Our thanks to friends Chuck and Susan for sending this article by Natario McKensie in Tribune242. From the Bahamas Trust Chairman’s remarks, you can see that he doesn’t think much of transients from the US.
Could we soon be paying to anchor in the Bahamas? It’s not as far fetched as you might think. Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Trust Chief: Anchorage Fees Must Be Nationwide
By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter
The Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) chairman has called for anchorage fees to be imposed in mooring spots throughout the Bahamas.
Addressing the ninth annual Exuma Business Outlook conference, Eric Carey noted that while the BNT had implemented anchorage fees at the Exuma Land & Sea Park to cover its annual operating expenses and upgrade infrastructure, the initiative was one he believed should be implemented in other areas.
`We need to think about doing these sorts of initiatives in other areas like Elizabeth Harbour off of Black Point, Staniel Cay and Nassau Harbour,’ he said.
`They come down there they anchor and they pay absolutely nothing and they come fully stocked. Half of the time they don’t even spend $5 in the Bahamas and what do they eat? Our fish,’ said Mr Carey.
We would like to send out a big thank you to everyone that has rallied and responded to our initial posting of this article. It shows that the boating community can come together and make a difference. We just received this reply…..” Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Eric Carey, extended his sincere apologies to all boaters that visit The Bahamas year after year today.
During the Exuma Business Outlook forum Director Carey answered a question from the floor that painted annual boaters in a less than flattering light. He and the BNT Executive team acknowledge that comments such as those should not have been made considering that the yachting; sailing and small craft boaters who visit the islands have a significant impact and role in the Bahamian economy, tourism and environmental longevity.
Since its inception in 1958 the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been a premier anchoring location for boaters who visit The Bahamas. Recently the BNT introduced anchorage fees due to the increased annual operational cost of repairs and upkeep of the Bahamas’ oldest National park. In Mr. Carey’s passion to defend his organization’s need to increase income to support the Park’s operations, he suggested that the residents of Elizabeth Harbour install moorings to help with their efforts to clean up and restore their harbor. Some residents made comments to the effect that some boaters were not willing to pay for moorings. Carey unfortunately went on record to support the comments and agreed that some of these boaters do not contribute significantly to the economy.
“The comments which I made at the Exuma Business Outlook Conference are not the views of the Trust,” noted Carey. “We welcome all visitors and most importantly boaters in The Bahamas – not only to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park but throughout The Bahamas.”
Carey continued “international boaters are significant contributors to our economy and specifically to the more boutique islands which are not visited my mainstream tourists. In addition hundreds are annual supporters of the Trust through membership, valued Support Fleet members, the payment of mooring fees or by donating much needed personal resources to the protection of the marine environment. I offer my heartfelt apologies and hope that all boaters will continue to visit The Bahamas.”
What do they expect when a gallon of milk costs $9, or they charge for water. they need to work on bringing costs of basics down, then people would provision there. Otherwise I think we do in fact spend money, just not at the grocery store. Scoobert Diver
Over the last three years, Ladys Island Marina has been undergoing big improvements in the marina portion of this property under the direction of owner, Kelly Ryan, and these improvements have been confirmed by the recent positive comments SSECN has received. Ladys Island Marina is located in Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge.
Thanx, Larry, that spot [Jekyll Creek] has been troublesome forever. I’m glad you found our observations useful; we’ve gotten so much assistance from this site over the years that its wonderful to be in a position to pay it back, and keep Claiborne’s vision alive. BTW, can’t say enough good things about Lady’s Island marina (SM536). Quiet, well-maintained, many services within easy walking distance (groceries, hardware store, liquor store, nice bakery and many restaurants, etc). Very accomodating management/dockmaster Steve is going cruising, new dockmaster TJ started on Monday and he’s clearly committed to carrying on the cruiser-friendly tradition. Loaner car and/or bikes. A ***woodshop*** for doing boat projects!!! Longish walk or short bike ride across the swing bridge to historic downtown. We’re waiting on a part for our autopilot, expected in next Friday. We’ll be staying another week, then if weather permits we’ll be doing a single overnight and bypassing Georgia.
