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    • Fierce Tidal Currents on Wappoo Creek – Elliott Cut (near Statute Mile 470)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      25. Has anyone experienced the fierce tidal currents running through Wappoo Creek and Elliot Cut? The AICW uses this partially man-made passage to run between the Ashley and Stono Rivers. What did you do to minimize the effects of these swiftly moving waters?

      Responses follow:

      Hi Claiborne,
      Have taken S/V Nisus thru Elliott’s Cut many times, normally I just close my eyes and gun it! 🙂
      Seriously, the best way if going South try to time it for a rising tide, hold her in the middle and try to keep your speed as fast and steady as possible. Do the same if heading North except on a falling tide.
      Lee Ann
      “Oh, dolce far niente!”

      Elliot Cut, if you are a MY and the tide is running hard towards you, suggest not following any sailboat, as they will going much slower than you will want to travel. Wait outside the cut and give the sailboat time. Next time, I will adjust my trip to start Elliot Cut a high slack tide.
      Pat M
      MY COMPROMISE ( 2004 Carver 366)

      Elliott Cut and Wappoo Creek. If we hit the tides wrong it is just slow going but didn’t seem to move my cat around too much.
      Best Regards
      George
      S/V Chez Nous

      If you have a low powered sailboat, best to wait for a tide change to go through the Elliot Cut – the current can regularly reach 5 knots. But if you have enough power it’s really no big deal. Incidentally during the War of Independence, British battleships, moored out at sea off the Stono River, decided to try to take Charleston by surprise from the rear (like the Japanese did in Singapore many years later) . They built several long boats carrying 100 soldiers each and one night with muffled oars they silently rowed through Elliot Cut and successfuly took command for two years or so – before finally being chucked out by that dreadful fellow the Swamp Fox. ( I comment as an Englishman 🙂
      Best wishes
      Arnold

      Subject: Elliot Cut at SM 472.2 Southbound
      Cruising News: I strongly suggest that southbound boaters with an incoming tide and northbound boaters with an ebb tide be extra alert for Securitee calls regarding the passage through the .4 mile cut. Current can exceed 5 knots. Southbound you will not see northbound trafic until just before you enter the cut. If you get into the cut and then realize that a northbound barge has the cut blocked you will have a difficult time getting turned around and out of the way. If you are in an under powered sailboat it may not be possible. I urge you to make a sucuritee call of your own on Ch 16 and Ch13 and request opposing trafic to contact you. We did, heard nothing, but within five minutes of passing through the cut we were facing a northbound barge. The situation could have been entirely different.
      Dave on GB 46 At Last

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. John Stolz -  February 2, 2018 - 9:32 pm

        I came through Elliots Cut today about an hour before low tide, heading south. Tide was furious against me. 36′ sailboat. At 3/4 power I could only manage 1.9-2 knots but could maintain control. Thankful no other boat in cut. Would recommend waiting until slack tide, go like heck and get through.

        Reply to John
      2. Tommy Bessinger -  February 20, 2017 - 3:29 am

        I live on Elliot’s Cut in the neighborhood of Edgewater Park. Lived here most of my life. I have looked and I cannot find any of the history of the construction of Elliot’s Cut and how and when it came to be. Can anyone please point me in the right direction for information please?
        Thank you!!!

        Reply to Tommy
    • Port Royal Landing Marina (Statute Mile 540)

      Boaters are our business and our only business. We are located directly on the ICW, and offer Exceptional Lowcountry facilities and hospitality. The Beaufort/Port Royal area is a beautiful and histori On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      42. Who has coiled their lines at Port Royal Landing Marina, just south of Beaufort. Please give us a report on this facility.

