Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Cruising Writer Speaks for Georgia’s Waterways
James Newsome is a regular contributor to SSECN and other publications, both online and print. Since he is a Georgian, as am I, we can forgive his concern for the reputation of Georgia’s Waterway. However, he makes valid points in comparing Georgia’s ICW to those problem areas in South Carolina and Florida.
I have found that GA does have a few areas of concern on the ICW, but the extent of the concern far surpasses the reality of the problems. On my cruise down to St. Augustine last spring I learned that FL has more shallow areas between Fernandina and Jacksonville that all of GA’s ICW. And my good sailing friends who cruised to the Chesapeake Bay last summer brought to my attention the terrible condition of the ICW just north of Charleston.
I’ve never quite understood why GA’s ICW has such a bad reputation. We arguably have two areas of concern, which is Little Mud River and Jekyll Creek, but both are easily manageable. I personally don’t consider Hell’s Gate near Savannah to be a concern, but I know there are many folks who will disagree with me.
James H. Newsome
Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
98 Buena Vista Avenue
Warrenton, GA 30828
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.6677,-81.16199999
Advice on Southern Entrance to Walburg Creek Anchorage, off the AICW at Statute Mile 619N or 623.5S

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Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. Our young daughters always called the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Our thanks to Bob McLeran for this graphic depiction of the southern entrance which exits the Waterway eastward at Mile 623.5.
Larry,
Attached is a JPG file I created of the track we produced on October 24th when we exited Walburg Creek via the “southern” entrance/exit closest to the ICW. There seems to be a lot of misinformation about that particular entrance/entrance to this great anchorage and how best to get across the shallow area. Perhaps this will help cruisers decide whether to use the anchorage without having to go out into the “wilds” of St. Catherine’s Sound to get there.
Obviously, if one goes into the creek from the ICW in the late afternoon, the same tide height (roughly) would be available the following morning. Mid-tide or higher would work best for boats drawing more than five feet.
FYI, the software creating the background and the track-point intervals is Fugawi ENC (version 4.5x). Our primary navigation software is PolarNavy, but we also run Fugawi as a backup on the same laptop. Fugawi was used here to display the track because it highlights the track point (the square box) and the point’s data whereas PolarNavy doesn’t do that.
Bob McLeran
Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage
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Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2549,-80.22339999
Warning for South Entrance to Jensen Beach Bridge Anchorages, AICW Statute Mile 981

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Our thanks to Skipper Meyer for these words of caution. The twin Jensen Beach Bridge anchorages lie west of the Waterway, north and south of the Jensen Beach bridge, south of unlighted daybeacon #219.
I entered the south anchorage from the east across the thin strip marked as 6′. It was a bad decision. The depth-finder showed 4’6’³ (my draft) in a couple spots. Managed to hop through but it was nerve-wracking. Will go southeast through the deeper water to exit.
Chad Meyer
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jensen Beach Bridge Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jensen Beach Bridge CAnchorages
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Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0648,-81.42869999
Report from Problem Stretch, Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 683

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Our thanks to Skipper Newsome for responding to a Nav Alert posted last year by a longtime resident of Jekyll Harbor Marina, Sonny Reeves. As Sonny would tell us, the channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift a little with each tide and, as Skipper Newsome advises, “finding” the deep water at low tide is key to a successful passage at low tide. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage for this Problem Stretch. See other recent reports and further advice at /?p=148121 and /?p=144895.
Passed through this area on 10/25/15 an hour past low tide and saw no less than 7-1/2′. Assuming there is at least 1′ more water an hour into the flood, this means there was at least 6′ to 6-1/2′ of water at low tide. And there was a negative .2′ tide yesterday that I’m not taking into consideration. A dock hand at Jekyll Island marina told us prior to passing through that there is at least 6′ of water in Jekyll Creek. We confirmed this with our readings.
The key to passing through here near low tide is `finding’ the water. Skippers reporting less than 6′ of water obviously aren’t in the deepest area of the channel. I draw 5’8’³ and still wouldn’t pass through here at dead low, but I feel pretty confident making the run through here an hour past low, assuming there’s not a huge negative low tide.
James Newsome
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Oct 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999
FOCUS ON Bennett Brothers Yachts, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.

