Now here’s a really super idea that has become reality thanks to our good friends and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, at the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance. Talk about a “no brainer.” Each and EVERY cruiser plying the waters of Charlotte Harbor, Peace River and /or Pine Island Sound will want to have one of these card on their console or dashboard. And, note they are waterproof, and ready for use anytime, anywhere. Punta Gorda “Boater’s Alert Cards” are available without cost at all Charlotte Harbor/Punta Gorda marinas and yacht clubs, and from local, on-the-water law enforcement officers (see listing below). Furthermore, the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance (http://www.boat2puntagorda.com/AB/index.html) has generously offered to share what they have learned in creating their “Boater’s Alert Card” with any other boat owner’s/cruisers’ organization, or governmental entity, thereby greatly facilitating the wider availability of these very useful cruising tools. Don’t delay, pick up a card TODAY at any Punta Gorda marina or yacht club! And, CONGRATULATIONS to the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance on a job very well done!!!
Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance, in cooperation with on-water law enforcement agencies and the University of Florida – Sea grant program, developed a waterproof Boaters Alert card listing phone numbers to call if encountering any of the situations listed. This ongoing program is maintained by the Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance.
Cards can be obtained a the following locations:
Punta Gorda Police Marine Officers Local Florida Fish and Wildlife Patrol Charlotte Count Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Local Marinas Yacht Club West Marine (Punta Gorda)
The following copyrighted story and link were taken from the website of ABC News out of Tampa, FL. Despite all advice about waterspouts, it is apparent that there is little one can do to prepare for such sudden storms. Maximo Marina is located on the charted canal cutting into Boca Ciega Bay’s southeastern shores, east-northeast of marker #14. There is also a large, strip shopping center located within two blocks of this facility, which contains a West Marine. Anyone know if there was any damage to the shopping center as well???
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina has just introduced a new video showcasing this fine marina’s facilities and services. It is very definitely worth a look. Southport Marina is located in the heart of the old river village of the same name. In the 1950’s and early 60’s, Southport was my boyhood summer home aboard. I have nothing but the warmest memories of my time spent on the docks of the old Southport harbor. May you too be so fortunate. Check out the new video at:
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Jekyll Harbor Marina
The author of the article below, Captain Sonny Reeves, is a frequent SSECN contributor and a live-aboard cruiser at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina, located immediately south of the Jekyll Island Bridge. We always think his opinions are worth considering, even if you don’t entirely agree with his arguments. We think Captain Sonny makes a very good case for NOT bypassing the Georgia portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, IF and only if you have the time to play the tides, and are willing to take extra navigational care. In an earlier posting (9/6/13) here on the SSECN, Captain Sonny gives more good advice, AND provides a homemade video, of how best to navigate the Waterway channel through the Jekyll Creek AICW Problem Stretch (see /?p=119133) Also, don’t miss Captain Sonny’s discussion below of the shoreside Jekyll Island delights. Clearly, this is a GREAT place to visit, and access is easy enough from Jekyll Harbor Marina!
Hi Capt. Claiborne, I am seeing a lot of discussion from ICW boaters on the Georgia ICW. Please don’t fear the ditch! Yes, there is shallow water! Yes, you do have to pay attention and watch: The tides, the depth, the shore, the markers, other boaters with their head in their rear locker and currents. Our tide range runs to 8 ft. twice a day. We do have many very nice places to stop and visit: Blackbeard Island, Cumberland Island, and Darien are wonderful this time of the year as it cools off towards November. I and my wife are legal liveaboards at Jekyll Harbor Marina. We travel up to Charleston and down to St. Augustine often. http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2013/05/brickhill-river-ancorage-cumberland.html Here on Jekyll Island we enjoy the miles (27 and counting) of very safe bike trails; the trail via the maritime forest to the old village is awesome!, Millionaires Village, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Driftwood Beach, fresh Georgia Shrimp, (Reds are Running!) fishing and all the amenities of Jekyll Harbor Marina: grills, hot tub, pool, free loaner car, bikes and the new ships store. Jekyll Island is a state park and very safe. Our world famous Shrimp and Grits Festival is coming up Sept 20. Please don’t fear the ditch in Georgia. Many barges with tugs that draw 8 ft pass by north and south at low tide. As long as those commercial barges get through the shallow spots the Army Corp of Engineers is not going to try and dredge. None of the states on the ICW that I know of can afford to dredge the ditch. Call Capt Wes or Capt Scott at Jekyll Harbor Marina for local knowledge Too many cruisers bypass this beautiful section of the world with its unique character because of the rumors perpetuated by those that don’t know. Enjoy! Sonny Reeves
Well, of course, the Downtown Marina of Beaufort (SC) is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Naturally this facility’s far seeing management comes up aces in being an environmentally responsible facility! Congratulations to Rick and Mandy Griffith on their marina’s recertification as a “South Carolina Clean Marina.”