      Responses follow:

      Port Royal Landing is a great place for cruisers. My wife and I stopped here for a one night transient stay last fall, on our way south to Florida for the winter. We liked the marina and the people so much, we changed our plans and signed up for a year’s dockage! What makes the difference is “the people”. The marina is a family run facility, where the owners are on-site and take a personal interest in customer satisfaction. Plus, there’s a friendly, active group of live-aboards at Port Royal Landing. “BIll the Pirate” ( a local cruiser ) runs the grill for Friday and Saturday evening get togethers on the covered deck overlooking the docks. Any cruiser or transient in port is automatically invited and eagerly welcomed by the group! My wife and I have cruised the ICW from the Florida Keys to Chesapeake Bay, and this is the “friendliest” marina we’ve found!
      More details; The facilities are modern and well maintained, with floating docks, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and 30-amp and 50-amp hookups. Gas, diesel, water, and pumpouts are available. There’s a coin operated laundry, and clean showers. There’s a well stocked ships store on-site, and the “Back Porch Grill” restaurant has the best cheeseburger in town. If you need to re-supply, you can sign out the marina’s courtesy car.
      Our one year stay here is almost up, and we plan to resume cruising next month. But, we’ve revised our plans now to do six months cruising, and six months at the dock… at Port Royal Landing!
      …Roy & Mary Stegall
      S/V “Gideon” Island Packet 38

      We spent a week over July 4th at Port Royal Landing Marina. From the moment we got there we were made to feel at home. We used the courtesy car a few times for errands, and got around Beaufort easily with the staff’s directions. Had a great time visiting Beaufort. I recommend Hemingway’s for a light lunch along the riverwalk. Prices were reasonable, and staff was friendly. The current at PRL can be quite a challenge, but the staff helped us turn the boat around so we could exit easily from inside the T-head the next morning. We even got a follow-up post card after our stay. I would stay here again any time we are in the area.
      Joy and Shel Rabin, aboard m/v Evening Star.

      Our ‘home marina’ is Port Royal Landing Marina. It is hard to find a nicer marina. It is modern, clean, private and friendly. I say private because there are few tourists compared to downtown Beaufort marina which is wonderful too, but ‘busy’ with tourists walking the docks.
      PRLM has a nice live aboard and boat owners group who like to get together on weekends and BBQ on the new,covered boaters deck. There is also a pretty good burger place right there…..good burgers and bar, though smokey…….one of only two bars in Beaufort County which allow smoking still. Unfortunate because its a cute bar. The marina store has a good selection of things in the marina store and I hear they will start catering more to fishing folk in the near future. Showers,restrooms, and laundry sparkling clean and modern. Also there is a wash and fold laundry mat a few blocks away who will wash dry and fold your laundry for a few bucks more than it would cost you to do it yourself and they can usually turn it around in 24 hours.
      At least one REALLY good diesel repair guy is nearby and a good honest semi-retired repairman.
      They have a courtesy car and there are several grocery stores nearby, a West Marine and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at! Also a CVS within walking distance. Pump out at the face dock or in slip.
      There is usually quite a current running there and 7-9 ft tides but all docks are floating. I strongly recommend waiting for slack tide before trying to move into an inside slip. We have seen professional captains try to attempt docking inside with disastrous and loud results. Also they are beginning construction on the second phase of the 65ft bridge already in place so there will be noise from that to a certain extent weekdays.
      We will be heading back south this Friday and will be able to put our two cents in on a lot of the other items on the list as well!!
      Sami and Barry Shreve
      s/v Ever After

      Port Royal Landing Marina is a well run marina with kindly management and a great store, we stayed there last year, and as a result are taking the Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island on an outing there on Septenber 12. It is the only marina that I have stayed at that sent a card to thank you for your business. a really nice touch. I was there last Monday to finalize arrangements and the place looks a good as ever, The deck outside the office/store is really great.
      Bill Lawrenson

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

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    • Broad Creek Marina (Hilton Head Island, Statute Mile 564)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      47. Has anyone visited Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Marina? What was your experience here? Did you have a chance to try the on-site restaurant?

      Responses follow:

      Broad Creek Marina–Hilton Head We stayed there in April. It seems they have limited dockage and their hours are limited as well. No complaints but not a great facility or experience overall. We did not find an onsite restaurant. Their is a facility onsite but was not available to us. A restaurant in a club across the street was available–but it was more than casual and the menu very pricey.
      Ken Stickrath

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Broad Creek Marina

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    • Isle of Palms Marina (Statute Mile 457)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      19. If you’ve stayed at Isle of Palms Marina lately, north of Charleston, please describe your experience here.

