Traffic on the ICW this Year

[KestrelBuck]

The fall is great sailing on Chesapeake Bay, so I am often there on the weekends. The fall is also that time when the cruisers are headed through the Bay for points south.

This year there seem to be far fewer boats headed for warmer climes. Is it just me or have you noticed the same thing?

Could there be a new leading or concurrent economic indicator hidden in the number of boats headed south on the ICW?

[svpattyd]

We hope to b heading out tomorrow. Will let u know what we find.

[DeepFrz]

Could there be a new leading or concurrent economic indicator hidden in the number of boats headed south on the ICW?

Probably the same economic indicators that have been around for a long time. Unemployed, homeless, jobless all up over the years. Manufacturing jobs moving offshore and being replaced by low wage service industry jobs. Wealth moving to the richest few and the middle class is being destroyed.

[motion30]

I am currently on the ICW in NC lots of big boats, i guess due to weather not many smaller boats...40' and under

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Probably the same economic indicators that have been around for a long time. Unemployed, homeless, jobless all up over the years. Manufacturing jobs moving offshore and being replaced by low wage service industry jobs. Wealth moving to the richest few and the middle class is being destroyed.

Yep... and government interference in what you can do while your out there being "free"

[Arch Stanton]

Everywhere I went on my inside passage trip this year, locals said "Not as many boats out this year."

I think it's generally the result of the economic downturn. People are working more and spending less on gas and travel.

[speciald@ocens.]

We came down about two weeks ago and there were fewer than 10 boats that we passed heading South(I was on an express cruiser). Strangely, there were as many sailboats going North.

[Amapola]

I think you are correct about the economic conditions but for some of us, we headed south and never went back.

[sdowney717]

Waterways around Hampton VA are mostly dead, devoid of boats.

Banksters

How do you feel about banksters? The ones who bid oil to $140 a barrel, the economy failed, the oil collapsed to under $40 a barrel, the taxpayers gave them billions (TBTF)and now they are back at the oil sham market bidding up the prices?

[Hudson Force]

We left Baltimore september first and now, seven weeks later, we're spending a few days in Charleston. We poked about with time at Tangier Island, four days in the Dismal Swamp and a week up the Pamlico. We definitely notice that the number of southbound cruisers increases through october with most timing the arrival in Florida after early november. Many have insurance restricting their date of progress. This is our twenty-first transit of the East Coast ICW since 1972. I seem to think the numbers peaked around 2000 to 2004, but that's just my impression without any real count. We have noticed that the average age of the ICW & East US coastal cruisers has increased over the years. When we were cruising in our twenties there were many others our age. Now, they are almost all in their sixties,- ironically still our age!

[CarlF]

I came through the Gilmerton Bridge at the first opening (9:30) this morning. This used to have a whole line of boats. Today there were six - a trawler, four fast power boats, and one sail (me). Geez.

The dock guy at Tidewater Marina agreed that business is down -- except for Canadian boats. He also said the northbound traffic are boats being bought cheap in Florida and delivered to Canada. I'm not sure I believe this but I'll check if Poutine is on the menu at Coinjock.

Carl

[AllezCat]

We have been waiting a week due to the strong southerlies.
Also Insurance wants us north of Florida until November 15th now...

[jacob30]

Saw about 10 or so sailboats anchored up across from downtown Norfolk this weekend while we were there. They looked to be heading south.

[Cats Eye]

I am in Coinjock right now. Seems there is a small group of boats that are heading south right now. We can hear the same boats on the radio. We have seen and met 3 other boats that are travelling on the same days we are. It has been easy to find uncrowded places to stop for the night.

[Dual Dreams]

Recently heard from Marina Bound friends in Green Turtle Bay Marina in Ky. Said they've seen more southbound Loopers this year than in the past 3. We just crossed the Gulf (now in Tarpon Springs), and there are several boats waiting to cross. And yes we all are the same age (60's)