Claiborne S. Young’s classic dvd series, “Cruising Carolina”, is available for purchase at UNC-TV. Enter Cruising Carolina in their Search box, then select Cruising Carolina DVDs. At Click Here to Order, an order form for the particular region will come up from Blue Water Media in Danbury, NC. Not all regions are available, but the ones remaining are $19.95 each.
We are very grateful to the Lunsfords for sharing their observations of the North Carolina Waterway. Remember that on our Homepage you can enter each statute mile mentioned into the ST.M./LAT-LON WIDGET and bring up a chart of the exact area discussed below. Several of the spots mentioned have been designated Problem Stretches on Cruisers’Net and their sites are listed below.
Delighted to be able to help, after all the assistance we’ve gotten from you over the years. This is a little bit older, we posted it on Facebook on Oct 8, having transited North Carolina during the previous 2 weeks. We’re hanging out in Beaufort for a couple of weeks for insurance restrictions, after 1 November we’ll head to Florida. If weather permits we’ll go outside overnight, otherwise, we’ll update you on conditions in Georgia. Dan and Jaye Lunsford
We’ve just done the ICW through North Carolina from Beaufort/Morehead City on down toward Myrtle Beach, SC. We have a few passage notes for those following. Mostly it was a very easy trip with plenty of water, most of the traditional trouble inlets have been recently dredged. Mile 210-ish, daymarks 9-11, stay to the red side of the channel if it gets shoal. Mile 227, Bogue Inlet – this traditional trouble spot was dredged Feb 2014, no issues. Mile 237, Brown’s Inlet – There are 3 marks here that look like they are in a straight line, Red 60, Green 61A and Green 63. The marks are NOT off-station, you will sweep a wide lazy “S” turn around them. Stay close to R60 (20 feet off) then stay to the red side, or no further than mid-channel, from G61A to G63.
Mile 246, New River Inlet – Favor the red side between Red 72A and Red 72B. Get close to R72B before you turn (I call it “squaring the corner”) and you will find 9 feet MLLW. Mile 270, marker 99A – it’s way over to the side of the channel, favor the red side over near the boat dock.
(New Topsail Inlet/AICW, see /?p=144470 and /?p=144976)
Mile 293, Carolina Beach Inlet – this traditional trouble spot was recently dredged, no issues. Mile 321, Lockwood’s Folly Inlet – recently dredged Feb 2014, and well-marked with cans that may not be on your chart. Make sure to follow the ICW marks (with the gold squares or triangles) and not the inlet markers, there is plenty of water. Mile 330, Shallotte Inlet – this traditional trouble spot is recently dredged March 2014, no issues, we saw nothing less than 9.5 feet MLLW.
Although seldom mentioned, Southport, NC does have a free (48 hours) city dock as described below. Southport is also home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. This reminder comes to us from Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care.
`The City of Southport, NC, always a transient friendly destination, now allows transient boaters to use the free city dock for 48 hours instead of 24 hours. Since most transients arrive late in the day and generally leave in the morning hours, the old 24 hour policy did not allow time for provisioning or visiting the city. Visitors should check in with the police station when they arrive. The phone number is: 910-457-7913. As you enter the Yacht Basin, the City Dock will be to port (opposite the restaurants). It is the T-Head on the outermost (closest to the ICW) dock.’ Thanks Hank Pomeranz
And we have this description of the free dock from our good friends, Chuck Baier and Susan Landry in a 2013 review of Southport:
At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off.