At the same awards ceremony, Downtown Marina in Beaufort, SC received its recertification of its Clean Marina status. The marina, under the stewardship of Rick Griffin, CMM, has met the high standards of the program continually since 1998. `Becoming a Clean Marina involves using best management in all phases of the marina’s operations, SCMA President Iggy del Valle said in congratulating the recipients. `It isn’t an easy process and, in some cases, involves added expenses.’ The marinas go beyond normal regulatory requirements in managing potential pollutants, keeping their facilities as `green’ as possible and educating their customers on better environmental actions to keep our waterways clean.
Click Chartlet Above to Open A Chart View Page Centered on Wassau Sound
Over the first part of September, 2013, there has been an interesting discussion on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (http://www.greatloop.org/) as to the usability of Wassau Sound Inlet, which pierces the northeastern Georgia coastline a few miles south of the Savannah River inlet. From the AICW, the most practical approach to this seaward cut, is to leave the Waterway at marker #40, southeast of the Waterway – Herb River intersection (just a short hop south of Thunderbolt, GA), and then follow the wide but scantily marked Wilmington River channel to Wassau Sound, and eventually to this sound’s inlet. Personally, I wouldn’t think about attempting this passage without a well functioning chart plotter aboard, outfitted with the latest charts, and, even then, only with light winds and good weather in the offing!
My real question is, does anyone use or are the inlets between Thunderbolt and Brunswick usable for a 5 ft draft? Assuming a calm day. I see many are marked by buoys, but does that mean that you can follow the charts and not have a problem ? I would like to run out of Delegal Creek and run to St Simons. I realize St Simons entrance is not a problem as it is a shipping channel. Bob and Libby
I used Wassaw Sound inlet last about two years ago. Beyond G9 and R10, I had trouble finding the movable marks over the bar to R2. Latest chart shows the channel bending quite sharply to the south and that is how I recall we found the movable marks. Take it slow in good visibility at half tide or higher the first time. There is plenty of water once you know where the channel really is. My first time through in a sail boat 10 years ago didn’t work out so well, spent about four hours at the bottom of the tide cycle with our keel on the bottom. Chuck Gorgen ODYSSEE
Olivia, To get the latest information you might contact Sea Tow or TowboatUS for that area. The buoys are constantly being moved because of shoaling and if there are steep seas running, they are hard to find because they are spaced far apart and get lost in the troughs of the swells. The inlet should only be used in calm conditions. Chuck
Last year, after Hurricane Sandy had passed the area, I was helping a friend move his 48ft Island Packet (5ft draft) south to Miami and we used, with no issues, Wassau inlet. We had spent the night in Thunderbolt. The marks are far apart but a chart plotter helped keep us oriented. Wind was 15/20 WSW with a good 4-5ft chop once we were away from the inlet. Tide had just ebbed at Thunderbolt and current was light and with us as we came down the river, and while a bit confused, there were no standing or breaking waves at the inlet. The inlet was no issue for our offshore capable boat. If you look at the mast heights of the really big sailing yachts in maintenance at Thunderbolt then Wilmington River/Wassau inlet is most likely what they use as they can’t get under the 65ft bridge just to the north and have drafts not appropriate for the ICW travel to the south. Roger Arrowood
My name is Kevin Quinn. I keep my boats on the Wilmington River and I am out on the Wassaw Sound every week. I have a USCG Masters License with a Sail Endorsement. I would be glad to help anyone wanting to make this passage down the Wilmington, through the Wassaw sound and out the inlet. I will help you on the phone, Email or on board. 912-355-0737 krquinn@bellsouth.net Kevin Quinn
For the last year or two, the AICW channel north of Charleston, SC Harbor, between the Isle of Palms and Ben Sawyer Bridges, has been an SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretch. Recently, these waters were the co-subject (along the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff) of a joint call from the SSECN, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, and the South Carolina Marine Association, suggesting members of the cruising community contact the SC US Congressional delegation, and ask them to support a special appropriation to dredge these waters. (see /?p=121335). Now, our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the Waterway north of Charleston on 8/27/13. NOTE THAT THE DOYLE’S SOUNDINGS WERE TAKEN AT MID-TIDE, MEANING THAT YOU MUST SUBTRACT 2.3 FEET FROM THEIR SOUNDINGS TO DISCOVER WHAT MLW DEPTHS WOULD BE. As you will discover, there are a few spots southwest of the Swinton Creek intersection that would only carry as little as 3 feet at MLW! YIKES!!!!!! We need to get these waters dredged NOW!!!!! Incidentally, Diana and Mark are just about to publish a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place a pre-order!
