On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

34. If anyone has run the alternate `Umbrella Cut’ ICW passage, thereby avoiding the often rough waters of St. Andrew Sound, PLEASE share your experiences, and particularly the depths you encountered, with the cruising community. My impression of this passage is that, while very useful in avoiding the Sound’s waters, depths are deteriorating.

Responses follow:

We have used this half a dozen times in the last 8 years and have never had a problem. The last time was in 2007, so we have no current information. We have always used it on at least a mid tide and have always had plenty of water, even for a deeper draft (our draft is 3′). It is important to remember to stay toward the outside of the curves when there are no markers
Ralph Small
M/V AmmyBoo, Endeavour TrawlerCat 44

Subject: Umbrella Cut in GA
Cruising News: We keep our trawler at Jekyll Harbor Marina and often find the \\\”back route\\\” thru Umbrella Cut to be more comfortable than going outside around the sea bouy via the ICW. The route is easy to follow especially if you are using electronic charting, but, a word to the wise, only at mid tide rising to full tide. If you draw 4 ft or more there are a couple of places that will greatly increase your pucker factor. Just go slow and understand the bottom is soft mud so if you do touch it is usually easy to back off. It is very protected and a welcome alternative to the Atlantic if the wind kicks up. The seas can be confused and fairly rough if the wind is against the tide at the sea buoy. Also note, the shoal marked by the sea buoy has progressed seaward so it is best to give it a wider berth that the chart indicates.
Randy Tyson
Second Star