This report comes to us from Dan and Jaye Lunsford’s log of their voyage through South Carolina, see /?p=145002. And, as reported by our good friends Mark and Diana Doyle: For those transiting South Carolina, Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff continues to be a problem area and carries LESS THAN 5 FEET MLLW. For an alternative to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=134342
SM 517 Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff: Stay at least a couple of boat lengths off G177 at the entry (“square the corner”) for 10′ MLLW. At the exit, R184 was reported destroyed; a new temporary drop aid (floating can) was placed there on Friday — we met the Coast Guard small boat that was doing the work on their way back. Slightly favor that NW side between R184 and G185, but time the tides if necessary, we saw 5′ MLLW here briefly. Dan Jaye Lunsford
This report comes to us from Dan and Jaye Lunsford’s log of their voyage through South Carolina, see /?p=145002. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has posted reports of shoaling in this Problem Stretch (which the ACOE terms as “behind Breach Inlet”) for months now. And, as the Lunsfords confirm, cruisers piloting craft of almost any draft MUST time their passage of these waters for mid to high tide!
SM 460 shoals before Ben Sawyer bridge: 4′ MLLW, so its really important to time the tides here. Favor the north side of the channel from before G117A to G119. Dan and Jaye Lunsford
Many thanks to Skippers Lunsford for providing very recent reports from six shoaling areas between Myrtle Beach and Beaufort. Three of these areas have been designated SSECN Problem Stretches and their descriptions are listed below. For a recent report on McClellanville, see /?p=144354 For a 2013 ACOE survey of area north of Ben Sawyer Bridge, see /?p=125717 For a 12/2013 report on Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=129101 For an alternative to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=134342
Hi there. We just came through this area in the last week, a bit ahead of the pack, so thought we’d pass on what we found at the traditional trouble spots to help those who come behind us (a copy of what we posted on a couple of Facebook groups). Thanx for all you do. Dan and Jaye Lunsford
SM 349-352 The Rockpile: This stretch has numerous rock ledges on the sides of the channel so its important to stay in the middle. Not quite as scary as it sounds, but its the first time on the journey that the ICW is anything but mud if you do make a mistake. The ledges are very easy to see at low tide, and there is plenty of water depth even at the lowest tide. On weekends it can be crowded with power boats who may want to pass you if you are a slower sailboat and there really isn’t a lot of room to move over.
SM 430-435 McClellanville: Time the tides here if at all possible. If you’re really motivated you can tiptoe your way through; we saw 6′ MLLW, but so much simpler to just give it a couple of hours.
SM 460 shoals before Ben Sawyer bridge: 4′ MLLW, so its really important to time the tides here. Favor the north side of the channel from before G117A to G119.
SM 471 Wappoo Creek Bridge: This operator is REALLY a stickler for time; bridge is closed during rush hour opens every 1/2 hour during the middle of the day (check the complex operating schedule) but if you aren’t waiting at the bridge before the opening, the operator will not hold even a moment but will make you wait for the next one.
SM 501-504 Watts Cut: Although not listed as a traditional trouble spot, there are numerous shoals to 6′ MLLW along this reach. In a slow sailboat it’s hard to time the tides to have water here, and also water at the next trouble spot.
SM 517 Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff: Stay at least a couple of boat lengths off G177 at the entry (“square the corner”) for 10′ MLLW. At the exit, R184 was reported destroyed; a new temporary drop aid (floating can) was placed there on Friday — we met the Coast Guard small boat that was doing the work on their way back. Slightly favor that NW side between R184 and G185, but time the tides if necessary, we saw 5′ MLLW here briefly.
In honor of Halloween, we thought that this ghost story from Young’s Yarns would be well worth featuring here at the end of October. If you have not found them already, there are more Young’s Yarns to be found on our Homepage.
The Ghost in the Attic by Claiborne S. Young In my 26 years as a cruising guide author, I’ve had more than my share of strange happenings. None, however, have been stranger than what my first-mate, first-mate and I experienced way back in 1984 while researching Georgetown, South Carolina. Little did I know that this eerie incident would come back to `haunt’ me years later.
It was early spring 1984 and my first book, `Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina’ had just been released the preceding year. Emboldened by that volume’s success, I was hard at work on a guide to the South Carolina coastline.
