are not even sure how far south in Fla. we will go.? We want to find a reasonable place to store the boat for Dec. and Jan.? We will go back to Fla. in February and take her south to the Keys.
      Is there anything of particular interest we should know (places of interest, activities, good/bad things) we might like to know about?? We will have our small motorcycle on board so we can venture away from the boat to see things, etc.? Our only
      schedule is to be back in Kentucky by Christmas!? Since we have traveling cats we will rent a car in Florida and drive back to Kentucky. We will have our computer with us so we can get/send emails along the way.? In case something "special"comes along that we should know about.
      Everyone in MTOA has been so helpful, I thought we would "pick your brains" just one more time.
      Ben and Barbar Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      We talked to Halifax Harbor in April about a slip for this coming winter and they had a large waiting list. Not sure if the economy will change that as we get closer but you might also talk with Daytona Boatworks. Also check out the Active Captain website for a complete list of all the marinas in the area.
      Jim

      Ben and Barbara,
      We love Savannah and visit several times per year — all but one trip have been via car. We stayed on the Intracoastal at a marina that was OK. I'm sure you will find several listed in the guide books. You might consider tying up near downtown on the River. There are several docks, both the Westin and the Hyatt have space. The Westin is on the wrong side of the River and is inconvenient, needing to use the ferry to get to the sights, etc.
      A must see is Kevin Barry's Irish Pub, especially if Harry (Traci's husband) is the entertainment that evening. You will be close to several of the Historic areas. Tours are available right on River Street by bus or carriage. This area is several miles up the river from the Intracoastal but much closer to many of the areas of interest. Provisioning might not be handy, but maybe not a problem for you with the motorcycle. I don't think the marinas along the Intracoastal are much more convenient for provisioning, but I may be wrong. Sounds like a fun trip. Let us all know how it goes. Feel free to contact us for more info, etc. Ron and Barb Smith
      The Lazy B

      Last November we left Charleston with a destination of Key West and returned in March. Just take your time as it sounds like is your plan. For a storage slip, I would suggest you look in the New Smyrna Beach – Ft. Pearce area for docking space, but do it now. We truly enjoyed Ft. Pearce and it has several friendly marinas. Read Claiborne Young's book on the FL East coast, it is the best in my opinion and regularly review his web site. Enjoy your trip South with no schedule and take advantage of the many, many spots to anchor between marinas.
      Toby Clark
      M/V Consort

      Good morning all:
      We spent some time in Fort Pierce 2 years ago, good spot, very helpful and central. No DIY!
      We are now on the hard in Titusville at Westland Marine, it is a DIY yard, very economical and central.
      We just purchased a Marine Trader 34' in April and are doing some major overhauls so the spot is perfect for us. Some good contractors available that have done wonderful work. We brought the boat through from Fort Myers and quite pleased with the decision.
      We will launch mid October and take off south to the Keys. Hope to see some faces to go with all these e-mails.
      Laurel and Murray Thompson
      Northern Magic

      One place you want to add to your list of stops is St. Augustine, FL which is especially beautiful from Thanksgiving through January with the whole city lighted for the holidays. For a nice description of the area see this article by Tom Neale – http://www.boatus.com/cruising/TomNeale/article_96.asp. We have spent the past two winters at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor and have thoroughly enjoyed the city and our stay at the marina. Marina has all the amenities you could want including a very nice restaurant – The Kingfish Grille – pool, courtesy car, and great showers. I'm not sure about a long term stay, but there is usually always room for transients.
      Mimi and Sam Cooper
      No Agenda
      Mainship 43 T

      Ron and Barb,
      Thanks for taking the time to give us such good and detailed information.? I am saving it so I will have it handy as we get closer to Savannah.? The last time we were in Savannah it was by car and we had dinner at The Lady and Sons. What fun!
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      As mentioned earlier, St Augustine has much to offer. Two expamples being the Lighthouse and its museum and working boat shop, and of course, the Castillo de San Marcos. Note that Camachee is a couple of miles from downtown, but does have most everything you need, and lots of people around. Though nothing is cheap here, try Oyster Creek or even closer in, Oasis Boatyard and Marina. The latter is a working boatyard (very good one) but is only a few blocks from downtown. No matter where, except City Marina (most expensive) you'll need the scooter. And how do you carry a cycle on an MT36?
      Fair Winds…
      Dennis & Bettye

      Shirley:
      Well, how far "south?"  Sanford, FL?  Near Jacksonville?
      There are delightful places to keep a boat a month or so on the St. Johns.  We would suggest the Ortega Yacht Club Marina (or any of the two or three in the same area), or go all the way to Lake Monroe at Sanford.  Stay at the Monroe Harbor Marina.  Several livaboards in the marina to give your boat a little extra security.  Nice town, too.  About 17 miles from Orlando if you need to fly out.
      Sanford is the end of a most delightful cruise up (south on) the St. Johns.
      For more information on the area, pick up any cruise guide and read it.
      Bill

      I have copied the discussion below from the MTOA Mailing List. I hope no-one minds, as there are just too many people involved to seek individual permssions. Anyway, there is soooo much useful info in this string, which will be VERY useful to anyone traveling the Atlantic ICW, that I have taken the liberty of repeating the string here. Further coments on cruising the Waterway are certainly invited!

