The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports confirm shoaling and a channel shift here, /154017 and /156435. SSECN stills recommends mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly. Our thanks to John Winter for this update on this Problem Stretch.
Came through July 12 2016 at .6 feet above low tide. Shallow at 46B. At 8 feet even make sure you follow the nuns. Red nuns are against the rocks [see second link above for channel]. Stay equal distance between Nuns. John Winter
Dredging of this perennial AICW Problem Stretch was last done in the Spring of 2014. From John Winter’s report, dredging is needed again. As always, we recommend caution and mid to high tide for this intersection. Thank you John for this update. /span>
Came through July 12, 2016 at 0.5 feet above low tide and saw 3.9 feet where all the nuns are at one point. Stopped and felt around side to side and could not find any deeper water. We draw 46″ but did not feel bottom. John Winter
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds.
July 16, 2016 Just touched at Shalotte inlet. In the middle of the marked channel with the tide up 1.7 feet. Our draft 4.5 Ft. Felt like a sand ridge. Fortunately we are a single so no harm done. Captain Jerry Taylor
This Post and Courier article on Charleston was proudly – and justifiably so – submitted by David Rogers of City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Charleston is also home to another SSECN SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA NAMED WORLD’S BEST CITY AND NO. 1 CITY IN THE U.S. AND CANADA BY THE TRAVEL + LEISURE 2016 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS
Rankings’ Effect on Tourism Continues to Positively Impact the Charleston Economy CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (July 6, 2016) – For the first time, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina the World’s Best City in the 2016 World’s Best Awards. Charleston is the first domestic destination to earn the coveted World’s Best City ranking, and for the fourth consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure ranked the Charleston area the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada. The news was shared by Jacqui Gifford, Senior Editor of Travel + Leisure, on the TODAY Show on July 6.
Charleston exceeded other destinations in the categories of sights/landmarks, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping and value to earn the World’s Best City and the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada designation, scoring 91.66 overall. The complete results of the 2016 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured on TravelandLeisure.com/WorldsBest and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 15.
Travel + Leisure Editor Nathan Lump said, “Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place, so it’s no surprise that it has achieved its highest ranking ever in our survey as this year’s best city in the world. The city has managed to preserve all the qualities for which it is widely known—a prime coastal setting, historic architecture, friendly locals—while also nurturing a creative culture that is making it one of the most notable destinations for those who seek out interesting restaurants, bars, and shops that highlight a dedication to distinctive craft.”
The No. 1 rankings continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area. Since 2012, the first year Charleston was awarded the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking in the Travel + LeisureWorld’s Best Awards, the total economic impact of tourism has increased 14% to $3.68 billion in 2015 according the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. Additionally, the average expenditure per adult and the total labor earnings has increased.
Dan Blumenstock, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Director of Hotel Operations of Fennell Holdings remarked, “Readers of Travel + Leisure continue to recognize our destination for its friendly people, renowned cuisine, historic landmarks, flourishing arts community, and celebrated shopping scene. This award is a testament to the vitality of Charleston as a world class destination.” Blumenstock added, “The area’s tourism and hospitality community has enjoyed positive growth over the past four years, due in part to the numerous awards bestowed on the Charleston area. We look forward to continued and responsible economic impact as a result of the No. 1 City in the World ranking.”
In addition to the No. 1 City rankings, The Spectator Hotel, located in historic Charleston, was recognized as the No. 1 Top City Hotel in the U.S.
Michael Tall, President & Chief Operating Officer of Charlestowne Hotels stated, “The Spectator was designed, and is operated, with our discerning guests’ needs and desires for a unique, curated experience. With the hotel only having opened less than a year ago, we are truly honored to be recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure as the No. 1 Top City Hotel in the 2016 World’s Best Awards in the categories of rooms and facilities, service, location, value, and design.”
Travel + Leisure readers voted on their favorite hotels, cities, islands, spas, cruise lines, airlines, tour outfitters, and car-rental agencies. The 2016 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey results (listed by overall and regional rankings) and survey methodology are featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, online at: www.TravelandLeisure.com/WorldsBest, and in the World’s Best Awards 2016.
For an update on the opening-this-fall restaurant at Port City Marina, click the link below. Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.
