Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 17, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Heritage Plantation Marina (St. M. 394.5) Seeks New Dockmaster
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has been contacted by Captain Darla Spillane, property manager for Heritage Plantation and it’s adjoining marina. We have happily agreed to assist in her search for a new Heritage Plantation Marina dockmaster. If this position is of any interest to you, please follow the link below for a full description of the job requirements. You can then contact Ms. Spillane directly for more information and/or consideration.
Heritage Plantation Marina guards the eastern shores of the AICW/Waccamaw River between marker #79 and Butler Island, a few miles north of Georgetown, SC. While this facility was once open only to residents, over the past several years there has been a change in philosophy, and cruising visitors have been once again welcomed.
Click on the chartlet to the right, and a Chart View page will open, centered on this facility. You will then have a very good idea of its location.
Good luck to one and all who seek this position!
Click Here To Learn More About the Dockmaster’s Position at Heritage Plantation Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Heritage Plantation Marina
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Big Sarasota Pass Discussion
The series of messages below are copied from “The Cruisers’ Forum” (http://www.cruisersforum.com/), an alternate information outlet highly recommended by everyone here at the SSECN!
If you are not familiar with Sarasota, this community actually has two inlets, Big (Sarasota) Pass and New Pass. Having sounded both many times over the years, I can say unequivocally that I do NOT recommend that cruising size craft use either seaward passage. Even with the info very thoughtfully provided by the Sarasota Yacht Club (see below), it’s a dicey proposition at best to run Big Pass. Don’t even think about trying New pass!
A FAR safer plan is to come inside or out into the briny blue via naturally deep Venice Pass to the south or Longboat Pass, just to the north. Some of you may very well have a different opinion about all of this, and we would very much like to hear from you. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper, right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
A few weeks ago we called a local towing comp. for local knowledge. Fog offshore was very thick. My plan was to enter Sarasota Bay skipping Venice inlet and the company advised us to go further north to Longboat Pass. When I called the bridge tender, he said I will raise the bridge when I see your vessel………. How is he going to see the vessel if i cant see 50ft in front of the bow? As we turned east there it was a few yards away!!!
After a few days I am wondering if it safe to enter/exit BP. I scouted the inlet from the end of Lido Key and could not see any nav aids west of green 9. Are there nav aids showing the inlet? Controlling depth? I understand that under some conditions (NW, W or SW with strong wind) its not recommended to use the inlet/pass.
Thanks
Velero49
It’s a dicey pass. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron has some directions at their website, let me see…
here’tis
http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org/Visitor-Info/Navigational-Items-of-Interest/Big-Pass-Information-405.html
tamicatana
The “pass” at Big Pass moves around a lot, virtually with every heavy weather event, and shoals up very quickly. It would be very foolish to attempt that pass in anything but a very shaol draft yacht. Either come in at Venice and run the ICW or at Longboat Pass although the channel there has moved around a lot as well and does not match the channel that appears on most charts (see various NTM). Note that Longboat is a narrow channel and is subject to sharp, strong, currents. You’ll want to enter there at slack water. If you can’t see the bridge from the channel entrace mark due to fog, continue north and come into Tampa Bay through the Southwest Channel.
svHyLyte
We kept our boat on the West coast for two years. It draws 4 feet. Sarasota Pass was always a no go because of the shifting shoals. We used Longboat Pass on a regular basis whenever we entered the intercoastal. It does have considerable current and is quite narrow. The bridge tenders seem to think that a sailboat can approach closely and remain steady in the strong current before they open the bridge. We never followed their orders and held at least 100 yards from the bridge and told them we would approach quickly once the bridge began to open. Numerous times, we had powerboats cut in front of us or attempt to negotiate the small channel at the same time. They were completely clueless. We also experienced a very rude catamaran charter captain, who used the pass daily, try to intimidate us into moving closer before the bridge had begun to open. We had a very serious conversation once both of us passed through the cut. If you choose to use Longboat Pass, be your own captain, exercise caution and safety and you’ll be fine. Be prepared for other boats also making the transit. Good luck and good sailing.
rognvald
I sail a morgan 28 with a 4.5 draft and have come in and out Big Pass many times. You must check with the Sarasota yacht club, they maintain the bouy markers and are always moving. I have never seen less then 7ft, however it can become very narrow when the monster size boat with his noise high comes barreling through the Chanel with wakes 3-4ft high. As far as being able to moore up a nice spot is just north of the ringling bridge to the east, there is a fishing shop and a nice size cove that will protect from heavey north winds… From Sarasota Bay have fun sailing and hope to see ya around.