Acting as your host to beautiful and historic Wilmington, NC, Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina features 3,000 feet of floating docks in a sheltered harbor. Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) has been a widely
recognized repair yard since 1986 and every conceivable repair – mechanical, below waterline, electronic, and carpentry – is readily available. Most of all, BBY has the safe and sure reputation of getting it right the first time.
Voted by USA Today for 2015 “America’s Best Riverfront City”, Wilmington, North Carolina is a “must see” as you travel through the Carolinas and a visit Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina could be your best stop on your passage or journey. With so many sites to see and so much fun to take part in, Wilmington is located in the northernmost subtropic region with pleasant weather year round. No frozen harbors in Wilmington!
Beautiful antebellum architecture with great “gingerbread” can be
Photo by Wedding Mapper
seen as you stroll this pedestrian friendly city. Guided tours and horse drawn carriages are commonly enjoyed, but self guided visiting is encouraged and well worth it. The locals are approachable and happy to share a story or two and will direct you to whatever you seek. Restaurants are abundant in all genres of fair, and provisioning is easy with Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s , Harris Teeter Supermarkets and a local seasonal Farmers Market nearby.
Photo by Brad Van Amberg
The Downtown historic district has some new things brewing and brewing makes another great reason to sample the flavors of the area. Microbreweries and brew pubs have become increasingly popular for locals and visitors alike. Sample craft beers while enjoying the backdrop of a fun peninsula city borded by the Atlantic ocean and the Cape Fear River. The Cotton Exchange, The City Market and Chandlers Wharf are filled with unique one of a kind retailers where you can pick up the perfect gift or present .
If your vessel needs any attention during your visit, BBY – awarded ABBRA “Excellence in Customer Care 2015” – can handle most any repair or service you require. Full mechanical, paint and glass departments supported with carpentry and electronics service are found here at BBY. Work can be completed via our mobile service in-water or, if needed, hauled-out by our certified 70 ton Marine Travel Lift with extra wide capacity to haul catamarans. It is one of the largest lifts in the region. Ask for a free, full guided tour of the BBY facility when you arrive, to see if there is something you would like to fix or upgrade to make your cruising more enjoyable.
If you happen to schedule work on your vessel, or just stop for a visit, there will certainly be no shortage of things to see and do. For starters, The USS North Carolina is moored in her permanent home and has tours below her decks that will inform even the experts and entertain the whole family. Golf, fishing, SUP, kayaking, birding, triathlon training and competition, sailing, surfing and theater are just a small taste of what the “Port City ” has to offer. Wrightsville Beach is just minutes away and was acknowledged by National Geographic as a top ten surfing town!
Located just 26 nautical miles north of Southport, North Carolina, BBY is easier to get to than you think. BBY and Cape Fear Marina are on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 12 nautical miles from the Snow’s Cut passage on the AICW. As you travel north along the Cape Fear River, you will first pass the NC State Port Facility, then USS North Carolina and the scenic downtown Wilmington riverfront. You will then pass under two bridges, first the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 65 feet and 138 feet maximum when raised, should be hailed on Channel 18. Next is the Isabel Holmes Bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 42 feet and should be hailed on Channel 13. The Isabel Holmes Bridge opens at 10 AM and 2 PM between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM and on demand at all other times.
Fly in and out of Wilmington through the International Airport ILM, located just 5 minutes from BBY. We will even pick you up at the airport! We hope you have a wonderful visit when you’re here and return with your friends to experience the many facets this ‘off the beaten path’ town has to offer.

