Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock, which is located on the eastern (ocean) side of the AICW in Myrtle Beach, while Barefoot Marina guards the western banks.
9/11/15 My husband and I cruised icw from south harbor marina to barefoot marina for our first adventure on the icw. Upon our arrival at barefoot; we informed the dock master that my husband could use some assistance in docking due to being partially disabled from a stroke 6 years ago. They were more than welcome to accommodate us and assist us in anyway possible upon arrival and departure and our entire stay. They are definitely a must stop on your travels. MOST definitely we will be returning to barefoot on our next adventure. Thanks so much to Barefoot Marina for a Great first experience!!! Joe Miller
Abandoned boats is an issue not limited to the Florida Keys – see a recent article on the Florida issue, /?p=150203. Charleston has been fighting the same problem for years and the headline below “finally clearing” has been published in our local Post and Courier a number of times in the past. However, our thanks to writer Diane Knich for posting this article, because it is certainly good news for cruisers who choose to anchor in the Ashley. These popular anchorages are acoss the river from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, City Marina.
City finally clearing old, abandoned boats from Ashley River Diane Knich Email @dianeknich Aug 31 2015 5:44 pm Aug 31 7:18 pm
A battered and barnacled 25-foot sailboat dangled from a crane on the edge of the Ashley River near the gateway to the peninsula on Monday.
It was the first abandoned boat a contractor hired by the city pulled from the water using a $104,000 grant from the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, which included $75,000 in federal funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The city of Charleston also contributed $30,00 in matching funds.
Boats that for years have been lying in the pluff mud in the Ashley River are being removed by Salmon’s Dredging, including this 28-foot sailboat that dangled from a crane on the barge. Enlarge’ƒBoats that for years have been lying in the pluff mud in the Ashley River are being removed by Salmon’s Dredging, including this 28-foot sailboat that dangled from a crane on the barge. Grace Beahm/Staff The boat for years had been lying on its side in the pluff mud near the U.S. Highway 17 bridge, said Sgt. Chad Womack with the Charleston Police Department’s Harbor Patrol.
Womack spends his days on the water, and knows the story of many of the abandoned and derelict boats clogging the river and causing navigation and safety hazards for other boats.
A man lived on that sailboat for 10 years, Womack said, but about three years ago he apparently fell overboard and died. His body was found in the water near Charles Towne Landing.
Womack said most abandoned boats are found in a mile-long stretch between the West Ashley bridges and the Intracoastal Waterway. He has estimated there are about 15 boats out there ranging in size from 23 to 40 feet.
He hopes to use the grant money to remove about 10 of them. But it depends on how many contractor Salmon’s Dredging can get with the money. It’s hard to know how complicated and time-consuming each boat will be until workers begin to try to remove them.
`Some of them just float by miracles,’ said Patrick French, an officer with the Harbor Patrol. `They look structurally sound, but when you bring them up, they disintegrate.’
Womack said Salmon’s is `going to go for the visible stuff first.’ Then they might try to remove some of the boats that already have sunk.
On Monday, employees were working from a barge to remove three other boats near the sailboat: a 28-foot sailboat, a 35-foot Bayliner motorboat and an old houseboat.
Womack said the police do all they can to find out who owns the boats before they use grant money to remove them. It’s an owner’s responsibility to pull a boat out of the water, he said. `And we pursue people criminally for abandoning boats.’
But it’s often impossible to figure out who owns the boats. The law requires boats to be registered, but the registration of many boats that show up in the river isn’t up to date.
Womack doesn’t know how long it will take Salmon’s to remove the boats. But the company will take them to land it owns on Shipyard Creek and dismantle them, he said. There’s nothing to salvage from old abandoned boats. `They’ll destroy them and take them to the landfill.’
Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or on Twitter at @dianeknich.
