Route Thoughts NYC to Savannah GA

[Adamhagan]

I will be heading from NYC to Savannah, GA in late June. When I left NC two years ago I used the ICW (probably done that route 8 times now) and headed from Norfolk direct to NYC.

If I leave NYC and head south, position myself close enough to Norfolk harbor if the forecast changes, will that be too close if I choose to go outside Hatteras?

Looking at the pilot charts for June, it should be a favorable time if I choose a wise weather window.

I am open to any thoughts but ideally I would like to make the journey without stops (but have ports always ready in case weather changes).

Thanks,

Adam

[Steve Laume]

I like the concept of what you are intending to do. I have a similar plan for going north this year.

Cape Hatteras seems scary unless you can get well offshore. I don't have the charts for that area but you run into a problem with the Gulf Stream if you get too far out. It would seem like a great ride if you were heading north. If you do have to venture into the Gulf Stream you definitely don't want a north wind. Winds from the southwest are pretty normal and that would be great to flatten out the waves and send you north. The only problem is that you will be beating into the prevailing and most desirable winds. If you try to cut it close to stay in a favorable current, you are getting closer to those nasty shoals.

It could be a great adventure and a way to get some sea miles but it might not be much fun.

If you are heading back to NY, it might be a great ride. Going south I think I would duck in, Steve.

http://rads.tudelft.nl/gulfstream/

[Jim Walsh]

I've seen your YouTube video. Very cool. Bet you'll make a sensible decision and execute it successfully.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfC7ojj1TQ

[Adamhagan]

I agree Steve, it's not called the graveyard of the Atlantic for nothing! The trip north is preferred but I won't be doing that in the foreseeable decades.

I always try to have plans, back up plans, and back up-back up plans.

Thanks Jim for your words; if I ever get time I will put together our families trip non-stop from NYC to Martha's Vineyard this summer.

Option #1: NYC to Norfolk, then ICW, then Beaufort to Savannah
Option #2: NYC to Savannah (if I can have great weather for a near coastal passage)
Option #3-99: Stop off at many ports along the way for weather.

I'm crew on a sail from Iceland to Greenland this summer, so I would prefer to maximize my time up north. If I can avoid adding 4 days in the ICW ( albeit a beautiful 4 days) it would be preferred.

The Gulf Stream is the issue; since I'm not going further south I don't want to cross it.

If the weather is with me for a near coastal passage off Hatteras and I carry plenty of fuel to motor around it... I will never have wisdom but I'm hoping if I ask enough questions I might steal yours.

Also, last report I heard the Oregon inlet is no longer being dredged, any updates?

I like the concept of what you are intending to do. I have a similar plan for going north this year.

Cape Hatteras seems scary unless you can get well offshore. I don't have the charts for that area but you run into a problem with the Gulf Stream if you get too far out. It would seem like a great ride if you were heading north. If you do have to venture into the Gulf Stream you definitely don't want a north wind. Winds from the southwest are pretty normal and that would be great to flatten out the waves and send you north. The only problem is that you will be beating into the prevailing and most desirable winds. If you try to cut it close to stay in a favorable current, you are getting closer to those nasty shoals.

It could be a great adventure and a way to get some sea miles but it might not be much fun.

If you are heading back to NY, it might be a great ride. Going south I think I would duck in, Steve.

http://rads.tudelft.nl/gulfstream/

[Jim Walsh]

Iceland to Greenland sounds like a rare opportunity. If anyone offers you hakarl in Iceland tell them you just had some for breakfast

[flyboy5724]

Adam, did you sell your ketch to someone in Savannah? I have followed your videos. I moved from Savannah to Oriental this past year. I was originally looking for a 30K, but could not find a good one so I bought a 28. I really love Eleventh Hour, I hate that your family and you are selling her. If you have not sold her yet please let me know. I would recommend Thunderbolt Marine in Savannah, that is where I kept my boat, please stay away from Hinkleys in Savannah!

