Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront.
We left the protection of the ICW at Cat Island and entered the western channel of Winyah Bay where the wind really began to howl. It was against the ebb tidal current causing steep, short seas which covered the bay. Everywhere we looked were windblown streaks of foam, and every wave was breaking at its crest, I estimated it was blowing force 8, similar in appearance to what we had experienced a year earlier at Fort Myers, Florida. Despite the strong adverse current, we were driven to hull speed by the wind, dead astern — surfing — showing 6 and 7 knots actual speed on the GPS. It was an exciting, but not a dangerous, ride, and we were happy to make Georgetown by lunchtime. A call to the harbormaster at Harbor Walk Marina had obtained a slip. We were met at the dock where we tied up with surprisingly little difficulty with the wind pushing us away from the float and toward the shoreline rip rap, only feet away. Good line handling and, dare I say it, good boat handling saved the day. After we got tied up, the wind began to really howl. Two boats came in after we did, their crews wide eyed and appearing thankful to have found shelter. Captain Ted Jones
Charleston City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is our home port, so it’s natural that I like to brag about the excellent facilities, convenient location and friendly personnel.
Even with all the marina offers, the office staff has added free coffee (compliments of BoatUS) , complimentary USAToday and two computer stations for transients’ use. Located in the Dock Office at the north end of the MegaDock, the cyber-cafe has two lounge chairs in addition to the separate computer table and stools. Free WiFi service continues to be available in slips. Larry
St. Augustine City Marina lies on the western side of the Waterway just below the Bridge of Lions in downtown St. Augustine.
We were at the fuel dock at St. Augustine Municipal Marina by 1400. I’ve decided I really don’t like this marina, which is a shame because most of the people are very nice, and the facilities are excellent. The floating docks are aligned parallel to the shore, which normally would be appropriate. However the current does not flow parallel to the shoreline but the axis of both flood and ebb flow is 10 degrees or so off parallel, and therein lies the problem. It is difficult to line up with a slip, and as we found out a year ago, impossible to back out of a slip against the current when it pushes your boat sideways before it can clear the slip. There is, then, no way to escape. The engineers who laid out the docks (if, indeed they were engineers) should have angled everything to line up with the current flow. Added to the problem on the north side is the close proximity of the Bridge of Lions. Getting sideways to the current here could sweep your boat under the bridge leaving your rig behind. Docking at marinas which are aligned with strong currents (I’m thinking Ashley Marina and the City Marina in Charleston) is a piece of cake as one can use the current to advantage both when it’s favorable or contrary. Not so in St. Augustine. Captain Ted Jones
Similar docking woes in Beaufort, SC. Nevertheless, Downtown Marina of Beaufort is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! and is on the AICW at Statute Mile 536.5.
I encountered almost the same situation at the Beaufort, South Carolina municipal marina, and on trying to back out against the current with ample on shore help was in fact caught and turned sideways against the main dock. It was quite a feat getting the bow turned back into the current and finally out. For power boaters this is not much of a problem, but for sailboats with single screw auxiliary diesels it is a big challenge. James Williams
Never attempt nor accept a down current slip assignment at St. Augustine’s City Marina. The slack current time at high and low tide is VERY short. `WARNING’ Always dock into the current at a slip at this marina. Stay on the fuel dock until the current is in your favor before moving to an assigned slip with a single screw vessel. `The VOICE of experience’ David Burnham
Having read a negative comment about the St. Augustine City Marina, I would like to post a favorable comment as I would hate to see anyone miss this great place that is so friendly and convenient to the historical district, not to mention they have the best fuel prices I could find in a 60 mile radius. The docking here was a breeze and my better half easily maneuvered our 48 foot powerboat `Tropical Breeze’ into her assigned slip. During our 3 days here we observed many arrivals and departures of all kinds of boats, none came close to being swept under the bridge. Doug Cordello
Read and heed Larry’s earlier posts. This is tricky if you are not familiar with this marina and the tide. I learned to only approach this marina during a slack tide with my boat. I have a Hunter 36. Crew safety has to be your number ONE concern. Perry McDonald
Formerly Barefoot Resort Yacht Club, Barefoot Marina has received numerous words of praise under its new management team. The easily accessed marina is located on the west side of the Waterway just south of the Barefoot Landing Bridge and opposite popular shopping mecca, Barefoot Landing.