Autumns Wind
I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
Captain Ray
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Pass
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Pine Island Sound/Matlatcha Pass Area Recommended
While I have sounded Matlatcha Pass several times over the years, particularly the shallow, hard to follow, southern portion of this passage, I must admit, however, to never spending too much time on Pine Island.
This is not the first time I’ve heard of some dockage, and good eats ashore, but shallow depths on the Pine Island Sound side of the island have almost made me hesitant about taking a cruising size craft into the smaller streams which indent the isle’s westerly banks.
Sounds like the effort might be worthwhile though. Of course, you can always anchor just south of the high-rise bridge. There used to be a potentially SHOCKING Issue here for sailcraft, but the powerlines were supposedly raised quite a few years ago, THOUGH THE NOAA CHART STILL LISTS THE VERTICAL CLEARANCE AS 56 FEET.
Has anyone visited Pine Island Sound and/or Matlatcha Pass recently? Do you know if the powerlines at the bridge have indeed been raised? Can you recommend good places to anchor, dock and/or dine on Pine Island?
Your fellow Western Florida cruisers can wait to hear from you!
Matlatcha is a quirky little town at the entrance to Pine island. There is a couple marinas there, and also at each end of Pine island. Pronounced ( matt-la-shay) This is a can’t miss area. There are several quirky art galleries and restaurants in the area. Have lunch or dinner at Bert’s bar and grille. (we like manatees,taste like chicken). Also, at the southern end of Pine island, is St. James City it is nice with several small marinas and restaurants. A little further north is Punta Gorda. There is a waterfront area with dockage and restaurants called Fisherman’s village. this is a nice stop for a walk and some browsing.
haw961
There is a new drawbridge just being finished alongside the old one, and you will currently find work barges and cranes in the vicinity. Work is supposedly being finished by mid-summer. Drawbridge is working, but you might experience delays until all work is cleared. There are NO LONGER any power lines in the vicinity of the bridge ‘“ they’ve been buried! Best anchorage is just south of the bridge. Once anchored, you’ll find Bert’s Bar (highly recommended!) just to the east of the bridge, on the south side, with docks available. Across the street is Andy’s Island Seafood fish store. Follow the shoreline to the west of the bridge around to Matlacha Park, where dinghy dockage is possible. From the Park, you can walk to the west to Barnhill’s Seafood Restaurant, with its attendant seafood store, or continue further west for some eclectic shopping, ice cream parlor, and the Sandy Hook Restaurant at the very west end of Matlacha (accessible by dinghy, if you look at the chart). Another good restaurant lies about 1/2 mile to the east, on the north side of the road ‘“ Miceli’s, offering good food at good prices, with nightly music. This restaurant is also accessible by water, if you look at the chart and take the first opening north of the bridge, on the east side, and follow along the shore.
Access to Matlacha is best from the north, with deeper water and a well-marked channel. From the south, powerlines with a 47ft (sorta) clearance and a very twisty channel, along with less water (maybe 4’ with a rising tide), make it a mostly powerboat experience.
Capt Mike Smith
S/V Blue Skye
M/V Scandalista
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pine Island and Matlatcha Pass
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Syd - September 22, 2016 - 1:52 pm

Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha welcomes cruisers.
Transient slips on a limited basis. $1 a foot per night! Safe protected dinghy dockage available for $5 a day (hot showers too!)
Ethanol free gas,bulk ice by the basket (it’s a working Fish House),Fresh seafood market (Really), quality restaurant on site and many more within walking distance. Art galleries, gift shops, Publix is about a mile and a half away,post office,public park, bars with nightly entertainment…
Talk to Lisa about dockage 239-321-3281
As far as draft goes; I’ve been through the North channel on vessels with a 7′ keel on all but low tide.
The south channel from Matlacha bridge to the miserable mile can be done in my boat with a 4.6′ draft. The trouble spots are at markers 22and 38. There’s a big hump @38 that can be avoided by staying West of the marker 100′ or so. Marker 22 should be given a wide berth as well, but only 30′ or so.
As far as the power lines are concerned ; I have a 44′ mast and I only get a mild shock during extremely high tides. (That was a joke). My chart reads 47′ over the channel. I hug the power pole on the west side and gain another 6-8′.