As I do at the beginning of every project which encompasses a coastline unfamiliar to me, I had been reading all I could about the fascinating South Carolina Low Country and its myriad and often confusing waters. Good fortune led me to a wonderful book named `Ghosts from the Coast,’ by J. Stevenson Bolick. This volume contains many deeply absorbing ghost stores centered on historic homes in Georgetown and along the nearby Waccamaw River. By the way, if you are at all interested in South Carolina coastal folklore, spare no efforts to obtain this book!
I was particularly struck by one poignant and tragic story concerning a young girl who had lived in the most beautiful home on the Georgetown waterfront. She had fallen in love with the first officer of a ship which often docked in Georgetown, but her parents objected to the match. Being resourceful, the young girl soon hit on the plan. Whenever her lover’s ship was in port, and her parents had retired for the evening, she would place a lamp in the upstairs dormer window. The couple would then meet in the garden for a few tender but stolen moments.
Well, as these stories often unfold, the ship’s officer was lost at sea. The young girl was devastated, but continued to place a lamp in the upstairs dormer window every night in remembrance of her lost love. Eventually, following her parent’s death, she became a recluse, with her only companions being several beloved dogs. One day, alerted by the barking dogs, neighbors found her body, dead of a broken heart at last.
And, as you’ve probably guessed by now, it was whispered along the Georgetown waterfront that a light was still to be seen in the upstairs dormer window. The house was finally abandoned, and remained vacant for many years, but there were still those who affirmed the faithful light was to be seen from time to time.
One fine spring morning in 1984, my first-rate, first-mate and I came tooling into Georgetown. We had no sooner coiled our lines at Boat Shed Marina, than the cameras were broken out and we began avidly photographing the many beautiful homeplaces in the Georgetown historic district. I was particularly keen on getting photos of the house with the `ghost in the attic.’ The old homeplace’s position had been pretty well described in `Ghosts from the Coast,’ and we were soon successful in discovering the correct location. What we found was a beautifully restored historic home which no longer bore any scars of its long time abandonment.
Not wanting to trespass, we walked out on a commercial fishing vessel dock to photograph the beautiful house from the water side. Before we had snapped a half dozen pics, a very impressive grandmotherly type strode out into the front yard, and inquired politely but forcefully as to why we were taking pictures of her house. I made the mistake of telling the lady in question that I was writing a book about the South Carolina Low Country.
For the next hour and a half, we were treated to a nail by nail, board by board, discussion of how her husband had restored the family home. Karen and I were itching to be continue our photographic tour of Georgetown, but not wanting to be impolite, we heard the discussion through to its lengthy end.
Nowhere in this conversation was there any mention of the ghost in the attic. Finally, when all had pretty much wound down, I plucked up my courage and asked the home’s mistress if, `ha, ha’ she had ever seen the ghost. That 90 year old matron looked straight at me, and without even the hint of a smile, she soberly informed us that `when my husband and I first moved in, we used to see the light coming through the crack under the door leading to the attic. It used to bother me at first, but now I don’t pay it any heed.’ Even on a warm, spring morning, that pronouncement brought a chill to the air.
But, fellow cruisers, that is NOT the end of the story. I included a somewhat abbreviated version of the ghost story and our encounter with the homeplace’s owner in the first edition of `Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia.’ As the years passed, and succeeding editions of CGSC (eventually including Georgia) were released, I always returned to that wondrous Georgetown homeplace and took new photos.
Fast forward to 1998, and my work on what I think was the fourth edition of my South Carolina ‘“ Georgia cruising guide. My faithful research assistant Bob Horne and I had spent the better part of two weeks poking our bow into every nook and cranny on the Waccamaw River north of Georgetown. And, anybody that knows the Waccamaw knows there are more than a few nooks and crannies along the water’s course. It was high time to spend a night with solid ground under our feet.
