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Course Suggestion for St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690
Bypassing Marker #32 in St. Andrew Sound to avoid open ocean waters has been the topic of much discussion in the past, see /130975 and /130801. Rick offers a straight forward course that does not require extra miles of travel. Mid to high tide would be essential for this route. If you try this course, let us hear from you.
Cruising News
We are local to this area and find that if we run along a line between the larger water tank on Jekyll with the lighthouse on Little Cumberland we have no problems with depth. We only draw 4.5′ but I don’t recall ever seeing single digit depths along this line. I’m not recalling any number below 12′. In timing out passage through Jekyll Creek we try to pass here at half tide which would be +3 above normal MLLW.
RickClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to John
We have cut the R-32 buoy for several years. Our draft is 4 feet and I don’t recall seeing less than 4 feet even at low tide.
- Reply to Peter
I have followed the suggested “shortcut” countless times in the last 10 years. Draw 4 feet, usually find 12 foot depths.
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Good Review of Jekyll Harbor Marina and Jekyll Island, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge.
If it were not for the exposure to the weather, I would have given this marina five stars. You are tied up to a face dock and wind out of the south can make things exciting. There can also be a wake problem when one of the jerks who can not understand the “no wake” sign come past.
Aside from the above the place is wonderful. It is right on the ICW, has fuel, a pumpout ($15.00) and the rate is reasonable. The staff is on the ball and will be happy to help you with any questions. There is a restaurant at the marina but for serious dining you want to head for the Jekyll Island Club. In fact, if you have the time a tour of the historic district is a must. You can find out how the rich and famous lived back around 1900.
They have made quite a few changes over the last few years. There is now a high end market available next to the convention center. It is well stocked and also has a few restaurants inside. Be forewarned, nothing on Jekyll Island is cheap.
Public transportation is very limited, so bring your bikes or be prepared to rent a car from Enterprise, in Brunswick, they will pick you up at the marina. If you rent a car, everything that you will ever need is in Brunswick.
If you like to ride bikes, the Island has over 20 miles of trails. The locals will stop for you where the trail crosses the road. Most tourists, not so. They will flatten you ass in a heartbeat.
We arrived in early December and ended up staying for the entire month. We will be back in the spring.
Dave BoxmeyerClick 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
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to James
First, I loved Dave’s comment about tourists and bikers. That cracked me up!
Back to Jekyll Island (JI). I am so glad that more and more cruisers are discovering all that JI has to offer. It is a biker’s paradise with lots of roads and trails and very little vehicle traffic. Groceries are available on JI in the new shopping area, which is a short bike ride from the marina.
If you are looking for beach access, then you are in for a treat with the newly built Great Dunes Park. This beach is near the Convention Center and new shopping area and have excellent facilities. Here’s a map link.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zDiAQ7gKynoI.kW7odN2cr2ao&hl=en_US
Also, as mentioned by Dave, a visit to the Historic District is a must. Photos just don’t do this place justice. My wife and I spend part of our honeymoon on JI 43 years ago, and we visit there several times a year and it never gets old.
http://www.jekyllisland.com/project/historic-sites/
If you are a cruiser looking for a nice layover then JI is just the place. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. From the Turtle Center, to Drfttwood Beach, to Glory Beach, Latitude 31 and Driftwood Bistro restaurants there are treasures to be discovered on Jekyll Island, GA’s “Nearest Far Away Place.”
- Reply to Sonny
We were there for 5+ years. The bike trails are awesome! The restaurant is closed (had a kitchen the size of a closet) Better eats at other places on island.
The comment about the bikes and tourist are spot on. Georgia law DOES Not require a motorist to stop for a person on a bicycle in the crosswalk.
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High Praise for Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
It is always nice to get good reviews and especially nice when it is on one of our SPONSORS! Jekyll Harbor Marina is one of my favorite stops – even Jimmy Buffett stops here! Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge.