Slow down. Make sure you’re in the channel, and come explore a town that most cruisers bypass. I changed my homeport from Key West to Matlacha 20 years ago.
Reply to Syd
Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Recommendation For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field, found east of the high-rise bridge, and just north of Estero Island is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This community is also one of the most welcoming to the cruising community in the Sunshine State. Every year they have a “Cruisers’ Appreciation Day.” How many municipalities show this much welcome to the cruising community?
Best mooring field is at Ft. Myers Beach, and there is a fun, funky beachy tourist strip along the whole island. Not specifically seafood, though they do have a lot of it on the menu, but I always eat at the Plaka Greek restaurant right on Times Square.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
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Apr 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Surveys of North Carolina Inlets and Inlet Crossings
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has utilized and posted these surveys in the past to clarify shoaling or hazards in particular areas and we thank Capt. Banyas for mentioning them again. Do keep in mind that certain inlet crossings can shift so quickly that even the latest survey can be misleading. Our recommendation for such trouble spots is to follow the temporary buoys set by the Coast Guard and, of course, read the latest reports sent to us from your fellow boaters.
This link will take you to the latest US Army Corps of Engineer website page for latest .pdf files are available for hydrographic surveys of these inlets.
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/AIWW/CFRLR.aspx
Both were updated within last month or so. These have always been very helpful to determine exactly where it is shallow and where it is deep. Now they have waypoints included as well which you can input to chartplotter or other navigational instruments.
Pat Banyas
And this link from “Tangent 11” in the first link covers all the inlets and inlet crossings in North Carolina:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/InletsCrossings.aspx
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Apr 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0458,-81.4319999
Derelict Adrift near Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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Derelict Vessel - Click for Chartview
The downstream flow of the creek west of Jekyll Harbor is eastward toward the Waterway and, should the derelict drift out of the creek, it could become a hazard to Waterway navigation. Capt. Sonny will keep us updated on the vessel’s position.
Cruising News:
There is a small sailboat in the unnamed creek (to the west of) across from the Jekyll Harbor Marina. It’s last position was approximately 31 02.75 N 081 25.859W. The top of the boat shows at low tide and the boat has moved around somewhat since first spotted. There is no mast. this boat is of no danger to the ICW traffic at this time.
Sonny

Derelict
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Derelict Vessel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Stretch To Sight Eagles on South Carolina AICW, St. M. 416 to 410
Having cruised through the waters referred to below, between the AICW’s southerly exit from Winyah Bay, and the crossing at North Santee River, for well over thirty years now, I can wholeheartedly second Captain Hartsell’s recommendation. This portion of the Waterway is bounded by vast grass marshes which stretch back to higher, well wooded banks. You can see all sorts of bird life along this stretch, in addition to the “eagles” mentioned below.
As Spring is now in full swing, the northern migration is beginning. I’d like to share a place that I have found along the South Carolina ICW for spotting Eagles. Beginning at the North Santee River and ending at Winyah Bay I have found the largest concentration of Eagles, seeing as many as 12 Eagles on one trip along this portion of the ICW. They are often sitting on a branch high in the tallest pine trees along the banks but I have seen them flying and landing along the shoreline as well. For those of you doing the loop this year, I envy you. It is a magical trip, Enjoy!
Leslie Hartsell
m/v Somewhere
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW Between North Santee River and Winyah Bay
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Apr 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C. Announces $585,000 For Dredging of Carolina Beach Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway
Here’ some really GOOD news. Congressman Mike McIntyre, the US House of Representatives member from the Wilmington, NC region, has been a LONG-TIME supporter of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. As you will see by following the link below, to an article which recently appeared in PortCityDaily.com, Congressman McIntyre has secured a good chunk of change for inlet and AICW dredging.
Let’s just hope that BOTH the AICW/Lockwoods Folly and AICW/Shallotte Inlet intersections are part of this dredging work! These two closely spaced “Problem Stretches” are currently the two worst spots on the North Carolina portion of the Waterway!
Check out the full story at:
http://portcitydaily.com/2013/04/06/mcintyre-announces-585000-for-dredging-of-carolina-beach-inlet-intracoastal-waterway/
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Apr 11, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words and Good Rates at Lambs Marina, AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route – St. M. 47

Lamb's Marina - Click for Chartview
The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.
