Hale Report: Lockwoods Folly, NC AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 322
October 30, we transited Lockwoods Folly. What I found may be useful new information for southbound cruisers. I notified Bob of my observations just after we cleared the area.
· The first important note is that the USCG moved G47A, on October 29. It does not show on any charts yet. I have drawn a blue cross on the attached screen shot at the approximate location I noted in passing.
· As you approach from the north you will now see that R46, and G47 and G47a are almost in a line.
· You can transit this area by leaving R 46, 50-60 feet to starboard, and then steer half-way between the greens and the shore. The shore is very steep don’t be afraid of it!
· After passing G 47a make a very slow turn turn toward R48 following Bob’s route. Then make a lazy turn at R48 as you head down the center of the channel.
· Both R46A & 46B were physically removed months ago but NOAA has not caught up.
· There is a route laid out on the Aqua Map charts by Bob423 following the USACE way points. I’d recommend that waypoint #2 be placed 60 feet south of R46. It will make the course through here much easier to follow as you will have visual aids to help you, and this route has acceptable depths of 8’+ at MLLW.
· You can probably get through here, even at low tide, just honoring the ATONs. I drove through here using Navionics Sonar Charts and the ATONs, but laid a track in Aqua Map at the same time which is the blue line you see below. It seems that either on of these apps will get you around this shoal.
Cheers,
Tom
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
I have confirmation from boaters that have recently arrived in the Bahamas that there are no changes to the cruising fees. No one knows what will happen in 2020. The Bahamian government has a history of announcing changes effective immediately.
Stephanie Martino DiBelardino
Although none of this has been tested yet as I understand the new fees do not go into effect until January 2020 I would imagine that it would work much like before. When you check in you buy a cruising permit. In the past, that was good for a year and cost $xx. Now you only get 3 months for $xx or a year for twice that amount. So when you check in you should know which you want to purchase. Do not confuse the cruising permit which is "attached" to the vessel with a visa which is "attached" to the individual person(s). In the past we have been granted 150 day visas and other times the max that they would give was 90 days. The visa can be renewed by appearing in person at the appropriate place. For us this was in the Marsh Harbor government building. I don't know how that is working mow. It would be best to request as much time as you can get the first time so as not to need it renewed.
I am a seasonal resident of Grand Bahama. I am making contacts now to get you the correct answer.