Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Aug 9, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Windmill Harbour Marina, AICW Statute Mile 558

Windmill Harbour Marina - Click for Chartview
Windmill Harbour Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – sits hard by the southwesterly mouth of AICW’s passage south down Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island, south of marker #27 (on the easterly banks)
We are docked in Windmill Harbour Marina.
This is a great hurricane spot with a lock so no tides or currents, and homes all around the marina for wind protection, but the marina association discourages full time liveaboards for more than 14 days a month.
Stay safe,
Tom and Patsy
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Windmill Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Windmill Harbor Marina
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Aug 5, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
More Reports of Shoaling on “AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge” Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 460)
It’s no accident that the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association is pushing very hard to have this Problem Stretch dredged (which they term as “behind Breach Inlet”), and, along with the AICW’s passage through the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff (see /?p=5480 and /?p=119918), the US Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston, SC have made dredging these stretches their #1 priority. Now, we just have to find some money/”supplemental appropriate” to get the job done!
We traveled this section 8-2-2013 leaving McClellanville just as the tide started back up at the marina dock. Traveling on plane in an express cruiser we saw 8 to 11 ft under our hull most all the way. The last mile or so going into Isle of Palms I did see readings down to 5 and 6 ft. Keep in mind we traveled mid channel by the `sticks’ paying no mind to any `pink lines ‘ on the chart plotter. Magneta lines can be a good guide but nothing beats eyes on the sticks and following the marked channel.
David Doyle
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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Aug 2, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Leland Oil Company, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430

Leland Oil Company - Click for Chartview
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 Captain Dick, 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!
Came in to McClellanville to get out of the rain. The Leland Oil Company was empty as this is not the time that Cruisers go north. the attending Dock master, Rutledge, was wonderful. Loaned his truck to us to go to the diner for lovely fish/shrimp dinner. we were to leave the next morning but the radar showed nothing but big thunder storms. We decided to enjoy this lovely place for another day and do some engine oil change. Found a problem which led a series of folks that found the right guys to fix the situation. Such good and talented people in the small out of the way places. When I commented to the young man working on the problem I asked him how he learned to do these things his comment was `we are in the middle of nowhere so we have to know.’
I highly recommend this stop to all. floating docks are wonderful as well with the huge tides.
Capt Dick
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Leland Oil Company Marina
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Jul 31, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Important – Shoaling WORSENS on Southwestern End of the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Prolem Stretch (Statute Mile 517)
On 7/28/13 (a weekend no less), the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Captain Mike Verdolini, (Civil Engineering Technician, Navigation Branch, South Atlantic Charleston), at the Charleston, SC branch of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Captain Mike informed us that the Corps had just finished an official survey of the AICW from Charleston, SC to Beaufort. Two patches of severe shoaling had turned up, which he thought (quite rightly) should be brought to the IMMEDIATE ATTENTION of the cruising community.
By the way, before going further, let me just say how honored we are that the US Army Corps of Engineers turned to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as their FIRST MEANS to get this important information into the hands of cruising captains.
One patch of NEW shoaling appeared at the NORTHEASTERN tip of the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, near marker #177. We have put up a separate posting/Navigational Alert, about these shallows at /?p=119918.
The other area of concern appeared on our old friend, the “AICW Problem Stretch,” at the southwestern tip of the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff (Statute Mile 517), between markers #180 and #185.
As you will see in the below graphic, supplied to the SSECN by the USACOE, low water depths on the southern-southeastern side of the channel, from the interior reaches of the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff, to a point southwest of marker #185, run from 5.6 to as little as 2.6 feet. SOMEWHAT BETTER DEPTHS CAN BE MAINTAINED BY FAVORING THE NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN SIDES OF THE CHANNEL, but even with this plan of action, low water depths of as little as 4.7 feet are quite possible.
WE NOW STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL CRUISERS WHO PILOT VESSELS DRAWING MORE THAN 3 FEET, TIME THEIR PASSAGE OF THE AICW/ASHEPOO COOSAW CUTOFF STRICTLY FOR TIMES OF MID TO (PREFERABLY) HIGH TIDE!