Even twins can get a right-sized life jacket through the BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
BoatUS: Largest Map of Life Jacket Loaner Sites in the US
ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 7, 2016 – If you need to borrow a kid’s life jacket for the day or weekend, chances are there is one near you at one of the over 1,500 life jacket loaner sites across the country at BoatUS.org/loanermap.
The website list is “the nation’s largest single source of life jacket loaner sites” according to BoatUS. It includes nearly 600 free BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner sites at marinas, boat clubs and firehouses, along with over 900 local community loaner sites to give parents and boaters more options.
Begun in 1997, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water’s kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program is the nation’s oldest and largest loaner program (all 50 states + District of Columbia), making it easy for boaters to borrow a right-sized child’s life jacket for the day, afternoon, or weekend at no cost. Each year, the Foundation loaner sites lend out life jackets over 140,000 times.
About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
Longtime cruiser and Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, offers thoughts on his and his wife Peg’s favorite spots along the Atlantic ICW. Some of these ports are probably on your list as well and, of course, there are a number of SSECN Sponsors in these stops. And if this will be your first trip along the Atlantic Waterway, you will do well to heed Jim’s advice and visits and navigation.
Elizabeth City, NC, and the “Albemarle Loop:“ Elizabeth City is the anchor town on the Dismal Swamp Route of the ICW southbound from Norfolk/Portsmouth. Elizabeth City has a marvelous small museum dedicate to the region. The Elizabeth City Public Wharf is the Harbor of Hospitality. Docks are free, albeit without services. This is a favorite stop for us to relax and refresh.
The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′. These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound. The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest. Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings. Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions.
While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina.  The “Albemarle Loop” [see /154885] is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues. On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops. On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful. The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists. At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation. At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites. Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com.
Beaufort, NC: This is a seaport town near Morehead City; it’s a very pleasant, laid-back, “chillaxin'” place with a small but well done Maritime Museum, many shoppes and some nice local restaurants. Â For those who might enjoy a short off-shore (maybe 10 miles) cruise, depart the Beaufort Inlet and head out the the bight at the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Â It a large, well protected anchorage, with access to the beach for campfires and swimming. Â The bight itself is well protected from winds and ocean sea states, but the trip out and back can be too much for some if the wind offshore is up. Plan accordingly.
Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city.  Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges.  (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada).  We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about.  At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center.  Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks.  In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located. In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com). The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft. There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors. From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).
Beaufort, SC: from the Beaufort Downtown Marina, take a carriage tour through the historic ante-bellum homes in the area. Â The downtown is friendly with many shoppes and good restaurant options.
Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.  Take the tour to Fort Clinch. Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of
architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent.  There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. Â It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
The entire region from Charleston to St. Augustine has high tidal ranges, ranging from 5′ at St. Augustine to as much as 9′ in Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. Â Those high tidal ranges create swift tidal currents, and especially for first-times, docking is easiest in the 1/2 hour before and after slack.
There are many areas of shallow water in the region.  The very best resource for current data on low water and caution areas is available via www.activecaptain.com. Two other websites that all ICW travelers should know about are www.waterwayguide.com and www.cruisersnet.net.  I’m sure you are familiar with the Waterway Guide book series.  The “Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net” (SSECN) is  really a boating group.  It was founded by Claiborne Young.  After Claiborne’s untimely loss, the group continued in operation.  The Cruiser’s Net website specializes on the US Southeast.  There is some duplication of material between the WWG site and the SSECN site, but there is unique value to both.  Both are excellent resources for fuel prices, marinas and anchorages.  These websites would make a good sidebar for any ICW article.  Two of these websites require registration – SSECN does not, but all three are free, and all are very useful to ICW boaters.  Both WWG and SSECN also have smart phone apps that duplicate and augment website information and are very useful on small-format devices.
There are some generalizations that apply to the region, including the stretch from Georgetown, SC all the way south to below Fernandina Beach. Â In some of those areas, boats drawing more than 4′ will want to consider not traveling at low tide; especially celestial low tides. Â The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for dredging the ICW. Â USACE is funded by state congressional delegations. Â In recent years, the money congress allocates to dredging has been diverted to “more pressing needs,” and so many areas of the ICW are shoaling, and in fact, the ICW resource is slowly being lost; well, allowed to die, really, by congress. Â There is a not-for-profit called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. Â The Executive Director is Brad Pickel;Â bpickel@seahavenconsulting.com. Â That would make another sidebar for any article on the ICW. Â There are some local knowledge bypasses around some shoal areas. Â All of the cruising sites above can provide additional detail.