So, I phoned my dear friends Susan Sanders and Len Anderson, who at that time, had a shop in Georgetown named Harbor Specialties. In subsequent years, Harbor Specialties moved to Charleston, and eventually to Beaufort, North Carolina with satellite stores in Charleston and Pawleys Island. As usual, I digress.
I asked Susan if Bob and I could bunk in their spare bedroom that night, but Susan said she had something better in mind. `A new bed and breakfast inn is about to open, and while they are not yet in operation, the owner has offered to put you two up for the evening.’ That sounded wonderful, and so late that afternoon we came cruising up the Sampit River to the downtown Georgetown waterfront. I called Susan on the cell phone and asked where the new inn was located. She then asked me where we were. I thought that an odd question, but replied, `We are right in front of Boat Shed Marina.’ Susan replied, `See that big white house in front of you. That’s it.’ `Susan,’ I said, `you got us a room in the house with the ghost.’ `Oh, you know about that do you,’ said Susan.
So it was that we first met innkeeper Meg Tarbox and made the acquaintance of the Harbor House Bed and Breakfast Inn, hands down the most elegant and beautiful B&B in which it has been my privilege to visit. I soon told Meg the story related above, and learned that the elderly woman we had met was her grandmother, and J. Steveson Bolick, the author of the ghost story in question, was her grandfather. So, just to spice things up a bit, Meg put us in the two attic rooms.
Late in the night, (no kidding) I awoke to see a bright light shining on the bedroom wall. I remember thinking, `this is it, a life changing experience.’ Alas, though, I was not fated to meet the ghost. It turned out the light was shining through the nearby window, and when I got up and looked, I spied a shrimp trawler unloading on the waterfront. Several bright spot lights illuminated the scene, and this was the luminescence I had mistaken for the ghostly light in the dormer window.
Since that memorable night, Meg and I have become fast friends, and I’ve had the good fortune to spend many nights at the Harbor House. I still have yet to meet the young girl’s ghost, but every time I began to think it will never happen, I harken back to that conversation many years ago with Meg’s grandmother, and I can not help but wonder.
Claiborne S. Young January 23, 2007 All Rights Reserved
Please give a big welcome to Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club, the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! RMHYC has already attracted a number of SSECN readers to its membership who report a wealth of activities through club membership. A wonderful way to get truly involved in the spirit of the Abacos! Be sure to tell them SSECN sent you!
RMHYC is a yacht club based in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, an island group in the northern Bahamas. Boaters, both power and sail, as well as land-based members, enjoy the gin-clear waters surrounding the Sea of Abaco and participate in many social activities. Year after year, members from all over the United States and Canada spend the winter at several local marinas and the pristine anchorages of the Sea of Abaco. Once you arrive in Abaco you won’t want to leave! Membership provides the opportunity to participate in incredibly varied activities and far reaching discounts. You may choose to participate in any activity or none at all, but nearly everyone enjoys our membership discounts!
The standard one-year membership includes annual dues of $30 and a one-time initiation fee of $120, which includes a Club Burgee, that will be mailed to your primary address. If a person pays between October 1st and December 30th, their dues will be considered paid for both the current and following year. For more information, go to http://www.rmhyc.com/
And on your voyage south, be sure to take along “The Great Book of Anchorages, Bahamas” by Susan Landry and Chuck Baier. See /?p=122059
Larry, What a magnificent “virtual fellowship” I have had since joining RMHYC over since I saw them as a sponsor of SSEC. I’ve not actually been to Marsh Harbor yet as I am still “caregiving” in Hampton Roads. However, several members including their very astute and friendly Membership Coordinator (Val Nucci) have included me in up to date information and engaged me in email conversation.
The Oriental area is home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS: Oriental Marina and Condos, Oriental Nautical Wheelers, and River Dunes. Please say hello for us as you enjoy this wonderful Fall weather and the delicious buys at the Farmers’ Markets.
