The two Tom Point Creek anchorages are among the best south of Charleston, as a number of you have commented. Our thanks to Phil and Sandy Herl for this report.
Tom Point Creek We finally left Lady’s Island Marina, after one month enjoying every minute. And getting our pumps and cat food delivered. With a late start we had to stop and just wait for the tide at Ashepoo/Coosaw cut but that was no problem, we have no agenda. When we got through the cut we thought about St Johns Marina or the Isle of Palms too late for either. Both jam up and jelly tight, we stopped at Tom Point Creek for an overnight anchor. No problem, and we enjoy an anchor out as long as the gen keeps working, and it did. Started out first thing in the AM and was running too early for Leland Marina (low tide) so we just dropped an anchor and waited out the tide and came in with no problems. Just enjoying the trip. Phil and Sandy Herl
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years, as Skipper Herl reports. Naturally, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! The entrance to Coquina Harbor lies on the north side of the Waterway opposite Marker #13.
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Arrived around 3:45 and melted into the dock. Been a long day, lots of slow going with a lot of no wakes. And it has been hot. Stopped at Osprey for fuel, best prices in the area, then continued to Myrtle Beach for the night. To hot to cook so we eat at Clarks, its right next to the marina. Every thing was excellent. Had a problem with the electric `Y’, had to get one ordered from West Marine. Had two days to enjoy the area, we rented a car and did just that. Found some fresh shrimp and did them on the Barbee. Then were able to find Fishy Fishy, had a fantastic meal. Great stay. Phil Herl
The South Channel of Charleston Harbor is essentially the Waterway as it runs east/west from the Ashley River to the Waterway’s eastern harbor entrance into Sullivans Island Narrows at ICW marker #130. There is plenty of water on either side of the harbor channel in which to avoid the dredge equipment. Project dates are not given.
SOUTH CAROLINA – CHARLESTON HARBOR SOUTH CHANNEL: Dredge Operations Mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, pipelines, barge, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. All operators should be aware that the dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables, which are attached to anchors some distance from the dredge and pontoons. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that they may be moved as the dredge moves. Submerged lines should be avoided. Mariners are requested to exercise extreme caution when approaching, passing, and leaving the dredging plant. The dredge LEXINGTON monitors VHF channels 13 and 16. Mariners arc cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging operations will be conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work, a slow NO WAKE speed is requested of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to passing. Chart 11518 and 11524 LNM: 25/15
Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront. Check out their shiny new, first-rate, shower and laundry building! Skipper Herl’s report isn’t dated, but it seems to coincide with the current heatwave we are enduring in SC.
Harborwalk Marina Just a short run, 4 hr, north of Lelands [McClellanville] into Georgetown to Harborwalk Marina. Cris met us at the dock. Cris and my crew prevented me from crashing and burning at the dock. We arrived early so were able to take a walk down town, It is hot (100deg.) so the walk was short but very interesting. Visited the museum and some stores, they all had AC. The dock was nice, it was just too hot to do anything. Phil and Sandy Herl
We spent a month at this marina just after it was updated in 2009. The staff and the facilities were excellent. The location is perfect for strolling downtown or through the back streets with the lovely houses.
As a delivery captain with over 200 Florida to New York transits under my keel, when weather is more than marginal, I try to make Georgetown a stop. Cris, the new dockmaster, took over for my old friend Dave and the service has not suffered one bit.
I like Thomas Cafe for an early morning bite before I get underway and the River Room can hold it’s own with the finest of restaurants.
Swamp Players has live theater when in production.
Recently renovated Leland Oil Company sits on the northern shores of Jeremy Creek in the heart of McClellanville, hard by the stream’s charted turn to the west. Like many others, we find McClellanville to be one of the most delightful stops on the AICW and yet it’s known to only a few cruisers. Our thanks to Skipper Herl for this report and excellent photos.
