Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years. Naturally, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Sitting in Myrtle Beach Yacht Club as I write….. now our favorite stop in Myrtle unless we need supplies. It has a nice Laundry with computers, swimming pool and is set back off the intracoastal. 2 good restaurants on site and Little River is the actual location but only about 6 miles North of Barefoot. 2 night stay was $87.50 for a 40 footer with 50 amp service….friendly resident boaters. Guru
The Charleston Maritime Center is found on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsula within walking distance of downtown Charleston. This facility is very popular, but there is usually some rolling at your slip, due to strong tidal currents and passing wakes.
We just spent two weeks here. This is a great place to stay. It is right in downtown Charleston and you can walk or take the free trolley just about anyplace. The price is right and the marina people are very friendly and helpful. They provide free wi fi and laundry. There is only a single bathroom and that is only available during the marina hours. Space is limited as the place has shoaled in pretty good so unless you draw almost no water most of the slips are not useable. The only drawback are the wakes from the many tugs and ships operating in the harbor. David Boxmeyer
How It Works To request a pumpout call (843) 608-9287. If you are a new client please let us know. If you are a returning client we will put you on the pumpout schedule for the next week. If you are a new client you will receive a phone call from Charleston Waterkeeper to gather the information we need to provide you with pumpout service.
For a pumpout, call (843) 608-9287. To contact Charleston Waterkeeper, call 843-607-3390 or email info@charlestonwaterkeeper.org
A lot of you have probably been in the same situation as Skipper Len. If you have recommendations for storage of his 28ft sailing vessel, let us hear from you or you may contact Len at his email below.
Searching for affordable dry or wet storage for 28 ft. sailboat from st. Marys to Charleston and points in between. Or a boat yard with crane for loading sailboat on trailer and use a rv storage facility. lencad@gmail.com Thanks, Len
Lang’s Marina in St. Mary’s GA is a good option. I’ve not used this boatyard but understand they will allow owners to work on their boats there, which is a rarity in GA. http://www.langcharters.com/Lang_s_Marina.html Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles is an excellent dry and wet storage marina with a public boat ramp across the road from the marina. They do not normally lift sailboats but can handle boats in your size. The staff is awesome. Just ask for the manager, Chris Ferguson. He is very nice. This is my home marina. http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/golden-isles Probably the least expensive option is Two-Way Boat Yard near Darien. This is where I have my boat work done. It’s not pretty, but they do good work and will work with you better than any place I’ve dealt with. http://www.twowayboatyard.com/ James Newsome
The vertical clearance of some Waterway bridges has been at issue for some time, especially during periods of extreme high tides. Skipper George relates a recent incident of “bridge too low and mast too tall!” His advice to contact Port Royal Landing Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is very good advice. This fine facility is located directly off the AICW’s run south from Beaufort, SC, on the western shoreline, just north of the McTeer Bridge and south of marker #244.