Patricia Donovan Bennett, President
Editor’s note: Patricia Bennett was honored recently by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444
Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc.
Cape Fear Marina
1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.bbyachts.com
910.772.9277
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Oct 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8749,-82.31359999
Good Words for Cape Haze Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 38.5

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Cape Haze Marina flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9. See /?p=148478 for great photos! This report is from our good friends at AGLCA.
The Cape Haze Marina is about 4.5 miles before the bridge [Boca Grande Swing Bridge] and is the best deal in the area. The staff and live aboards ar very friendly and helpful. I received 3 offers to take me to the local Publix the first day there. We were caught by the weather and this marina at $1.50/ft. electric included was our choice. The docks are fixed wood in good condition. Restaurant about 3/4 mile away (very good), but the heads and showers are only open from 07:30am to 5:00pm. WiFi is iffy at the transient dock.
Mitch & Carole Brodkin
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Haze Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Haze Marina
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Oct 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.8504,-81.47689999
Good Advice for Navigating AICW/Cumberland Dividings Problem Stretch and Brickhill River, Statute Miles 696-704

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The Brickhill makes a pleasant, parallel detour east of the Waterway, with a north departure at Waterway marker #40 and rejoining the Waterway at Cumberland Dividings, markers #62 and #63. Cumberland Dividings has been a Problem Stretch for several years due to constantly shifting shoals and an erroneous magenta line on many chartplotters. Capt. Thorpe advises you to follow the Green markers on the east side of the channel and ignore the Red.
I have been going through this stretch for ten years at all tide stages in a coastal passenger ship 240′ long drawing 9 feet’¦coming South staying to the left (GPS will show you actually going through the marsh) will carry 20+ feet all the way. Forget that the red markers exist!
Henry Thorpe
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Cumberland Dividings
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

James Newsome - November 17, 2015 - 11:00 am

Henry’s advice is spot on. I learned the lesson here many years ago when I misread the markers and relied on the magenta line. I had good company as two other boats, one northbound and the other southbound with me, all ran aground. Follow the navigational aids favoring the green marker and you will have no problem.
Reply to James
Oct 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8317,-80.0559999
Cove Plaza Welcomes Marine Industries Association, Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc. and
COVE PLAZA
Are Pleased to Welcome
TO COVE PLAZA at OLD PORT COVE
On behalf of our entire staff and management team, I am pleased to announce that the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County now hails from Cove Plaza which is located at the entrance to Old Port Cove in North Palm Beach. You will find their new office on the lower level of the 1208 building in Suite B. (That’s the 2nd building after going down the ramp.)
ABOUT: The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization created to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment.
MIAPBC is also responsible for the Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots toy drive both of which are right around the corner, Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Please join us in welcoming the MIAPBC to Cove Plaza!
Questions? Please Contact:
Alyssa Freeman, Operations Director
1208 US Highway #1 Suite B
North Palm Beach, Fl. 33408
alyssa@marinepbc.org
Phone: 561-622-1555 (temporarily)
www.MarinePBC.org
www.BoatingSouthFlorida.com
www.PalmBeachBoatParade.org
Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc.
Sue Morgan, Marketing & Public Relations Director
116 Lakeshore Drive
North Palm Beach, Florida 33408
561-296-1863
marinas@opch.com
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
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Oct 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8317,-80.05499999
Snapshot Report II: Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
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Oct 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.2731,-81.71759999
Continued Praise for Huckins Boat Yard, Ortega River, Jacksonville FL

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Huckins Boat Yard is located on the northern shores of the Ortega River off the St. Johns River, just upstream of the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge with a 45ft vertical clearance. Skipper Alderman joins other skippers in praising Huckins Boat Yard. See /?p=146584 for photos of their work.
Huckins is the best. We had a fuel tank replaced by them and some more work done to the Leprechaun 440 EB Sea Ray and I can’t say enough about them. They are the top of the line service and very reasonable on their price. Richard and Justin were the best and PJ was on top of everything and Trishia in the office could not have been better. If you need repairs, get it there you will not be sorry.
Bill Alderman
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Huckins Boat Yard
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