I have kept our boat at Barefoot Yacht Club for over a year now and it is a great place for the family. We love the pool and the employees at the marina. There are a lot of things to do close by and we would not keep our boat anywhere else. Skipper Tommy Badurski
I could not agree more! We have had the ‘˜Fran C’ at Barefoot Marina since last July and have nothing but praise for the place and people there. I just wish the restaraunt would re-open!!! Skipper Paul Crosby
Stayed overnight on the face dock on 3/31/11. Found excellent facilities and very friendly personnel. $1.25′ very friendly as well. Skipper Ed Grygent
I could not agree more! We have had the ‘˜Fran C’ at Barefoot Marina since last July and have nothing but praise for the place and people there. I just wish the restaurant would re-open!!! Skipper Paul Crosby
Please note that this grounding was near high tide in the center of the channel. We have reports of recent shoaling in various spots in the AICW between Charleston Harbor and McClellanville, particularly at Mile 431. Past advice has to been to stay in the center of the channel. Maybe this new spot will be an exception. See the link for more on this area.
We hit a shallow spot (less than 5 ft) north of Charleston just past Graham Creek between markers G64 and G61. It was close to high tide and we were aground right in the middle of the channel just opposite a small creek on the east side. I suggest staying to the green side of the channel to avoid this spot! Captains Harriet and Skip aboard S/V Moondance
Get any three veteran AICW cruisers together, and you’ll get four opinions about the best place to coil your lines in historic Charleston. Clearly, Captain Robinson’s vote would go to Charleston Maritime Center (see below), but do note his comment about the “surge.” We have observed this same unfortunate effect as well.
We are staying at the Maritime Center which is on the Cooper River side of town. It is a great location friendly service and really convenient to everything from shopping to the old historic district, great restaurants, the library and more all in easy walking distance. the only down side is the surge especially on days with strong winds, but that is a matter of personal taste. Jack Robinson
This report centers on a section of the AICW north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge and is similar to earlier reports of shoaling between Statute Miles 455 and 465.
BAD SHOAL SOUTH OF MARKER 117AON THE GREEN SIDE APPROX. 1000′ SOUTH OF 117A BEHIND SULLIVANS ISLAND, THERE IS LESS THEN 4′ AT LOW TIDE.
Dockmaster Susie Watkins is one of the most knowledgeable and professional marina operators in all of South Carolina. You can scarcely coil you lines at a better place than Harbourgate Marina, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Harbourgate marina is in semi-fresh water at MM 347. The basin is an excellent hurricane hole and if you pay in advance, Susie will only charge you $9/ft [monthly rate]. First class docks, etc. Also you can watch your boat on their harbor cam while you are gone. MB airport has connections to all major cities. Restaurants, West Marine, etc close by. John & Sue Winter
Osprey Marina lies right where the Waterway leaves the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”) and sweeps south into the beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! so let them know you read about them here!
I have stopped several times at the Osprey Marina for fuel (best prices) and left my boat there for a month a couple of years ago. Sheri and the other employees were helpful and friendly and the prices were very reasonable’¦.this is a VERY nice marina. Skipper Jock Ames
We have finally been able to confirm the Rock Creek soundings reported by Captain Ted Jones below, and many earlier contributors to the Cruisers’ Net. Once deep Rock Creek has shoaled badly, south of the stream’s first turn to the northeast, north of the it’s intersection with the AICW. Favor the eastern banks in order to stay clear of the correctly charted shoal making out from lower Rock Creek’s westerly banks.