We turned back today, unable to negotiate the bridge at high tide with our 64 foot mast. Call Port Royal Landing Marina for for a reading as you approach the bridge. 1 843-524-4422. Jim George
Beaufort, SC, will begin fining or removing boats remaining in the Beaufort City Anchorage, just to the west of the Downtown Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!. This anchorage has been designated as the location of a city mooring field since 2011. Today is the last day of a 30-day period during which boats anchored in the proposed mooring field to remove their vessels, be fined or agree to rent a buoy in the new field. Our friend John Kettlewell sends us this story from the Beaufort Gazette: http://www.islandpacket.com/2014/02/08/2937028/monday-is-deadline-to-move-boats.html
The city will be Installing 16 professionally-managed moorings for transient boats in an approved area of the Beaufort River, The new moorings will replace the approximately 12 randomly placed anchoring and also will involve removal of dilapidated boats which will improve water quality. In years past as many as 500 visitors come to the fine city of Beaufort South Carolina. They come for the charm of a small seaside village and the simplicity. They come because it quaint and has that non-commercial touristy cost usually associated with most waterside cities like Hilton head, Daytona, and Panama City Beach. Curtis
As someone who has cruised to Beaufort many times, and who lived and worked there for several years, I lament the passing of another anchorage on the ICW. I will say that the anchorage was notoriously difficult, with strong currents and nasty exposure in bad weather. It was not ideal, but those of us who prefer to use our own anchoring gear will now be bypassing this spot and likely the downtown area. Factory Creek across the way still has some anchoring room, and it is also possible to anchor north of the bridge outside of the channel. However, neither area provides convenient access to downtown. Plus, I strongly suspect, as is the case most places moorings are put it, that they will not pay their way and the city taxpayer will be burdened with another expense. John Kettlewell
As more and more cities and counties go broke, this kind of thing is going to become more and more common. It’s a lot more fun to go where you are wanted, rather than just tolerated, or looked at as a cash cow. The Bahamas just keep looking better and better. R. Holiman
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Beaufort, enjoy the recommendations offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
Beaufort has their ice cream shop, Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor, hidden in the Old Bay Marketplace on Bay Street. Across the street from the waterfront, you will enter the mall. Near the entrance on the right, tucked quietly away, is the ice cream parlor. They have many selections to chose from and this is a true, old-fashioned store. Marilyn and Jack Sheehy started the parlor in 2001 and are wonderful hosts. They serve Greenwood ice cream and Marilyn has even added a lunch menu with homemade salads. Stop by to say hello and sample one of the many flavors. You are also invited to create your own frozen concoction and have it named for you. Susan Landry
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Georgetown, enjoy the recommendations offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
I can not count how many times we have been into Harvest Moon ice cream in Georgetown, but there is a second shop, Sweeties, there as well. When nothing but a cold cone will do, either of these shops will fit the bill. Both shops are right on Front Street. The selections are plentiful and again, service with a smile. Who wouldn’t like working in an ice cream shop?? Susan Landry
In reponse to an earlier SSECN posting on an alternate to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff (see /?p=120938), Captain Mullins and crew took the Round-your-elbow route into St. Helena Sound to avoid the Cutoff and did so successfully.
On our trip south on an Ocean Alexander 58, 4 ft. draft, we determined that we were going to transit the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff at low tide so we decided to turn left, heading south, after we passed through the cut at Fenwick Island. The Ashepoo river had 20 to 25 ft. of water in the middle and we followed it to the mouth, exited and went out in the St. Helena sound, turned north and bypassed the problem stretch all together. I would recommend this route for anyone with a 4 or 5 ft. or deeper draft heading into that area.
The intersection of Northern Fields Cut and the Wright River lies north of the intersection of the Waterway and the Savannah River. Shoaling there has always been an issue and even with last year’s dredging, shallow depths might be expected. However, Captain Mullins offers good advice for a clear passage.
Just helped take a Ocean Alexander 58 through Field’s cut at low tide.(4 ft. draft) Entering the cut from the north going south, you must stay close to the green markers on the left for the first 150 yds, then edge over to the red side until you approach the Savannah River and exit close to the Red side. We had a fish finder screen aboard and when we entered the cut, we could see how the bottom jumped up about 100 yds from the north entrance. There was a sailboat in front of us that tried to stay on the Green side all the way and had run aground 4 times by the time we caught up with him. Phil Mullins
Harbour Fish House Restaurant and Adjacent Ship's Store
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point (between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36). This fine facility has been trying to build a second restaurant and an on-site retail facility for years. They have now succeeded. I personally visited Charleston Harbor Marina in November when I attended and spoke to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association annual conference in Charleston. I was very impressed with the new Harbor Fish House restaurant’s (843-284-7067) atmosphere and particularly the view of the ships at adjacent Patriots Point. I did not get a chance to sample the bill of fare, but that oversight will be corrected SOON! As noted by Skipper Fowler, the marina now provides trolley service to downtown Charleston. The trolley will drop off and pick up cruisers at Meeting Street, AND the really fabulous Harris Teeter supermarket on the Charleston peninsula. The same trolley will also take you to, and retrieve you from, the beaches on nearby Sullivan Island! Wow, talk about the one of the best getting even better!!!