We just had to share this truly quality photo of the very popular anchorage at Mile Hammock Bay (off the North Carolina portion of the AICW, hard by the Waterway’s intersection with New River and New River Inlet), sent to us by our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mornings like the one pictured here are, at least in our opinion, what cruising is all about!
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Barefoot Marina
We have just heard by telephone from dockmaster, Bill Rathbun, at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Barefoot Marina, that a new, official AICW no-wake zone has been established from a point just south of the Barefoot Landing Bridge, to a point 100 yards or so east and south of Barefoot Marina. This new no-wake zone will protect vessels at both Barefoot Marina, and those moored to the facility on the other side of the Pine Island Cut/Canal at Barefoot Landing Marina Transient Dock. So, as you cruise south this fall, SLOW DOWN as you pass under the Barefoot Bridge, and continue at idle speed until you are well south of the marina docks! THANKS for this update Captain Bill!
South Facing AICW Camera at Bings Landing - Courtesy of Flagler County
Our good friends, and frequent SSECN contributors, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier (authors of “The Great Book of Anchorages” series, including the soon to be released Bahamas edition, http://www.tgboa.com), recently forwarded the link below. As you will see, this link leads to an article which appeared in the 8/27/13 edition of the “Daytona Beach News-Journal.” It relates that a series of eight web connected video cameras will soon be delivering LIVE video of the AICW, available to anyone with a web connection, as the Waterway passes through Flagler County. The 19 mile Flagler County section of the AICW lies south of St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach, including SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina. We were so intrigued by this story that, after a bit of research, we found our way to Flagler County Manager, Carl Laundrie, who is in charge of this project. In an interview on 8/30/13, Mr. Laundrie told the SSECN that the system would likely be available to the on-line public “by the end of September.” This is somewhat at variance with the news story linked below, but, as this data comes directly from the proverbial “horse’s mouth,” we think the “end of September” dating is accurate. Mr. Laundrie also told us that, when fully implemented, cruisers will be able to access a single URL address, and see thumbnails of all eight cameras. Clicking on any one image will bring up a full size view. We have been promised that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will be one of the first to know when the public viewing URL is up and running. That address will appear here on the SSECN just as soon as it is available! While some have made “Big Brother is Watching” noises about this story, we think this is a positive development for the cruising community. Remember, there has never been any such creature as having “too much” information when you are on the water, or planning a cruise on the water. The presence of the eight Flagler County webcams will be a good source of info for this stretch of the Eastern Florida AICW.
Claiborne, When I first read the article I had mixed feelings. On one hand, we seem to be losing more and more privacy while out in public. On the other hand, if this could somehow improve safety on the water, as it hints, then I would be all for it. I suppose we will see if it makes any difference over time. But it’s still an interesting concept. I could go on line and see what the conditions are on the waterway before I haul up the anchor. There may be several benefits. Now if they could only rig one up in the middle of the Pamlico and Albemarle. Chuck
Well, not everyone thinks the Waterway webcams are a good idea:
More surveillance Is there no end to living under the eyes of someone else’s cameras? I moved off land to get away from this kind of Nosey busybody BS. What we do on our our boats is Nonya business. Rudolph
Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance, in cooperation with on-water law enforcement agencies and the University of Florida – Sea grant program, developed a waterproof Boaters Alert card listing phone numbers to call if encountering any of the situations listed. This ongoing program is maintained by the Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance.
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