      Responses follow:

      Isle of Palms Marina. This marina has become our marina of choice for the Charleston area. It is city owned and is a busy place with lots of fisherman using the ramp. It can be somewhat noisy. Limited transient dockage. Wi-fi is free, and an excellent marina store with everything a cruiser might want. Good eating choices nearby.
      Ken Stickrath

      Haven’t stayed at the Marina, but have docked at the Morgan Creek Restaurant (at the marina) all the time. It’s got about 7 boat slips for the restaurant and good food.
      Melissa Priola

      We needed to wait around for a new air handler in the Charleston area, and wanted to get north of Charleston Harbor. Called Isle of Palms to make a reservation, but they told us they were full. When we explained our predicament, the dockmaster told us to come up and he would find a place for us somewhere. We stayed there 3 days having a new air handler installed and getting the system flushed. The ship store and deli were excellent and we had no problem provisioning and even ordered lunch from the deli, which we ate at the dockside tables. We had dinner at Morgan Creek Grill and listened to a live blues duo while we looked out over the boaters coming and going. A nice family atmosphere.
      Joy and Shel Rabin, aboard m/v Evening Star.

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Sami and Barry Shreve -  September 20, 2009 - 9:05 pm

        We had an unscheduled stopover at IOP Marina due to the Ben Sawyer bridge closing. Nice, clean, helpful and the restaurant was great!

        Reply to Sami
    • Georgetown Landing Marina (Statute Mile 403)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      12. Has anyone stayed at Georetown Landing Marina lately? What was your experience there?

      Responses follow:

      We have stayed at Georgetown Landing Marina for at least six years in our trek up and down the waterway. It is always an easy in and out for us. They answer the phone and radio promptly. Very long face dock, easy to get fuel. A young staff of dockhands but always skilled and knowledgeable. Free wi-fi does work. Excellent restaurant adjacent to the marina and is within walking distance of some food stores. The last time we were there was this past April. Only downside is no cable TV.
      Ken Stickrath

      Subject: SC wish list
      Cruising News: We visited both Charleston City Marina & Georgetown Landing within the last six months. I agree with the opinion expressed about
      Georgetown Landing on the web site. The marina is oriented towards sport fishing. The office is very friendly, the walk into town acceptable, Wifi not reliable, currents are strong & docking on the outside in heavy weather is not a good idea.
      Tim Carter

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Georgetown Landing Marina

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    • North Edisto River Unmarked Shoal (opposite Ledenwah Creek)

      The shallows reported below by Captains Denny and Diane, are NOT found along the AICW’s passage down North Edisto River. Rather, this shoal lies south (downstream) of the Waterway’s exit of the North Edisto via the Dawho River.
      I have looked at chart 11517, and I think the shoal in question lies along the river’s southwestern banks. As noted below, it is unmarked, but charted, though it sounds like depths here are even less than shown on 11517.

      And a quick note of a shoal that is not marked on the North Edisto River. It is directly across from Ledenwah Creek on the south side of river. At low tide we FOUND less than 2 feet, and yes we found it the hard way!!
      Fair Winds and Following Seas
      Denny & Diane

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    • Bohicket Marina (North Edisto River)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      32. Has anyone docked at Bohicket Marina Village (off the southerly reaches of the North Edisto River by way of Bohicket Creek)? Please describe your experiences. Oh yes, a review of one or more of the many on-site restaurants would not be amiss either.

      Responses follow:

      Bohicket is a very nice marina, with large slips and very kind folks running the marina. Fischer’s Sports Bar still has one of the best cheese burgers to be had. It is always a good time and has good food and friendly folks, Tracy and AJ, (owners), are always trying to help folks out and serve fresh good food.
      And a quick note of a shoal that is not marked on the North Edisto River. It is directly across from Ledenwah Creek on the south side of river. At low tide we FOUND less than 2 feet, and yes we found it the hard way!!
      Fair Winds and Following Seas
      Denny & Diane

      Bohicket Creek Marina. The cruise up the N. Edisto River and Bohicket creek was uneventful, but when we got to the Marina the current had picked up quite a bit. After we got our slip assignment from the “dockmaster”, we had no further help tying up. It wasn’t busy when we approached, but the dockhouse was quite a way from our slip. I guess he didn’t feel like walking all that way. The marina is more of a private condo development that rents out transient slips. It may have been better in previous years.
      Joy and Shel Rabin, aboard m/v Evening Star.