      We will be leaving Wilmington, N.C. sometime the 1st week of Sept.7 [and] heading south to somewhere along the Florida east coast.? We have absolutely NO schedule and want to take our time stopping along the coasts of S. Carolina, Georgia and Florida along the way.? We have been to many of the costal towns by car, but never by boat.? We are not even sure how far south in Fla. we will go.? We want to find a reasonable place to store the boat for Dec. and Jan.? We will go back to Fla. in February and take her south to the Keys.
      Is there anything of particular interest we should know (places of interest, activities, good/bad things) we might like to know about?? We will have our small motorcycle on board so we can venture away from the boat to see things, etc.? Our only
      schedule is to be back in Kentucky by Christmas!? Since we have traveling cats we will rent a car in Florida and drive back to Kentucky. We will have our computer with us so we can get/send emails along the way.? In case something "special"comes along that we should know about.
      Everyone in MTOA has been so helpful, I thought we would "pick your brains" just one more time.
      Ben and Barbar Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      We talked to Halifax Harbor in April about a slip for this coming winter and they had a large waiting list. Not sure if the economy will change that as we get closer but you might also talk with Daytona Boatworks. Also check out the Active Captain website for a complete list of all the marinas in the area.
      Jim

      Ben and Barbara,
      We love Savannah and visit several times per year — all but one trip have been via car. We stayed on the Intracoastal at a marina that was OK. I'm sure you will find several listed in the guide books. You might consider tying up near downtown on the River. There are several docks, both the Westin and the Hyatt have space. The Westin is on the wrong side of the River and is inconvenient, needing to use the ferry to get to the sights, etc.
      A must see is Kevin Barry's Irish Pub, especially if Harry (Traci's husband) is the entertainment that evening. You will be close to several of the Historic areas. Tours are available right on River Street by bus or carriage. This area is several miles up the river from the Intracoastal but much closer to many of the areas of interest. Provisioning might not be handy, but maybe not a problem for you with the motorcycle. I don't think the marinas along the Intracoastal are much more convenient for provisioning, but I may be wrong. Sounds like a fun trip. Let us all know how it goes. Feel free to contact us for more info, etc. Ron and Barb Smith
      The Lazy B

      Last November we left Charleston with a destination of Key West and returned in March. Just take your time as it sounds like is your plan. For a storage slip, I would suggest you look in the New Smyrna Beach – Ft. Pearce area for docking space, but do it now. We truly enjoyed Ft. Pearce and it has several friendly marinas. Read Claiborne Young's book on the FL East coast, it is the best in my opinion and regularly review his web site. Enjoy your trip South with no schedule and take advantage of the many, many spots to anchor between marinas.
      Toby Clark
      M/V Consort

      Good morning all:
      We spent some time in Fort Pierce 2 years ago, good spot, very helpful and central. No DIY!
      We are now on the hard in Titusville at Westland Marine, it is a DIY yard, very economical and central.
      We just purchased a Marine Trader 34' in April and are doing some major overhauls so the spot is perfect for us. Some good contractors available that have done wonderful work. We brought the boat through from Fort Myers and quite pleased with the decision.
      We will launch mid October and take off south to the Keys. Hope to see some faces to go with all these e-mails.
      Laurel and Murray Thompson
      Northern Magic

      One place you want to add to your list of stops is St. Augustine, FL which is especially beautiful from Thanksgiving through January with the whole city lighted for the holidays. For a nice description of the area see this article by Tom Neale – http://www.boatus.com/cruising/TomNeale/article_96.asp. We have spent the past two winters at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor and have thoroughly enjoyed the city and our stay at the marina. Marina has all the amenities you could want including a very nice restaurant – The Kingfish Grille – pool, courtesy car, and great showers. I'm not sure about a long term stay, but there is usually always room for transients.
      Mimi and Sam Cooper
      No Agenda
      Mainship 43 T

      Ron and Barb,
      Thanks for taking the time to give us such good and detailed information.? I am saving it so I will have it handy as we get closer to Savannah.? The last time we were in Savannah it was by car and we had dinner at The Lady and Sons. What fun!
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      As mentioned earlier, St Augustine has much to offer. Two expamples being the Lighthouse and its museum and working boat shop, and of course, the Castillo de San Marcos. Note that Camachee is a couple of miles from downtown, but does have most everything you need, and lots of people around. Though nothing is cheap here, try Oyster Creek or even closer in, Oasis Boatyard and Marina. The latter is a working boatyard (very good one) but is only a few blocks from downtown. No matter where, except City Marina (most expensive) you'll need the scooter. And how do you carry a cycle on an MT36?
      Fair Winds…
      Dennis & Bettye

      Shirley:
      Well, how far "south?"  Sanford, FL?  Near Jacksonville?
      There are delightful places to keep a boat a month or so on the St. Johns.  We would suggest the Ortega Yacht Club Marina (or any of the two or three in the same area), or go all the way to Lake Monroe at Sanford.  Stay at the Monroe Harbor Marina.  Several livaboards in the marina to give your boat a little extra security.  Nice town, too.  About 17 miles from Orlando if you need to fly out.
      Sanford is the end of a most delightful cruise up (south on) the St. Johns.
      For more information on the area, pick up any cruise guide and read it.
      Bill

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