Once safely through the shoals before the bridge, Jekyll Island Marina justifiably remains a favourite friendly stopover for boats of all shapes and sizes. Not only impeccable facilities but now they offer a courtesy golf cart enabling you to visit the brand new Beach Village stores and ogle at the huge mansions once owned by JP Morgan, Rockefeller and other “robber barons” of bygone years. Wonderful golf courses and even croquet amidst impeccable and super clean landscaping wherever you go. An onsite restaurant offers great local sea food dishes. Other amenities include a laundry, free WiFi, fish cleaning station, clean showers and fuel at competitive prices – I was able even to have Pisces pressure washed at very reasonable cost. Both staff and fellow boaters will do everything possible to make your stay pleasant and safe. During “snowbird” season, you might like to make a reservation either via VHF 16 or telephone (912) 635 3137. Undoubtedly a Five Star rating…….
Cap’n ParkyClick 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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Report from Problem Stretch, Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 683
Our thanks to Skipper Newsome for responding to a Nav Alert posted last year by a longtime resident of Jekyll Harbor Marina, Sonny Reeves. As Sonny would tell us, the channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift a little with each tide and, as Skipper Newsome advises, “finding” the deep water at low tide is key to a successful passage at low tide. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage for this Problem Stretch. See other recent reports and further advice at /?p=148121 and /?p=144895.
Passed through this area on 10/25/15 an hour past low tide and saw no less than 7-1/2′. Assuming there is at least 1′ more water an hour into the flood, this means there was at least 6′ to 6-1/2′ of water at low tide. And there was a negative .2′ tide yesterday that I’m not taking into consideration. A dock hand at Jekyll Island marina told us prior to passing through that there is at least 6′ of water in Jekyll Creek. We confirmed this with our readings.
The key to passing through here near low tide is `finding’ the water. Skippers reporting less than 6′ of water obviously aren’t in the deepest area of the channel. I draw 5’8’³ and still wouldn’t pass through here at dead low, but I feel pretty confident making the run through here an hour past low, assuming there’s not a huge negative low tide.
James Newsome
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchClick 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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Good Advice for Navigating AICW/Cumberland Dividings Problem Stretch and Brickhill River, Statute Miles 696-704
The Brickhill makes a pleasant, parallel detour east of the Waterway, with a north departure at Waterway marker #40 and rejoining the Waterway at Cumberland Dividings, markers #62 and #63. Cumberland Dividings has been a Problem Stretch for several years due to constantly shifting shoals and an erroneous magenta line on many chartplotters. Capt. Thorpe advises you to follow the Green markers on the east side of the channel and ignore the Red.
I have been going through this stretch for ten years at all tide stages in a coastal passenger ship 240′ long drawing 9 feet’¦coming South staying to the left (GPS will show you actually going through the marsh) will carry 20+ feet all the way. Forget that the red markers exist!
Henry ThorpeClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland DividingsClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to James
Henry’s advice is spot on. I learned the lesson here many years ago when I misread the markers and relied on the magenta line. I had good company as two other boats, one northbound and the other southbound with me, all ran aground. Follow the navigational aids favoring the green marker and you will have no problem.
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More Shallows Reported at Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683
We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and mid to high tide only for this passage. See Navigation Alert from October. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. For good advice on this Problem Stretch go to: /?p=145894. Jekyll Creek is home to Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Unluckily, I had to pass both Hell Gate and Jekyll Creek at dead low tide the last couple of days. Both were 4 feet. Jekyll was 4 feet from beacon 20A to 13. High banks of mud less than 50 feet on both sides means the channel cannot be more than 100 feet wide when full. I consider this to be a no passing zone. Hell Gate was 4 feet from just before beacon 89 for another few 100 feet. I draw 3′-9″ and just had my Fathometer rebuilt, so I now have confidence, but have not touched bottom recently for the final accuracy test.
Ray SchmidtClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchClick 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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Proposed Space Launch Sites on Cumberland Island, AICW Statute Mile 695
This article by Emily Heglund in the Tribune and Georgian does not discuss the impact of the proposed launch sites on the Intracoastal Waterway which parallels the west side of Cumberland Island and, as Skipper Long suggests, the possibility of Waterway closures during each launch seems very real. As shown in the map below, the site of the spaceport would be on the western shore of the Waterway south of St. Andrew Sound. Cumberland Island is a barrier island and noted as one of the most spectacular natural habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. It is hard to see how such a habitat with its wild horses and native wildlife could be preserved with launch corridors at both north and south ends of the Island. If you have further information into this turn of events, let us hear from you.