      This is one of my favorite SC marinas. The marina offers fuel, showers, and dockage while the area is a great place to spend a couple of days. There are restaurants at the marina plus just a short walk up the road there is a shopping area with more restaurants. Fischer’s Sports Bar is great. There is a great grocery store that is similar to a Fresh Market with wines, cooked foods, and much more. The shops make for a pleasant shopping experience. My husband and I enjoy our mini-vacations boating there.
      Judith Richardson

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

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    • Downtown Marina of Beaufort (Statute Mile 536.5)

      The Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICW On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      40. Who’s docked at Downtown Marina of Beaufort? Isn’t this simply a wonderful facility?

      Responses follow:

      We docked at the Downtown Marina of Beaufort late Nov 2008. The personel were pleasant and helpful. True to its name it is right downtown. The only negative was the shorepower, it wouldn’t run a single 50 amp cord and we had to run our genset all night.
      Ron & Audrey
      Lucky Girl

      Downtown Marina of Beaufort. What can you say about this marina but good things. Just be prepared for the roaring current and follow the very experienced dock hands instructions and you are OK. If you get stuck in an inside corner–as we have twice–best make friends with all your neighbors and let the dock hands get you out!! Tell them your departure plans and they will “spin” your boat around for you so that your bow will be into the current when you leave!!
      Ken Stickrath

      Yes, we stayed [at] Beaufort City docks o May 24, dock hands were very helpful.
      Pat M
      MY COMPROMISE ( 2004 Carver 366)

      Beaufort City Marina. Great Marina and as the name says, it is right down town. Great to walk around. We have been there a number of times and ate in a lot of places and have generally good meals. Can’t think of any names. Also, a little known feature is that they let you use the dinghy dock for free when you anchor out. I never asked, but I always put my trash in their containers.
      Best Regards
      George
      S/V Chez Nous

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

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    • Minim Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 415.5)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List, I posed the following question:

      16. Has anyone anchored on the southerly portion of Minim Creek (south of the ICW)? Can you describe this anchorage?

      Responses follow:

      We spent a pleasant night anchored on Minum ck. early in May 2009. Holding, swing room, and depth was sufficient for our 55 Viking FDMY
      Ron & Audrey
      Lucky Girl

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

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    • Charleston Dining Choices

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      24. Please give some restaurant recommendations in Charleston. The more the better, but there are just too many potentially wonderful dining attractions in this fair city for me to mention them here individually.

      Responses follow:

      Jestines’s in Charleston SC is a must. Shrimp & Grits to die for and fried green tomatos too. Don’t miss it.
      251 Meeting St., Charleston, SC
      843-722-7224

      The best restaurant on the Charleston waterfront – though unhappily you cannot moor there, even a dinghy – is The Fleet Landing. Just a great location with an outside dining deck – terrific view of the bay, good food, not too expensive. You can get a dinghy to the City Dock and Yacht Club and walk to the Fleet. Downtown of course are so many restaurants but beware – Charleston is now a heavy duty tourist town catering to cruise liners – and many places are rip offs. Go to the older restaurants that have been in business for years. If you want to see the most beautiful chic young women of Charleston – go to Henry’s on a Friday night – it warms an old sailors heart good……..
      Best wishes
      Arnold

      I recommend Circa 1886 Restaurant. They are only open for dinner. They are now offering 3 courses for only $42. Truly a Charleston culinary experience.
      Melissa

      We unreservedly recommend Gaulart et Maliclet (http://www.fastandfrench.org/G&M/G&M_index.html) a French bistro in the middle of the old part of Charleston.especially good for lunch!
      Best,
      Michael Porter

      Our two favorites are The Peninseula Frill ($$$$) and SNOB (Slightly North of Broad, $$$).
      James Lea
      S/V Estelle

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    • Palmetto Bay Marina (Hilton Head Island, Statute Mile 564)

      After leaving Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head Island’s Broad Creek runs northeast for a bit and then turns sharply east. Soon after flowing through this easterly cut, Palmetto Bay Marina will come abeam to the south. In addition to the marina services described below, this facility also mechanical and haul-out repairs.

