MacGregorSailors.com

200 mile voyage! It will be my first real extended cruise on my M. Getting started with the plans now and would love advice from anyone on this board who knows anything about the Savannah river. Where to dock in Savannah? How much fuel should I expect to use? How to deal with Tides while moored/docked?
What are the best Islands to visit on the intracoastal? This is me on my

Savannah used to be my sailing grounds and I've fished and kayaked the Savannah River many times. The Savannah typically runs about 1-2 knots but that can change fast if the watershed gets a lot of rain. I assume you are planning on going down the river with your mast down since the bridges are around 20' in height and to stay on the outside of meanders because the shoals can reach far into the river. I've run aground in a kayak.
You'll be off the grid. Taking the Mac down the river you will pass rednecks that will not even know what a sailboat is - don't be surprised if they ask what your boat is -- Typically good people. But keep this in mind http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/index. ... ary_i.html

As far as where to dock the only place I've stayed is The Savannah City Dock right on River Street downtown Savannah. It is fun, but you become part of the tourist spectacle and you have do deal with the wake of the commercial river traffic. After a visit to Wet Willies you won't care. If that does not sound fun then I suggest Thunderbolt Marina. Further south, Delegal Marina is a great place and is pretty much the last good marina until you get to St Simons Island.

Watch the tides! They typically run 4-6 feet and the the current can suck some fuel if you are running against it. I used to plan my trips where I could run with the tides I had a Potter at the time that would only run 6 knots with the 5hp. In some places the tides run 4-5knots. I would almost be sitting still. At low tide the oyster beds are a plenty, so stay in the channels. Keep the tides in mind when anchoring - the depth and the fact that the boat will swing around when the tide switches.

Must see:
Anchor on the back of St Catherines Island. Wild life sanctuary for the University of GA. You will hear monkeys and sometimes see Zebras and such.

Go down Blackbeard Creek between Blackbeard Island the Sapolo Island. Cabretta Inlet I think is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Typically no one is there and you have the place to yourself.

Some pictures of my adventures:
Fishing the river:
http://vanbeck.com:8080/Pictures/Catfis ... es0002.htm

Cabretta Inlet:
http://vanbeck.com:8080/Boating/Sapelo% ... es0048.htm
http://vanbeck.com:8080/Boating/Sapelo% ... allery.htm
BlackBeard Island:
http://vanbeck.com:8080/Boating/Blackbe ... allery.htm

St Catherines Island:
http://vanbeck.com:8080/Boating/Savanna ... allery.htm

Remember to bring lots of bug spray!
Ted

WoW what a great reply!

Ted, Thank you so much for the info. The reply must have taken some real time. I appreciate it. The Deliverance reference is hilarious especially considering that I live in the North Ga Mountains just a hop skip and jump from where the movie was filmed. lol

You’ve answered a lot of my questions and after looking at your great photos I’m getting even more excited to get my plans in order.