West and southwest of Nixon Crossroads, the AICW enters the infamous Pine Island Cut. Running the canal presents more than its share of problems. Often referred to as `the Rock Pile,’ Pine Island Cut hides numerous partially submerged rock shelves on both sides of the channel. Because of these hazards, extreme caution must be exercised in the canal, particularly in passing situations. It is most important to hold strictly to the mid-width when at all possible. This is often made difficult for slow-moving craft by the strong tidal currents that may be encountered in the canal. Don’t allow your attention to wander; be alert at all times when running the cut.
When you do meet another vessel, slow to idle speed and hope it does the same. The slow speed will allow you to pass each other closely without undue wake and without having to encroach on the channel’s edge.
Overtaking another vessel also calls for special attention. Often, this situation is the result of a powerboat overtaking a sailing vessel. It is an excellent practice for the sailcraft to squeeze just a bit to the side of the mid-width and slow down as much as possible. The powerboat should then continue forward with just enough speed to pass the sailcraft. Failure to abide by this common-sense practice could result in some very frayed tempers and possible damage to both vessels.
As if the rock ledges were not problem enough, the canal is cursed with an abundant supply of flotsam. Floating logs and debris of all kinds abound, carried into the cut by the swift tidal currents. Keep a sharp watch for these hazards, or bent shafts and props could be your unlucky reward.
The Army Corps of Engineers has placed a whole series of lighted and unlighted daybeacons along the track of Pine Island Cut. Most of these aids to navigation are shown on the current edition of chart 11534. While some of these markers serve only to help keep track of your progress, others warn of particularly nasty outcroppings of the rock shelf. Ignore these markers only at your great peril.