View From Harbor Fish House Restaurant
Hello Claiborne: We recently spent some time at Charleston Harbor Marina, and were very impressed with the changes we found since our last visit. In particular, there is a large, new building on the upstream side of the parking lot which houses Harbor Fish House restaurant and a variety and ship’s store. The view from the restaurant’s large, interior glass windows is very nice, with many tables sporting a view of the historic ships at adjacent Patriots Point Park. Our fresh catch of the day was delectable. The on-site store is heavily oriented towards clothing and some gift items, but they do have cold drinks and one small section of marine items. We took advantage of the marina’s new trolley service (at least new to us), and rode into downtown Charleston to restock the galley at Harris Teeter. This is one of the best versions of this supermarket chain we have ever visited! Be sure to check the trolley schedule before leaving, or you could have a long wait to return to the marina. We didn’t have a chance to take advantage of this, but the same trolley service will carry visiting boaters to the beaches on nearby Sullivan Island. Hope to give that trip a try during out next visit. So, there you have it. Some really neat, new services at this marina! Skipper Fowler
The Waterway runs along the north and west side of Daufuskie Island, out of Calibogue Sound at Statute Mile 565, west of Hilton Head Island, as the Waterway scampers south towards the Savannah River.
I thought I would mention a couple of other things. First, if going to Hilton Head, Daufuskie Island will make a great day stop or even over night. You can tie up at the Melrose ferry dock and rent a golf cart. Bicycles work well there as well as on Hilton Head. Don on “Moonstruck”
Here are good words for Downtown Marina of Beaufort as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Downtown Marina is located north of AICW marker #239, a short distance west of the Lady’s Island swing bridge, in the heart of downtown Beaufort.
I like the Beaufort Downtown Marina. They are right downtown with several restaurants very close by. Blackstones is best for breakfast. They have a loaner car for grocery shopping. If you want to anchor or take a mooring ball, you can tie up to the park wall during the day, but not overnight. Tides are pretty swift in that area. Don on “Moonstruck”
Here are good words for Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. Shelter Cove is located in a man-made cove on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek (Hilton Head Island) near markers #22 and #23.
I like Shelter Cove on Hilton Head. It is about a 25 minute run up Broad Creek, but worth it. 7 or 8 restaurants surrounding the harbor plus more within walking distance. A supermarket is also within walking distance. Palmetto Bay Marina is on the way to and from. Captain Woody’s restaurant there is good. Moonstruck
AICW/Upper Waccamaw Intersection - Click for Chartview
Back on 12/24/13, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net (along with many other nautical publications) made the sad announcement that the USCG would be removing all aids to navigation on the upper portion of the Waccamaw River, abandoned by the AICW (see /?p=130563). As SSECN Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, commented at that time, “While depths in the Upper Waccamaw are reported to be good, the removal of these daybeacons and buoys will certainly make this side trip upstream to Conway, SC more difficult.” Then, HAPPILY, we received the note below from veteran cruisers, Captains Jim and Peg Healy:
Claiborne, When Sanctuary and crew made the side trip to Conway, SC, in October, 2013, the lateral daymarks in the river were in good condition. With the USCG announcing plans to permanently discontinue the daymarks on the upper Waccamaw, there are very few reliable sources of navigation guidance for cruisers, and particularly first-time/less-experienced cruisers. There are some large tributaries and embayments that intersect the river. Some are large enough to be confusing to those not familiar with the area. As you know, there are no NOAA charts of the upper Waccamaw that cover the upper river. So, I superimposed Sanctuary’s GPS track on a road map of the area. I hope this will be useful in portraying the through-route northbound into Conway. Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Jim and Peg are quite correct. Even though I’ve made this side-trip at least a dozen times over the years, without the various markers, I can easily see my tiny mind becoming confused at some of the forks along the way. Jim and Peg have done the cruising community a tremendous favor by providing the cartographical aids, linked below. A word of WARNING – these “maps” are NOT nautical charts, and cannot be relied upon to always keep you to good depths. Sidewaters off the main, upper Waccamaw River chanel are almost uniformly shallow, so all cruisers should undertake this sidetrip with the full knowledge that they are embarking on a somewhat chancy sojourn. In other words, cruise the upper Waccamaw at your own risk. With that being said, what we have done is blow up Jim and Peg’s maps to a level that cruisers will hopefully find useful, and divided these graphics into four parts. Part 1 depicts the southernmost section of the upper Waccamaw, with the subsequent parts moving farther north with Part 4 leading all the way to Conway, SC, and their friendly city marina. Like Jim and Peg, we hope everyone finds these maps useful!