WE ASK THE HELP OF THE CRUISING COMMUNITY TO HELP US DISTRIBUTE THIS VITAL INFORMATION TO OUR FELLOW CRUISERS. If you belong to other nautical lists or forums, please direct members of such associations to this posting at /?p=120036. Both year round Palmetto State cruisers, and those cruising south on the AICW this fall, need to be well aware of this new hazard long before they actually arrive on these waters.
The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net team promises to keep a very CLOSE EYE on this developing situation as we move into the fall, 2013 transient season. We will bring you fresh info just as soon as it is available. In the meantime, everyone take care on these waters, and, again, please let us hear about your experiences at #177!!!!

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Sir,
In response to your call for feedback from cruisers who recently traversed the Ashepoo Coosaw cutoff:On Monday, 24 June 2013, I traversed this area southbound at dead low tide. I encountered very shallow water, around 3.5 feet, all the way from marker 180 to 185. My sailboat with a wing keel is aground when my sounder reads 4.3 feet, but the bottom seemed to be soft mud and I was able to plow through it, although at severely reduced speed because of the viscosity. (I had increased the engine speed to maximum rpm.) My position was the “magenta line” which travels down the middle of the cut in this area. Having passed marker 185 and into the Coosaw River, the water deepened and I was out of trouble. The tide tables predicted water depths to be 1 foot below mean low tide on this day.
Peter Denoncourt
S/V Kite
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Jul 19, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
News from the Marina at Dock Holidays, Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 348

Marina at Dock Holiday - Click for Chartview
Dock Holidays has long been a favorite with my family and many others. There’s an adjacent bus stop to take you into downtown, a supermarket just across the street and you are within an easy bike ride of the beach. Located about a mile south of the Little River swing bridge, the marina’s canal offers calm waters from the passing AICW traffic.
Dock Holidays is alive and well.
Same GREAT service is still be provided by Dock master Rhett Dickson. There are now TWO bars on site, along with TWO fishing boats and PWC rental. Rates are inexpensive and it is above the salt line.
Capt Mark J. Chest
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For The Marina at Dock Holidays
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dock Holidays
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Jul 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Depth Report from Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 575

Fields Cut South - Click for Chartview
Fields Cut lies just north of the intersection of the Waterway and the Savannah River. Shoaling there has always been an issue and even with last year’s dredging, shallow depths might be expected. However, Captain Quinn’s report brings good news about recent depths at dead low tide.
I was traveling in my Catalina along with a Lagoon 380 through Field’s Cut on the 7th of July 2013 we agreed to take different lines through the cut at dead low tide. Now we are not paying attention to the magenta line on this chart or any other chart we are dividing the water way in half right down the middle. The Lagoon went through traveling toward the Savannah River and stayed just to the ocean side of the middle of the cut and he marked 7 feet at the low point. I went through just to the inland side of the middle of the cut and marked 10 feet at dead low tide.
Captain Kevin R Quinn
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fields Cut
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Jul 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Grounding in Northern Fields Cut / Wright River AICW Intersection Problem Stretch,Statute Mile 574

Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview
The “AICW Problem Stretch” at the intersection of northern Fields Cut and Wright River was dredged three years ago and was more or less clear through the end of 2012. However, as recent reports confirm and as Captain Lawrenson experienced, shoaling is once again a real problem at this intersection.
We grounded badly on May 24, 2013 about 30 feet short of the north exit of Fields Cut running northbound (about where the line runs through the chart next to the N on the insert chart). I had 4.0 to 4.5ft MLW about 10 feet to the red side of the center line. As it was a negative 1.0 tide and I draw 4.5 ft., we sat for 1 1/2 hours in 3.5 Ft of water and swatted flies.
After we came free (about + 0.5 ft from MLW) I went back towards Savannah a short way. A trawler passed us and despite my warnings promptly went aground just past where we had been (they also drew 4.5 ft.). I then turned back and went north again, strongly favoring the green side ‘“ about 75% (half way between mid channel and the green shore) and had 7.0 ft. or better past the grounded trawler and all the way out of the cut splitting the markers outside the cut.
The shoal is like hitting a brick wall from the Savannah side. I had 11 ft. and then stopped abruptly, aground. It was so sudden I thought I had snagged something ‘“ no warning. All the locals including the Bloody Point Ferry (Savannah to Daufuskie) that passed us three times strongly favor the green side.