Renting a car in any of these venues greatly expands what a boating visitor can see and do. Â Some, but not all, marinas have courtesy cars. Â Generally they can’t be used for long periods, but they are useful for re-provisioning when needed.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Ft. Myers, FL
In this article from SAIL magazine, writer Donald McLennan describes and makes recommendations on 15 electronic chart apps.
In recent years it has become more feasible than ever to navigate using a smartphone or tablet. Apps have improved to the point where they rival paper charts and chartplotters. With so many good navigation apps available, the question is: which is best for you? There are free apps with basic chartplotting capabilities; reasonably priced apps with advanced waypoint and route management features; and apps with community-authored databases that include points of interest (POI). Ultimately, choosing an app comes down to evaluating which features are important to you and what you’re willing to pay for them.
Longtime cruiser and SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his knowledge and experience in these observations on this portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Thank you Jim!
The entire region from Charleston to St. Augustine has high tidal ranges, ranging from 5′ at St. Augustine to as much as 9′ in Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. Those high tidal ranges create swift tidal currents, and especially for first-times, docking is easiest in the 1/2 hour before and after slack.
There are many areas of shallow water in the region. The very best resource for current data on low water and caution areas is available via www.activecaptain.com. Two other websites that all ICW travelers should know about are www.waterwayguide.com and www.cruisersnet.net. I’m sure you are familiar with the Waterway Guide book series. The “Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net” (SSECN) is really a boating group. It was founded by Claiborne Young. After Claiborne’s untimely loss, the group continued in operation. The Cruiser’s Net website specializes on the US Southeast. There is some duplication of material between the WWG site and the SSECN site, but there is unique value to both. Both are excellent resources for fuel prices, marinas and anchorages. These websites would make a good sidebar for any ICW article. Two of these websites require registration – SSECN does not – and all three are free, and all are very useful to ICW boaters. Both WWG and SSECN also have smart phone apps that duplicate and augment website information and are very useful on small-format devices.
There are some generalizations that apply to the region, including the stretch from Georgetown, SC all the way south to below Fernandina Beach. In some of those areas, boats drawing more than 4′ will want to consider not traveling at low tide; especially celestial low tides. The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for dredging the ICW. USACE is funded by state congressional delegations. In recent years, the money congress allocates to dredging has been diverted to “more pressing needs,” and so many areas of the ICW are shoaling, and in fact, the ICW resource is slowly being lost; well, allowed to die, really, by congress. There is a not-for-profit called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. The Executive Director is Brad Pickel; bpickel@seahavenconsulting.com. That would make another sidebar for any article on the ICW. There are some local knowledge bypasses around some shoal areas. All of the cruising sites above can provide additional detail.
Renting a car in any of these venues greatly expands what a boating visitor can see and do. Some, but not all, marinas have courtesy cars. Generally they can’t be used for long periods, but they are useful for re-provisioning when needed.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Ft. Myers, FL
Sea Tow offers on-water safety tips for holiday weekend Posted on July 1st, 2016 Sea Tow issued safety tips for the Fourth of July weekend, when many boaters take to waterways to enjoy fireworks shows. Boating at night and in the smoke that fireworks cause can prove challenging. The non-profit Sea Tow Foundation offers these six tips to boaters who are planning to watch holiday fireworks displays from the water:
* Wear your life jacket. Make sure everyone onboard is wearing a traditional life jacket that fits properly or an inflatable PFD. Navigating at night in smoky conditions can be just as dangerous as boating in stormy weather or fog.
* Designate a sober skipper to stay at the helm all evening and be responsible for returning the boat and its passengers safely to shore after the display is over.
* Watch your weight. Don’t overload the boat with passengers. The number of seats on board is not always the best indicator of capacity. Look for the boat’s capacity plate on the transom or near the helm, or look up the passenger capacity in the boat’s manual.
* Things look different at night. Remember that in the dark, visual navigation markers you rely on during the day may be invisible. Chart your route to your fireworks-viewing spot in advance, and use GPS-enabled electronics to help you find it, if necessary.
* Listen up. Follow the directions that the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary issue about where you may safely anchor to view fireworks away from sparks and ash.
