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    • Another Report of Shoaling at the N. Edisto and Dawho Rivers Intersection (Statute Mile 497)

      We’ve received a number of reliable reports of shoaling in the N. Edisto/Dawho Rivers intersection and now Larry Shick provides us with a specific location of his grounding near White Point (See Chart View link below). Slow and easy is the caution for this section.

      The intersection of N Edisto River and the Dawho River (SM 497) in SC has been a problem in the past. E.g. there is a note in my copy of Skipper Bob (10th edition) about shoaling to the effect that “the bottom no longer resembles the chart!” I can vouch for that. We’re aground at 32-37.556N 080-16.750W (32°37.5560N / 080°16.7500W, 32.625933 / -80.279167) where my chart shows we should have had over 12′ at the time we ran aground at about +1′ tide.Captain Larry Shick aboard Moira, a Valiant 42Click Here To View An Earlier Post on N Edisto/ Dawho River IntersectionClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of N Edisto and Dawho Rivers

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    • A Wonderful Experience Anchoring in Bull Creek (Statute Mile 565.5)

      Check out the link below to see the two suggested anchorages in Bull Creek with swinging for up to 48 feet length. Careful, there are any number of “Bull Creek”s on the South Carolina coastline. The one referred to below lies just off the AICW, south of Hilton Head Island and Calibogue Sound.

      Submitted on 2010/06/06 at 10:56am
      We have anchored here several times. Other than the occasional wake, it is a wonderfully calm spot. A big thrill we experienced here was when a large sea turtle, with a head as big as a basketball, swam between my wife’s float & our boat! What a magnificent sight he was! Nice depth & good protection. Highly recommended!
      Michael Seguin aboard SOUL MATE

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Bull Creek Anchorages

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    • Further Praise for Osprey Marina (Statute Mile 373.5)

      Another cruiser agreeing with so many of you who have been very pleased with the amenities of Osprey Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      We stopped at Osprey marina overnight on our NB journey. We found this to be a fantastic marina. Clean, Friendly and reasonable. The staff is extremely helpful and competent. We highly recommend this marina and plan to make this one of our regular stops on the ICW.
      Sue Sea

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina

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    • A Visit to Bucksport Plantation Marina (Statute Mile 377)

      Despite its current state of disrepair and renovation, Captain Chappell has some good words for Bucksport Plantation Marina and an optimistic outlook for the future of what has been over the years a very popular stopping point between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach.

      Made a land visit to Bucksport Plantation Marina and found the scenery to be very pretty. The Marina has a few old boats docked and the place looks pretty run down. They are `closed’ for renovation and hopefully the place will be put into good shape as it would be a very nice quiet place to visit especially if the Cafe is well run and puts out good ol’ fashioned Low Country fare. I did see some very scary looking folks walking about the place, and I would rate the current marina poorly for security aspects. It has the makings of a very down home, old fashioned place that can cater to sailboaters, fishermen, and local folks looking for a dock to fish from which handled properly would make it a very successful business. I hope they cling to their `traditional’ Low Country atmosphere but add a few refinements to the infrastructure. It is not a place to keep a boat yet’¦.but if done right’¦would be my choice of places in the Myrtle Beach-Georgetown area.
      Captain Ralph Chappell

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bucksport Plantation Marina

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    • Good Depths Observed on the AICW/Dawho River (Near Statute Mile 498)

      If MY Charmer drawing 6 1/4 feet can get through this area, we all can!