ICW mile 515 ~ Rock Creek. The chart shows a narrow creek well protected from the NW by tall trees and deep water (except on the west side at the entrance) for much further than we wanted to go. However, the depth sounder indicated otherwise, and as we were turning around we grounded. It was near low tide, and we were able to back off easily and find deeper water (but nothing like the soundings of 22 feet) closer to the entrance, where we dropped anchor for the night. Buttoned up to conserve what heat we had left, we heard the sound of an engine nearby, and I stuck my head out of the hatch in time to see a Pearson yawl go steaming by headed for the spot where we grounded. I yelled, but he didn’t hear me. I watched unable to affect the inevitable outcome as I Gotta Go ground to a halt 50 yards astern of us. We talked on VHF, and I told him where the deeper water was. The skipper, who appeared to be along, said he was not concerned as the tide was flooding. Later, we could see that he had gotten off and anchored south of us closer to the ICW where the chart indicated — and we had confirmed — 7.5 feet. Ted Jones
South of Charleston, the AICW leaves the Ashely River and traverses a partially man-made, partially natural creek/canal known as both Wappoo Creek and Elliott Cut. To say that tidal currents boil through this passage is something akin to announcing that the sun it a little bit bright. And, apparently the South Carolina DOT feels our on-the-water lives need even more spice, so one of the bridges crossing this passage carries a closed vertical clearance of 33 feet, and a restricted opening schedule. Below, Captain Ted Jones, former publisher of the late, great “Coastal Cruising” magazine, relates a short story about how commercial traffic can sometimes make these waters even more exciting!
We waited for half an hour for the Wapoo Creek bridge’s scheduled opening at 0900. Two tugs pushing construction barges were waiting on the other side, going north. When I heard them call, I told the bridge tender that we would allow them to pass through ahead of us, but in when the bridge opened they were so far back that I wasn’t sure they were coming. We, and the sailboat waiting behind us, got through and out of the way well before the tug captains were ready to go through. Ted Jones
Osprey Marina lies right where the AICW leaves the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile), and sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Of course, we are a little prejudiced around here, as Osprey Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, but I could not agree more with Captain Ted, that this facility is indeed one of the finest marinas to be found anywhere. And, let me also mention that their dockage basin is super sheltered!
Osprey Marina is very attractive, having been carved out of the land. It is reached by a short canal, and is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. It is well worth a visit. While it is not within walking reach of general services, the snack bar (operated by Sheri, who seems also to be the marina manager) serves both breakfast and lunch, closing at 1700 when the office closes. Upon our arrival, Sheri (maybe spelled differently) presented us with a bag of complimentary goodies which included a package of crackers, a block of cheddar cheese, a couple of candy bars, a key ring float, a couple of insulated drink holders, a book of matches, several pamphlets about the marina, and a list of essential services within a taxi ride including, of course, the phone numbers of the local taxis. Included with this information was the phone number of Scatori’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, `Local’s favorite authentic Italian cuisine & real NY pizza.’ Scatori’s will come fetch you at the marina (and bring you back) and offers free delivery to your boat. We opted for the latter (as we had when we stopped at Osprey Marina last spring) and ordered a large three-topping pizza which was delivered by a cultured and articulate young man an hour later. We devoured half of the pizza and saved the other half for later. Shower facilities at Osprey Marina rated a 9 with both of us. The only negative point was the lack of enough hooks from which to hang one’s clothes while in the shower. However, the showers were excellent, clean, not fancy, but with benches and chairs, substantial hand rails on two sides, and racks for soap shampoo, and whatever else one would likely want to take into the shower. Entry into the showers/heads/laundry area is provided using a magnetic key provided with the goodie bag when you sign in. Sheri said she would be at the marina at 0800 and would cook breakfast for us. Malla had a biscuit and gravy ($4.00), and I had the Osprey Platter ($6.25): 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties or 3 bacon slices. grits or home fries, and toast. Coffee is free, help yourself. It was all excellent, enjoyed at a window table overlooking part of the marina. We were out of there before 0900. Why do I go on so about this marina? On the wall near the grill is a framed clipping with the headline, `Osprey Marina and Grill named the best marina in the country.’ When we were ready to depart, the dockmaster came down to our slip and gave O.G’s pulpit a gentle shove to help us get squared away. We were very glad we had stopped there and will try to do so again on our way north next spring. Ted Jones
Located halfway between Georgetown and Charleston, SC, Awendaw Creek has been successfully accessed for anchoring by several recent cruisers. On the south side of the Waterway, Awendaw Creek is best approached through its northern entrance which is due south of marker #48 and just west of marker #47 in Harbor River.
