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Jul 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry Sets Sail from Newport, R.I.
Because of The Spirit of South Carolina, built by hundreds of volunteers and based in Charleston, tall ships are of particular interest to Charlestonians. One will not be surprised to learn of an invitation to visit Charleston being extended to Oliver Hazard Perry in the near future.
Maiden Voyage:
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry Sets Sail
NEWPORT, RI (July 17, 2015) ‘“ Rhode Island’s 200-foot Official Sailing Education Vessel SSV Oliver Hazard Perry sailed for the first time yesterday in Narragansett Bay after she left the Hinckley Boat Yard in Portsmouth, R.I. to begin a journey up the coast to join the Tall Ships Portland 2015 festival. Anyone on or near East Bay Passage between seven and eight a.m. saw a truly amazing spectacle when four of the ship’s 20 sails were unfurled, one-by-one as crew members climbed aloft to set free the lines that secured them to the yards.

Rhode Island’s 200-foot Official Sailing Education Vessel SSV Oliver Hazard Perry sailed for the first time yesterday in Narragansett Bay. (All photos credit Onne van der Wal)
Rhode Island’s 200-foot Official Sailing Education Vessel SSV Oliver Hazard Perry sailed for the first time yesterday in Narragansett Bay. (All photos credit Onne van der Wal)
Available for download in high resolution by clicking the photo
`This is a huge milestone,’ said Jess Wurzbacher, Executive Director of the non-profit Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI), `over the past seven years all of her movements have been under the control of tugs. The wind was blowing 12-15 knots out of the north to make it a nice downwind run out of the Bay, so it was great to watch the sails harness some of that power ‘“ it is what we have all been waiting to see for years.’
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is the first ocean-going full-rigged ship built in America in over a century. She also is this country’s largest privately-funded, actively sailing Tall Ship, one of only 75 Tall Ships in the world designated by Sail Training International as Class A.
On July 3rd SSV Oliver Hazard Perry was dockside at the Newport Shipyard for the `Homeport Rhode Island’ gala. The annual fundraising event celebrated the unprecedented $16 million economic development project, which has supported hundreds of jobs in the Rhode Island marine industry. It raised $122,000 while also honoring the non-profit organization’s Board Chairman Bart Dunbar for his unfailing devotion to OHPRI’s Education-at-Sea mission.
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Supporters gathered at Newport Shipyard for Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island’s `Homeport Rhode Island’ Gala on Friday, July 3. (All photos credit Al Weems, alweemsphoto.com)
Available for download in high resolution by clicking the photo
With orange being the color theme, most of the 450 guests were decked out in their orange best. The signature drink, the `Dunbar Fizz,’ also was orange, and wait staff from Blackstone Catering sported orange bow ties. Cocktail hour included tours of the ship, passed hors d’oeuvres and offerings from a fresh seafood bar, while dinner was served under a giant tent with orange globe lights.
At the event, Dunbar acknowledged all of OHPRI’s supporters, and especially Admiral Tom Weschler, OHPRI’s Chairman Emeritus, who was in attendance, with helping the organization realize its dreams. `We are far from finished with fundraising,’ said Dunbar, explaining that the focus will soon turn to the ship’s Education at Sea programs, `but it is a huge milestone to have the ship completed and going through its final inspections and preparations for accommodating students of all ages.’
Rhode Island’s Tall Ship will serve the youth from all states with its Education at Sea programs. It is the first ocean-going full-rigged ship built in America in over a century.