Agree, these maps are better than nothing but what a shame the CG is removing the markers. This is a great little side trip off the waterway that we have done a couple of times in the last 25 years. And’¦there are a couple of places where you can go wrong if not for a day marker. Caution is the word and I think fewer boaters without local knowledge will be going to Conway going forward. Doyle Evans
We are indebted to Officer Mike Verdolini, US Army Corp of Engineers, for sending this November, 2013 survey of the channel in Calabash Creek. The survey has four parts, one showing the entire navigable channel from the Waterway eatsward, sections one to three showing details of the depths in the channel. Because it is impossible to read the depth numbers in the pictures below, the links to each section are included, allowing you to zoom in and read the numbers. Section 3 also displays the location of all the docks in the creek, as well as the City Dock. Calabash Creek departs the Waterway just south of the NC-SC state line.
Glad to hear that Captains Bill and Laura Bender had such an enjoyable stay at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port Royal Landing Marina. This fine facility is located directly off the AICW’s run south from Beaufort, SC, through the Beaufort River, on the western shoreline, just south of marker #244.
Kindred Spirit III enjoyed a delightful evening at Port Royal Marina. We’ve been to Beaufort, SC, many time but never to PRM. It isn’t convenient to downtown Beaufort but there is a loaner vehicle, of which we and another couple, took advantage. The town is cycling distance and the marina has loaner bikes. A Doc in a Box and CVS are [within] walking distance. The staff was absolutely wonderful, kind, and genuinely caring. If you’re a paying customer, 2 nights gets you one free. The restaurant adjacent to the marina has GREAT burgers. The marina has wifi, book exchange, captain’s lounge and ship’s store. Bill and Laura Bender
Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the AICW – Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch on 11/16/13! Note that the Doyle’s soundings were taken near mid tide, so to calculate MLW depths, you must subtract 5.5 feet from their soundings depicted below. Applying this correction, Diana and Mark noted “multiple soundings of LESS THAN 5 FEET IN THE AICE CHANNEL NEAR MARKERS #184 AND #185. CLEARLY all cruisers piloting vessels larger than row boats should transit this AICW Problem Stretch at mid to high tide ONLY! Incidentally, Diana and Mark have recently published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above left for more details, and to place an order!
Hi Claiborne, For those transiting South Carolina, Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff continues to be a problem area and carries LESS THAN 5 FEET MLLW. I’ve attached a printable high-resolution file of our November 16th survey report and depth-annotated track. Hopefully, SSECN readers cruising this area will find the report useful. Best, Captains Mark & Diana Doyle m/v Semi-Local www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Captain Graham is responding to an earlier posting about an adult beverage store on Lady’s Island, see /?p=128639. Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of the AICW/Beaufort River, a short hop south of downtown Beaufort, SC. Port Royal Landing Marina is a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Bill’s is indeed a great liquor, wine, beer store. Here’s another local tip if you are a microbrew connoisseur. If you spend the night or two at Port Royal Landing Marina, just south of the Beaufort swing bridge, there is an amazing selection of about 20 microbrews on draught at, of all places, the PIGGLY WIGGLY, about a half mile around the corner from the marina. Growlers are available in a couple sizes. There is also a larger selection available in bottles. PLUS, the small shopping center where `THE PIG’ as it is known, is located also has a Sears Hardware, a West Marine, and a hard liquor store as well. Marina staff can give you complete directions. They can also have a loaner car you can use if you really want to load up on groceries and growlers. Jeff Graham
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