Leg #22, April 29, 2022, Charleston to Georgetown, SC

We departed St. John’s Yacht Harbor at 6:50 a.m. before any other boats traveling in the same direction. We knew there would be shallow areas that would require a high tide passage for Saunter. We kept in communication with Soulmate and Higher Ground mostly with texting throughout the trip. Each of us informing others of potential issues. Higher

Ground passed us a couple hours into the trip. They are a smaller and faster vessel. We would see them later in Georgetown. Soulmate would be anchoring out.

We traveled several different river systems, crossed rivers, traveled narrow channels, wide channels, shallow channels and cuts, and deep channels and cuts, dealt with ever changing and swirling currents and some light winds. Just before Georgetown, we entered the Winyah Bay. This Bay was rough and swift as 4 rivers converge in this area making for unpredictable conditions. We experienced 1-2’ fast moving waves and wind but fortunately we were only on the Bay for about a half an hour before our cut off to Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown.

Here are a few underway photos. The Island Fort is "Fort Sumter" Fort Sumter is an island fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina most famous for being the site of the first shots of the Civil War (1861-65).

Once we made our turn the wind died down and the current settled making for a more comfortable approach. But then our depth alarm sounded for the third time. It was reading 4.6’. We draw 4.10’ but Saunter seemed to be floating and moving along. I was out getting our fenders and lines ready and listening to Glen on the inside through our headsets as he was very uncomfortable with the situation. We got to the marina, tied up on an inside wall without issue and the depth alarm goes off again. This time, 3.6’. What? Glen was talking to the dockhand about the depth, and he confirmed that it is that shallow at low tide, which we were at, but he said it is all soft and we just moved right through it. Sorry, not comforting that it is soft. When we tied up, we were sitting in mud. Shortly after the tide started to roll in and all was well, we had 12’ so, 7’ under us. Much better!

We were tired but walked around the historic district homes and downtown before returning

to Saunter and cooking a Quiche which would serve as dinner and breakfast. And here is our view as we dined. It was the towns local newspaper building but is being demolished for a

new hotel in its place.

Soulmate had a tough day with finding anchorage and they showed up here around 6:00 and anchored outside of the marina.

Harborwalk Marina is a very nice marina to stay at. Close to shopping, dining and walking. They have clean facilities with friendly staff.

We planned to sleep in in the morning and leave about 8:00 for Myrtle Beach.