Visit our Popular Forums

Kettlewell · 09-02-2024, 05:47

Where do you go sailing around Fernandina? Cumberland Island is fascinating, and I guess there is St. Marys up the river. I've heard through the grapevine that St. Marys is a nice place to spend the winter, but have no first-hand knowledge.

MicHughV · 09-02-2024, 06:11

I don't think that there is any sailing in Fernandina per se...you really need to go offshore for some sailing, but the mouth of the inlet is quite close to the town of Fernandina, and the inlet is well protected by two very long rock jetties.
Brunswick has a well known and popular marina and it's not too far from the inlet.
A lot of people consider Brunswick marina a hurricane haven and slips are hard to come by there, especially during hurricane season. There is also a haulout facility and boatyard on the north end if repairs are needed or a bottom job done.
A lot of shops are within walking distance of Brunswick Marina.
Interestingly, I bought my Beneteau there, so got to know the place a bit. It certainly is nice place.

reidd99 · 16-02-2024, 08:15

I have a mooring ball in Lake Worth/West Palm that’s available. It’s on the intercostal

Peterbreit · 16-02-2024, 09:30

Reidd99,
I would be intereted in your mooring ball. I know the area well and like to spend a winter or some time there.
Thanks
Peter

Beneteau461@gmail.com

MickMeck · 16-02-2024, 09:35

I also agree that Brunswick Marina is a great place to stay. Another one is Jekyll Harbor Marina. I stop there while traveling the ICW.

Rick SV Birdie · 18-02-2024, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

Someone once counted around 100 anchorages within a day sail of Annapolis, and that might be low!

Is not there any cruising guides to reference when traveling these areas to get up to date information? I've mostly cruised Lake Ontario out of Toronto and we have Port's Guide... We are planning on heading South this fall and are looking for a decent layover in the Chesapeake.... Also looking for information to plan.

MicHughV · 18-02-2024, 17:01

There are several guides out that detail the ICW on the east coast.
There are also guide books that cover the Chesapeake as I recall.

I'd suggest using google to find these...you are bound to find links to several.

ranger58sb · 19-02-2024, 05:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick SV Birdie

Is not there any cruising guides to reference when traveling these areas to get up to date information? I've mostly cruised Lake Ontario out of Toronto and we have Port's Guide... We are planning on heading South this fall and are looking for a decent layover in the Chesapeake.... Also looking for information to plan.

Cruising the Chesapeake, a Gunkholer's Guide, by Bill Shellenberger.

-Chris

Kettlewell · 19-02-2024, 05:20

Quote:

We are planning on heading South this fall and are looking for a decent layover in the Chesapeake.... Also looking for information to plan.

For basic coverage I would get the Waterway Guides, which focus on the popular ports and marinas. I'll second the Shellenberger guide for the anchorages. There are hundreds of "decent layovers" in the Chesapeake. What is your planned route and what are you looking for? I highly recommend heading up Delaware Bay, passing through the C&D Canal, and then exploring the Chesapeake for a few weeks at least. A great time to make Annapolis is early October during the big sailboat show. Fun to visit, and Annapolis is your best port for purchasing replacements for the stuff that broke prior to getting there! I shoot for Norfolk and the ICW by around Halloween to avoid most of the colder weather and frost.

jkleins · 19-02-2024, 06:27

I haven't seen Lady's Island Marina in Beaufort SC mentioned so I will put it out there. We use it a lot for long layovers and have always had a good stay. We love Beaufort but Lady's Island is more protected for long periods. We also liked Brunswick Landing quite a bit but only did that one winter. They have raised the rates since then.

MicHughV · 19-02-2024, 07:22

Marina dockage rates in Florida are thru' the roof these days.
Expect to pay around or close to $1,000/month for your average 40 footer sailboat these days.
Add another $100/month or so for electric.
You will also be required to have liability insurance.