St Augustine Inlet local knowledge

[hpeer]

Thinking of making St Augustine tomorrow (Friday Dec. 23) or Saturday. Reading on Active Caltain makes it sound a bit dicey. I did find another online post that said all bouys are on station as of Dec. 14.

Anyone here with post Matthew words of wisdom?

Heavy 44' sailboat with 6-1/2' draft.

[kcj]

Entered at night a few weeks ago ( for the first time). Reasonably straightforward. There was an extra bouy close to the 60 junction on the in-side of the inlet. I draw 5' and it was never tight. Dropped the hook north of channel just before mooring field. Biggest issue was seeing the other anchored boats in the city lights, which are spectacular.

[redsky49]

While Matthew did affect aids to navigation, that was 2-1/2 months ago. I have not heard of any missing or misplaced markers recently.

The entry can be a bit confusing, particularly in the dark. I would recommend entering in daylight so as to be able to identify the proper markers.

I would not recommend following the magenta line. This is eyeball piloting.

[marlinmike]

Like any inlet follow the navigational buoys rather then just chart plotter, but as far as inlets goes this is a very good one.

[hpeer]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. We will be going in this evening.

Film at 11:00.

[sailorboy1]

I wouldn't go at nigh if you haven't been in before. While the channel is well marked (did twice last month) when I arrived in the morning darkeness it was very confusing to pick out which buoy to follow!

[hpeer]

Sailor boy is right, very confusing and at least one bouy, the first coming in, is unlit.

But we made it. No new dents, can still count till 10. So all is good.

Thanks again to all.

[timbenner]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I wouldn't go at nigh if you haven't been in before. While the channel is well marked (did twice last month) when I arrived in the morning darkeness it was very confusing to pick out which buoy to follow!

I always call BoatUS or Sea Tow for a local update before entering.

[sailnow2011]

Originally Posted by timbenner

I always call BoatUS or Sea Tow for a local update before entering.

With a lagoon? Really? You could skirt the beach in a lagoon at high tide....

For the OP, you will be fine, at high tide its all deep.

[Caliber40]

With a heavy 44 foot sailboat I wouldn't be afraid of any inlet!

BTW be careful of opinions on Active Captain....have seen some pretty shaky opinions....think a lot of keyboard geeks like to see their stuff in print!