Leaving Georgetown, SC heading to Charleston on 1/14/11 we found a great anchorage off Marker 48A to the port side heading south in Awendaw Creek. Great width, depth for larger boats. Protected from all directions except easterly. We anchored in and around back side. Our ICW cruising guide show anchorage near mouth of creek, there is plenty of depth to go up and around. You can find 8ft, behind point, and 25ft. in the inlet opening, with plenty of swing room for our 43ft. Shannon so one can anchor where they are most comfortable. Susan and Bob Dawson
We anchored in Awendaw Creek two nights ago and found it to be an excellent anchorage. The straight shot in showed no less than 19 feet (the charted shoal at the mouth seems to be non-existent). Once you go around the hook to the left, it shallows to 9-12 feet with lots of swinging room. Room for at least 20 boats. Compared notes with folks who did Graham Creek, I would vote for Awendaw. Allen and Judy Ames
Awendaw Creek Anchorage…..we also anchored there just last evening and it was perfect! The waters were calm and no winds. And the hook set every easily! Plenty of room. Will surely return there when heading back up north. Ed and Eva Higginson aboard S/V “Makai”
Graham Creek cuts the southeastern shores of the AICW near marker #64. Price Creek makes into the Waterway’s southeastern banks, southwest of marker #84. Note that other fellow cruisers have found better depths here during 2009 – 2010. We would very much appreciate hearing from others who have anchored, or attempted to anchor here, and discover what depths you discovered. If this describes you, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
Attempted to enter Graham Creek on Thanksgiving based upon the 6′ levels posted; forget it ‘“ 4.4 to 4.6 was what I saw at the entrance; went aground was able to get off thanks goodness and move on to Price Creek which was absolutely beautiful and deep ‘“ 12 ‘“ 15’ Captain Pat Kenefick
Here’s another superb story from our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane Tigar. Her story below concerns anchoring on Dewees Creek, This somewhat complicated, but undeniably anchor rich complex of creeks intersects the AICW south of marker #109. As Captain Jane notes, there are seaward and land-side branches of Dewees Creek. The western arm, in particular has many possibly havens, including on on charted Long Creek.
