The mass migration down the ICW starts around October, and continues through November into December.
We have done both outside and in. The ICW can be a great trip if you take the time to enjoy it. The Skipper Bob Anchorage book lists good spots to drop the hook, and more importantly the bridge locations by mile marker. Skipper Bob's Marina book is good as well. He passed away this year, but his
books are still
for sale. Claiborne Young's
books give you more
history and take you on nice side trips.
Outside hops are nice if the
weather is good, but for day hops plan for tides and currents at inlets and be sure you have enough daylight to make your
passage in plenty of time so you aren't entering an unfamiliar inlet at night.
In
Georgia, Frederica River (Fort Frederica) and Brickhill River (Carnegie's Plum Orchard House) at Cumberland Island are nice
anchorages where you can go ashore at historic places. Kilkenny Creek has a marina and a decent anchorage. Thunderbolt Marina is right on the ICW. They still brought the newspaper and Krispy Kreme doughnuts to you in the morning when we stayed there in 2006.
In
Florida, Fernandina Beach is a good stop for us. The marina can be dangerous in certain
wind conditions, but the anchorage is good. Be sure to stay well out of the channel because of barge traffic. The town is charming, and you can get a great breakfast at the cafe just across from the marina.
Cruising the ICW, be prepared to
anchor in reversing currents.
Some of the best
advice I received for our first trip was to make a list ahead of time for the marks in tricky areas. Even with up to date
electronics, this helps you to sort out some questions ahead of time.
Have a great trip! (BTW, we get our insurance through West
Marine.)
Entlie
Sailing
Catamaran Sunspot Baby