The Spirit of South Carolina
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Jul 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
418ft National Security Cutter Coming to Charleston, SC
South Carolina is proud to have the National Security Cutter James make Charleston her home port. NSC 5 is named to honor Capt. Joshua James, one of the world’s most celebrated lifesavers.
USCG’s New Cutter Sails from Ingalls
Posted by Eric Haun
Thursday, July 16, 2015
The National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754) sails away from Ingalls Shipbuilding. (Photo: Lance Davis/HII)
The National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754) sailed away from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Sunday, July 12, one month after being delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard, HII announced.
The new built vessel James will be commissioned on August 8 in Boston before heading to Charleston, S.C., where she will be stationed alongside Ingalls’ fourth NSC, Hamilton (WMSL 753).
“James is an excellent ship and another example of the outstanding work accomplished by our shipbuilders,” said NSC Program Manager Derek Murphy. “Through serial production in this program, each successive ship continues to come down the learning curve. The quality remains world-class, as proven by the substantial reduction in the number of trial cards with each successive ship in the class. Ingalls shipbuilders have once again delivered an NSC that will continue to protect our nation for the next 40 years.”
CLICK HERE for the full story from MarineLink.com
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Jul 18, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.6873,-79.00459999
Openings Questioned at Socastee Swing Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 371

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Skipper Lattimer poses questions that have asked many, many times over the years. See /?p=89755 and /?p=143206 for comments from other boaters. As to precedents for openings, emergency vehicles and vessels get priority. On weekends, it is normally water traffic that is heavy and the On Demand must restricted to openings every 15 minutes. During weekday rush hours, the opposite is true. And, as I understand from conversations with the bridge tenders, the old swing bridge roadway still serves a nearby school zone, requiring that waterway traffic be restricted for school buses. It is a tough job for the tenders who must rely on their on-the-spot judgement to apply restrictions.
Re: Socastee swing bridg . What do you mean `Opens on Demand’ Demand from who? Also, how many boats are considered heavy vessel traffic? It’s not unusual to have a hundred, probably a lot more, cars and trucks tied up when the bridge is open to `some’ boats. Which should take precedence?
Ed Lattimer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Socastee Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Socastee Bridge
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Jim Healy - July 24, 2015 - 2:32 pm

What should take precedence, Ed, is the USCG-approved status of the bridge. The Socastee Bridge is NOT restricted, so by definition, it is “on request”/”on demand.” The “requestor”/”demander” is the pilot of the boat. Having transited the ICW on many fall/spring migrations, I have experienced all of the ICW bridges. At Socastee, I have had excellent service and terrible, disrespectful service. The bridge is unreliable, at best. The bridge operations staff is made up of people who believe in serving the needs of boaters and people who do not. The argument of emergency vehicle traffic or school bus traffic applies to every bridge everywhere. There is absolutely nothing unique to Socastee. The bridge – and the city that owns the bridge – should honor it’s commitments to waterway users. Honor them or change them, but none of this, “it’ll be about 15 minutes or so before I can open” nonsensical stuff.
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Dredging Funded for Isle of Palms Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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Finally!! But, sadly, not until October in the middle of the Fall Migration, as explained in this article by Prentiss Findlay in Charleston’s Post and Courier. A reminder that the tidal range in this area is 5+ feet, so high tide would give you 7+ feet. And, as in the past, we recommend HIGH TIDE ONLY through this stretch.
Corps has $2.4 million for Waterway dredging at IOP, Sullivan’s