Camden spaceport could be ‘turning point’ for Ga.
by Emily Heglund
Camden County residents could see the first ever launch from a local spaceport as soon as 2018.But that’s only if the community can stay focused on the process of bringing a spaceport to the area, according to county administrator Steve Howard.
The idea that two years ago seemed outlandish to some is quickly gaining momentum as Howard and other county leaders work toward a purchase agreement with the two landowners who currently hold the proposed 11,000-acre site at the east end of Harrietts Bluff Road. The land has already served as the site of the Thiokol chemical corporation and, most recently, of Bayer CropScience.
On Tuesday morning, Howard and Georgia Tech professor and space expert Dr. Robert Braun addressed the Camden Roundtable, a non-partisan citizens group dedicated to furthering community discussion and participation.
Braun said Georgia could leverage the skills of its already-thriving aeronautics industry to aid the setup of a spaceport in Camden.
Click here for the full article.
This could have terrible impacts on Cumberland Island and result in frequent waterway closures.
Roger LongI believe it would actually be across from Cumberland Island on Floyd Creek near marker A31 N30 56.034 W81 30.643. We passed the abandoned industrial site when we took the inside route. Still the impacts on the island and waterway would be severe as the flightpath would be over both.
The “protector” of Cumberland Island, Carol Ruckdeschel, who we saw briefly but didn’t get a chance to talk to is a very interesting person known as the “Wildest Woman in America”. Her biography is titled “Untamed”. Her web site is: http://www.wildcumberland.org. She is someone you should definitely touch base with if you want to look into this further.
BTW Floyd Creek is an excellent alternative to getting beat up out in the sound although another mid rising tide only passage for most boats.
Roger LongClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Proposed Spaceport
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Local Report on Cumberland Dividings, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 704
Skipper Reeves cruises out of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SSECN SPONSOR, and always provides us with reliable local knowledge about problem stretches in his area. Cumberland Dividings, south of Jekyll Island, is a perennially shifting channel that has moved away from your chartplotter’s magenta line.
Here Garmin shows the track going into the marsh. The dividings are a easy to navigate IF you follow the Reds and not the thin magenta line on your GPS.
Sonny ReevesClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland DividingsClick 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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Bob
It’s been this way at that location for years. Anyone who has his/her face stuck in the chart plotter and doesn’t look outside to follow the markers is asking for whatever problem might come along!
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Advice on Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683
We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and mid to high tide only for this passage. See Navigation Alert from October. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. Ours thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll! Jekyll Creek is home to Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
First pic G19 is circled and sailboat is heading South. Second pic Sailboat is clear of 19 by staying 40 ft of marker. The channel is very narrow and the sand/mud bar is moving East into channel.
Hope this helps as many are swinging wide and running aground. Hug the East bank & line up on next marker.
Call the marina for local knowledge or Boat US
Seeya,
Sonny Reeves
The Office
Green 19
Sailboat at Green 19
And then, there is this strange advice from a tow boat captain:
While in Jekyll Creek in July this year with our 6′ draft sailboat, I called Boat US to ask about areas to watch for. I thought they were supposed to be a resource. The guy who I spoke with told me that I shouldn’t worry, he takes 6′ draft boats all up and down that stretch of the ICW and I should just stay in the middle of the channel. When I told him that sometimes the middle of the channel isn’t always obvious, he said that I should travel at low tide so as to be able to see it! Counter intuitive for a sailboat!
Joni GoodmanClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchClick 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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Upgrades at Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. All Waterway cruisers, north or southbound, will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina. Our thanks to Sonny Reeves for bringing us this good news from Jekyll Harbor Marina. Those golf carts will be perfect for Jekyll touring!
Hi Capt Larry,
The dockmaster Scott Todd @ Jekyll Harbor Marina has worked hard with the owners to get two golf carts for boaters to use on the island. These are excellent vehicles to visit the Historic district and the shopping center on the island.
In addition a new set of washer and dryers are now in our renovated laundry room. The Showers have been tiled and updated. Very nice and just in time for South bound cruisers to stop over on Georgia’s Jekyll Island. With 30 miles of bike trails you can ride one of the marina’s free and new bicycles to the beach, the forest or river view trails in safety off the roads.Enjoy!
