Yesterday took its toll on me so we start a little late today. We got underway at 0800 under gray skies and light sprinkles. The Savannah River and the GA/SC border was only about 10 miles away. The tide was nearing the bottom so we traveled through a few “skinny “ places. Fortunately for us, the area known as Fields Cut, just on the other side of the Savannah, was dredged very recently and we could continue through at MLW. Just before we got to the Savannah, we saw a prime example of what happens when you don't choose your anchoring site with care. Click on the picture!! No, its not us!
When we entered the Port Royal Sound, the winds had begun to increase. We motor jibbed on a close haul to cross the sound. It was only a 4 mile run to the turn, but we got battered as the winds and waves had a long fetch in from the ocean. A lot of things got tossed about inside the cabin before we turned to run with the wind and current up the Beaufort River.
The evening’s predicted wind direction and strength nixed all possible anchorages except one in Cowen Creek. We ran a couple miles up the creek and tried anchoring in the lee of some trees on shore. The Rocna anchor set quickly, but failed to hold in the “fluff” mud bottom. After several attempts to find good holding, we abandoned the anchorage and headed for Port Royal about 8 miles away.
We contacted the marina and made arrangements to tie up to the outside dock as we were arriving after the marina closed for the day. We managed a easy unassisted tie up about 1800 despite the wind and current. It’s amazing how you can do that when there is no one around to watch you mess up.
The outside dock proved to be a less than desirable location, but we were in for the night with electricity, water and a dock that wasn’t going anywhere.
Location: Port Royal Landing Marina, Port Royal, SC - MM 540 (S of Beaufort, SC)
Distance Traveled: 50 mi