      If you want some nightlife, stay at Palmetto Bay Marina on the way up the creek. There is a good restaurant there, Black Marlin, a decent outdoor tiki bar, and a more typical restaurant with lots of fried food along with other tourist delights. Docks are newer, but not the best. Parallel parking, no slips. People are friendly though and they have fuel.
      Russ

      We spend a month or two right before and after hurricane season in Hilton Head. We love it. We keep a car in storage there. All the marinas are nice but we stay in Palmetto Bay Marina and love the marina and the surrounding area. A word of caution, boaters share the heads with several bars and restaurants. We use the facilities on our boat so we are OK with that arrangement. At the foot of the docks is Woody’s Bar and Grill, the Black Marlin and the Tiki Bar. And of course Glitzy’s for carry out food and beverage. The Sunrise Cafe may have the best breakfast we have had anywhere. All that in the complex at the foot of the marina. No car is needed.
      Best Regards
      George
      S/V Chez Nous

      Click Here To View the South Carolna Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palmetto Bay Marina

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    • Shelter Cove Marina (Hilton Head Island, Statute Mile 564)

      On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      48. Has anyone cruised all the way north on Hilton Head’s Broad Creek to Shelter Cove Marina. What depths did you find? Please describe the services you discovered at Shelter Cove!

      Responses follow:

      Shelter Cove Marina is a well maintained Disney property. It sits in the middle of a large condo, townhouse and boutique complex. There are a number of restaurants there mixed in with higher end boutique stores. Food is ok, nothing special. There is one major downside to some…all businesses and restaurants are closed by 9pm, even the tiki bar. Some docks are accessed from the far side of the creek from the commercial area, which can be a very long walk for some. Depths up the creek are 10′ or greater with no less than 7′ in the marina.
      Russ

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Shelter Cove Marina

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    • Scarey Incident While Anchored On Winyah Bay (south of Georgetown, SC)

      I guess the incident described second-hand below by Captain Arnold could happen anywhere at anchor. Scarey to think about, but at least the cruiser in question was not harmed.
      There has been a HUGE debate about whether cruisers should have guns aboard raging on several of the other mailing lists. Incidents like this will certainly make one think!

      An experienced cruiser who goes every year to the Exumas from Chesapeake, moored as he always does in Winyah Bay just south of Georgetown in the charted mooring area just before you turn into the Estherville Canal (or after if you’re going north) .
      He was woken up at 4am by somebody trying to get on his boat. It was a fellow asking for a cigarette and without permission he clambered on board and approached the cabin hatch asking if he could look around. My friend had a .45 pistol. As the guy poked his head down through the hatch he hit his face hard with the gun then demanded the guy immediately back off and jump off the boat or he’d be shot. He did so – where another guy had a small boat a few yards away. Apparently he learned there had been a series of robberies on boats in the bay. This incident was in May this year.
      We have to consider the unpalatable fact of poor economic times. Amateur Piracy might well become a current risk on the ICW – especially to those who like mooring overnight in lonely coves. Owners should have a weapon of some kind on board – though maybe not a gun, since a flare pistol might be equally effective. And should NEVER come out of the hatch since by staying inside the boat, you hold the stronger position if temporarily.
      You might recall I had a similar experience of two guys being on my boat at night as I was docked at Deep Creek Lock. In that incident I think they were simply teenagers looking to steal something on deck – but who knows – they are certainly volatile situations which could easily go wrong.
      I’m holed up in Mill Creek, VA, – an absolutely pristine beautiful creek with deep water and high bluffs with only a few splendid homes hiding behind trees. Meeting a friend tomorrow across the river at Reedville. No signs of pirates here as yet. 🙂
      Best wishes
      Arnold

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    • Harborwalk Marina Adds New Bath House, Laundry and Captain’s Lounge (Georgetown, SC, Statute Mile 403)

      VHF 16 & 68 Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown's Historic District, great food, shopping, etc. A safe harbor from bad weather and located in calm Harborwalk Marina is the most upstream facility along the downtown Georgetown waterfront. They are also the closest to the business district’s many excellent restaurants (don’t dare miss the Rice Paddy and the River Room), and great shopping. Of course, I’m prejudiced, as these fine folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
      Stop by and visit with Captain Chris! Tell him the Cruisers’ Net sent you!