      I went thru the Dawhoo river near high tide and it looks like shoaling on the northern end has not gotten worst. On the ICW line, the shallowest spots were 8′ MLW in the bend between R116 and R112 and a number of 7 1/2’s MLW between G111 and R110, again on the magenta line.
      Captain Pascal aboard MY Charmer, 70′ Johnson, 6 1/4 draft

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Dawho River Section of the AICW Described Above

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    • A Sleepless Night in Whiteside Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 451.5)

      Others have experienced uncomfortable evenings in Whiteside Creek due to current and wind, so I am not surprised at the report that follows.
      This stream pierces the western shores of the AICW north of Charleston, and northeast of marker #96

      Submitted on 2010/05/24 at 11:06am
      We anchored here on 11/22/09. One sailboat was already anchored in the prime spot so we went around the 1st bend and attempted to anchor. After two unsuccessful attempts to get the Danforth to set, we moved back to the first leg of the creek and anchored just up stream of the other sailboat. Shortly afterward another sailboat anchored just off the other boat’s stern.
      It was raining and the wind was 15 gusting to 20 knots. This creek is totally exposed with nothing but marsh grass all around. After two failed anchor sets, my anxiety level about the anchorage was maxed out. It was getting dark so we were stuck with this place. One of those sleepless night anchorages.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For Whiteside Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whiteside Creek

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    • A Cautionary Report from Cowen Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 544.5)

      Cowen Creek cuts the eastern banks of the Beaufort River, south of Beaufort. What appears on the chart as an ideal anchorage may not always be the case, as noted below by Captain Litchfield.

      Submitted on 2010/05/24 at 11:29am
      We attempted to anchor here on 4/24/10. The evening’s predicted wind direction and strength nixed all possible anchorages except one in Cowen Creek. We ran some distance up the creek and tried anchoring in 10′ of water in the lee of some trees on shore. Our Rocna anchor set quickly, but failed to hold in the `fluff’ mud bottom. After several attempts to find good holding, we abandoned the anchorage and headed for Port Royal Landing about 8 miles away.
      Other spots in the creek may work better in better weather conditions. However, distance in and out along with our experience puts Cowen Creek on our `Not Here’ list.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For Cowen Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cowen Creek

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    • Battery Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 542)

      Battery Creek cuts off the AICW’s passage along the Beaufort River, south of Beaufort, NC. You will drop the hook abeam of the Port Royal waterfront, which is currently being redeveloped from a commercial port to a tourist destination. One really good seafood restaurant is within dinghy range. Use your binoculars, look along the upstream portion of the waterfront, and you should spot the place. Happy dining!
      Oh yes, and a word to the wise. Northbound AICW skippers sometimes mistakenly enter Battery Creek, thinking they are still on the Waterway. That’s easy to understand as the entrance into Battery Creek is far better marked that the AICW at this point. Study your chart and/or your GPS chartplotter carefully to avoid this error.

      We arrived on 11/29/09 at near the top of the tide and anchored just past the shrimp boat docks and near three sailboats on moorings. We anchored in 18′ of water with about 10 kts of breeze. The anchorage is exposed to south and west winds. Tidal range overnight was eight feet. Just after dark we had 20′ of water beneath the boat and when I got up at around 0200, we only had 12′. Holding was good and despite the aggressive tidal switches, the anchor held firm. Not much local traffic while we were there.
      The evening passed quietly but it gave way to a `Beirut Breakfast’ at daybreak. All heck broke loose as we were eating. Seems the marines at Paris Island were on the small arms firing range and it reminded me of the middle east fighting you hear on the TV.
      Otherwise a nice spot.
      Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Battery Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Battery Point Anchorage

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    • Praise for Port Royal Marina (Statute Mile 540)

      As witnessed by Captain Litchfield and many, many others, Port Royal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) continues to earn its reputation as a first-class marina.

      Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 6:22pm
      We contacted Port Royal Marina and made arrangements to tie up to the outside dock as we were arriving after the marina closed for the day. We managed a easy unassisted tie up despite the wind and current. It’s amazing how you can do that when there is no one around to watch you mess up.
      With the wind blowing straight up the river, the outside dock proved to be a less than desirable location, but we were in for the night with electricity, water and a dock that wasn’t going anywhere.
      We found several of our cruising friends there the next day so we decided to take advantage of the marina’s 3 for 2 deal (pay for 2 nights, get 3rd free). The staff and facilities were great. We used the marina’s courtesy car, drove to downtown Beaufort for lunch and some groceries. A great place to stop.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Marina

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    • Praise for Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (Statute Mile 346)

      If you’re thinking “snobbish yacht club”, forget it when you stop at Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. It’s a very friendly, casual marina, complete with herb garden for you gourmets. Friendly staff and friendly slip holders make MBYC a very pleasant stop. And, these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 5:42pm
      As we are departing Myrtle Beach we hear chatter on the VHF regarding the number of boats in the Calabash Creek anchorage. This was to be our destination but it was already crowded so we opted to stay at the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club.
      The tide was low and water depths into the harbor basin were very skinny. Darn near heart stopping at one point. Even at the dock we were very close to sitting on the bottom (our draft 4.5’³). We were helpfully refueled and docked by the staff.
      We were both a little tired so instead of fixing dinner, we decided to go to the Officer’s Club Restaurant. We were pleasently surprised. The atmosphere and food were great. We both had excellent meals. We had crab stuffed mushrooms, steak, and shrimp scampi,. We even decided to have desert and enjoyed a monster `Brownie Tower’ with coffee. After that fabulous meal we walked about the facility a bit. This place really surprised us. A great place to stop.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club

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    • Good Description of Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 389)

      We haven’t received many comments about Thoroughfare Creek, which lies west of the Waccamaw River/ICW flashing daybeacon #73, so it’s good to have these observations from Captain Litchfield. This creek makes a simply wonderful overnight stop, particularly if you track you way upstream to the point where high, sandy cliffs march down to the starboard side shores.

      Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 5:50pm
      We decided to stop short of our goal and anchor in Thoroughfare Creek to take advantage of the trees that provided some wind protection. We shared the anchorage with one other sailboat. We dropped the hook and immediately found out why its called `Thoroughfare’. There was lots of local traffic evidently running between the Waccamaw River and the Great Pee Dee River plus the usual local fishermen, skiers and jet skis. Thankfully, the wind and traffic died a little after sundown and we had a quiet evening. It’s a beautiful anchorage especially in when you are fogged in at daybreak.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage

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    • More Good Words for Tom Point Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 495.5)

      Tom Point Creek anchorages are among the best south of Charleston, as a number of you have commented.

      Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 6:13pm
      We pulled into Tom Point Creek on 4/27/10. It has been a blustery day and we had to run 2+ miles upstream before we found a spot with trees to block the gusting wind. We dropped the hook and were joined shortly by two other boats, one upstream and one down stream. Holding was good, and we spent a quiet evening. Not much local traffic.
      Captain Dick Litchfield

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek Anchorages

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    • Anchorage at Bluffton, SC on the May River

      This is an anchorage we haven’t heard a lot about, but from Captain Arnold’s description, it seems well worth exploring. The May River departs the AICW to the northwest at statute mile 560, just north of Hilton Head.

      Can’t tell you about how nice a mooring is at Bluffton some 5 miles up the May River. Well protected from all winds and a good 10ft of water. The town is just great – Wednesday being Farmers Market day and also a first class thrift store run by a local church. Big stores like Walmart and Publix are 6 miles away – you can get a taxi or often find a friendly native will give you a lift. Free public dinghy dock.

      Where exactly did you anchor? My daughter will be attending USCB this fall and we are looking for a good anchorage in the area.
      Captain Tracy aboard Sea Huddle

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bluffton, SC

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Gearry & Stacey -  July 10, 2018 - 5:30 pm

        We’re considering stopping at Bluffton on our way back to Savannah from Beaufort in a couple of weeks. Any updates/additional information on this anchorage? I’m assuming the public dinghy dock mentioned is the Calhoun Street Dock. Planning to give it a try.

        Reply to Gearry
    • Wappoo Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 472)

      Always a popular stop in a narrow, but well protected span of water behind a small island just south of the Hwy. 17 bridge, just a stone’s throw from Charleston and the Ashley River.