On the other end, (Savannah River Side) we came through just fine favoring the red side (1/3 from red bank, 2/3 from green bank) at the entry where the cut bends right after the northbound entry from the Savannah River ‘“ 7.5 ft or better at about MLW. Stay away from the jetty on the green side and don’t follow you plotter line.
I am a sailor, not a marine professional, and this is what I recall happening to us. Hope this helps others.
William Lawrenson
July 8, 2013
Every time I went through S.C. Field’s Cut this weekend there were sailboats aground in the middle of the north entrance of the cut at low tide. Either they don’t read anything don’t know anything or don’t believe how far to the east side of the cut you have to go. I know people are afraid to try this but to go through the north end of the cut you have to stay all the way to the east side of the cut: that means 25 feet from the dirt if you cannot reach out and touch the grass you are not close enough. Do not worry if your GPS or Chartplotter shows a covered and uncovered place here. Look at the water and the mud bank. You will find a channel here where all the water goes out of the cut and it is 10 feet deep at dead low tide.
Captain Kevin R Quinn
Did have serious problem with north side of Fields Cut, went aground in middle part of channel before turning south into Fields. Hard grounding with quick stop.
Carter Hopkins
M/V Amazing Grace
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 25, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Experience at Cricket Cove Marina, AICW Statute Mile 345

Cricket Cove Marina - Click for Chartview
Cricket Cove Marina flanks the ICW’s northern banks, immediately east of flashing daybeacon #11, in the heart of Little River, SC. Moving south from North Carolina to the South Carolina portion of the AICW, Crickett Cove is the first marina you will come across in Palmetto State waters.
I have stayed at Cricket Cove in 2003, 2005, 2011 and most recently 6-8-2013. Tropical Storm Andrea had just passed through the area and winds were a good 20 knots out of the S. Arriving at Cricket Cove at low tide 3:30 PM, Siskiwit grounded approximately 15′ off the fuel dock. We thew a line to Brian and asked him to simply cleat us off as we’d wait for half tide. My depth sounder showed 5.9′ at that moment. High tide that evening was 8.9. This was a first for Cricket Cove and they report they will be dredging in the fall of 2013. Its a great marina, good food, friendly folks, cheap diesel and due to the inconvenience offered a discount on the face dock. Not a big deal, but when one calls in advance and providing that we are 6′ draft, there should be greater awareness of expressing the conditions one is to find upon arrival.
Henry Young
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Cricket Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cricket Cove Marina
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Jun 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Quick Review of Charleston Maritime Center (Cooper River, near Statute Mile near 465)
Unlike SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston City Marina, located on the Ashley River, the Charleston Maritime Center is found on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsula. This facility is very popular, but there is usually some rolling at your slip, due to strong tidal currents.
So much to see and do and the Charleston Maritime Marina people were wonderful and worked with us. Our bikes came in handy and got to see a lot of the beautiful parks and history. The rolling at the docks wasn’t great, but for the most part a great place to stop as not too far from anything and could walk to so many places.
Karen & Dennis Baldger
360 Sundancer
“Shell Seakers”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Maritime Center
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Jun 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Flashing Red Marker #36 on the AICW/Waccamaw River REPLACED

Click Chartlet Above to Open Chart View Page Centered on AICW/Waccamaw River Marker #36
We have just heard some GOOD news from Captain Dan Virga, onboard his vessel at SALT SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bucksport Marina, Flashing marker #36, whose destruction caused us to issue an urgent SSECN Alert on 6/5/13, HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED by the USCG.
Hooray, all is back to normal on the AICW’s run through beautiful Waccamaw River!
We have cancelled the SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters!
Mr. Young,
Just wanted to post an update regarding the missing marker in Bucksport SC. Marker No. 36 . The Coast Guard has replaced the temporary marker with a permanent marker now.
Sincerely,
Capt. Dan Virga
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Marker #36 On the AICW/Waccamaw River
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Sunrise Bistro on Johns Island, Charleston, SC
Sunrise Bistro will require automobile transportation to get to, but it definitely sounds worth asking a favor of a friend or the cost of a taxi. The City Marina courtesy van does not go out to Johns Island.