[Russell]

June is very mild, for a non stop trip I think fuel would be an issue that time of year (you might motor a lot). NYC to Norfolk, ICW, then Morehead City to Savannah is a sensible route with gives a lot of flexability and a lot of bail out inlets. The nonstop trip requires crossing the gulf stream twice and "near coastal" is a bit tough if weather does not cooperate. Using the ICW to avoid Hattaras lets you stay inside the Gulf Steam and near inlets to stop for fuel if needed.

[Adamhagan]

At the last minute we changed plans and took a job in Savannah! Thankfully, we will be near water and will not be selling Eleventh Hour. After suggesting the sale to my wife, she became the most scary 4'10" person you will ever meet. She thought we should buy a barn and store her there indefinitely. Thankfully, for my health and safety, we found a better job option which allow us to keep on boating!

I am looking at a house in the Landings, which has a marina associated with it. If that doesn't work, I will make sure to avoid Hinkleys. Thanks for the heads up! If I go the inside route it would be great to meet up in Oriental, I've met some of my best sailing friends there.

Thanks!

Adam, did you sell your ketch to someone in Savannah? I have followed your videos. I moved from Savannah to Oriental this past year. I was originally looking for a 30K, but could not find a good one so I bought a 28. I really love Eleventh Hour, I hate that your family and you are selling her. If you have not sold her yet please let me know. I would recommend Thunderbolt Marine in Savannah, that is where I kept my boat, please stay away from Hinkleys in Savannah!

[Adamhagan]

Thanks Russell! I always value your insights.

June is very mild, for a non stop trip I think fuel would be an issue that time of year (you might motor a lot). NYC to Norfolk, ICW, then Morehead City to Savannah is a sensible route with gives a lot of flexability and a lot of bail out inlets. The nonstop trip requires crossing the gulf stream twice and "near coastal" is a bit tough if weather does not cooperate. Using the ICW to avoid Hattaras lets you stay inside the Gulf Steam and near inlets to stop for fuel if needed.

[flyboy5724]

Adam,
The Landings is a great community, but you will want to put your kids in private schools on that side of town. Isle of Hope is also very nice and the Marina there is also great. The Marina in the landings at Priest landing is being dredged rightnow and there is a waiting list of at least two years for a slip. I almost moved back a month ago when my company asked me to come back and was also looking at the landings. The Wilmington River and Wassaw sound are the best sailing in the area around Savannah The south marina in the landings has openings, but you will have to motor for at least an hour to get to Green Island sound and there are lots of sand bars there. Have you looked at the Savannah Yacht Club? It is great! If you would like to talk off line my email is scott.pickard@ec.rr.com. Also, when I am not flying I work as an assistant dock master at River Dunes and I also keep my CD there. So I can make sure to get you a good slip if you do come through Oriental.

Scott

[Adamhagan]

Hi Scott,

I was at the landings this afternoon (just flew back into JFK) and met a fellow CD owner who had their boat at Diegal creek marina. You have to know the tides to get in, but I think it will work for the staging of our vacations. I put an offer on a house in the Landings today and it would be a 5min golf cart ride to the boat. Amazing place! Thanks for the info.

I will probably go through Oriental so I will be sure to give you a heads up. Any request from New York? Canoli?

Best,

Adam

[Andy Denmark]

Adam,

If you need a place to leave your boat in Oriental I have one for you at Sea Harbour Yacht Club. Great place with pool and all amenities. The girls will love it. I still own this Slip --- A-1 --- first one on the left on the main pier. Rhiannon is in B-40.

My experience with Delegal Creek Marina is all about getting stuck inside because the channel was too shoaled up to navigate. Cost me two days on a delivery a few years back. Might be better now. It's right at Hell's Gate at the beginning of the Florida Passage. Also, there's a new high-rise bridge that replaced the old drawbridge at Skidaway Island. Pick up a little home on Skidaway and Delegal Marina might be ideal -- LOL.

Hit me on email if you're still deciding your ICW route(s).

Glad you're settling in Savannah -- great place.

Andy