The Classic Boat Rally
Georgia Coast Rally 2009
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Georgia Coast Rally 2009
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The Georgia Coast Rally is an informal shared expense cruise up the Georgia Coast, principally on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) from, in 2009, Fernandina Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia. This cruise leads up to the Classic Boat Rally which begins where the Georgia Coast Rally leaves off. While we expect and appreciate motor launch support craft, these boats and their owners and crews bear no official responsibility for our safety. They come for the enjoyment of the cruise and volunteer to respond to our emergency needs if called upon. Each participant must arrange overnight lodging and individual meals. Each team should be competent and self-sufficient in boat handling, navigation, dealing with tidal currents, and making judgments about weather conditions. Safety equipment as described in the Classic Boat Rally NOR must be observed. Note particularly the need for a reliable engine and functional VHF radio.
Plan 2009
Wednesday, April 15: Arrive Fernandina Beach: Lodging suggestions are either Hampton Inn or the Addison, both in historic downtown and both in easy walking distance from restaurants and the Marina. If planning to launch by crane, leave your boat at Tiger Point Marina, a couple of miles north of downtown.
Thursday, April 16, Fernandina launch, rig, and practice: There is a launching ramp right by the downtown marina and also one at Tiger Point. Tiger Point Marina is a full repair facility if you ened last-minute repairs. Meet at the downtown Marina office at noon, get lunch together, go sailing after lunch to check out all systems.
Friday, April 17, Fernandina to Jekyll Island. Depart the dock at 8:15 to catch the last of the ebbing tide to the Sound. If weather is favorable we may choose to sail outside around Cumberland Island. Otherwise we'll sail up the ICW along the west side of Cumberland. Jekyll Marina is just south of the causeway coming from the mainland. Try Quality Inn, as most motels require 2-night commitment on the week-ends.
Saturday, April 18, Jekyll to Darien: Depart the dock at 8:30. Averse tide until we get past the north end of Jekyll. We are arranging to tie up at the downtown marina, an easy walk from the Open Gate B&B which is the place to stay (912-437-6985).
Sunday, April 19, Darien to Shellman Bluff. Depart the dock at 8:30. Favorable tides most of the day. Expect a hug from Berta, the Shellman Bluff Motel caretaker. Reserve at 912-832-5426. Tell her you'll need space at the dock (30 yards in front of the motel).
Monday, April 20, Shellman to Fort McAllister. Depart the dock at 8 AM. This will be our longest distance day, about 39 nm. Fortunately we will have favorable tides all day. We also have an outside option this day, to be decided based on weather conditions. Fort McAllister is in Richmond Hill, and there is a cluster of motels a few miles away that include a Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Best Western, all under $100.
Tuesday, April 21, Fort McAllister to Savannah: Depart the dock at 9 AM. This is the shortest day, just 23 nm, but tidal currents will be mixed relative to our direction. If Savannah is the end of the trip for you, then you will want to peel off at Turner's Creek and go up to Hogans Marina to pull out. If you are continuing on in the Classic Boat Rally, sail to Savannah Yacht Club at the end of Bradley Point Road, and dock in the area marked with green paint which is designated for transients like us.Check in with Sam Collins, the Dockmaster, and let him know you are with the Classic Boat Rally. Most of the Rally participants are staying at the Mulbury Inn in downtown Savannah.
Wednesday, April 22, Lay Day. You are on your own. If your boat needs repairs go to Hogans. Relax and see historic Savannah. If you want priviledges at Savannah YC you need to bring a letter of authorization frm your home club as the billings can go only to another yacht club.
Georgia Coast Rally
Plan for 2009
      Depart   Distance   Speed High     Low     
2009 April Departure Dock Destination (nm) ETA (kts) Tide @ Where Tide @ Where
Thurs 16 Fernandina   Se-up/Practice       2:18 PM @ Fernandina 8:20 AM @ Fernandina
Fri 17* Fernandina* 8:15 AM Jekyll* 28 5:00 PM 3.2 2:48 PM @ Jekyll South 9:13 AM @ Fernandina
Sat 18 Jekyll 8:30 AM Darien 26 5:00 PM 3.1 4:41 PM @ Darien 10:15 AM @ Jekyll South
Sun 19 Darien 8:30 AM Shellman Bluff 28 5:00 PM 3.3 5:11 AM @ Darien 11:32 AM @ Shellman
Mon 20* Shellman Bluff* 8:00 AM Fort McAllister* 39 7:00 PM 3.5 5:48 AM @ Shellman 12:36 PM @ Ft Mac
Tues 21 Fort McAllister 9:00 AM Savannah (SYC) 23 4:00 PM 3.3 6:40 AM @ Ft Mac 12:15 PM @ SYC
Wed 22 Lay Day   Lay Day       6:55 AM @ SYC      
Thurs 23 Begin Classic BoatRally                      
        Total Distance 144                
* Indicatwes a day for possible outside option