Sonny
1 Harbor Rd
Jekyll Island Georgia 31527
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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to James
I highly recommend at stopover at Jekyll Harbor Marina for cruisers traveling the ICW. Located directly on the ICW, the marina is a very convenient stopover for the weary traveler looking for a couple days of R&R.
If you haven’t visited Jekyll Island before you’ve missed a real treat. The beaches and Historical District are less than a mile away, easily within walking and biking distance. Or why not try one of the marina’s new complementary golf carts and explore the island. Jekyll Island is an unique coastal treasure. In Georgia it’s called the “nearest faraway place.”
The onsite restaurant “684” (formerly SeaJay’s) is under new ownership with a new chef. Two weeks ago I was traveling up the ICW from Fernandina Beach to St. Simon’s Island with another boat. We contacted Meagan at Jekyll Harbor Marina a couple days ahead to make sure it was OK for us to tie up at the transient dock over lunch hour. She could not have been more accommodating and the restaurant easily handled our large group. BTW, the food at “684” is excellent!
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CAUTION: Groundings at Marker #19 in Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683, 10/15/2014
We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and rmid to high tide only for this passage. See /?p=144835. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. Ours thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll!
October 15, 2014
Sonny Reeves reports that another cruiser has run aground today at Marker #19.Hi Larry, I have an update on the infamous Green 19 of Jekyll Creek. [See link above for photos.]
We went to the markers and slowly went back and forth. Sadly we found 4 ft at low tide where last year was 6 ft at low tide. The channel is very narrow. Tow Boat US advises to stay 40 ft from marker. Sailboat in picture was about 80-90 ft off the marker and turned wide running aground. This was at 2.5 hours until low tide. Here is a suggestion going South stay centered on Red 16 and Green 17 then as you turn to South West line up 40 ft off of Green 19, put Green 19 to port going South. Call the Marina or Tow Boat US for local knowledge. Wait for rising tide that may run 7-9 ft in this part of the ICW near MM 685. Hope this helps.
Sonny ReevesAnd this report from Skipper Poovey:
Hey, Larry.
Came through here this morning at 10:15 AM ( 1 Hr., 45 Min. past High tide) from the North. Stayed within 25 ft. to the west of marker G-19 and read 5.8 feet on both sounders.
Bob Poovey
m/v Threadbare
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Marker #19Comments from Cruisers (4)
- Reply to Richard
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.
- Reply to James
Passed through this area on 10/25/15 an hour past low tide and saw no less than 7-1/2′. Assuming there is at least 1′ more water an hour into the flood, this means there was at least 6′ to 6-1/2′ of water at low tide. And there was a negative .2′ tide yesterday that I’m not taking into consideration. A dock hand at Jekyll Island marina told us prior to passing through that there is at least 6′ of water in Jekyll Creek. We confirmed this with our readings.
The key to passing through here near low tide is “finding” the water. Skippers reporting less than 6′ of water obviously aren’t in the deepest area of the channel. I draw 5’8″ and still wouldn’t pass through here at dead low, but I feel pretty confident making the run through here an hour past low, assuming there’s not a huge negative low tide.
- Reply to James
“Came through Jekyll Creek this past Sunday October 19 with a group of 6 boats. A couple boats at the head of the pack decided to go through close to low tide. One boat was a Catalina 36 fin keel drawing 5.83′. I spoke with the skipper afterwards and he said they had no problem. There as a positive low tide of 1.4′ which I’m sure helped his transit.
I was part of the group that decided to stop at Jekyll Harbor Marina and have lunch before going through the creek a couple hours past low tide. There is 5-6′ of water in Jekyll Creek even at low tide, but the key is finding it. Best advice I can give is to travel this area at mid-tide rising or falling unless you want to risk grounding.”
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More Reports of Shallow Water and a Grounding in Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683
Jekyll Creek is a perennial trouble spot and SSECN recommends mid to high tide only for this passage. See /?p=144628. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge immediately north of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Our thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll!
Hi Larry, I have an update on the infamous Green 19 of Jekyll Creek. See pics
We went to the markers and slowly went back and forth. Sadly we found 4 ft at low tide where last year was 6 ft at low tide. The channel is very narrow. Tow Boat US advises to stay 40 ft from marker. Sailboat in picture was about 80-90 ft off the marker and turned wide running aground. This was at 2.5 hours until low tide. Here is a suggestion going South stay centered on Red 16 and Green 17 then as you turn to South West line up 40 ft off of Green 19, put Green 19 to port going South. Call the Marina or Tow Boat US for local knowledge. Wait for rising tide that may run 7-9 ft in this part of the ICW near MM 685. Hope this helps.