Cruising News:
After spending a cold cold winter on the Outer Banks, I am now cruising again on MV ‘Pisces’ – mothers – hide your daughters. 🙂
Currently enjoying the friendship and facilities of Lambs Marina, somewhat changed for even better services. For a start Larry is now offering ethanol free gasoline and diesel at very competitive prices – and what I believe is the lowest slip rent on the ICW. ($4.50 per ft per mo, $5.50 pfpm for liveaboards. Not only this but a very safe fresh water dockage, laundry, spotless rest rooms, convenience store and now even a brand new patio style restaurant under construction. Sunsets and a glass of wine…….
Fellow boaters traveling north or south on the Great Dismal Swamp route should check out slip vacancies soon at www.lambsmarinanc.com
See you on the water. Happy sailing.
Cap’n Parky
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina
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Apr 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Hidden Harbor Yacht Club (Statute Mile 670.5)
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club, which gladly accepts transients, is located on Troup Creek. This body of water intersects the AICW, immediately north of St. Simons Sound, near markers #237 and #238. The message below is copied from the AGLCA Forum.
This is a great little marina in the Troup [Creek] [known as Hidden Harbor Yacht Club] about 1 mile off the ICW. Plenty of water on approach and alongside. I figured to report to the forum on it. No fuel here but pump out available and 20/30/50A power with floating dock. The managers, Kev and Judith, could not be more accomodating and the facilities are the cleanest we have seen since Lake Michigan. There is excellent shopping close by and they have a courtesy car – a Mini Cooper S to get you there!
At $1.50/ft/day plus electric, it is great value for money and I recommend it as a stop to all Loopers.
Phil Johnston
Loopy Kiwi
I too stayed at Hidden Harbor Marina on the Troup Creek on April 8 [2013]. I would definitely recommend this marina. Kev and Judith go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. They have a nice boater’s lounge, scenery is great, and for a buck donation you can do your laundry. Just off the ICW, so no wakes.
Ken Westby
aboard Roundabout
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hidden Harbor Yacht Club
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Apr 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
AICW Shoaling in Northern Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 574

Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview
The “AICW Problem Stretch” at the intersection of northern Fields Cut and Wright River was dredged three years ago and was more or less clear through the end of 2012. However, as Captain Colburn relates from personal experience, shoaling is once again beginning to occur.
This posting at first created quite a ruckus here at the SSECN, as Captain Colburn originally recommended favoring the “red” side of the channel. Heretofore, the shoaling at the northern end of Fields Cut, always seemed to build from the northwest side of the passage, between the northern mouth of Fields Cut, and marker #48. We wondered if the new shoaling was coming in from the southeast, rather than its traditional direction from the NW, and sent out a special “Alert” soliciting more information from the cruising community.
SHORTLY AFTER ISSUING THIS SPECIAL ALERT BASED ON CAPTAIN COLBURN’S ORIGINAL RECOMMENDATION TO FAVOR THE “RED” SIDE OF THE CHANNEL, WE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATION, AND HAVE CHANGED HER ORIGINAL TEXT ACCORDINGLY!!!
Yikes! What was I thinking??
I can’t say I’m sorry enough, but I meant to favor the GREEN side of the channel. Please amend my recent report on the intersection of the Fields Cut north end with the Wright River.
Patrece Colburn
April 7, 3:30PM
North end of Fields Cut ‘” stay way over on the GREEN side of the channel coming out of the cut (northbound).
After spending the last hour or so aground in the center of the channel at low tide, I could recommend staying close to the [GREEN] side of the channel. A sail boat was also aground with us. We waited for the tide to come up and both freed ourselves under our own power.
Patrece Colburn
Claiborne,
I transited Field’s Cut in late Jan. 2013 and found the shoal dead in the middle of the channel on the north side. I was pulled off by Boat U.S. Savannah, very expertly may I say. We entered the cut right in the middle of the channel and about 100 yards or so, ran aground. The tide was ebbing, but not dead low.
We were on the bar about 30 minutes before a boat passed us near the south side of the channel and shouted the deep water is to the “green ” side.
Unfortunately, we discovered a fuel leak from a corroded injector and had the Boat U.S. captain take us to Thunderbolt Marina where we spent 2 weeks getting it and one other injector fixed.
Instead of continuing on south, we decided to return to Charleston, SC and lick our wounds.
On the way back north, we paid particular attention to Field’s Cut and stayed on the “green” side and had no problem.