From TownDock.net The Oriental Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday on Hodges Street from 8-11a. Local produce, baked goods, artisinal work can be found there. There are also markets on some Wednesdays. Next markets are Wednesday Oct 22 and Saturday Oct 25. To find out what’s for sale, visit http://towndock.net/market
At the Oriental Farmers’ Market, the emphasis is on `local’ ‘” all of the items for sale are locally grown or locally made. The market turned 7 this year and it’s still growing ‘“ it now has two rows of vendors providing a great selection for a market in a town of our size. Stop by and see for yourself.
This very welcome information on the navigation aids in the St. Augustine Inlet and on area events is sent to us by our good friend and supporter, Port Commissioner Jay Bliss. During his tenure, Capt. Bliss has provided valuable and timely information on the St. Augustine area. Thank you Jay!
Greetings Port Observers, Selected proceedings at yesterday’s Oct 14 2014 Port meeting: USCG Chief Bosun Mike Tomasi reported our USCG has finally been able to allocate a Large LIGHTED RED channel marker #6 for the St Augustine Inlet channel. Until last Thursday, mariners entering our inlet at night had no red lighted markers, only green ones. Thus a few unintentional landings on Porpoise point over the years’¦. Your Port board approved $6500 for the annual Regatta of Lights, which the St Augustine Yacht Club organizes and hosts. This year it will be Saturday December 13th. This evening event provides a spectator draw that closes down the Bridge of Lions and packs the bay front with residents and visitors enjoying the boating parade of lighted craft celebrating Christmas holidays. Always you’ll find on the Port website a full set of the minutes of any past meeting! My commission with the Port expires 13 November 2014. It’s been a pleasure to serve. Two very able individuals, Tom Rivers (who has been on the board before) and Conch House Dockmaster Mark Helman will fill board seats 1 and 5. YOU get to decide the one contested seat 3 on your ballot. I’d urge you to vote for Herb Rippe. He brings balanced judgement and an even disposition as Chairman, an objective viewpoint, and is dedicated to the task. Our community is favored with a distinguished group of contenders for City Commission seats. We can salute them all, challengers and incumbents alike, for their contributions. That said, this voter prizes the organizational and leadership skills, the integrity, and the data-based objectivity that Nancy Shaver has already brought to our community. She offers her service as candidate for City Commissioner and Mayor. She has our vote. Respectfully, Jay Bliss St. Augustine Port Commisioner
This annual Thanksgiving celebration at Port Royal Landing Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a perfect example of true Southern hospitality and of a marina family that cares about boaters! Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of Beaufort River just south of marker #244.
The Port Royal Landing Marina will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The marina furnishes smoked turkeys, just bring a side to share and your favorite beverage. Dinner starts at 1:00. The marina is offering buy 2 nights and get a third night free or buy 5 nights and get 2 additional nights free. For more information contact Capt Bill Mote at 843-592-3344, or the Marina for reservations. Everyone is welcome, come join the fun.
Here is a wonderful article about a wonderful body of water. This description of Albemarle Sound is sent to us by Joe Restivo, Marketing Representative for Scotch Hall Preserve, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISER’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising the Albemarle Sound
One of the gems of the Inner Banks region of North Carolina is the Albemarle Sound. This shallow coastal inlet off of North Carolina’s northeastern shoreline is in a unique place protected from the ocean by the Outer Banks. This makes it the ideal place to sail, cruise or fish when you just want to enjoy some calm, relaxing water.
The Albemarle Sound is never deeper than 25 feet deep and is between 5 to 14 miles wide. The Sound extends east and west for approximately 50 miles. This provides plenty of room for water activities, yet in a quiet, calmer setting than the open sea.