      Claiborne,
      We wanted to reach out and let everyone know that after starting the process of dredging, tearing down and rebuilding floating docks some 2-3 years ago’¦’¦. we have finally finished our new marina office, captain’s lounge, laundry and bath house.
      We can now say we have completed the dredging and 625 feet of linear floating docks, a 1,200 square foot marina office, captain’s lounge and bath house. We have two private shower and restroom facilities along with four washers and driers, all climate controlled. They are secured with a pass key and open 24 hours. The lounge is setup for reading, computer use and has a big screen TV. We have a friendly new staff and are ready to serve your overnight needs. We have the most competitive dock and fuel rates on the ICW. Being downtown, with in walking distance of everything, is pretty nice too.
      I like to tell everyone we may not be the biggest, but we are the best!
      Here is what all we offer now.
      Permanent & Transient dockage
      high speed – high capacity, diesel and gas pumps
      ice, oil and batteries
      30/50/100 amp service ‘¢ showers & heads
      wireless internet ‘¢ cable TV ‘¢ laundry facilities
      city water ‘¢ pump-out service ‘¢ lounge with big screen TV
      fish cleaning station ‘¢ dry storage ‘¢ parking
      Chris Carroll
      Operations Manager
      Harborwalk Marina

      The marina now has a new laundry facility that also houses two bathrooms. I believe it is climate controlled. My boat was moored in the innermost dock and am in 10 feet of water. Nice floating docks. Chris, the dockmaster who assisted me, was very helpful. This is the closest marina to downtown Georgetown, a couple blocks closer than the Boat Shed and Hazard Marine. For some reason, there were no seats in the bathrooms when I showered. It was only after I left that I noticed two plastic seats on the porch that should have been in the bathrooms for changing.
      HB Koerner

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

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    • St. Helena Sound Inlet Channel (north of Beaufort, SC)

      I must confess that after more than 30 years of cruising the South Carolina coastline, I’ve actually only traversed St. Helena Sound’s inlet on two occasions. And, my most recent passage is at least five years old. So, I’m glad Captains Bob and Janet chimed in with the very newsy and useful message below.
      St. Helena Sound stretaches seaward from the AICW’s run through the Coosaw River. Often, I’ve seen shrimping trawlers working these waters, and they can be a very angelic sight while cruising along! Clearly, these commecial craft make use of the sound’s inlet, so, with the info below, perhaps cruisers can run this channel as well.

      Hi, Claiborne
      We never received a reply to our inquiry about the inlet channel through St. Helena Sound (just north of Beaufort, SC, at the mouth of the Coosaw River), but we’re happy to report that we had a very successful cruise through there last month on a several-day excursion from our home port in Beaufort to Charleston. The channel is well marked and was charted accurately on both our ICW chart book and our C-Map NT+ electronic chart of the area, with good water throughout — anywhere from around 12 to 25 feet at more or less mid-tide. The channel does have some tight bends in a couple of spots, so you have to pay attention, or you could find the bottom quickly, even a couple of miles offshore. The only downside to taking this route instead of the ICW route up to Charleston is that, surprisingly to us, running “outside” was longer for us in both distance and time than staying “inside” on the ICW (which we did on our return trip back to Beaufort). This is because you have to go at least 5 or 6 miles offshore to stay clear of shoals, whereas in the ICW, with the dredging that’s been done recently, you can now make very good time without the fear of going aground in mid-channel. We found the recent posts about shoaling to the south side of the intersection of the Dawho and North Edisto Rivers very helpful, and had no problems either there or at the junction of the Coosaw River and Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, which had been a real problem as recently as last year. Hope this helps! Happy cruising.
      Bob and Janet S.
      M/V Harmony
      Beaufort, SC

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    • Bull Creek Anchroages (off Waccamaw River, Statute Mile 381)

      The various Bull Creek anchorage are, in my opinion, some of the best anchor down spots anywhere within the Southeastern USA! If you relish the feeling that every turn or the screw or puff of wind carries you a bit farther from the maddening crowd, these waters are for you!!!

      Just to add to my pasted-in comment above, our boat is 61 ft LOA and we have used those lower two anchorages [shown in the Crusiers’ Net South Carolina Anchorge Directory, linked below – Editor] in the chart picture (or further upstream, if you will) quite happily. You have to patient in getting a good set, as there are a couple of rocky patches in there.
      George and Ann
      `Incentive’ Hatteras 56MY.


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

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    • Dewees Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 455)

      Below, you will find a quick blurb, but some some very usable information about the anchorages clustered near Dewees Creek, directly off the AICW, a short hop north of Charleston and Isle of Palms.

