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    • Apr 29, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999

      Depth Report from Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459


       View In Chartview

      This AICW Problem Stretch has been shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges.

      On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 07h20 and 07h40 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited Mt. Pleasant, SC, northbound, between the Ben Sawyer Bridge and Isle of Palms, at mid-tide (falling). Here is our observation report:

      healy

      Conclusions:
      1. Shallowest water is north of G”119″ and nearby but south of Green floater G”117A.”
      2. Exact path through the area matters; favor red for best water depths through this entire stretch. Proceed carefully in the vicinity of G”117A” at Swinton Creek.
      * Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Socastee, SC

      And this from AGLCA’s Forum:

      Just north of Charleston is the swing bridge at the entrance to the ICW heading north. Between markers 119 to the next bridge (and mostly around marker 117) it is very shallow. After getting a positive trip report from
      Seahorse on a successful trip, we went today. Only difference was an hour difference of tide. We watched a sailboat and a tow get stuck at marker 117. While TowBoatUS says to keep to the red side (port), the key is to go at least 2 hours AFTER low tide. The thicker water (note not a channel) is to the red side, but don’t stray too far. Note that there are shoals at the ocean inlets, so at those points the green side does get thin.
      Quo Vadimus
      Nowhere OK
      Foster and Susan

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Apr 28, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5288,-80.39989999

      Report from Fenwick Cut, AICW Statute Mile 511


       View In Chartview

      Fenwick Cut slices through a narrow neck of Fenwick Island and connects the Ashepoo River with the Stono, north of the infamous Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff which Captain Healy wisely avoided by taking the alternate route east around Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound, see /?p=145808. The alternate route adds about 5 statute miles to your route.

      Fenwick Cut, northbound at 09h10 DST 4/27/2015:

      8.6 ft observed today, mid-channel, south entrance
      +1.8 ft tide level per Garmin chart plotter almanac, therefore
      6.8 ft MLLW control depth transiting the cut

      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fenwick Cut

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 27, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1155,-75.98589999

      Good Report from National Park Service Docks, Ocracoke, NC Pamlico Sound


       View In Chartview

      Last summer, the National Park Service Docks had closed in anticipation of Hurricane Arthur, see /?p=143288, but re-opened for business after having suffered only minimal damage from the storm. Now as Skipper Noel confirms, the docks and businesses in Ocracoke are all open.. Certainly good news for summer visitors to this beautiful village on the Outer Banks.

      We are currently at the NPS docs and they are up and running. This is pre-season, but there have only been a few boats in and out. Dockage is $1.25 per foot per night, power is $2.00/$5.00. There is an updated sidewalk leading to the village. We had a great meal at Dajio and a great one at Eduardo’s Taco Truck. We enjoy the relaxed pre-season vibe on Ocracoke!
      Katherine Noel

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.5539,-77.35189999

      Reminder of Perennial Shoaling at New River Inlet/AICW Problem Stretch Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 246


       View In Chartview

      The Waterway typically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was last done in February of 2013. Skipper Johnson’s detailed comments were posted on AGLCA’s Forum and see /?p=142854 and /?p=146808 for more information and good advice for the New River Inlet area.

      As you make your way northward to the rendezvous there are a couple of areas that warrant a caution. Both are always areas to be cautious, but this year are even worse than ever.
      First, just as you pass by the Marinas in Sneads Ferry, NC (New River Marina, well known for cheap fuel, and Swan Point Marina) you come to the junction with the New River Inlet, where you make a sharp turn to the right. The shoaling, to a depth of less than 3 feet at low tide, is in the vicinity of markers 72 and 74. This is immediately before you reach the popular Mile Hammock Bay anchorage. Then a few miles later after you pass under the Onslow Beach Bridge, Browns Inlet is always a point of concern. Follow the markers very closely, erring to the west if you are in doubt.
      Betsy Johnson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 25, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.7361,-76.29469999

      Bridge Frustration of An Unusual Kind


       View In Chartview

      As Skipper Paul reports the old Steel Bridge is no more, replaced by a 95ft fixed bridge. While his report is definitely good news for other cruisers, we offer him condolences on a missed dining opportunity and we’re delighted that Paul could laugh at himself! See /?p=106464 for the remaining construction details.

      On Friday, April 10, northbound, I stopped at Great Bridge at 1545 thinking I would be held up until 1800 at Steel Bridge. To my surprise (and chagrin), the next morning lock-though brought me to a functioning high-rise `steel bridge’; the old low-slung steel bridge was no more. Another on-the -hour obstruction gone south of Norfolk. That’s the good news. Had I known, however, I could have kept on and dined that Friday evening at one of my favorite spots along the AICW, Portsmouth’s Cafe Europa, That’s the source of my chagrin.
      Paul

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Dominion Blvd. Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dominion Blvd. Bridge

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bob McLeran -  May 1, 2015 - 3:39 pm

        If I remember, and read the charts correctly (much greater likelihood of that) then that means there are only two real bridge obstructions through that area – the two Norfolk Southern railway bridges (and the corresponding highway bridge with the southern one of those).

        That’s really good news.

        Reply to Bob
    • Apr 25, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.7238,-76.24789999

      Praise for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA, AICW Statute Mile 12


       View In Chartview

      Our boat was since october in the Atlantic Yacht Basin und we got the best service. James knows most of the problems a boat can have. He even got our hydraulic crane repaired, 2 other yards didn’t succeed. I can recommend AYB for all the work you need and the docking under roof is great.
      Rene Gubler
      Blue Rosy V

      Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Apr 24, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Extreme Shoaling at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


       View In Chartview

      We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Captain Healy gives us up-to-date confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!

      Larry:
      As of 4/22/2015 at 19h45:
      Egg Island, GA, tide data: L – 17h09
      Range: -0.2 to +8.0
      Readings at 19h45: +2.8
      – NB, one-half way between G91 and R89: 6.2′
      – At G89: 5.8′
      – 100 yards north of G89: 5.6′

      Conclusion: minimum depth at normal low would be 3.0′, less for celestial low tides; not navigable at low tide for most cruising boats. Channel is narrowing, and tidal currents require careful attention.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Hilton Head, SC
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132

      Unluckily, I had to pass both Hell Gate and Jekyll Creek at dead low tide the last couple of days. Both were 4 feet. Jekyll was 4 feet from beacon 20A to 13. High banks of mud less than 50 feet on both sides means the channel cannot be more than 100 feet wide when full. I consider this to be a no passing zone. Hell Gate was 4 feet from just before beacon 89 for another few 100 feet. I draw 3′-9″ and just had my Fathometer rebuilt, so I now have confidence, but have not touched bottom recently for the final accuracy test.
      Ray Schmidt

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. martin -  April 24, 2015 - 4:19 pm

        Just another reason to wait for a 24 hour window and bypass Georgia completely by leaving out of Port Royal sound and gliding along the coast to Florida. This usually takes me 20-24 hrs under sail.

        Reply to martin
      2. Al McGillivray -  April 24, 2015 - 3:34 pm

        SV Airtime (draft 5′ 3″) passed through Hell Gate from the south this morning (April 24, 2015) at 10:00 approximately 2 1/2 hours after low tide. Low tide at Egg Island was at 07:32. The lowest depth I saw was 6.0 feet but I know I was a little too far to starboard expecting the incoming tide to set me more to port. We were behind 2 other sailboats with drafts of 5 feet + that passed through approximately 1 hour previously. The lowest depth reading conveyed by radio was 6.2 feet.

        My advice for this passage is trust the aids to navigation, do not believe your chart plotter, stay centre channel and exercise caution.

        Reply to Al
      3. Richard Ross -  April 24, 2015 - 3:06 pm

        We passed thru Hells Gate in early March, within 1/2 hour of a normal low tide, and saw a minimum of slightly over 5 feet. We draw 4.5 feet, and did not touch bottom. However, another boat closely following us on a slightly different track reported 3.5 feet. From this, and from Jim Healy’s remarks, it would seem that the channel is now very narrow. The problem is to figure out just where the deep water is.

        Reply to Richard
    • Apr 23, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8726,-78.56969999

      Shoaling Reported at Calabash Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 342


       View In Chartview

      The anchorage at the mouth of Calabash Creek, just below the NC-SC state line, has been a popular stop for years, owing in no small part to the delicious seafood awaiting a dinghy ride up the creek. Sad to have it shoaled in.

      21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Very nice marina people’¦have scratched the Calabash creek anchorage off the list of possibilities. Too bad, considering we anchored there a little over two years ago and had fine depths and a very pleasant night’¦
      Barry Umberger

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

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 23, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.8651,-78.63889999

      Good Words for Coquina Harbor Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346


       View In Chartview

      Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.