A Confluence of Rivers What makes the Albemarle Sound popular with boating enthusiasts is the number of rivers that branch off of this larger body of water. The Chowan, Roanoke, Alligator and Pasquotank are some of the most well known. While the Sound is connected to the salt water of the ocean, most of the Sound’s water is brackish or fresh due to the number of freshwater rivers that feed it. The Sound discharges its flow through the Roanoke and Croatian sounds, which then feed Pamlico Sound. From a dock in the Albemarle Sound, you can explore much of the North Carolina coastline and river ways.
What to Expect when Cruising the Sound Because of the protected nature of the Albemarle Sound, the tides are driven primarily by the wind. This means that the water itself has very little current. You will have little difficulty steering your boat where you want it to go.
One of the benefits of boating on the Albemarle Sound is its great expanse of unobstructed open water. This makes it a popular place for windsurfing or kite boarding, which requires a large body of water for full-speed sailing.
Fishing in the Sound Fishing is another type of water sport commonly enjoyed on the Albemarle Sound. If you plan to take a boat out on the Sound, be sure to bring fishing gear along, or you will be missing out on exceptional fishing opportunities. The brackish water gives the chance to real in both saltwater and freshwater fish, depending on where you throw in your line. Bass, blues, sheephead and flounder are all commonly found here, and the fish population is still quite high.
Whether you are coming to enjoy fishing, water sports or simply a quiet cruise along the water, the Albemarle Sound is a beautiful, peaceful place to play. Consider a visit to Scotch Hall Preserve, which sits on the shores of the Sound, and offers a plethora of upscale amenities and activities, including paddle-boarding, hiking trails, canoes, kayaks, private swimming pool, and much more!
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 Reeves
And 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
October 15, 2014 Sonny Reeves reports that another cruiser has run aground at Marker #19.
Here is an article that Waterway boaters need not read, because we are all very aware of the shallow waters in most inlet intersections along the AICW. Charleston Post and Courier writer, Prentiss Findlay, describes the problem in terms that non-boaters can grasp. Let’s hope some legislators are reading! This area north of Ben Sawyer Bridge has been a “SSECN Problem Stretch” for several years.See /?p=122253
Dry channel plagues Intracoastal Waterway near Breach Inlet The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway near Breach Inlet has been nearly dry at low tide because of shoaling, a condition in which sand builds up and blocks the channel, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The problem has been on the Isle of Palms side of the inlet, where only 25 percent of the channel had water at low tide in soundings taken on Sept. 11. The water there was only 3 feet deep. For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141009/PC16/141009372
Ben Sawyer Memorial – Sullivans Island Bridge crosses the Waterway just north of Charleston Harbor. The USCG has had issues with SCDOT bridge tenders “adjusting” the opening schedules to fit local traffic needs; see /?p=144631. Skipper Cummins submitted this observation from her recent experience at Ben Sawyer Bridge:
The information on bridge openings in SC is inaccurate for Ben Sawyer bridge. They only open on the hour between 9-4 not on demand. Patricia Cummins
And SSECN received this clarification from Officer Lieberum of USCG 7th District:
According to 117.911 (c) Ben Sawyer (SR 703) bridge across Sullivan’s Island Narrows, mile 462.2 between Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. The draw shall open on signal; except that, the draw need not open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour.
I will follow up with SCDOT as well.
Michael Lieberum Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Bridge Management Specialist 305-415-6744
This expansion of pumpout services in the Marathon area is certainly good news for cruisers. Our thanks to Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for forwarding this article by William Axford in KeyInfoNet.com.
The city of Marathon is looking to expand wastewater services for boats by providing Monroe County with a location to receive vessel waste for the Middle Keys. Should a location be provided, the city will most likely be working with Key Colony-based company Pumpout USA, which is contracted with the county to remove vessel waste. Chuck and Susan The Great Book Of Anchorages Navigation Notices Our Blogs Trawler Beach House Voyages of Sea Trek
Marathon to expand wastewater services for vessels Boaters are not charged for pumpouts BY WILLIAM AXFORD waxford@keynoter.comSeptember 24, 2014 The city of Marathon is looking to expand wastewater services for boats by providing Monroe County with a location to receive vessel waste for the Middle Keys. Should a location be provided, the city will most likely be working with Key Colony-based company Pumpout USA, which is contracted with the county to remove vessel waste. At Tuesday’s city council meeting at the Marathon Government Center, council members were expected to approve a resolution amending the city’s wastewater utility fees and rates, implementing a $112 a month fee to dispose of waste at a city facility. There is also a 14-cent-per-gallon surcharge.