Womack “knows the stories” of many of the vessels ,The law requires all vessels registeted,yet it’s a big.mystery who is responsible? Who is being paid to patrol the waterway? Apparently,theyre too busy to address the unregistered boats as they arrive in their juristiction? Must be too busy doing “safety” boardings of obviously seaworthy transients to bother with improperly ,obciously derelict vessels that are clesrly incapable of navigation,are improperly anchored and without proper lighting. The “autgorities” could focus on the problems before they become abandoned or sink and these monies could be put to better use. Instead of letting it go for months and years,as they pass by them on their way to approach vessels underway.
We get a lot of requests for assistance on various aspects of boating and navigation, but this question is certainly one for the books. So come on all you noble Southern Sausage Chefs, lets hear your method of cooking the famous Bucksport Sausage! Bucksport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located south of Waterway marker #36, along the western shores of the beautiful Waccamaw River.
My son Jeff Meyer brought me a Bucksport sausage and I have never seen one like it before. I have no idea how to cook it. Where can I find directions, I need help. June Dienes
Moving upstream from Winyah Bay, Hazzard Marine is the first facility cruisers will encounter on the downtown, Sampit River Georgetown waterfront. This facility was rebuilt several years ago and now, as Skippers Bill and Devon attest, is a far cry from the forgettable fishing craft dock that once it was.
Hazzard Marine is one of the best most friendly marinas my wife and I have ever stopped at! We were on our way from Carolina Beach NC to the Excuma islands in the Bahamas when we had some unexpected boat problems. Hazzard Marine was the closes marina with a travel lift so we limped on in not knowing anybody there or having reservations. WOW is all I can say!! the folks there we so helpful and friendly. The entire staff helped with all the repairs/rental cars/meal suggestions/shipping of repair parts,etc etc. After 5 days there we hated to leave and move on. The prices are reasonable and the marina is very well kept. GREAT PLACE FOR A LAYOVER/WEEKENDER/OR JUST TO MEET THESE WONDERFUL FOLKS. Bill and Devon `WIDEOPEN’
This article by Prentiss Findlay in Charleston’s Post and Courier is a follow up to his earlier piece on much needed dredging in the Isle of Palms area of the Waterway, /?p=149544.
Army Corps: Crucial McClellanville, Breach Inlet dredging in works for Intracoastal Waterway Prentiss Findlay Aug 23 2015 12:01 am Jeremy Creek in McClellanville will likely be dredged after the Army Corps of Engineers announces the details of a contract in a few weeks.
The picturesque, historic village of McClellanville, which depends on Jeremy Creek for its commercial fishing livelihood, is facing a crisis because the tributary is in such bad shape.
`Our creek is just a disaster right now, frankly. Some of these extra low tides, the sides of the creek are almost touching. The bigger boats can hardly move at all except from half-tide up,’ Mayor Rutledge Leland said.
The Breach Inlet bridge links Sullivan’s Island (right) and the Isle of Palms. Enlarge’ƒThe Breach Inlet bridge links Sullivan’s Island (right) and the Isle of Palms. File/Staff `Beyond critical’ was how he described creek conditions.
`It’s reached an emergency situation,’ he said.
But help could be on the way, he said.
Leland said he came away from a recent meeting with Army Corps of Engineers officials optimistic that the town would see its share of $2.4 million recently awarded to the Corps Charleston District for Intracoastal Waterway dredging. The creek is considered part of the waterway.
`It was very good news. I left there feeling very good. It sounds like we are going to be a part of the package and it will just be a matter of time before they (Corps) are here. Probably November or December before we see a dredge here,’ Leland said.
The Corps’ top priority for waterway dredging in this area has been identified as the stretch from Isle of Palms Connector to Ben Sawyer Bridge, particularly in the area of Breach Inlet between IOP and Sullivan’s Island.
The waterway condition in that area has caused the IOP Marina to take a big hit financially. Boaters go offshore and re-enter the waterway at Charleston Harbor because the local stretch has acquired a reputation as one of the worst areas of the Intracoastal from Virginia to Florida, officials said.