      We have anchored our 61′ LOA boat on the western Dewee’s Creek spot shown in you chartlet [in the Cruisers’ Net South Carolina Anchorage Directory – linked below – Editor], as well as twice on Long Creek, one time where shown on the chartlet and once further south around the bend. Long Creek is a little roomier for us, holding is very good. We like the Low Country beauty of the marshes there.
      George and Ann
      `Incentive’ Hatteras 56MY

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

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    • Georgetown Downtown Anchorage and Anchor Lights (Statute Mile 403)

      If memory serves, and sometimes, at least in my case, it does not, this is the second posting we have had here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning the local water cops in Georgetown handing out tickets for anchored vessels not showing an anchor light. So, if you drop the hook off the downtown Georgetown waterfront (on the Sampit River), be SURE you have an anchor light that functions till the next morning’s light (see below)!

      Subject: Georgetown, S.C. harbour update
      Cruising News: Know And Follow the rules!
      This past Friday I received a little “gift” from the DNR, in the form of a 110.00 ticket for “No anchor light between sunset and sunrise”. Now I did think I had an anchor light, I had installed a solar light on the Stearn rail that glowed brightly every night as I walked down the Harbourwalk. There were several problems with this that the DNR was only happy to point out! First was that solar lights are only as good as the batteries they contain AND how much direct sunlight they receive. The DNR patrol toured the harbour at 04:30, and apparently by then my light managed to run down. I’m not usually out and about at 4:30, so I was unaware.
      The second and probably more important point is that a light on the rail is NOT visible 360 degrees, and therefore does NOT satisfy RULE 30.
      It would seem that the only option would be the masthead anchor light, but no the DNR will accept two lights, one on the bow and one on the stearn to create a 360 degree arc of visibility. (Remember the rule ALSO states that the light must be visible for a minimum of two miles. My problem was that my exhisting anchor light will drain the batteries in no time, and me getting up the mast with ease just ain’t going to happen. What I came up with is a low amp light with a photo cell mounted on a ‘pig stick’ that I can put up when we are at anchor (which by the way is where the boat lives way too much of the time. I hope this might clear up some of the confusion re lights here. BTW, there should be more news soon regarding the proposed mooring field, I’ll post as soon as I hear anything.
      Fair winds
      George


      Click Here For To View the South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For This Anchorage

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    • Good Times at Barefoot Resort Yacht Club (Statute Mile 353.5)

      The new Barefoot Resort Yacht Club located at mile marker 354 on the intracoastal waterway is an oasis for the recreational as well as the well traveled boater. Our amenities and services will make y I’m so glad that Captains Perry and Kathy had such a good time at Barefoot Landing Resort. I have always been equally impressed with this facility. Of course, why should that be at all surprising as these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      We thoroughly enjoyed Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing Resort Marina. Dockage fee, 1.50 per ft (Boat US), great facilities, and very convienent for shopping and restaurants. We enjoyed the fare at Gregg Norman’s a couple of different times. Nice place to eat while watching a sunset.
      Perry & Kathy Sellars
      M/V Marsh Mellow

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Barefoot Resort Yacht Club

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    • Anchoring on Dewees Creek and Cooper River Marina (North Charleston)

      Here are some good snippets about anchoring on Dewees and berthing at Cooper River Marina. This latter facility is actually located well upstream from downtown Charleston, in the heart of the old naval base. Just be sure to arrive with a fully stocked galley!

      Ahoy All:
      Thursday we cruised to about 10 miles north of Charleston SC and anchored for the night next to Dewee Island, an “exclusive” residential area with no cars. Private boat or ferry is the only access. Two garbage trucks were being brought ashore Friday morning for the weekly pick-up. The tide changed around 4am so the Captain was up to make sure the anchor didn’t drag and send us into the nearby ocean inlet. All went well.
      Friday morning we docked at the Cooper River Marina, which is county-owned. Very friendly staff (Hugh is from Long Island) who are more than willing to drive you downtown, etc. Take a cab back. The marina is clean, fairly well protected from wakes, showers, laundry, lounge with tv and dial-up internet.
      Albin 36
      Miss Happ
      New Bern NC

      Click Here For More Information Concerning Cooper River Marina

      Click Here For More Information Concerning Dewees Creek Anchorage

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