`The city is trying to make sure we have a way for vessels to remove their untreated sewage within the areas of the Keys,’ said Zully Hemeyer, head of the city’s utility department. `We do not want to discharge waste near shore waters because of the potential health risks. This is just another way we can ensure the water is kept clean.’
While these waters are way out of SSECN’s purview, we can sympathize, empathize, been-there-done-that and at the very least give Captain Viola a venue in which to vent his frustrations. And while we in the south have a number of mid to high water only stretches, New Jersey’s intracoastal depths sound much worse.
I know SSECN is devoted to the Intracoastal waterway and I am a staunch supporter. But a word must be given to we cruisers who ply Northern waters to get to mile marker #1. Specifically; the inland waterway in NJ. This inland haven is virtually unavailable to any vessel that draws more than 2 1/2 feet. The NJ coastline is a surly stretch, especially for late-season cruisers when weather from Long Beach Island to Cape May and the Delaware Bay whips up the Atlantic. For us, this waterway could be a lifesaver, but alas, it is not. The Army Corps and others have ruined a route that should provide safe passage, and good food, and great marinas. SSECN provides a wonderful service, but pity us who need to get to benefit from your efforts. Capt. Robert S. Viola `The Lady T’
I’m a NJ sailor. my 37′ Dockrell draws 4′ and I can go from Point Pleasant Inlet to Atlantic City inlet with no problems. I suggest to do in daylight especially in the Barnegat Bay, the Great Bay is excellent but the transition from Barnegat to the Great you must be alert, the markers zig zag but are correct. George
Comments from Cruisers (2)
We would like to send out a big thank you to everyone that has rallied and responded to our initial posting of this article. It shows that the boating community can come together and make a difference. We just received this reply…..” Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Eric Carey, extended his sincere apologies to all boaters that visit The Bahamas year after year today.
During the Exuma Business Outlook forum Director Carey answered a question from the floor that painted annual boaters in a less than flattering light. He and the BNT Executive team acknowledge that comments such as those should not have been made considering that the yachting; sailing and small craft boaters who visit the islands have a significant impact and role in the Bahamian economy, tourism and environmental longevity.
Since its inception in 1958 the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been a premier anchoring location for boaters who visit The Bahamas. Recently the BNT introduced anchorage fees due to the increased annual operational cost of repairs and upkeep of the Bahamas’ oldest National park. In Mr. Carey’s passion to defend his organization’s need to increase income to support the Park’s operations, he suggested that the residents of Elizabeth Harbour install moorings to help with their efforts to clean up and restore their harbor. Some residents made comments to the effect that some boaters were not willing to pay for moorings. Carey unfortunately went on record to support the comments and agreed that some of these boaters do not contribute significantly to the economy.
“The comments which I made at the Exuma Business Outlook Conference are not the views of the Trust,” noted Carey. “We welcome all visitors and most importantly boaters in The Bahamas – not only to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park but throughout The Bahamas.”
Carey continued “international boaters are significant contributors to our economy and specifically to the more boutique islands which are not visited my mainstream tourists. In addition hundreds are annual supporters of the Trust through membership, valued Support Fleet members, the payment of mooring fees or by donating much needed personal resources to the protection of the marine environment. I offer my heartfelt apologies and hope that all boaters will continue to visit The Bahamas.”
What do they expect when a gallon of milk costs $9, or they charge for water. they need to work on bringing costs of basics down, then people would provision there. Otherwise I think we do in fact spend money, just not at the grocery store.
Scoobert Diver