Our Boat US captain said a new shoal had been forming for a couple of months.
Then northwest side of the channel is not the side to transit. There is some deep water on that side of the shoal,but finding it may be difficult.
Captain Phil Mullins
S/V Katash
Isle of Palms, SC
We were the sailboat aground at the north end of Fields Cut during low tide April 7, 2013. We had followed the advice to favor the red side and ran aground. The trawler that ran aground with us was close to the center of the channel, on the magenta line. The deepest water was while hugging the green side of the north end of the channel and going close to G47 going into the Wright River. We were traveling northbound.
Roger Globig
AllEZ! MT50 with 5 ft draft. Transited Hells Gate on 4-14-13 at 2 hours into a rising tide. Transit time 4 minutes.
Water 8-10 ft. (5 ft under our keel) Fields Cut Transited on 4-14-13 @ 12:25 Noon Entered from South going North
5 ft draft we had 10 feet under the keel. We were 1 hour into a falling tide. Just stay in the middle and do some
cruise planning. Follow you Depth sounder. No Drama, just planning.
Capt. Bob
We just passed thru Fields Cut on 4/19/2013 and found no problems. We carried over 10 feet MLW for the entire cut. As a point of interest we changed sides (going north favoring Red to favoring Green) at about 32 04.611N and 080 56.836W.
John Holmes
Here are my GPS tracks going and coming last December. My draft is only 4’-3″ but I start paying attention whenever the depth gets under 8. I don’t remember any particular concern on either transit. There are lots of other stretches that seemed worse.
Roger Long
S/V Strider

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
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Apr 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Excellent Report from Darien, GA, Darien River, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 653
Darien, Georgia - Click for Chartview
Here is a much detailed report of a popular off-the-Waterway side trip:
Those of you still in FL or just reaching GA should give Darien, GA some consideration. It is a quaint little shrimping town N of Brunswick and well worth the stop. About 7 miles off of the ICW, the town offers free dockage for 48 hours. Floating concrete docks are conveniently located right downtown and power is free also. There are 3 pedestals, each with twin 30A power. The free dockage is limited to the outside dock which can hold about 4, maybe 5 typical cruisers. There are 3 of us here now. The town makes this offer to attract cruisers of course and all of the town really makes you feel welcome. Great food within walking distance – we’ve tried Skippers, B&J’s, and The Purple Pickle so far, all outstanding. Fort King George is an interesting historic site and the town has great bicycle trails around the perimeter of the city and within. The historic Butler rice plantation is 1 mile south, Piggly Wiggly is 1.2 miles away, and a well-stocked Hardware/Marine Supply store is a couple of blocks away. With the storms rolling through, they are allowing us to stay an extra day without charge so we just want to put in a plug for a town that wants our business and is really making a great effort to get us here. We think the Blessing Of The Fleet is scheduled for next weekend so you might call and confirm availability for that time.
Wayne and Rhonda McManus
“Help Me Rhonda”
44 Gulfstar
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Apr 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Good Dining in Waleka, Florida (St. Johns River)
The SSECN published a recent article about the free city dock at the charming St. Johns River village of Welaka, Florida, south of Palatka (see /?p=108289). Now, in the note below, Captain Mike Rizzo seconds the recommendation for dining at Cafe Bleu, apparently within easy walking distance of the town berths.
Welaka has a town dock that you can tie to and there is a great little cafe for lunch and dinner called Cafe Blue. Everything is freshly made even the bread.
Mike Rizzo
Couldn’t agree more! We stay overnight at the (FREE!) town dock every year, and CafÃ© Bleu is right there next door. Their parmesan encrusted grouper was some of the best fish I have ever had. I believe they are only open Thursday through Monday though
Jonathan Graham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Welaka, FL
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Pete baleyko - August 6, 2015 - 2:42 pm

If you visit Welaka make sure u got too Hog Wash for THE Best smoke hog in the STaTe U will not be disappointed. I promise uuuuuuu
Reply to Pete
Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Frederica River Anchorages (off the AICW on Frederica River Near St. M. 666 – Northern Entrance)
Frederica River flows east and south from the AICW marker #229, and re-intersects the AICW at marker #241. Over the years, we have received MANY conflicting reports here on the Cruisers’ Net about shoaling at both the Frederica’s southern and northern intersections with the AICW. Many have gotten through without a problem, while others reported thin water.