* Relax and enjoy the show. Don’t be in a rush to get home; let some of the boat traffic clear out before you raise anchor after the display is over.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News. See /158020 for more information.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
The July issue of Boating Industry magazine features a readership survey on ethanol and boats.
`It ruins their day, their boat and their entire boating experience’
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30, 2016 ‘“ When it comes to recreational boating and the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard’s requirement to put more corn ethanol into gasoline, those that see its negative consequences the most are the industry workers that build, maintain, store or sell boats.
A newly released survey by Boating Industry magazine points to ethanol as playing an even `bigger role’ in service issues than it was just a year ago, with a remarkable `87% of our respondents reporting seeing boat engine damage caused by ethanol,’ said Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Sweet. The magazine reported that was up from 73 percent in the same survey in April 2015. BoatUS, a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition, hopes to share the survey’s findings to help change the broken federal ethanol mandate.
`Dealers, manufacturers and marinas are clearly very concerned about the increased use of ethanol,’ added Sweet. `According to our readers, ethanol is playing an increasing role in causing engine damage and other repair issues.’
The survey, sent to a mix of readers from dealerships, marinas, engine and boat manufacturers around the country, was answered in April and May. Most notably, many respondents raised concerns of misfueling at roadside gas stations. The Boating Industry survey follows a Harris Poll study conducted for the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute earlier this year, with 64 percent of American adults reporting they weren’t sure or didn’t pay attention to the type of gas they used.
`Misfueling is our #1 concern,’ said BoatUS Government Affairs Senior Program Manager David Kennedy. About 40% of over half a million BoatUS members report filling up the family boat at a gas station and another 35% use portable gas cans.
Continuing to make the connection between the Federal ethanol mandate and the negative consequences to recreational boat owners, survey respondents noted that while ethanol may be helping drive service department business, frequent issues run the risk of driving more people out of boating. As one boat manufacturer said in survey, `Ethanol is a boom for the service departments. Ethanol is a huge drag on our industry because it negatively affects the customers. It makes them hate boating. It ruins their day, their boat and their entire boating experience.’
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the recreational boating industry in the United States has an annual economic impact of more than $121.5 billion, supporting 650,015 direct and indirect American jobs and nearly 35,000 businesses.
Signed into law in 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires an increasing amount of biofuels such as corn ethanol to be blended into the gasoline supply. When it was written, the RFS assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to grow.
Since 2005, however, gasoline usage has actually declined steadily which today forces more ethanol into each gallon of gas. To keep up with the RFS mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace. Even though E15 is prohibited for use in marine engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and any vehicle made before 2001, it can now be found in 23 states, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
About Boating Industry magazine:
Boating Industry is the leading trade magazine serving the marine industry. For more than 85 years, boating professionals have turned to Boating Industry for market intelligence, product updates, best practices and industry news. For more information, visit BoatingIndustry.com.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on St. Augustine, FL, home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS and on Titusville, FL. Our thanks to Jim Healy for sharing his observations!
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent. There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
Martin County government declares local state of emergency WPTV Webteam 2:21 PM, Jun 29, 2016 5 mins ago
On a day when two Martin County beaches remain off limits to swimmers Martin County government officials have declared a local state of emergency due to toxic blue green algae in area waterways. It’s in effect for the next 7 day period. The declaration states that the algae pose a danger to health, life, property and the economic well-being of Martin County residents. It allows the government to waive procedures and formalities to ensure the health and safety of the community. Stuart & Bathtub beaches remain closed for swimming.
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. Our thanks to Dick Lawson for this excellent review and for the name of a good mechanic.
First time to Jekyll in a couple years. Marina under new management and services are good. The adjoining restaurant, DJ’s is closed, but being renovated by new owners and supposed to be open later this year. New town center on the island is beautiful with groceries, shopping and several restaurants – quite an upgrade from the past. It’s within walking distance, or the marina will let you use their golf cart for up to 90 minutes at a time. I required some engine work and they recommended Leo Ross, 912-266-1323, from Brunswick. He did a good and reasonable job and is also recommended. Dick Lawson
We had the pleasure of staying here Oct 16-18 while waiting on some weather to pass. This is ONE FINE MARINA. From the dock staff to the dock master PROFESSIONAL and HELPFUL. Dockage, diesel fuel and 20lb bags of ice were reasonably priced. The restaurant serves EXCELLENT food (shrimp and grits first night and fried shrimp and flounder the second night). They have a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Clean showers. Bikes for touring the island. Or if you prefer you can get a golf cart for 90 minutes. Flash foods and Dairy Queen are within walking distance if you are looking to get a BLIZZARD. Plus they have safe and protected walking trails all the way to the resort. I am so glad for my friend Fred recommending we stop here. Call ahead and reserve your place they fill up fast. Great marina, restaurant, and friendly staff are what we all want after a day on the water.
