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Just south of Saint Simons, near Fernandina Beach, Florida there are three options...
Saint Marys, GA is a small town near the Saint Marys Inlet. It is probably a two hour trip from the dock to the jetties. There is no security other than a dockmaster during the day, but problems there are few and far between. There are also no amenities other than the quaint and quiet downtown. Last I checked it was only 6.50/ft plus electricity. Thats a bargain these days. The cuurents can be swift.
Further south and a little closer to the ocean is the Fernandina City Marina. It is a classic example of poor planning. They recently spent three million dollars on new docks and pilings. But, 80% of the slips are in the mud at all but high tide. The current is also swift and turning room tight. They do have good deep water space as well, but it's reserved for transients. For a "mud slip" I think they wanted $6-7/ft. The only good thing is it's location to the victorian down town and all of the activity there.
Even further south is the Amelia Island Yacht Basin. They have good deep slips with decent rest rooms. They are located in a well protected basin the reduces chop and eliminates the current to nil. there is a small working yard there, but not much else. It is a short 1-2 mile drive to most anything you might want. It is probably not much shorter to the jetties than you are now.
A couple of notes on the area...
The sound is fun for daysailing on its own and we love going to cumberland island for a day of exploring the ruins and wildlife. There is a new West Marine being built in Fernandina about 2 miles from the AIYB. This is a popular vacation area, and having a boat to stay on for visiting the beaches or festivals is a bonus.
Jacksonville doesn't have any marines close to the inlet. But, the sailing on the Saint Johns River is quite good on its own and there are a couple of marinas that are right off the river.
Woody
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