Dinghy and Anchoring Info for St. Augustine Requested

[skipgundlach]

Thanks to all who have responded on and off list; the entrance is pretty straightforward for our 7' draft, tide and conditions considered.

Now, we'd like intelligence on good (free!) dinghy landings and anchorages. We'll be picking up my son and daughter-in-law for some day-sailing in the area, and may do some foot-touring in STA as well.

Recommendations for all of the above are solicited :{))

Thanks.

L8R

Skip and crew

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[s/v 'Faith']

Two we used were 'Salt Run' where you come in the inlet, and turn south. You will see a ton of masts with a good anchorage. There is a dingy landing near the light house, where we spent a couple nights.

The other one is south of the Municipal Marina. They charge for dockage, but it was worth it. You get water, showers, trash disposal for a reasonable daily charge (don't try to tie up without paying... someone here did and complained loudly about how they got their dingy locked up for a little thing like not paying the listed fee...

You may see some boats anchored off of the fort (north of the Bridge of Lions). There seems to be a trend to do this, but we observed lots of bucking and passed on that one.

St. Aug was a really nice place to stop, lots to do and see. Enjoy! We sure did.

OBTW, there is a mooring field planned, but nothing has been done with it as of the last time I checked... I am sure others will post updates.

[Scott730]

S/V Faith is right on with the anchorage and access to town, just one comment, the anchorage south of the bridge of lions is a good one if you anchor south of the Santa Maria Resturant. It is on a pier so you can't miss it. The Municipal Marina is the best to dinghy to and the $10 fee is well worth it.

[FSMike]

Years ago I used to plow a furrow going in Salt Run with a 6' draft. Fortunately the bottom was soft mud and didn't bother the full keel boat I had at the time. Unfortunately the soft mud bottom could give you a false sense of security. You might think you were safely anchored until a squall came up at the usual time of 3:00 am. As I say this was years ago, but I'd use caution in that area. Most of the boats I remember staying in that area were using multiple anchors (Danforths?) well sunk in.