Leland Marina Started out first thing in the AM and made good time, too good. Or maybe I just did not calculate the tide correctly. Anyway, early for Lelands Marina (low tide) so we just dropped an anchor and waited out the tide and came in after 3:00 pm with no problems. Lelands is a small Marina, very friendly and close to the ICW. We did have some issues with the electric (weak breakers) but we got it sorted out. Lelands are trying to continue to upgrade but still have some bumps to get over. I would stay again if for no other reason than the location is great for picking up fresh shrimp for dinner. The town (McClellanville SC) is small and very quiet. All within walking distance. Phil Herl
When southbound, the Waterway turns southwest into Esterville Minim Creek Canal exiting Winyah Bay at Mile 410.5. The cable operated ferry crossing is now a floating swing bridge crossing at Mile 411.5. Folks who remember Sunset Beach floating bridge fondly (!) will look forward to seeing this apparatus first hand. Our thanks to Skipper Murdoch for these photos.
At St M 411 in place of the Esterville Ferry is new “Floating Swing Bridge” somewhat like the old Sunset Beach Bridge. Here are some pictures taken yesterday. Bill Murdoch
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Dave Boxmeyer- June 6, 2015 - 10:35 am
Just what we need, a new swing bridge. I remember the Sunset Beach bridge very well. We all held our breath every time they had to open or close it. I had mixed emotions when it was replaced. The Sunset Beach was a piece of history that I thought was lost, now I see it has been reincarnated and the ferry has faded away.
Not to worry… this will never be like the old Sunset Beach pontoon bridge, which opened just once an hour (and took forever!). I talked to the Director at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Refuge, who told me that they are the only ones who use it, and maybe just a couple times a day at the most. They actually use skiffs to get across most of the time and only use the new bridge if they need to get vehicles or equipment across. So…the bridge will stay pinned to the bank and open to marine traffic almost all of the time. He says they can get the bridge in place and vehicles across in just 4 or 5 minutes, so even if you need to stop, you’ll get to see the pontoon bridge in action without too much delay. A much bigger hazard is the boat ramp next to it…it can get really busy! Mike Ahart Editor, Waterway Guide
On May 6, we posted this Update on the Ladys Island Swing Schedule, /?p=148206, in which the new restrictions applied M-F only. Today we received another update from our good friend, Mike Ahart of Waterway Guide, that increases the restrictions to seven days a week.
The temporary deviation for Ladies Island Swing Bridge in Beaufort SC does apply on weekends and holidays, to the consternation of the bridge tenders and all the sailboaters waiting hours for a bridge opening on a Sunday morning!
I had talked to the tenders when the new schedule started, and they said, despite the notice, that it would not apply to weekends/holidays…well, I guess they were “corrected.” Another strange thing is that the notice applies to all vessels, including commercial. The bridge tenders raised a stink about that, since the tugs and barges are on schedule and cannot stop ‘“ so, apparently, the Coast Guard is allowing the bridge to open on signal for tugs and barges, despite never changing or issuing a notice to reflect this (at least not one I have managed to find).
BTW: On CruisersForum.com, someone cited a posting at SSECN from 2010…but also pointed to the current bridge listing.
We are sitting at Beaufort waiting for a 9am opening on Sunday morning since 6 this morning. Three boats have called for an opening. This is criminal and we must email. call do what ever we can to stop this insanity. There is no way to make Charleston in one day or come the other way. Please write all SC relevant politicians, Beaufort officialdom and the CG! Thanks
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Charleston is home to several marinas just off the Waterway, including three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Charleston Harbor Marina, Charleston City Marina and St. Johns Yacht Harbor.
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now in its 39th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival.
Just what Myrtle Beach needs, more condominiums! If you have cruised through those very attractive, still undeveloped properties along the ICW in Myrtle Beach, maybe you have probably already thought that development is inevitable. That’s 2000 acres of development!
And this from WBTW News 13, May 6
Horry County Council loosens restrictions on Intracoastal Waterway development HORRY COUNTY, SC- Council voted Tuesday to relax it’s restrictions on Intracoastal Waterway development.
