Incidents of rude, reckless powerboats have been reported for years now and most likely you have suffered much the same danger either in an anchorage or underway in the Waterway. Then again, you meet these same thoughtless, insane drivers on every Interstate. So…I do not have an answer other than to GRIN AND BEAR IT.
I was amazed at the amount of speedboats running thru the anchorage on plane. A constant parade on a Sunday afternoon. Many seemed to enjoy the sport of slaloming between anchored boats on half plane putting out big wakes. Then to my total amazement, a marine sheriff boat came thru, on half plane, and did nothing about the speed boats running thru here! They really don’t seem to care about basic safety and courtesy in Wrightsville beach. The cop must have been on his way to patrol the bathrooms. Ted
In many places local boaters feel they ‘own’ their waters and we transients are intruders. I anchor at Wrightsville a couple of weeks in the fall AND the spring. I spend money there at restaurants, food and hardware stores, etc. On some weekends there is standing two foot chop from wakes. As a catamaran we don’t roll but it sure is a little lumpy. I actually had a busy-body type lady tell me I should keep the free dinghy dock clear for local boaters. I had to quietly, calmly explain basic economics to her. Yes, we pay no property taxes, etc but neither do we cause wear and tear to the infrastructure or use their schools but we are paying plenty to service providers who DO pay taxes… but only as long as they stay in business. From we boaters.
This happens all the time in that area. This kind of boating does not happen just 10 miles south at the Carolina Beach boat basin. It is a no wake zone and people will remind anyone who makes a wake.
Windmill Harbour Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located hard by the southwesterly mouth of the Waterway’s passage south down Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island, south of marker #27.
Welcome to Windmill Harbour Marina, situated on the northwest coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We are located on the Intracoastal Waterway, just ½ mile south of the Pinckney Island Bridge at mile marker 558, 500 yards south of channel marker 27, and ½ mile north of channel marker 29 in the Calibogue Sound. The marina’s 15.5 acre harbour boasts 258 boat slips, offering many for short or long term rental or sale. Transient dockage is available including dining privileges at the Yacht Club, laundry, restrooms and showers, competitively priced fuel and a pump out station. Our remarkable harbour offers a safe, tide free haven protected by a lock system directly off the Intracoastal Waterway. The Windmill Harbour Marina lock is 75′ long by 19′ wide. Hours of operation are 0800 to 1900 by harbour master or 24 hours by yachtsmen with a keycard. We monitor channel 14 VHF and our phone number is 843-681-9235. One of only three private locked harbours on the east coast, Windmill Harbour Marina offers an unparalleled combination of convenience and security…the safest place to keep your yacht.
Windmill Harbour initially began in 1981, the founding company chose a Southwestern style featuring an adobe look and a large windmill at the entrance. This design, however, was not embraced by the community. In response, the founders removed the windmill and the land plan changed to a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums in a more acceptable southern traditional style, similar to residences found in Charleston. As Windmill Harbour began to take shape, more and more homes were built in that style. This led to the evolution of the Charleston Lowcountry look one sees in Windmill Harbour today. Windmill Harbour is home to a variety of different boaters. From small center console fishing boats to large offshore sport fishing boats, fertile fishing grounds are nearby. A significant fleet of Harbor 20s engages in class racing and there are numerous cruising and sailing activities including the Calibogue Cup, Harbour Town Cup and Ocean Challenge.
One of the most important assets of the community is the marina and its unique harbor. The harbor is composed of 15.5 acres and houses more than 255 boat slips and is the largest harbor on Hilton Head Island by nearly a hundred slips. The lock was constructed to create a protected harbor from the weather and the changing tides. It was only the second lock existing on the eastern seaboard at the time. The lock is operated with the gravity flow of water, electricity and hydraulics. As complicated as it may appear, it is very simple to operate.
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As the marina and neighborhood came together the next step was to give the community a place to gather. Thus the South Carolina Yacht Club was born. The vision was that the club would be populated by the most interesting residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island, reminiscent of those early social gatherings on Hilton Head. This led to the decision which established a club that property owners could choose to join, but were not required to do so, and that would invite membership from outside of Windmill Harbour and Hilton Head as well. More detailed information on the founding of the South Carolina Yacht Club can be found on its website.
The unique history, breathtaking beauty, meticulous planning and unique harbor have made Windmill Harbour a premier marina community in the Lowcountry. Its vibrancy and growth are a testament to its founders and its residents.