A barge dropped a fuel hose and dumped 500+ gals of Diesel a few hours ago right at the Bridge. Clean up in on the way but the current flow here rips and now diesel is everywhere.
Sonny ReevesAnd this report from Skipper Poovey:
Hey, Larry.
Came through here this morning at 10:15 AM ( 1 Hr., 45 Min. past High tide) from the North. Stayed within 25 ft. to the west of marker G-19 and read 5.8 feet on both sounders.
Bob Poovey
m/v ThreadbareOctober 15, 2014
Sonny Reeves reports that another cruiser has run aground at Marker #19.
Red 16, Green 17 going south
Green 19 snags another boat
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchClick 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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Shallow Water Report from Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683
Despite Skipper Schmidt’s warning of shallow water at Marker #19, his report at least confirms the replacement of the marker which, along with Marker#20A, was reported missing just a few weeks ago by our “on-site-reporter,” Sonny Reeves at Jekyll Harbor Marina. These folks are the ones to call for local knowledge, (912) 635-3137. SSECN recommends mid to high tide for Jekyll Creek. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge immediately north of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Today at 11 AM, according to the tide chart at Jekyll Creek, there should have been a 5ft rise from low water. I came through on 8ft at Green beacon 19. That means there is only 3ft at low tide! Recommend caution transiting this creek.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchClick 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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Choose Location Wisely When Anchoring in Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 685
This is certainly not the first time vessels have anchored in the Waterway channel east of the narrow anchorage: See /?p=129784. Please take care when choosing an anchor-down location in this small anchorage on the western side of Jekyll Harbor. The narrow area is one of the reasons SSECN has never designated this a recommended anchorage, but as Skipper Reeves sates, it is used a lot. Our thanks to our good friend Sonny Reeves for keeping us updated on all things Jekyll!
Hi Capt Larry,
The pictures are from last night taken from the Jekyll Harbor Marina docks. They show a common occurrence anchoring in Jekyll Creek South of MM 685 and near Red 24. The Trawler in the pictures is almost in the middle of the channel and a sailboat has drug anchor into the channel. Tow Boat US is going out to help the sailboat and ask the trawler if they have seen the huge fuel barges that come by often taking a wide swing at Red 24? A few years ago a small sailboat was lost, the owner survived being rolled by a barge in the same location as the trawler. Each year hundreds of snowbirds use the anchorage. And each week we see boats anchored in the channel. Call the marina or tow boat for local knowledge as it is a good anchorage if you know where to safely anchor. I am also amazed at the powerboats that roar past the marina waking the face dock.. I know you can but does that make it right? You are responsible for your wake.
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor
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Shoaling Reported in St. Marys River, East of St. Marys, GA, May 13, 2014
For cruisers wanting to make a side trip to visit historic St. Marys, GA, the St. Marys River departs the Waterway at statute mile 712. This reported shoaling is in the dogleg just a mile east of St. Marys docks. The charted shoal between markers #6 and #8 would suggest that favoring the east side of the channel would be best. For more on the St. Marys River, go to /?p=123715
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA ‘“ CUMBERLAND SOUND ‘“ FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY – ST MARYS RIVER: Shoaling.
There is excessive shoaling protruding approximately 15ft into the channel between St Marys DBN 6 (LLNR 6805 [30°42.9620N / 081°32.0850W, 30.716033 / -81.534750]) DBN 8 (LLNR 6810 [30°42.6191N / 081°32.0305W, 30.710318 / -81.533842]). The Coast Guard has re-established St Marys TEMP Buoy 6A in position 30-42-52-379N 081-32-00.613W (30°43.4983N / 081°32.0102W, 30.724972 / -81.533504) . Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11503 LNM 19/14Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Shoaling SiteClick Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Langs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Langs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To St. Marys GA
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Jonathan
Aha! I KNEW I was in the channel!
Thanksgiving 2013 we were transiting that very section coming out of St. Mary’s and managed to nick the bottom (In a 26 foot outboard with a 2 foot draft no less) while holding a good line between those two markers.