In 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. In the emergency room, doctors determined she had a fractured vertebrae, a concussion and a broken rib. She spent two nights in the hospital, officials said.
On Thursday, Corps officials said that McClellanville could benefit from the latest round of federal funding for waterway dredging in this area. Charleston County has agreed to contribute another $500,000 to the cause, which would bring the total available for waterway channel maintenance to about $3 million. First, though, the federal government must agree to accept the county funds, officials said.
Corps officials said two companies bid for Intracoastal dredging here, and there is an apparent low bidder. Corps Charleston District spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said she could not discuss specifics of the project without putting it in jeopardy. Details will be finalized in the first week or two of September, officials said.
`Until the contract is awarded, we really can’t say the price, we really can’t say exactly what work will be accomplished, but based on the (bid) opening, there is a better than average chance that we will get to do something in McClellanville,’ said Brian Williams, who is the Corps district chief for programs and civil projects.
Leland said the creek was last dredged about 10 years ago. The tributary was created from mud flats as part of the original waterway project, he said.
When the tide comes in, the mile-long creek that leads to McClellanville’s two seafood processing plants is passable for the big boats, but even then conditions are not ideal.
`It pretty much has to be on the (high) tide, but it’s getting to be more of a struggle every day,’ Leland said.
How much the problem is costing the town has not been determined, he said, but one study showed that McClellanville-based commercial fishing pumps millions into the economy, he said.
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.
For now, trawlers push their way through shallow water in Jeremy Creek. At low tide, the creek is a muddy mess that idles many boats for long stretches of the day, Leland said.
`The only thing that is keeping it (creek) open now is the (boat) traffic. They’re stirring the mud up. The (Army) Corps calls it ‘˜agitation dredging.’ That’s the only reason we have any water at all right now,’ he said.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or Twitter.com/prentissfindlay.
School is in session for all ages and all places, even islands! But this “school bus” is one you may not know about, so Watch Your Wake! Sandy Island is the name of a small unincorporated community in Georgetown County, South Carolina. This article by Erin MacPherson is from WPDE.com.
New Sandy Island School Bus Boat
New Sandy Island School Bus Boat
Sandy Island gets new school bus boat by Erin MacPherson Posted: 08.05.2015 at 6:11 PM For years, the Sandy Island community and Georgetown County School officials have wanted a new school boat to get students who live on the island to and from school. The boat they were using was from 1964. And now, they have a new one. “It transports students just like a bus from Sandy Island to the mainland and then we put them on a bus and take them to school,” said Dr. Randy Dozier, Georgetown County Superintendent. The New Prince Washington is the state’s only school boat. Dr. Dozier says the boat they used before this one was outdated. “It was fairly slow, not as accessible and harder to operate. We wanted to bring it up to speed and make it safer more modern. Now we have a boat specifically for that and it’s brand new,” said Dozier. Dozier says the school board understood how important this boat is for the students on Sandy Island. “I have ridden on the old boat; it’s not a satisfactory trip. It’s a safe trip but it’s just crowded and old. This new boat is so much better and I can’t wait to ride on it,” said Richard Kerr, a trustee with the Georgetown County School Board. But getting this new boat wasn’t an easy task. Dozier says it’s all thanks to State Superintendent Molly Spearman. “This is owned by the state department much like a school bus. They maintain it. We provide the pilot, they provide the base salary, and we supplement that,” said Dozier. Tuesday, the boat passed the Coast Guard’s inspection. It seats 12 people, has a place for the pilot and co-pilot, and it has tie downs for wheelchairs. Dozier says it can safely fit 16 people and has plenty of life jackets for all passengers. “It looks great and meets all specifications,” said Dozier. The New Prince Washington will have its first launch on the first day of school. There’s no word yet on what they’re going to do with the old school boat.
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.
cid:image003.jpg@01D0C0A0.EEAE3900 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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC.
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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.
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