I suspect that the tides have a lot to do with what’s going on here. The tidal range in these waters is greater than 6 feet, so it’s easy to see that if your vessel and enters or leaves the river at mid to high tide, chances are you will not have a problem, as interior depths are generally good, except possibly on the inside shores of some bends in the river.
The reason for spotlighting attention to this river is the real possibility of anchoring within sight of the Fort Frederica National Monument. As of two years ago, there is dinghy access from the anchorage to the National Monument, and, I can tell you from personal experience, this historical attraction is well worth your time. By all accounts, don’t miss the little movie presentation. It’s surprisingly well done.
So, the best advice is to time your entry and egress for mid to high tide. With this plan, you should be able to visit the Frederica River anchorages (follow links below) with a minimum of difficulties.
Has anyone recently anchored in the Frederica River opposite the Fort? Also has anyone traversed the entire length of the river? Comments on Cruisers.net indicate some shoaling on the North end. Other comments indicated this as a good anchorage but are not too recent.
Maureen Mezei
No problem in the Frederica River if you follow the channel. Like any “soft bottom channel”, DO NOT GO DOWN THE CENTER OR FOLLOW THE MAGENTA LINE! Take the outside of the turns as the tide flows “out”.
We went through the Frederica River at near low tide three weeks ago. In the “channel” no less than 12′ of water, in the center many dry sand bars. If you run the ICW through marsh channels of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in the center or on the Magenta line you will also run aground at low water, read the banks, study the tide chart and determine if the current is coming up “in”, or going down “out”, then you can determine what side of the channel you want to be on, works every time.
Chuck Gorgen
Chuck’s advise is excellent. the last time we were in there the northern entrance was about 3 1/2 feet at low tide. Don’t know about the southern entrance.
Chuck Baier
Stay to the SW side of channel, outside curve, as you leave or enter ICW at north end. You’ll find shallow water in center to inside of curve. Steep drop off on outside curve, so find 6-8′ of water and come back towards center and follow curve. Should be able to follow 6-8′ depth at the radius of curve shown on your chart. There’s probably more water further to the outside of the curve, would expect near 12′ based on depths we found in the rest of the river, but quickly goes to nothing, which you will see at low tide and not at higher tides. 6-8′ of water is plenty for any of us to get through.
Chuck Gorgen
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Frederica River Anchorages
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Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St. Marys, Georgia READY To Greet Cruisers
St. Marys, Georgia is a beautiful, charming village, with also doubles as the southernmost port of call on the Georgia coastline. There is a small city dock that can be used for dinghying ashore, and Langs Marina, located in the heart of downtown St. Marys, offers transient dockage, though, it must be noted, they also have some of the scuzziest showers along the AICW.
All the town dockage is within easy walking distance of multiple GOOD dining attractions, particularly Langs Restaurant, and many historic sights, including unforgettable Orange Hall.
It’s a pleasant cruise of several miles off the AICW, up St. Marys River (which acts as the coastal state line between Georgia and Florida), to the town waterfront. It’s well worth your time to make this journey!
We were surprised yesterday, to see the following message on another nautical mailing list:

Orange Hall - St. Marys
Take St. Marys, GA off your favorites list. They got pretty beat up by Sandy last fall and haven’t repaired the damage.
Well, that was a surprise to us, so first thing this morning we were on the telephone to the good people at the St. Marys Visitor’s Center, and confirmed that ALL damage has now been REPAIRED, and the town is ready and EAGER to greet the cruising community.
And, several fellow cruisers have already chimed in with similar info:
St. Marys is a wonderful stop, with several very good restaurants, the submarine museum, a park along the river, and many many homes and churches on the National Historic Register, all within walking distance. The marina has floating docks which are older but fine and very safe, and I saw no evidence of any hurricane damage.
Larry and Anne
Great Laker
Sandy caused no damage to St Marys, Ga. We are just fine. Come see us—Azaleas have just finished blooming and warm temps are on the way.
Mike
S/V Makai
We were in St Mary’s a few days after Sandy made landfall in NJ and observed no damage whatsoever.
Mark and Bev MacMahon
Calypso
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Langs Marina
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Mar 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Economic Woes for Gibson Dry Dock and All Boatyards
Captain Burnham refers to his earlier posting on Gibson Dry Dock, /?p=68591, and provides insight into the financial state of boat repair/storage yards during this time of economic downturn.