A resolution passed that would allow for construction on spoil easements that line the body of water. Spoil easements are piles of dirt and sediment dug up during dredging. The county originally prohibited development on easements because they played a critical role in keep the canal clear for boats. However, several property owners got permission from the Army Corps of Engineers to build projects like a pool or a patio, according to Horry County attorney Arrigo Carotti. As a result, Council decided to allow for the issuance of building permits with written consent from the corps. “If it’s okay with the corps, it will be okay with county,” said Carotti. Army Corps of Engineers Spokesperson Sarah Corbett said they agreed to allow construction conditionally, meaning the corps could revoke the privilege at any time for dredging purposes. Waccamaw River Keeper Paula Reidhaar said development on easements could negatively impact the environment. “These are areas of land right along the edges of the waterway, which is why they were designated as potential spots to put this spoil material,” said Reidhaar. ” Anytime you’re opening up potential development for right along the water, there’s issues.” One major issue concerns rain water. Reidhaar said the easements act as filters to keep run-off out of the waterway. “Any time it’s going over a solid surface, the water just keeps carrying all of these materials to first available body of water,” she said. Run-off often consists of chemicals. Reidhaar said it can dangerously affect drinking water, fish or recreational activities. “Some of this may be upstream but it all becomes one body of water downstream so it certainly can have impacts,” stated Reidhaar.
May 4, 2015 Horry County officials say a years-old proposal to relax restrictions on development along the Intracoastal Waterway is getting some traction, although the process will be long and expensive.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported (http://bit.ly/1bq8wle) that county officials are discussing a proposal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that would allow for construction on about 2,000 acres of waterfront land.
The project involves tracts that are privately owned but fall under easements held by the corps. County attorney Arrigo Carotti says the corps has researched an issue involving sites that hold dredged material.
Corps spokeswoman Sara Corbett says the agency has asked the county to provide environmental assessments that the corps will use to decide whether to release the easements. She says t no decision has been made.
Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.
We have stopped here both coming and going to the Bahamas over the last ten years. We’ve never been disappointed. Sandy Otten, the dock master, could not be more friendly. We rate it one of the best small marinas on the ICW and a great value. Bill Murdock
We stopped at Coquina Yacht Club April 30,2015 and we totally agree with the comments made by Bill Murdock. This was our first visit ; Sandy Otten, Dockmaster is fantastic; very, very kind and caring; she along with her buddy Bob helped us dock, brought my wife to the grocery store, etc. great stop and great value; will stop again.
The marina mentioned below in this report from AGCLA’s Forum is recently renovated Leland Oil Company on the northern shores of Jeremy Creek, in the heart of McClellanville, hard by the stream’s charted turn to the west. Like Quo Vadimus’s skipper, we find McClellanville to be one of the most delightful stops on the AICW and, yet, it’s known to only a few cruisers. Stop for awhile and make the acquaintance of this village that time has forgotten. You won’t be sorry!
Just an update, we are here on 28 April 2015 and are happy. Little town, dollar store, a place to eat, etc. Good seafood store the other way, got some huge shrimp for $8.99 a pound. Crab dip is very good and they had 100 count bags of clams we may pick up if we stay a second day. Docks are in good shape, the river is deep on the north side. People hang out at the marina that are willing to give you rides to the stores, etc. If you are here the first Saturday in May (in 2015 its 2 May) is the annual shrimp festival. Shrimp, Crab, fish, games, music, crafts, etc. I was told it’s “A real nice day” Foster and Susan Quo Vadimus Nowhere OK
Captain Healy’s observations taken at MLLW is good news for most northbound cruisers, because this area has been the source of shallow water reports last Fall. See /?p=145005. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage if you draw 5ft or more!
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 10h30 and 10h50 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited the ICW between R”42″ and G”35″ south of Jeremy Creek, McClellanville, SC, northbound, essentially at the morning low tide (+0.6 at 11h14) for the day. Here is our observation report:
Comments: 1. We met a SB tug/tow at R”48.” Asked him for “tips” for handling the McClellanville shallows. His answer was: “Stay in the middle. Stay off the bottom!” Then he added: “I draw 7 ft, and I float through this stretch.” Well folks, he may float, but I would observe, just barely… 2. Exact path through the area matters; stay well off the markers. Slalom course-line is OK.
* Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
This AICW Problem Stretch has been shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges.
