T&T: ICW areas to watch out for

[Jim Healy]

First, consider attending the Southbound Cruiser's Rendezvous at New Bern,
NC from October 27 to October 29.  It's free, except for a Carolina Boiled
Dinner that they cater.  For information, check out www.ncgam.com.  The ICW
sessions are worth your time, you'll meet fellow ICW cruisers (a possible
safety net) and you can get fire extinguishers recertified and LP gas tanks
filled.
 
Second, there are two generic classes of problem areas on the ICW: Inlets
and shallows.
 
All of Georgia and much of South Carolina qualifies as shallows.  In these
areas, you should plan to run when high tide is in the middle of the
daylight hours; i.e., say between 10h30 and 14h00.  Skipper Bob, Claiborne
Young's CruiserNet and The Waterway Guide web sites all have free info on
specific trouble areas.  Suffice it to say, if you run at low tide, or on a
falling tide, you are likely to get in trouble in several areas of the ICW.

 
Crossing inlet areas can be a problem in two ways; low tide with shallow
water and sometimes confusing markers, and max flood/ebb because of swift
cross currents.  We run outside from Cape Fear to New River because of
Sunset Beach, Lockwood's Folly and Shallott's inlet.  This area is shallow
and the Folly can be tough if there are a dozen small boats fishing.  
Don't be deterred.  If something happens and you're not sure what to do,
STOP.  Call BoatUS on VHF 16 for local knowledge.  They are very helpful.
 
Conclusion: Avoid traveling at low tide.  NEVER travel at night.  Pay
attention to the moon cycle.  In Georgia where the tides run to 9 ft, spring
tides and wind driven water can add/subtract a foot or more of water.  If a
nor'eastr blows through, keep a sharp eye out for flotsam.  SOME CHARTS HAVE
THE MAGENTA LINE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF MARKERS.  MARKERS IN THE WATER ALWAYS
TAKE PRECEDENCE.  MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT ICW MARKERS, AND NOT
LOCAL RIVER/BAY MARKERS.
 
Have fun.
 
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD