issue apr | may
I S S U E 3 2 A P R | M AY 2 0 1 1
l i saa y a w come
LIVE
L
A GU I DE T O DR OPPI NG A NCHOR GOT A FE W DAYS TO GET OU T ON THE WATER? TRY ONE OF THE SE SEMI-SECR ET SA IL ING SPOTS R IGHT HER E A LONG SAVA NNA H ’S COA ST
Ê
WRIT TEN BY PETER ZINK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC PRINE & LUIS MELENDEZ
I never tire of the words cut the engine. I spoke those words over two years ago as I raised two white sails in the air, as a friend and I faked our way down the Wilmington River. It was a glorious moment — the dull constant putter of the motor stopped suddenly as I uttered the magic phrase, and the boat began to glide silently in a steady spring breeze. The transition from motor to wind never gets old. Here on the coast nothing beats anchoring to enjoy a midday grill with friends or falling asleep to a good book, surrounded by nature. While sailing certainly has its challenges and frustrations, the awesome power and beauty of our Lowcountry waterways present opportunities hard to beat. And spring is the ideal time to get started. With clean breezes, moderate temperatures and a noticeable lack of gnats, it’s a good time for you to spend a night or two out “on the hook.” Here’re a few local spots I like to relax in. 40
SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
A PR IL | M AY 11
Talk like a Sailor GOT YOUR PORT AND STARBOARD MIXED UP? USE THIS HANDY CHEAT SHEET TO DROP A FEW W O R D S I N T O Y O U R C O N V E R S AT I O N A N D YOU ’ LL IMPRESS THE SALTIEST OF SAILORS
PORT If you’re sitting in a boat and looking toward the front, it’s the left side. You can remember this easily because “left” and “port” have the same number of letters. STARBOARD the opposite of port, the right side of the boat BOW the front of the boat STERN the back of the boat MAST the big stick coming straight up out of the sailboat BOOM the smaller horizontal stick coming out the mast; bottom of mainsail attached DRAFT If your boat is an iceberg, this is the amount of feet underwater. MAINSAIL the biggest sail; attached to the mast and boom HEADSAIL OR JIB the sail furthest forward on the boat “ON THE HOOK” a phrase to say you’re anchored somewhere, as opposed to docked somewhere DARK ‘N’ STORMY conditions you’d rather not be in; or, more importantly, the quintessential sailor’s drink of choice: dark rum (preferably Gosling’s), ginger beer, and a slice of lime
HERB RIVER (Lat: 32.015 N, Long: 81.039 W) While not the most protected anchorage on this list, the Herb River is a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the Intracoastal Waterway, and not too far from decent sailing in Wassaw Sound. You will often come across interesting sailors anchored here that are traveling up the Intracoastal after spending a winter in the Bahamas or Keys. Located south of Thunderbolt but north of the Savannah Yacht Club, the Herb River is an easily accessible anchorage. It’s a fun place to break out the grill and have lunch, or spend a night and take a small dinghy ashore to nearby Thunderbolt. You can also wash down your burgers by taking a right at the second fork and heading up Country Club Creek to grab a Dark ‘n’ Stormy (see sidebar) at Bonna Bella Yacht Club. Be sure to watch your depth and only go in boats where the power lines work in your favor. A PR IL | M AY 11 SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
41
The Honey
DELEGAL CREEK (LAT: 31.890 N, LONG: 81.062 W) Don’t let those yellow caution signs and multiple channel markers get you down as you approach the mouth of Delegal Creek. Located between the backside of Skidaway Island and Green Island on the Ossabaw Sound, this is a favorite anchorage of mine. While I’ve trapped myself in the creek for a prolonged time after failing to note a 3-foot sandbar at low tide, it’s a beautiful place to kill some time. As you anchor inland, you’ll find yourself surrounded on three sides by tall stands of trees to protect you from the wind, and a tranquil place to sleep for the night. If you want to shake out your sea legs and walk the land a bit, the Delegal Creek Marina nearby allows you to do so.
Jack Fitzgerald, a career freight forwarder, kindled a fascination with boats long before he entered the export business. In fact, the Coast Guard Master has been sailing his whole life. “I was 10 when I started. Now, I’m 62,” he says with a drawl. Today Fitzgerald exports yachts for Sea & Sea, one of the largest sailboat manufacturers in North America and the same company that built his boat. He came into possession of his prized Honey, an 11’8”x39’3” Sea & Sea 39 custom with a mast height of 63’9”, in 1975. Since, Fitzgerald and The Honey have voyaged and raced everywhere from The Bahamas to The Gulf. “It’s a great way to take in life and your environment. Traveling at seven miles per hour, which is about the same speed as a dolphin, you see far more than you would barreling along on a powerboat. Sailing can be very simple or very technical. I can teach a kid how to captain in an hour. It taught my kids patience.” Still he says, like an oyster, it’s not for everyone. Although Fitzgerald has won his share of Regattas, his proudest moments come from seeing the thrilled looks on people’s faces who for the first time are taking in his great sport. “To me, that’s worth more than all the silver and all the write-ups.”
CANE PATCH CREEK (LAT: 31.816 N, LONG: 81.142 W) If I’ve had a great day sailing in Ossabaw Sound and I’ve still got some weekend left, venturing further south through Hell’s Pass and the Florida Passage to Cane Patch Creek in Ossabaw Sound is a good bet. Hell’s Pass is a narrow channel with shallow water on either side, and it likes to push your boat off course if you’re not careful. So motor through if you don’t have enough power to stay in the markers. Once you’re clear though, Cane Patch Creek offers plenty of room for even larger 45- to 50-foot boats to anchor.
-WRITTEN BY EZRA SALKIN
PETER ZINK Sets sail on a 1986 Catalina 25 nicknamed Serenity.
JACK FITZGERALD IN T ER IOR DE SIR E S:
Captains The Honey, an 11’8”x39’3” Sea & Sea 39 custom.
The Nautical Effect S P R I N G I S H E R E S O S P RU C E U P YO U R S PAC E W I T H T H I S NAU T I C A L D E C O R F O R A TA S T E O F T H E C OA S TA L L I F E S T Y L E WRIT TEN BY S ARA LYNN MCCALL | PHOT OGRAPHY BY AARON BERNSTEIN
ODINGSELL RIVER (Lat: 31.873 N, Long: 80.998 W) When I venture offshore to play for a bit, I usually start from the Wilmington River and exit from Wassaw Sound. But be careful, the currents and waves get quite strong in this area, and the chop can toss around a smaller sailboat in strong winds. More than one passenger has wound up in the fetal position belowdecks or hanging off the side at this point. So check the weather and pick your days carefully when heading to Odingsell. Stay well clear of the breakers and wrap around the backside of the island. Once you’re in Ossabaw Sound, you’ll notice the Odingsell River to the north. It’s a large, deep anchorage that offers many options. I like to anchor in either Wassaw Creek, where the trees from the barrier island provide solid protection, or head all the way up the river into Romerly Marsh for more seclusion. During the day try docking at the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge and wander the nature trails and “boneyard” beach of gnarled trees. The park closes at sundown, so hop onboard before then. 42
SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
A PR IL | M AY 11
To be a Sailor, You Must...
Walk like a Sailor
2
1. S A N T E F E S T Y L E A D I R ON DAC K C H A I R : [$ 1 9 0] , C O A S TA L G E O R G I A
5
WO O DWO R K S , C G AWO O DWO R K S .C O M
2. C U S T OM M ON O G R A M P I L L OW
3
[$ 9 0] , SY LV E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
3. B A M B O O S A L A D S E R V E R S [$ 47] , SY LV E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
4. C OA S TA L S E R I E S B O O K S [$ 3 7 5] , O N E F I S H T WO F I S H , ON E F I S H S T O R E . C OM
FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR TO WALK THE DECKS...
LEFT: CUSHE SHASTA $75, RIGHT: COLE HA AN WITH NIKE AIR SOLE, AIR MERCURY NAVY LEATHER, $98 AVAILABLE AT GLOBE SHOE COMPANY, 7 EAST BROUGHTON STREET, 912.232.8161, 5500 ABERCORN STREET #43, 912.352.1158
4 1
5. D O O R S T O P K N O T [$ 4 9.9 9] , SY L V E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
l i saa y a w come
LIVE
L
A GU I DE T O DR OPPI NG A NCHOR GOT A FE W DAYS TO GET OU T ON THE WATER? TRY ONE OF THE SE SEMI-SECR ET SA IL ING SPOTS R IGHT HER E A LONG SAVA NNA H ’S COA ST
Ê
WRIT TEN BY PETER ZINK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC PRINE & LUIS MELENDEZ
I never tire of the words cut the engine. I spoke those words over two years ago as I raised two white sails in the air, as a friend and I faked our way down the Wilmington River. It was a glorious moment — the dull constant putter of the motor stopped suddenly as I uttered the magic phrase, and the boat began to glide silently in a steady spring breeze. The transition from motor to wind never gets old. Here on the coast nothing beats anchoring to enjoy a midday grill with friends or falling asleep to a good book, surrounded by nature. While sailing certainly has its challenges and frustrations, the awesome power and beauty of our Lowcountry waterways present opportunities hard to beat. And spring is the ideal time to get started. With clean breezes, moderate temperatures and a noticeable lack of gnats, it’s a good time for you to spend a night or two out “on the hook.” Here’re a few local spots I like to relax in. 40
SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
A PR IL | M AY 11
Talk like a Sailor GOT YOUR PORT AND STARBOARD MIXED UP? USE THIS HANDY CHEAT SHEET TO DROP A FEW W O R D S I N T O Y O U R C O N V E R S AT I O N A N D YOU ’ LL IMPRESS THE SALTIEST OF SAILORS
PORT If you’re sitting in a boat and looking toward the front, it’s the left side. You can remember this easily because “left” and “port” have the same number of letters. STARBOARD the opposite of port, the right side of the boat BOW the front of the boat STERN the back of the boat MAST the big stick coming straight up out of the sailboat BOOM the smaller horizontal stick coming out the mast; bottom of mainsail attached DRAFT If your boat is an iceberg, this is the amount of feet underwater. MAINSAIL the biggest sail; attached to the mast and boom HEADSAIL OR JIB the sail furthest forward on the boat “ON THE HOOK” a phrase to say you’re anchored somewhere, as opposed to docked somewhere DARK ‘N’ STORMY conditions you’d rather not be in; or, more importantly, the quintessential sailor’s drink of choice: dark rum (preferably Gosling’s), ginger beer, and a slice of lime
HERB RIVER (Lat: 32.015 N, Long: 81.039 W) While not the most protected anchorage on this list, the Herb River is a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the Intracoastal Waterway, and not too far from decent sailing in Wassaw Sound. You will often come across interesting sailors anchored here that are traveling up the Intracoastal after spending a winter in the Bahamas or Keys. Located south of Thunderbolt but north of the Savannah Yacht Club, the Herb River is an easily accessible anchorage. It’s a fun place to break out the grill and have lunch, or spend a night and take a small dinghy ashore to nearby Thunderbolt. You can also wash down your burgers by taking a right at the second fork and heading up Country Club Creek to grab a Dark ‘n’ Stormy (see sidebar) at Bonna Bella Yacht Club. Be sure to watch your depth and only go in boats where the power lines work in your favor. A PR IL | M AY 11 SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
41
The Honey
DELEGAL CREEK (LAT: 31.890 N, LONG: 81.062 W) Don’t let those yellow caution signs and multiple channel markers get you down as you approach the mouth of Delegal Creek. Located between the backside of Skidaway Island and Green Island on the Ossabaw Sound, this is a favorite anchorage of mine. While I’ve trapped myself in the creek for a prolonged time after failing to note a 3-foot sandbar at low tide, it’s a beautiful place to kill some time. As you anchor inland, you’ll find yourself surrounded on three sides by tall stands of trees to protect you from the wind, and a tranquil place to sleep for the night. If you want to shake out your sea legs and walk the land a bit, the Delegal Creek Marina nearby allows you to do so.
Jack Fitzgerald, a career freight forwarder, kindled a fascination with boats long before he entered the export business. In fact, the Coast Guard Master has been sailing his whole life. “I was 10 when I started. Now, I’m 62,” he says with a drawl. Today Fitzgerald exports yachts for Sea & Sea, one of the largest sailboat manufacturers in North America and the same company that built his boat. He came into possession of his prized Honey, an 11’8”x39’3” Sea & Sea 39 custom with a mast height of 63’9”, in 1975. Since, Fitzgerald and The Honey have voyaged and raced everywhere from The Bahamas to The Gulf. “It’s a great way to take in life and your environment. Traveling at seven miles per hour, which is about the same speed as a dolphin, you see far more than you would barreling along on a powerboat. Sailing can be very simple or very technical. I can teach a kid how to captain in an hour. It taught my kids patience.” Still he says, like an oyster, it’s not for everyone. Although Fitzgerald has won his share of Regattas, his proudest moments come from seeing the thrilled looks on people’s faces who for the first time are taking in his great sport. “To me, that’s worth more than all the silver and all the write-ups.”
CANE PATCH CREEK (LAT: 31.816 N, LONG: 81.142 W) If I’ve had a great day sailing in Ossabaw Sound and I’ve still got some weekend left, venturing further south through Hell’s Pass and the Florida Passage to Cane Patch Creek in Ossabaw Sound is a good bet. Hell’s Pass is a narrow channel with shallow water on either side, and it likes to push your boat off course if you’re not careful. So motor through if you don’t have enough power to stay in the markers. Once you’re clear though, Cane Patch Creek offers plenty of room for even larger 45- to 50-foot boats to anchor.
-WRITTEN BY EZRA SALKIN
PETER ZINK Sets sail on a 1986 Catalina 25 nicknamed Serenity.
JACK FITZGERALD IN T ER IOR DE SIR E S:
Captains The Honey, an 11’8”x39’3” Sea & Sea 39 custom.
The Nautical Effect S P R I N G I S H E R E S O S P RU C E U P YO U R S PAC E W I T H T H I S NAU T I C A L D E C O R F O R A TA S T E O F T H E C OA S TA L L I F E S T Y L E WRIT TEN BY S ARA LYNN MCCALL | PHOT OGRAPHY BY AARON BERNSTEIN
ODINGSELL RIVER (Lat: 31.873 N, Long: 80.998 W) When I venture offshore to play for a bit, I usually start from the Wilmington River and exit from Wassaw Sound. But be careful, the currents and waves get quite strong in this area, and the chop can toss around a smaller sailboat in strong winds. More than one passenger has wound up in the fetal position belowdecks or hanging off the side at this point. So check the weather and pick your days carefully when heading to Odingsell. Stay well clear of the breakers and wrap around the backside of the island. Once you’re in Ossabaw Sound, you’ll notice the Odingsell River to the north. It’s a large, deep anchorage that offers many options. I like to anchor in either Wassaw Creek, where the trees from the barrier island provide solid protection, or head all the way up the river into Romerly Marsh for more seclusion. During the day try docking at the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge and wander the nature trails and “boneyard” beach of gnarled trees. The park closes at sundown, so hop onboard before then. 42
SOUTHMAGA ZINE.COM
A PR IL | M AY 11
To be a Sailor, You Must...
Walk like a Sailor
2
1. S A N T E F E S T Y L E A D I R ON DAC K C H A I R : [$ 1 9 0] , C O A S TA L G E O R G I A
5
WO O DWO R K S , C G AWO O DWO R K S .C O M
2. C U S T OM M ON O G R A M P I L L OW
3
[$ 9 0] , SY LV E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
3. B A M B O O S A L A D S E R V E R S [$ 47] , SY LV E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
4. C OA S TA L S E R I E S B O O K S [$ 3 7 5] , O N E F I S H T WO F I S H , ON E F I S H S T O R E . C OM
FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR TO WALK THE DECKS...
LEFT: CUSHE SHASTA $75, RIGHT: COLE HA AN WITH NIKE AIR SOLE, AIR MERCURY NAVY LEATHER, $98 AVAILABLE AT GLOBE SHOE COMPANY, 7 EAST BROUGHTON STREET, 912.232.8161, 5500 ABERCORN STREET #43, 912.352.1158
4 1
5. D O O R S T O P K N O T [$ 4 9.9 9] , SY L V E S T E R & C O M PA N Y, 2 0 5 B R OU G H T ON S T R E E T, 9 1 2 . 2 3 6 . 1 1 5 0