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 07h20 and 07h40 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited Mt. Pleasant, SC, northbound, between the Ben Sawyer Bridge and Isle of Palms, at mid-tide (falling). Here is our observation report:
Conclusions: 1. Shallowest water is north of G”119″ and nearby but south of Green floater G”117A.” 2. Exact path through the area matters; favor red for best water depths through this entire stretch. Proceed carefully in the vicinity of G”117A” at Swinton Creek. * Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Socastee, SC
And this from AGLCA’s Forum:
Just north of Charleston is the swing bridge at the entrance to the ICW heading north. Between markers 119 to the next bridge (and mostly around marker 117) it is very shallow. After getting a positive trip report from Seahorse on a successful trip, we went today. Only difference was an hour difference of tide. We watched a sailboat and a tow get stuck at marker 117. While TowBoatUS says to keep to the red side (port), the key is to go at least 2 hours AFTER low tide. The thicker water (note not a channel) is to the red side, but don’t stray too far. Note that there are shoals at the ocean inlets, so at those points the green side does get thin. Quo Vadimus Nowhere OK Foster and Susan
Fenwick Cut slices through a narrow neck of Fenwick Island and connects the Ashepoo River with the Stono, north of the infamous Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff which Captain Healy wisely avoided by taking the alternate route east around Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound, see /?p=145808. The alternate route adds about 5 statute miles to your route.
Fenwick Cut, northbound at 09h10 DST 4/27/2015:
8.6 ft observed today, mid-channel, south entrance +1.8 ft tide level per Garmin chart plotter almanac, therefore 6.8 ft MLLW control depth transiting the cut
The anchorage at the mouth of Calabash Creek, just below the NC-SC state line, has been a popular stop for years, owing in no small part to the delicious seafood awaiting a dinghy ride up the creek. Sad to have it shoaled in.
21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Very nice marina people’¦have scratched the Calabash creek anchorage off the list of possibilities. Too bad, considering we anchored there a little over two years ago and had fine depths and a very pleasant night’¦ Barry Umberger
Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.
21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek [Calabash] but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Barry Umberger
We have stopped here both coming and going to the Bahamas over the last ten years. We’ve never been disappointed. Sandy Otten, the dock master, could not be more friendly. We rate it one of the best small marinas on the ICW and a great value.
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Northern Fields Cut, which was listed as a hazard to navigation (see /?p=143997) in Local Notices in August of 2014, is always an area to approach cautiously and at mid to high tide. Our thanks to Skipper Hale for this update. For a another depth report from Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, see /?p=144010
April 11, 2015 northbound. We entered Fields Cut at about 1:45 after low water. We were carrying MLLW+ 2 feet. We stayed mid channel and never saw less than 10 feet. At the north end at R48A, we were half way between the buoy and shore and saw 20 feet. There is a slight shoal just after R48A but we saw 10 feet as we crossed it. We are a trawler drawing 4.5 feet and were running `point’ for a sailboat which drew 6’2’³. They also were fine all the way through. Cheers, Tom Hale Northbound on the ICW
Skipper Hale’s passage is what we can all hope for through this Problem Stretch. However, as recent as this past October (/?p=145007), depths of less than 5ft were reported via ARGUS readings at the south end of the Cut. Tidal range is 5-7ft here and is certainly a factor in deciding to take the Cutoff or use the longer alternate route, see /?p=141157. Be sure to click the ARGUS option at the top of the ChartView page.
Ashpoo Coosaw cut off. We are north bound and arrived at the south end 1.5 hour after low water. We were carrying +1.5′ as we entered. The lowest we saw was just inside G185 we had over 6 feet but we might have been too far to the right. At G177 we had 20 feet of water. Clearly it is quite dependent on where you are, and there were times we were hunting a bit to find the best water. 30 or 40 feet to either side of our track could have been quite different,I think you can still take 4″ draft through at low water. There were three trawlers ahead of us the largest one was 50 feet and she was almost half an hour head of us. I think this passage is doable for most of the tidal cycle. Certainly the 4 hours before high water and 2-3 hours after high water. A sailboat half an hour behind us followed our track and instructions. They saw nothing less than 8.5′ Cheers, Tom Hale Northbound on the ICW Charleston SC
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