      Behind the island in the Wappoo Creek is about the best [anchorage near Charleston] – and you can dinghy to the Charleston Crab House restaurant and walk a half mile to a Piggly Wiggly and a Subway and a liquor store – though not necessarily in that order. You can dock temporarily at the City Marina for $5 an hour but the overnight transient rate is outrageous unless you are of mega-yacht status.
      Captain Arnold

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Wappoo Creek Anchorage

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    • Tom Point Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 495.5)

      Tom Point Creek cuts the western shores of North Edisto River, well south, southwest of flashing daybeacon #102

      The most delightful creek is Tom Point Creek. Keep going up it for at least 2 miles and you’ll have great protection from trees, deep water and perfect natural silence. I was visited there by a large loggerhead turtle and several friendly dolphins.
      Captain Arnold

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek

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    • Beaufort, SC, A Great Port of Call (Statute Mile 537)

      High praise from Captain Arnold for one SC’s most popular stops. Don’t overlook a stop at the Downtown Beaufort Marina. Not only is this an excellent facility, but they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR

      Everybody loves Beaufort. There’s a free city dock all day but you must leave by midnight and maybe come back next morning if you wish. Good mooring in Factory Creek and a free dinghy dock within walking distance of two grocery stores, a boat parts store and a great hardware store. Blackstones Cafe in Beaufort offers the best breakfast, Southern Sweets the best ice cream and there are two great secondhand book stores to peruse.
      Captain Arnold

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort, SC

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina

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    • Recommended Free Dockage on Daufuskie Island (Statute Miles 565-70)

      Captain Arnold offers suggestions on tying up free of charge on Daufuskie. The AICW runs past this isle, south of Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head Island, as the Waterway scampers south towards the Savannah River.

      Several drop-by free docks on Daufuskie Island. First, at Mama’s Marshside restaurant – buy a meal there and they’ll let you stay overnight at the dock FOC. Second, just a little further north is a small failed marina where you can dock as long as you wish and nobody will question it. Walk about a half mile and you’ll come to Freeport Landing (Freeport Marina) with a great restaurant and ships store – very nice people rushing around on golf carts.
      Captain Arnold

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Daufuskie Island

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    • Harbourgate Marina (Statute Mile 347)

      Good words about a GREAT marina, and Harbourgate is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      A great marina just north of the swing Bridge has lowered their advertised price from $1.75 to $1.50. Walk to four different restaurants. Provisioning can be arranged too. Pool, hot tub.
      From the AGLCA Mail List

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harbourgate Marina

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    • Cruising the Upper Waccamaw to Conway, SC, (departing AICW Statute Mile 375)

      This cruise of the upper Waccamaw (all the way to the Conway, SC waterfront) is OFF the AICW, and the channel, while passable, is not as reliable as the Waterway. There is one fixed bridge to worry with, but unfortunately, we have never found a published vertical clearance for this span. I have estimated it to be about 35 feet, but please understand, that is just an estimate. At Conway, cruisers will discover a city marina in a delightful setting, surrounded by a beautiful park, and with some transient dockage available. There are several restaurants within walking distance.

      I would like to go up river from the Waccamaw/ICW to Conway. I note that the charts indicate a good amount of water depth. I have a Carver 39MY which is 40’7″ long and about 18ft high. Do you know if it would be practical to take this vessel as far as Conway and overnight there? Any help or advice would be welcome.
      Captain David Kelly

      Larry,
      I have never been all the way to Conway on the Waccamaw but I have a friend who did it years ago in a 27 footer and said it was fine. Another friend tells me that there are some fairly large boats docked in a marina near downtown but he is not sure if there are any bridge or draft restrictions for a boat like the 39MY. I have always wanted to make that run but it has never worked out.
      Captain Bobby Gregory, Intracoastal Yacht Sales

      David,
      According to the dockmaster at the Conway City Marina, you will have no difficulty with your 18ft. clearance.
      Larry

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Conway City Marina

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