Please note that Charleston City Marina is a VALUED SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Claiborne,
As we continue our voyage north we had the occasion this weekend to dock at the City Marina in Charleston. As a frequent visitor to Charleston and its fine eating establishments, we are always eager to uncover another favorite.
Our escorts for this foray were Ed and Cindy Kridler of Charleston. Ed is a great guy and the District Commander of District 26 of the United States Power Squadrons.
Our destination was the Sunrise Bistro at 1797 Main Road on Johns Island. The building is not much to look at but just wait until you go inside.
You are warmly greeted by Brittany or the co-owner Jessica Welenteichick (the spelling is correct).
Sunrise Bistro is normally open for breakfast and lunch but on Friday and Saturday they are open for dinner also.
We started with hushpuppies wrapped in bacon. Holy Moly Claiborne, Hursey’s and the Mayflower restaurants would really be jealous of these gems which are served with Cajun honey butter. You just can’t stop eating them.
For my entrÃ©e I chose one of the few remaining braised pork shanks with mashed potatoes, asparagus and Newcastle sauce. Quite simply Claiborne it was one of the finest meals I’ve had in and around Charleston.
Other selections prepared by Chef Brian Appelt include Chef’s Home-Style Meatloaf with scalloped potatoes and asparagus in a carmelized onion demi glaze.
Bistro Short Ribs over grits and wild mushroom demi glaze was a great hit with another of our party.
Other offerings include Shrimp and Pepper-Jack Grits, Honey Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pan-Seared Grouper (in garlic olive oil), Candied Rosemary Salmon and Creole Pan-Seared Pork Chop.
The rest of the menu may be found at www.sunrise-bistro.com. Claiborne, this one is really special.
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
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Update – 4-Foot Shoaling Reported (6/1/13) at AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 515
Earlier reports have indicated depths of 5.8 feet at dead low in this perennial “AICW Problem Stretch” north of Beaufort, SC. Captains Cordello, Horowitz and Raynor all confirm our recommendation to take this passage at mid to high tide.
June 1, 2013
Ditto to the above comments. Arrived at Asheepoo Coosaw Cutoff at dead low tide on June 1, 2013, and plowed into mud with a depth under 4′. Waited for 2 hours and got through with 6′. Wish I’d have looked at the alternate route down the Coosaw River and up the Asheepoo to Fenwick Island. It adds 4 miles but would have been a lot faster and less nerve-wracking.
Bill Raynor
April 20, 2013
We just came thru Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff on 4/20/2013 and the reported shoaling has gotten worse. We consistently saw 4.5 feet at MLW and one 3.9 foot at MLW. There appears to be an easy by pass by going down the Coosaw River toward St Helena Sound and up the Ashepoo Rv. We have not tried this route but will on the trip south next fall.
John Holmes
Oct 12 we also transit the Ashepoo/Coosaw Cut on a falling tide, just 2.5 feet above mlw, what we saw was exactly what was reported between markers 184 and 185 there would have been only 4.5 feet of water, strongly suggest going at mid to high tide.
Doug Cordello
Southbound, 3 November 2012. Exited the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff (`185’³) at 1735. Low tide at 1818, +1.27′. Saw depths as low as 6 1/2′, so when you do the math there is not a lot of water at MLLW +0.0. At 1600 +2.8′, 1700 +1.8′, 1800 +1.2′, so check the daily tables and plan your passage accordingly.
Mike Horowitz
ALTAIR
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Ashepoo/Coosaw Cutoff
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from AICW Problem Stretch North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge, Statute Mile 460

Statute Mile 460 - Click for Chartview
The AICW is shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges. MLW depths of as little as 2 feet have been noted by an official November, 2012 US Army Corps of Engineers survey.
I came through this stretch at exactly low tide on June 2, 2013. I stayed to the preferred north side, but bumped bottom and plowed mud almost continuously from G119 to just before Isle of Palms bridge. I draw 5.5′ and made it, but don’t recommend it.
Bill Raynor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For North of Ben Sawyer
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 6, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Detailed Report on Little River Inlet, South Carolina Navigation (near Statute Mile 342)
Well, what better information can one get on an inlet other than an account from a professional captain who pilots a large, deep draft ship through the seaward passage in question on an almost daily basis. Hats off to Captain Henry Young for obtaining this report, and passing it along to the cruising community.
Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the North Carolina – South Carolina state line, and just a stone’s throw north of the marinas at Little River, SC. The “Big M” gambling ship is stationed at a dock just south of AICW/Little River Inlet intersection. We have seen it dockside during many of our passages through northeastern South Carolina waters.
Cruising News:
Transiting my Offshore 40 with 6′ draft N and requested local knowledge on Little River Inlet and received this detailed response from the Captain of the “Big M”
Henry Young
Sir:
The M/V Big M Casino has a draft of 8′-0’. At a low tide of -.9, which is the rarest of low tides, we have been close to the bottom in a couple of places but have not hit. At middle to high tide just stay in the channel.
At low tide, The worst spot is near green #19 near Tilghman Point. There is no good route through there. The channel is wide but the shoaling goes all of the way across. At low tide you still have 8-9′ though.
The next bad spot is on the approach from Tilghman Point to the Calabash Crossroads. Stay slightly to the green side middle.
As you approach the jetty, outbound, don’t go too near green #5. Give it a little extra room and head straight to #4 in the jetty fairway. Outbound, there is some shoaling to your right. Outbound exiting the jetties stay to the right and head to about 150yds to the right of the sea buoy. Do not go to the left. You are good to go anywhere from there.
Hope this helps.
Captain William (Bill) Jacobson, Master
M/V Big M Casino
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of the AICW and Little River Inlet
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May 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Shoaling in AICW Problem Stretch North of Ben Sawyer Bridge, Statute Mile 460

Shoaling North of Ben Sawyer - Click for Chartview
From earlier reports and as Captain Mullins confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. These waters have been designated an SSECN Problem Stretch and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms.
AICW abeam of Breech Inlet:
I’ve written about this area before but I am noticing an increasing number of sailboats aground during low tide. It is in the area where 3 creeks wash from Breach Inlet into the AICW. There are 2 green day marks north of the Ben Sawyer bridge and this bad stretch is shoaling between them. You can make it in a 5 ft. draft boat, but you must weave and bob a little to get through.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
S/V Katash
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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May 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cowen Creek Anchorage (South Carolina AICW, Statute Mile 544.5)
I agree with Captain “Rapid Roy’s” comments below, in that if you have a well functioning GPS chartplotter aboard, entry into Cowen Creek is a pretty basic operation. My remarks in the South Carolina Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory are meant for those who do not have one of these electronic marvels. In this instance, there ARE several unmarked shoals which flank the entrance to Cowen Creek, here and there, which require careful DR navigation to avoid.
Hey Claiborne:
I really like your anchoring guides. However, I think you have some flaws in the entry you have for Cowen Creek. (Mile 544.5 on the Beaufort River, between Beaufort SC and Hilton Head). I’d like to suggest some corrections on this one.
1). I think it’s misleading to talk about “negotiating several unmarked shoals”. Yes, if you’re coming from the north, you must go far enough south to clear Cowen spit. If you watch your chartplotter, the entrance to Cowen Creek is wide and deep with NO UNMARKED SHOALS. Take a look at the wider area chart, and this should be self-evident. From the south, it’s a no-brainer. Coming from the north, you’re in good shape if you go far enough south to go around the south side of the old range light charted at 32 degrees 20.12N, 80 degrees 39.34W. Do that, and it’s a wide and deep water entrance with no issues.
2). Your little anchor symbol on the chart photo is way upstream in the creek. Yes, it gets narrower up there, but it’s all protected and nearly always flat water once you’re in the creek. Most cruising boats don’t go that far up to anchor. I’ve seen 3 or 4 cruising boats anchored in the area 32 degrees 21.64N, 80 degrees 38.89W. ( Middle of the creek, abeam of the “o” in “Cowen Cr” label on the chart.)
3). Optionally… there’s another anchorage area for someone who really wants a “Hurricane Hole”. It’s the straight stretch of the creek, t32 degrees 22.99N, 80degrees 38.54W. There is deep water all the way there so it allows even a sailboat to reach these areas, going past private docks on Distant Island and around a double set of bends. It is really protected. .