Thank you for allowing me to post on your excellent web service site.
I kept my comments about Gibson Dry Dock brief in order to keep from posting an advertisement. Tom Kight is a good friend I often crew with but the depression is hitting his boat storage yard especially hard this year with fewer Canadians coming down to store their boats for the summer in his Dry Dock. The Florida residents are also feeling the economic pinch and too often are giving up their boat titles for the storage fees they owe. This does not benefit the Dry Dock as these boats are often neglected and bring very little money at auction. The sad effect is that now the Dry Dock has to be selective as to the condition of the boats that are hauled out of the water lest they become the property of the Dry Dock. It is becoming common that an owner will have their boat hauled out, strip it of its engine and valuable parts and abandons the hulk. I have no doubt that this happens at other boat storage facilities also.
Gibson Dry Dock also has the problem of being south of the ill conceived 45 foot high clearance of the Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs which limits the size of sailboats cruising south on the St Johns River. The boats that can make it under the Shands Bridge barrier are enthuiastic about finding Gibson’s and spead the word about what a great place this is to keep your boat and get it ready to sail again.
David Burnham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gibson Dry Dock
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Mar 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Longboat Key Club Moorings, Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

Longboat Key Club Moorings - Click for Chartview
Longboat Key Club Moorings guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
LBK Club Moorings is top notch facility! We wish we had planned to stay longer so we could have taken advantage of all they have to offer. Dennis Matthews’ (Director of Marina Operations) staff are all very helpful, friendly and go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Facilities are 4Star, clean and very well manicured. Very accomodating shuttle service to St Armand’s Circle. Will definitely be back for a longer stay in the near future. Make your reservations in advance and request `H’ dock for short stays (closest to facilities, pool, ship’s store).
The Kellys
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Dare Miss Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant New Jewfish Key Anchorages (Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 85)
Not only is the food really GOOD at Moores, but it is also located within sight of the excellent anchorages, just off the Western Florida ICW, behind Jewfish Key. Follow the links below to learn more about the nearby anchorages, but, at whichever place you drop the hook, don’t dare miss dinghying to Moore’s Stone Crab!
Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, Longboat Key, FL – Great seafood (Oysters). Accessible by boat; located In the bight, east of G-ICW, just south of Longboat Pass, north of Sarasota Bay; overnight docking is free to patrons; no services. Can also anchor off the restaurant in a well-protected bight if you get there early; room for 8 – 10 boats; very busy with locals on weekends.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Best oysters in Sarasota. Sit at the bar with Barb; you can’t go wrong.
Whit Sibley
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewfish Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Jewfish Key Anchorage
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Point Ybel Anchorage (off the southern Tip of Sanibel Island, Western Florida Coastline)
The anchorage reviewed below by Captain Jones lies just off the southern tip of Sanibel Island, and south of Sanibel Island Marina, within sight of the Point Ybel lighthouse. Several years ago, we removed this potential anchor down spot from out “Western Florida Marina Directory.” Several local captains informed us that the holding ground was poor, and several vessels had drug anchor into the nearby Sanibel Island Causeway and Bridge.
Obviously, Captain Jones has not had this problem on these waters, but just be aware that others have!
For many years I have anchored overnight on a ‘sailboat’ as well as ‘power’ just off Sanibel Isl south of the causeway bridge on the [south] tip of Sanibel. You will find 13 to 20 feet of water, and it is very protected from the traditional SE or SW winds. I would not recommend it with winds out of the N or NE. The area to anchor is approximately half way between the entrance to ‘Grandma Dots’ and the lighthouse on the east point of the Island. On weekends you will experience some wave action during the day from boats of all sizes transiting the area.
Regards, Tom Jones m/v Marbles
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Point Ybel on Sanibel Island
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Two Recommendation for A1A Ale House (St. Augustine, Fl, near St. M. 778)
A1A Ale House is located directly across the street from the St. Augustine City Marina. I’ve not dined (or imbibed) here in several years, but after reading the reviews below, that has clearly been a gross oversight on my part. May you be wiser and more fortunate!
Give the A1A ale house a try they have very good food and some fantastic home brews. It’s located directly across the street from the St Augustine marinia.
SweetPea
A1A Ale House, St. Augustine, FL – Across the street from the Municipal Marina; excellent Brew Pub fare.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
And the Strange Stout is yummy!
Donovan
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the St. Augustine City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Augustine City Marina
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