Charleston, SC to Fernandina, FL

[Heron]

Well we have made it to Charleston and are having a great stay here. We spent a couple nights at Ashley River Marina (Harborage). Great people and a good shuttle service to town. Nightly rates are $2. per foot but they are not charging me for my bowsprit and boomkin. Weekly rate would be $10. per foot. Great showers, WiFi, good docks and pretty quiet.

We have been on the ICW for over 400 miles and would like to jump offshore from Charleston to Fernandina. Looks like about 170 NM or so. Would appreciate advice from those who have made this leg. What winds to look for, how far offshore, etc.

We are having a great time but the ICW just keeps you focussed on your depth and watching for markers. Lot's of people run aground and currents can really slow you down. I'm looking forward to sailing again!

Your help most appreciated.

HERON

[JusDreaming]

I normally just do a rhumb line to St. Marys. I don't see any reason to go way off shore. That way it is easy to pop into the many sounds in case of bad weather! And puts you in the area of most of the artificial reefs for trolling across if you are so inclined. Also if you are thinking of using the gulf stream eddys for a bit of push, the stream is 45 to 50 miles offshore, so the time it takes to get out there and back in nullifies the extra push. IMHO
As far as the winds I have seen a bit of everything! Usually the winds and seas start to change around Savanna. If you can get behind a front with the winds out of the nw to ne clocking, and before the seas start to build, life will be good and you will be VERY lucky. Normally the winds and seas are southerly, which can be quite uncomfortable.

[Vasco]

Just a beeline to St. Marys River entrance. We're on our way to Fernandina too. meeting two boats from our club there. Stopped in Savannah for a couple of days as we've passed it tons of times but never gone up the river. As we're on I 95 and have got a day or two to spare just spent the morning down in the Historical district on the riverfront. Very nice, only one cruiser tied up there a boat we've seen a time or two in the Bahamas. Have a nice motor, seems pretty quiet out there.