A boat is shown stranded on a shoal in the Intracoastal Waterway. A local section of the waterway between Isle of Palms Connector and Ben Sawyer Bridge will be dredged to make marine travel easier. The federal government has appropriated $2.4 million for the project.
Some $2.4 million in federal funds has been authorized for dredging the Intracoastal Waterway between Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms Connector, officials said Thursday.
The section at Breach Inlet between Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island is only two feet deep at low tide. `It’s bad. It’s definitely bad,’ said Brian Berrigan, president of Isle of Palms Marina.
Work to dredge the channel is expected to begin in October, said Sean McBride, spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District.
`It’s our No. 1 priority,’ McBride said.
The waterway near Breach Inlet has been nearly dry at low tide because of shoaling, a condition in which sand builds up and blocks the channel. The authorized channel depth is 12 feet and the width is 90 feet.
Berrigan said word of the dredging is good news but only a temporary solution for a condition that is sure to happen again.
`We definitely need a long-term fix,’ he said.
Berrigan said transient boaters avoid the area because of the shoaling problem.
`It’s changing people’s schedules for sure,’ he said.
As a result, the marina has taken a tremendous hit financially. Diesel fuel sales are off 30 percent from last year, he said.
The City of Isle of Palms said the condition of the waterway has created safety concerns for boaters, particularly at low tide. `Boaters should use caution in this area until the dredging project can deepen the ICW,’ the city said.
The dredging is expected to be completed by the end of the year, the city said.
In the fall of 2013, a Mount Pleasant woman was injured on the waterway near the inlet when a 44-foot trawler drawing 3 feet 10 inches of water hit bottom. The impact caused her to fall backward and hit her head. In the emergency room, doctors determined she had a fractured vertebrae, a concussion and a broken rib. She spent two nights in the hospital.
Because of the low water, some boaters go offshore and re-enter the waterway at Charleston Harbor. The section of waterway has acquired a reputation as one of the worst areas from Virginia to Florida.
The last substantial funding the Army Corps received for waterway dredging was in 2009 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Some states, such as Florida and North Carolina, have dedicated funding for waterway maintenance. The Florida Inland Navigation District collects about $20 million annually to pay for waterway maintenance in 12 counties. North Carolina funds waterway maintenance through boater registration fees and the gas tax.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or Twitter.com/prentissfindlay.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jul 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.6459,-80.27679999
Report from Tom Point Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 495.5

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek Anchorages
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Jul 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8651,-78.63879999
Good Visit to Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
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Jun 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.7584,-79.89589999
Charleston Harbor Dredging, AICW Statute Mile 465

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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
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Channel
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Jun 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 33.3638,-79.28169999
A Visit to Harborwalk Marina, Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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Linda Allen - June 26, 2015 - 4:32 pm

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.
Reply to Linda

John Wampler - June 26, 2015 - 2:13 pm

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.
Enjoy a stop here.
yachtaide.com
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Jun 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Leland Oil Company, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430
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

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina
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Jun 1, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 33.2501,-79.2699999
Minim Creek Ferry Replaced with Floating Swing Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 411.5

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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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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.
Reply to Dave

Mike Ahart - June 7, 2015 - 10:07 am

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
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May 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.43,-80.67419999
Another !! Update on Ladys Island Swing Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 536

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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.
MikeA
Mike Ahart, News Editor, Waterway Guide
804-313-0274
www.waterwayguide.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ladys Island Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ladys Island Bridge
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Miami - May 25, 2015 - 11:59 am

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
Reply to Miami
May 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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Charleston
@ Charleston City Marina
17 Lockwood Dr.
Charleston, SC 29401
OFFICE: 843-412-6587
FAX: 877-720-8698
Wrightsville Beach
@ WB Marina
10 Marina Street Suite A3
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
OFFICE: 910-256-8803
FAX: 888-893-9755
Little River
@ Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
720 Hwy 17 – Suite 201
Little River, SC 29566
OFFICE: 843-340-0080
FAX: 888-566-5886
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May 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Spoleto USA, Charleston, SC, AICW Statute Mile 469

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.
Click Here for more information.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Johns Yacht Harbor
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May 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Waterway Condominiums in Myrtle Beach?
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.
Click Here for the article.
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.
Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/state/south-carolina/article20138928.html#storylink=cpy
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.8651,-78.63889999
More Good Words for Coquina Harbor Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coquina Harbor Yacht Club
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Pat Kenefick - May 1, 2015 - 5:42 pm

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.
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.0829,-79.46229999
Good Words for McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430

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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
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.052,-79.50249999
Depths Report from South of McClellanville, , AICW Statute Mile 433

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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.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Depth Report from Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5288,-80.39989999
Report from Fenwick Cut, AICW Statute Mile 511

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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
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fenwick Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8726,-78.56969999
Shoaling Reported at Calabash Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 342

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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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Calabash Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Calabash Creek Anchorage
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