      21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek [Calabash] but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free.
      Barry Umberger

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Coquina Harbor Yacht Club

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bill Murdoch -  April 28, 2015 - 9:11 pm

        We have stopped here both coming and going to the Bahamas over the last ten years. We’ve never been disappointed. Sandy Otten, the dock master, could not be more friendly. We rate it one of the best small marinas on the ICW and a great value.

        Reply to Bill
    • Apr 23, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments

      Update on Florida’s Anchoring Restrictions Bill

      This Florida senate bill restricting anchoring has been much in the news for several weeks, see /?p=147527 and /?p=147397. This update is from Kim Russo on AGLCA’s Forum

      Below is an update provided this morning from the team working on defeating the proposed anchoring restrictions in Florida. Thanks to all the Loopers and our Sponsors who have taken steps to help with this issue. We’ve made
      a lot of progress!

      1. There are 8 days left in the regular session.

      2. On the House side, there is currently no remaining bill that includes the anchoring ban. The bill that most logically could have been a vehicle for such a provision passed 119-0 this morning on the House floor (i.e. vote by the full House). This was after the anchoring ban amendment was defeated in its last committee hearing. Therefore, when it was brought up for a vote of the full House (on the floor) it contained no anchoring ban provisions. Unlike last year, no anchoring ban amendment was filed on the floor although our team was poised, ready to respond rapidly ‘¦ as were the House members who have become champions for the boating and cruising
      community. That bill is now going to the Senate for a vote.

      3. On the Senate side, the bill containing the anchoring ban made it through the 2nd of its 3 required committees 2 weeks ago. With 8 days left, the bill is not currently scheduled for a 3rd committee hearing.
      Currently, that 3rdcommittee is not scheduled to meet again, although that could change.

      4. We are working continuously to monitor and track every bill and every potential amendment to a bill that could create the anchoring ban. We are in constant communication with a full host of House and Senate members who are with us.

      5. At this stage, broad messaging from the boating community to legislators is not an effective strategy. If, however, any threatening bill or amendment emerges, we will again engage promptly with messaging that is tailored, timed and targeted.

      6. The boating and cruising community has done a great job throughout this session. It has strengthened its voice and its effectiveness. It has broadened and diversified its sources of messaging. For example, recently
      there was effective proactive messaging from the veterans boating community and the Boy Scouts/Sea Scouts boating community that was influential in conjunction with the balance of the boating and cruising community family.

      7. We still have 8 days. Readiness is the key.

      Kim Russo
      Director
      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Dave L -  June 17, 2017 - 5:13 am

        Anchoring is an act of navigation, as such it is protected by federal law.

        Reply to Dave
      2. Captain Robert S. Viola -  April 25, 2015 - 10:28 am

        Florida’s anchoring ban defies reason, lacks economic sense, and embodies a mis-application of logic. Therefore; it is no doubt a dream-child of misguided, but powerful, environmental-zealots. These Draconian regulations limit legitimate and reasonable pursuits. The boating public’s rightful interests are being overrun by a political movement that treats the earth, and what is at the bottom of the sea with a kind of irrational, religious-sanctity. Boaters do not dis-respect the sea-floor – people have some right to its use – and it is certainly a reasonable assumption that the vast majority of boaters don’t have the destruction of our habitat at heart. Most want a piece of our shared-earth to ensure our safety, security, and tranquility – and there surely is enough law-enforcement in place to oversee the security of anchorages. The problem of course is; the zealots will not give an inch, and scream louder, and devote life-long energy to denying traditional, and time-honored practices to a generation of boaters who respect the sea as much as they do! Boating advocates must relentlessly argue that our goals are every bit more-sensible than those who oppose reasonable land and sea pursuits.
        Captain R.S. Viola

        Reply to Captain
      3. Jerry Villines -  April 24, 2015 - 6:19 pm

        So, if I understand your rambling message. The Florida House has chosen not to pass any legislation with changed anchoring restrictions. But that may or may not change. The Senate has completed 2 of 3 required steps to vote on restrictions to anchoring. They have not scheduled action to complete the 3rd step but may do that.

        So if the Senate completed 2 steps to increasing anchoring restrictions what are the issues/roadblacks/incentives to address the 3rd step?? Why take 2 steps and not address the 3rd step?? And, should the Senate pass the 3rd step and vote to introduce legislation to restrict anchoring rights does the House need to deal with the proposed legislation before it can go into the books?

        This is all very strange and secretive.

        Reply to Jerry

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