In the 7 years we were at Jekyll Island Marina the work we hired done and observed on other people’s boats done by Leo Ross and his son was first class. As a 40 year veteran of the automotive repair business I know a good technician when I see/meet/hire one. Leo is fine Southern Gentleman of the old school where honesty and integrity are the mark of a craftsman. He also knows where to catch the nicest Georgia Shrimp in the area. Hope to get back to Jekyll one day before JIA sells it out to the rich and famous.
Skipper Dick Lawson joins others in praising Sunbury Crab Company in Brunswick, GA. Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the Waterway along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
This marina is 8 miles up the Medway River from the ICW. Plenty of deep water. Marina facility is basic but docks are good with water and power. Restaurant serving fresh local shrimp was excellent, but only open Wednesday thru Saturday nights. Ask for the owner, Elaine, and she will make sure you have a comfortable stay. Dick Lawson
Shelter Cove is located in a man-made cove on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek in Hilton Head Island near creek markers #22 and #23. Broad Creek departs the Waterway on the eastern shore of Calibogue Sound just as the Waterway turns west into the Copper River. Our thanks to Dick Lawson for this review.
Spent 4 nights here this past month. This is a beautiful and very well run marina. It is large and slips can be either close to the “action” or close to the marina office/store and showers. Regardless, one of the dock boys will show up in a golf cart to deliver you to your destination. Within walking distance there are several very nice restaurants and other shops. Transportation is also provided to the supermarket, or to the beach. Location is several miles off the ICW, up Broad Creek, and, as the name implies, it is very sheltered. Look forward to a return trip. Dick Lawson
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Fernandina, FL, home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. Thank you Jim!
Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Take the tour to Fort Clinch. Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: West end bound West end bound Posted: 25 Jun 2016 06:07 PM PDT Getting geared up for a crossing to west end from east coast fla – Jupiter/ Stuart/ wpb tbd possibly as early as the first week of July to mid month to be in Hopetown by the last week of July. Looking for any buddy boats and or weather links/ recommendations. 41′ american tug 4’10” draft cruising 10+ knots thanks Hooty Hoo II
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Charleston and Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA where several SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs are located. Thank you Jim!
Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city. Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges. (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada). We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about. At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center. Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks. In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located. In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com). The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft. There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors. From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).
Beaufort, SC: from the Beaufort Downtown Marina, take a carriage tour through the historic ante-bellum homes in the area. The downtown is friendly with many shoppes and good restaurant options.
Our sincere thanks to Captain Greg Allard for this excellent report and photos of the Okeechobee Waterway. Greg is an experienced cruiser and his observations and advice are definitely to be trusted and heeded.
Okeechobee Update – June 24, 1016
We just finished crossing the Okeechobee waterway from east to west. Some observations:
1) Obstruction report at MM34: On January 12, 2016 the Cruisers Net contained a report of a vessel which hit an object and sustained damage in the vicinity of MM 34 on the St. Lucie Canal.
On June 22, 2016, while we were underway we observed the scene below, at approximately MM34:
This bird was perched on the limb of a tree, on the south side of the waterway. The water was very murky, so we could not see any other parts of the tree or limb to be able to tell how far it extended into the waterway. The bird is approximately 30’+ from shore.
I hit the MOB button, and recorded the location as we passed: 27 degrees 00.8582’N; 080 degrees, 32.8102′ W.
In re-reading the report about the damaged vessel from January 12th, it appears that the vessel was “along the side of the canal which is the starboard side coming East from Port Mayaca,”“which would have put it in approximately this location. Of course we can’t be certain that this was the earlier reported obstruction.