Hopefully the repositioning of the markers has fixed that, but as mentioned, there is plenty of water to give those markers a very wide berth.
MV Top Cat
Glacier Bay 2670
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Report from Dungeness Greyfield Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA, AICW Statute Mile 711.5
One of our favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW is to leave the Waterway at marker #34, and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel and anchor opposite the `Sea Camp Dock’ in the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage on the west side of Cumberland Island.
A well protected anchorage. Tide is about 6 ft. Seacamp dock is the most popular, but further N is quieter. Park entry is $4 for seven consecutive days.
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ARGUS View of Marker #32, St. Andrew Sound, GA, AICW Statute Mile 690
Marker #32 – Click for Chartview
Much discussion has taken place regarding Marker #32 at statute Mile 690 in St. Andrew Sound, most of which has involved alternate routes to avoid Marker #32. Below, John Hersey, ARGUS Project Leader for SURVICE Engineering Company offers two ARGUS perspectives of the waters surrounding Marker #32.
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More on Alternate Route to Avoid R32 in St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690
Marker #32 - Click for Chartview
Captains Chris and Janet are responding to a recent posting relating a very rough passage that adhered strictly to the magenta line through St. Andrew Sound (/?p=130811). Their suggested route below comes complete with a chart. We would like to hear from others who might have made a similar cut close to Horseshoe Shoal to the west of Marker #32. Note Chris and Janet’s very wise tracking of tide during their crossing.
Unless seriously constrained by draft or schedule, a 6 kt boat passing through Jekyll Creek at high tide can cross the outer end of Horseshoe Shoal well to the west of both #31 and #32. We made our first transit of this area 30 minutes after high tide at the Jekyll Marina Station and never saw less than 12 feet on the shoal with wave conditions moderated.
Heading south [from Jekyll Creek], when the magenta line crossed Latitude 31 on the chart, we turned for the old tower on Little Cumberland Island. When the water depth plummeted (west of #32 by 0.6 nm) we turned to intercept the magenta line off #33. This became our standard route.
Caveat, we are unhurried cruisers with 5.5 foot draft. We arrange our days to pass Jekyll, Crooked River, Amelia River #1, and Sawmill Creek #49, each, an hour before high tide.
Chris and Janet
We have taken a similar path six times across Horseshoe Shoals with our 3ft draft Great Harbour trawler. Our route is more north/south right along 081 25.0 W. We’ve always seemed to transit at half tide or better on both ebb and flood tides and are careful to not let the strong current set us east or west. Correcting for the tide we’ve always seen depths that concur with those charted (7 to 8ft mlw). We don’t turn away from our N/S heading until the depths drop off. Have been hesitant to share this as we are each responsible for our on navigation and have different risk tolerance. With a 3ft draft we are probably more tolerant of 7ft charted depths even in area’s where the significant tidal currents can change the bottom quickly.
Roger ArrowoodHi All,
I think Capt Chris and Janet have my chart plotter 🙂
That is the course I take every crossing of that sound. Good job explaining how to BTW. As always you are welcome to call for local knowledge at Jekyll Harbor Marina or Tow Boat US. We have several Captains that cross the sound each day ferrying clients to Cumberland and can report on conditions. Hope this helps!
Sonny ReevesJan 18 2014
We can confirm the above comments on this route.
Came thru 1 hour before high tide with 5.5 ft draft and never saw less than 12′ of water.
Randy TiceWe have crossed this path many times most recent was Jan 12 going South. Always cutting the corner at the angle shown. As soon as we pass R30 we start turning to the light house. We draw 4 ft and have crossed at low tide.
Sonny ReevesClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound
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Praise for Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
Jekyll Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. All Waterway cruisers, north or southbound, will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina.Jekyll Harbor Marina is a great spot right on the ICW to spend the night, or spend several months. We are spending the winter here. Great facilities – pool, restaurant, bicycles available, dog friendly, the staff is friendly and always ready to help, and the General Manager, Scott Todd, makes it all run like a well oiled machine. If they don’t have what you need just ask and they will do everything they can to make your visit a pleasant one.
The Island is not to be missed – oozing with history, awesome dog friendly beaches, beautiful golf courses and miles of scenic bike paths.
Alan /Kathy MorrisClick 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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