Even if you think you’d rather be in a marina, this is an anchorage that could change your mind. There are at least four separate anchoring areas — and that’s without going up the creek and exploring — and there’s plenty of room to maneuver. First, you have two options, West off the AICW or East off the AICW. We did not personally explore the Eastern option but observed a large sailing catamaran take the turn, go past the ferry dock at Dewees Island and drop the hook pretty much exactly as Skipper Bob suggests. She was still there in the morning where we’d last spied her — so we presume it was a good spot. From the Waterway, this Eastern choice appears a little less picturesque than the Western option and you do have Gray Aggie taking people back and forth to Isle of Palms, a feature that is neither a plus nor minus in my book. We chose West just because it looked pretty. We found lots of deep water, just as charted — even the numbers we thought were typos such as a 71 which we were sure would be 17 were accurate. Had you been listening in on us, you would have heard us both say, with great surprise: Nope, it’s really 71! The Western option offers you at least three obvious choices without wandering far off the AICW — you can go straight ahead (which we did), take a port turn or take a starboard turn, each to what appear to be fine anchoring spots. Going straight ahead, we found that the depths drop to 20 and just past the first creek arm to port, we found depths of mid- to high teens — perfect for anchoring. There is so much room here, we felt very comfortable, even if a parade of boats were to join us as Isle of Palms Marina and some in Charleston, too, were full. As it turned out, only four vessels joined us for the night. One right near us in the main section of the creek as you can see in the sunset photograph. Another chose the slender arm that heads South. Two other boats took the first turn to North. It was a breezy night and we found holding excellent. The currents aligned us for a splendid sunset and in the morning conveniently spun us so we faced east for an equally splendid sunrise coming up over the ocean as we reentered the AICW. It doesn’t get better than this. Captain Jane S/V Lady Jane
Harbor Gate Marina occupies the charted square cove abutting the ICW’s southern banks between the two (charted) Nixon Crossroads bridges.
We stopped there initially to fuel up and get a pump-out, but just before we got there, an alternator belt broke. The wonderful staff there helped us get into the dock with the current, and were wonderful in helping us get a mechanic from nearby Anchor Marina. The staff at this marina are wonderful. They were extremely friendly, helpful and did everything they could to be helpful to us. WE ended up staying night and will certainly return to this wonderful facility. Fitzcat
Anchor Marina overlooks the ICW’s southerly banks just east of the Little River high-rise bridge.
If you need help on the waterway, talk to `Guy’ at Anchor marina. He was absolutely super with us and helped us problem solve possible reasons for breaking alternator belts on on engine. He is very professional, very reasonable, and extremely easy to work with. Highly recommended. Fitzcat
The area Captain Monsein describes is the infamous Fields Cut which is the very last stretch of the AICW in South Carolina and, despite dredging last Spring, continues to shoal in spots. It is gratifying that the USCG has recognized the shoaling and added a temporary marker.
In vicinity of Dafuskie Island, South Carolina: while southbound on ICW at buoy 49- there is a ” local temporary” red marker marking a sand bar. Be sure to honor this unusual marker. Also- while southbound, just north of the Savannah River crossing after passing Dafuskie Island, there is significant shoaling with depths as low as 6 feet at low tide. Use caution in this area! Captain Skip Monsein
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club is the rearmost facility on Coquina Harbor. The entrance channel for this body of water indents the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite marker #13. MBYC is known for having some of the best fuel prices on the Waterway, AND they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Oh yes, in addition to the Officer’s Club restaurant mentioned below, don’t dare miss the adjacent Umberto’s Restaurant. The chops served here are legendary up and down the AICW!
SweetPea is now located at Myrtle Beach Yacht club mile marker 345.9 and and will remain here till after the Thanksgiving holiday. Though we have just arrived I can say this the people here are very friendly and the Officers Club (restaurant) is excellent ! Those boaters heading south if you land here for a night or extended stay stop in and see us. The entrance of the harbour is marked by a lighthouse. Jim and Dale McGovern aboard SweetPea
As you approach the southside of McClellanville on the AICW, please heed earlier advice to favor the red side, especially in the stretch between markers 37 and 38. Please open the links below for more information and a Chart View of this area.
After anchoring in the South Santee River we headed for Isle of Palms yesterday morning ( 11/5/2010 )’¦ we traversed the McClellanville stretch 2 hours after high tide (falling) all seemed well in the middle of the channel until we sited depths in the 5 foot range in 3 different places through that run ‘¦ all in mid-channel ‘¦ had our water tanks been full, we’d have grounded for sure.
Transited the area today about 2 hours before low tide. While we did see the occasional 8′ or 7.9 we saw nothing approaching 5’ while following the channel. The channel does indeed favor the red in general (that is, it is NOT in the center of the water) but it was quite possible to transit in relatively low water. Captain Leigh
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