This type of hazard is not unusual along this portion of the St. Lucie Canal. Just a mile further west, we took this photo:
On both sides of the canal, there are stands of trees, including some tall casuarinas on the right side. If one of them fell into the canal, it could easily become a hazard. The lesson here is to “stay in the middle”. That won’t protect you from free-floating logs or pilings, but it will minimize the risk of contacting fallen trees.
2) Lake Okeechobee water levels: The water levels in the lake have been high, due to heavy rains. Most cruisers use “Route 1” to cross (as opposed to Route 2, the southern rim route). This link takes you to the Corp of Engineers site, showing you the current depths for each route:
According to the Corps, the shallowest part of Route 1 is in the SW corner of the lake, from Clewiston out to where the channel stops its zig-zags. Follow the markers carefully, and don’t drift off. When we crossed on June 22, the level was over 8.8’.
It’s important to try to cross the lake as early as possible in the morning, before any strong winds develop, especially if the winds come from the north/northeast, or east. Where the water is only 8’ deep, if winds cause waves in the lake 2-4’ in height near the SW corner of the lake, a boat with a 5’ draft may start to bottom out in those conditions. The bottom there is rock, not sand.
3) Algae conditions:
Due to the heavy rains, there are severe algae blooms in the St Lucie canal, lower St. Lucie River, and the lake. We saw none on the Caloosahatchee River side. The algae is kelly green in color. Here’s what it looks like:
According to local news reports, samples have been sent to
Florida’s health lab for testing, so as of the time of this report it is unknown whether it will be considered toxic or not. We observed no cooling issues with our engines as we passed through these patches. It is thin and “whispy” and did not accumulate at all in the engine strainer baskets.
Favorite places to stay overnight:
1) To position yourself for an early morning Okeechobee crossing, going west to east:
a) Moore Haven docks (just before the lock). $1.00 a foot; electric available.
b) Roland Martin’s Marina, in Clewiston. Probably the best layover place; right on the edge of the lake. The outdoor bar is terrific: it reminds us of the bar scene in the first Star Wars movie.
When we stayed there in March on the way east, the small lock at Clewiston was actually in operation (the first time we have ever seen that.) Our 65’ LOA boat barely fit into the lock. On our most recent return trip, the lock was fully open, not in operation, and allowed full pass-through to the marina. The Clewiston lock is not operated by the Corps of Engineers – it is private, and the people who run it are well intentioned, friendly amateurs. Just because they tell you to do something, it doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about. They put about 20 bass boats into the chamber with us, and they were hanging all over us, banging into us, and cutting us off as we entered the chamber; it was bedlam.
Roland Martin’s is still the best place to stay on a west to east trip. The dockmaster Sam is excellent. Call for a reservation.
2) To position yourself for an east to west crossing of the lake in the morning:
a) Indiantown Marina: A true old fashioned time-warp. They have limited slip space, but at $1.00 a foot, it is a bargain. It’s about 9.9 Statute Miles from the Port Mayaca lock, where you would begin to cross the lake.
b) If Indiantown can’t take you, the River Forest marina, just 1/2 mile west of the St. Lucie lock, is a good alternative, at $1.35 a foot. It will take you longer to get to the eastern edge of the lake in the morning, but there aren’t any other choices.
4) Ortona Lock Restrictions:
The Ortona lock is undergoing repairs, and there are restricted openings which have been reported on the Cruisers Net.
Note that the restricted openings do not apply on weekends, when the lock will open on demand from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
On our recent trip across the waterway from east to west, we stayed at the River Forest location in Moore Haven, just 1/4 mile east of the Ortona lock. It’s perfectly positioned to allow us to arrive at the Ortona lock in time for the 7:00-7:30 limited opening. We did hear the lockmaster, on the VHF, allowing a boat to lock through at a time other than the restricted windows, so it does not hurt to ask. It depends on whether construction is actually going on.
Corp of Engineers Contact:
The day before we begin any Okeechobee crossing, we call the local Corp of Engineers office directly (they are in Clewiston), to be sure there aren’t any lock shutdowns or bridge problems. They are always very helpful.
Many of our cruising friends would never consider using the Okeechobee. We enjoy the trip. It’s much shorter than going down through the Keys and then heading north, up through the endless and tiresome Florida Bay, which can be loaded with crab traps. It is also easier to run the waterway in bad weather. It presents a fascinating slice of old time Florida. Scenes like this sunrise make it worthwhile:
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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