Anchoring near Wassaw island

[TLMoody]

I recently bought my first boat (28.5) hunter and the wife and I are fairly ambitious to begin taking trips (Bahamas in a year or two).

We are docked on Wilmington Island, GA, a quick sail to Wassaw island. We'd like to do our first over night anchorage there and were looking for any advice, especially involving where to anchor.

Any advice is very appreciated!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, TLMoody.


“A guide to Savannah’s most seaworthy day trips”
Wassaw Island
Latitude: 31° 52’ 27.59” N -81° 01” 17.40”W
Anchoring skill level: moderate (bring a front and back anchor and a first mate)

Any local seafarer worth his salt has spent some time on this undeveloped barrier island along Georgia’s coast. Preserved as a National Wildlife Refuge, parts of Wassaw Island are not open to the public, but its unspoiled beachfront is a popular boater’s destination.

To visit this island — either the north or south side — you’ll want to plan ahead because the tides are strong, and less experienced boaters find anchoring tricky. After backing the boat in so it faces outward, you’ll need two anchors and a second set of hands to help secure the bow and stern lines. Make sure to allow extra wiggle room for the tide, because the gradual slope of the sand at Wassaw lets the water sneak away slowly. A proper anchoring calculation will avoid finding your boat “high and dry” when it’s time to leave.
Once you’re here, the sea breeze is heavenly and porpoise sightings are plenty, but dogs are not allowed. You’ll want to make sure to bring everything you need from a beach umbrella and chairs to picnic supplies, and don’t forget a few garbage bags. There’s not a restroom or even a trash can on Wassaw, and you’ll want to leave no trace behind when you go.
More ➥ https://www.savannahmagazine.com/better-by-boat/

Wassaw Sound Inlet ➥ https://marinas.com/view/inlet/d7i1y..._United_States

[AA3JY]

Ga. DNR anchor restriction chart..

https://gcmp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/we...0b73cdb5eeb107

[AA3JY]

Originally Posted by AA3JY

Ga. DNR anchor restriction chart..

https://gcmp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/we...0b73cdb5eeb107

..though Ga. HB 833 has been amended the above chart locations still apply.

[gonesail]

you must be at Sail Harbor? the SE GA coast is beautiful but as you know has formidable tides that must be considered for your adventures. As always pay attention to your depth when poking around creeks and stick to the outside of the turns where you will find the deepest water. Use the GPS chart plotter as a guideline but remember that it is not always 100% accurate.

[TLMoody]

We're just up the creek at lee shores. We've only had the boat a little over the month and have been learning in the Wilmington. The tides have made it fairly grueling learning experience but it's a good experience to have.

[jeanathon]

I'm not up on the current anchoring restrictions, but have anchored in Wassaw creek just past the first bend and had good holding. The nature center dock is less than a mile up the creek, and was a good vigorous paddle against the current.
Other than getting annoyed with the dolphins, one ran into the keel at anchor, and a couple more seemed to want to capsize the kayak on a pitch black night, we had a good time there.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

Originally Posted by gonesail

you must be at Sail Harbor? the SE GA coast is beautiful but as you know has formidable tides that must be considered for your adventures. As always pay attention to your depth when poking around creeks and stick to the outside of the turns where you will find the deepest water. Use the GPS chart plotter as a guideline but remember that it is not always 100% accurate.

+1 Example: going through the inlet to Sapelo Island, the actual depth was nine feet shallower than the chart in certain spots. If it's not a large commercial inlet, the charts may not have been updated in decades, so pay attention to the depth sounder.

[j.g.evans]

Buy the book on anchorages by Skipper Bob, about $15.