FYI… ( my credentials for sharing this…) I’m a full time live-aboard cruiser, and spend half of my time living in the Beaufort area and half time cruising on a 38′ sailboat. Cowen Creek is a nice, nearby wilderness anchorage, a few minutes away from the marina. It’s where I take “visitors” when they come to visit my wife and I, and they want to spend a night on the sailboat anchored out. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cowen Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cowen Creek
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May 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Upper Cooper River Anchorage (Statute Mile 568.5)
This nifty anchorage lies just off the AICW, north of Ramshorn Creek, and northwest of AICW marker #37. “Rapid Roy” is quite right about the strong currents present on these waters. Be SURE your anchorage is well set before heading below for a well-earned toddie!
I’ve anchored there around the bend, in the straight stretch of the river. A nice anchorage. You have grass on both sides so there’s no protection from high winds, but you’re well away from open water and boat traffic. Because of the local 8′ tides, be aware that you’ll have a strong current that reverses direction every 6 hours. My personal practice is to place one upstream and one downstream anchor, from the bow, so the boat swings from one to the other with the tide and current changes.
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Upper Cooper River Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Upper Cooper River Anchorage
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May 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Palmetto Bay Marina (off the AICW, on Hilton Head Island’s Broad Creek, Near St. M. 564)
Palmetto Bay Marina is the first facility you will encounter when entering Broad Creek from the AICW and Calibogue Sound. It will be spotted on the creek’s southern banks, just downstream of the high-rise, bypass bridge.
If you’re willing to go a few miles off the ICW, you can visit Palmetto Bay marina on Broad Creek. If you have a deep draft vessel, DO NOT try to cut across the sandbar at G29A. Local power boats do this, but it’s strictly “local knowledge”. The safe passage is go around Green 1 marking Calibogue shoal and enter the mouth of Broad Creek. This will lead you upstream to Palmetto Bay marina on the starboard side, just before you reach the bridge.
The attraction for traveling cruisers isn’t the marina ( although yes, it’s nice ) but that it’s co-located with a local shopping center. There are multiple restaurants and shops, making for a pleasant stop over and a night out.
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palmetto Bay Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmetto Bay Marina
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May 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Awendaw Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 435.5)
You almost have to think of Awendaw Creek as two different bodies of waters. First, there is the southwesterly branch, which is followed by the AICW for several miles, southwest of marker #50. Then, there is the seaward branch, south of marker #50, and bypassed by the Waterway. This latter stream can make for a good overnight anchorage, but, over the years, we have received reports from some cruisers who have found shallow depths here. Clearly, as you will see below, Captain Kent did not have that problem!
We spent an enjoyable night anchored in Awendaw Creek last night with two other sailboats. We entered Awendaw Creek at R48 on the north side of the creek to avoid clearly visible shoaling to the south side of the entrance. The tide was high when we approached and anchored and almost to peak when we left the next morning. Carina, our 34-foot sailboat, draws 4-1/2 feet and had no problem. Terrain is open marshland. Even the no-seeums weren’t horrible
We entered the creek on a high tide, avoiding the visible shoaled area on the south side of the entrance. We anchored in about 15 feet, surrounded by unprotected marshlands. It was a beautiful, quiet anchorage when we were there. The no-seeums hardly showed up. We left on a rising tide the next morning with no problems. Carina, a 34-foot sailboat, draws 4-1/2′. Read the tides, keep your eyes open when you enter and leave and enjoy the anchorage.
Captain Kent
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Awendaw Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Awendaw Creek Anchorage
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May 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (Statute Mile 346)
On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 346 ‘“ who has cruised into Coquina Harbor, north of AICW marker #13? Please give us impressions of any of the three facilities in this harbor where you might have stayed, particularly Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. How about some dining recommendations within walking distance of this harbor?
Responses follow:
Both LKM and MBYC [Myrtle Beach Yacht Club] are very good stops. The Officers Club at MBYC has a very nice informal food. Good cruisers talk going on there all the time. Clarks, right next door is more upscale and is really good also. MBYC has fuel with pump out. Pools at both places. West Marine about 3 miles away. Food shopping about 2 miles. Very laid back nice stop over whichever you choose.
John Beaver
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
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