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Boat/Dinghy Thefts in the Bahamas Boat/Dinghy Thefts in the Bahamas Posted: 06 May 2016 08:54 AM PDT We are getting more frequent reports of thefts from cruising yachts and from marinas. Some vessels stolen were larger outboards; many are dinghies, some large with big outboards. Reports have come from the Abacos, Nassau and George Town. Nassau thefts have occurred from a paddleboarder sneaking into marinas.
Concern is growing among cruisers and many are expressing the possibility that they will completely avoid these areas in the future.
To make your feelings known and to press for some government action on this issue, here is some contact information for Bahamas Tourism.
Bahamas Tourism George Town Pet Hanna phanna@bahamas.com 242-336-2430 242-357-0970
Bahamas Tourism Nassau Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe owilchcombe@bahamas.com 242-302-2058 242-302-1317
Let them know the seriousness of the thefts in terms of loss of tourism in the Bahamas. Perhaps it will get some action to stop and further prevent this threat to cruising yachts and other vessels in the Bahamas.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Downtown Marina is located north of AICW marker #239, a short distance west of the Lady’s Island swing bridge, in the heart of downtown Beaufort.
Great stop! The marina staff is very good with the tides and the rolling current. Diesel pump was VERY slow, but price reasonable. Could not ask for a better place to shop and eat! Plenty of restaurants to choose from, and cute little shops to browse. This is our second time here, and will return! Still Clueless
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.
May 4, 2016 NEWS from BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
“How to Use GPS” Newest Online Course From BoatUS Foundation and US Power Squadrons Get More Out of Your GPS/Chartplotter Which way to go? The new BoatUS Foundation “How to Use GPS” online course shows the way to get there – by getting more out of your chartplotter/GPS.
ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 4, 2016 ‘“ It’s an important piece of equipment, able to get boaters safely home, to their favored fishing hole or weekend raft up spot. But if you’ve ever wondered about all of the features and functions on your boat’s GPS or chartplotter, this is your chance to learn by taking the newest online course from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the United States Power Squadrons, `How to Use GPS.’ Available for a $30 course fee at BoatUS.org/gps, the course makes learning easy as it can be taken anytime ‘“ at home, office, or the boat. Course takers may stop and return as their busy schedules permit, and the course works well with any brand of GPS or chartplotter.
St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, about one nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
St James Marina, mm 315. Very friendly staff, quiet, protected marina, fuel, showers, laundry, excellent wi-fi, cafe/restaurant, “Tommy Thompsons”, and Enterprise will pick you up! A good place to hide, especially when the weather is bad. Bruce Franz s/v “Hemisphere Dancer” Dickerson 41
As Bruce Franz relates and Ms Wanda confirms, dredging at Alligator River Marina has been completed and invitations are extended to Spring Migrators! ARM lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
Yesterday, proof positive our cruising friend’s 50 ft Gulfstar with a 6 ft draft can enter/leave Alligator Marina and visit Ms Wanda. Bruce Franz s/v “Hemisphere Dancer” Dickerson 41
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New fuel and dockage survey for May New fuel and dockage survey for May Posted: 03 May 2016 12:14 PM PDT Fuel prices were mixed in this month’s survey. Three marinas raised dockage prices and two marinas lower their rates. The rest remained the same.
Harbour View Marina in Marsh Harbour announced the installation of five new moorings available for $15 a night. Emerald Bay Marina now has an ATM on site.
As always, we appreciate the individual reports you send us to keep this survey updated. Send an email to monty@explorercharts.com for any new prices you find until the next survey.
Comments from Cruisers (2)
In many places local boaters feel they ‘own’ their waters and we transients are intruders. I anchor at Wrightsville a couple of weeks in the fall AND the spring. I spend money there at restaurants, food and hardware stores, etc. On some weekends there is standing two foot chop from wakes. As a catamaran we don’t roll but it sure is a little lumpy.
I actually had a busy-body type lady tell me I should keep the free dinghy dock clear for local boaters. I had to quietly, calmly explain basic economics to her. Yes, we pay no property taxes, etc but neither do we cause wear and tear to the infrastructure or use their schools but we are paying plenty to service providers who DO pay taxes… but only as long as they stay in business. From we boaters.
This happens all the time in that area. This kind of boating does not happen just 10 miles south at the Carolina Beach boat basin. It is a no wake zone and people will remind anyone who makes a wake.
Joe