Virginia to Georgia Pilot Notes
Cape Fear to Charleston, SC
lets along the South Carolina coast. The town
is located just off the ICW and 14 miles above
Tides p. 447, Differences p. 527
the inlet entrance. Use caution approaching
Currents p. 630, Differences p. 707
the town and anchoring; the channel sides are
lined with sunken piles and derelict hulks.
Pilotage: From Cape Fear to Charleston
Waypoint:
the coast turns westward. It is easier to avoid
the Gulf Stream here by ducking in a little
Winyah Bay WB
closer to the coastline. Winyah Bay is the 33 11.6N, 79 05.2W Mo(A) W 6M
only safe haven along this stretch. Other in-
Whistle.
lets are subject to shoaling, uncharted buoys
and strong currents.
Coast Guard: Station located on W bank of
Great Pee Dee River about 0.25 mile S of the
Waypoints
US 17 highway bridge.
Little River Inlet Entrance LR Dockage/Moorings: Temporary tie-up
33 49.8N, 78 32.5W Mo(A)W 5M
allowed at the alongside Harborwalk, the
downtown boardwalk/waterfront complex.
Murrell’s Inlet Buoy MI Overnight dockage allowed in inclement
33 30.7N, 79 00.7W Mo(A) W 5M
weather or in emergencies.
There are several marinas in Georgetown.
Cape Romain Whistle Buoy 6 The Georgetown Landing Marina on the
32 50.9N, 79 19.1W Fl R 2.5s 4M
western shore of the Pee Dee River, also wel-
comes transients and provides full services.
Charleston Entrance Buoy C Anchorage: Off the town docks; 10ft draft.
32 37.08N, 79 35.5W Mo(A) W 6M
Stay on SW banks to avoid swinging into the
channel. Consider two anchors. Dinghy dock
RACON K(– • –)
at town docks.
Georgetown, SC: 33 22N, 79 17W Fuel: Available at several of the marinas.
Pilotage: Georgetown is the first harbor in- Supplies: Groceries and laundry in town.
side Winyah Bay Inlet, one of the few good in- Services: Haulout facilities available.
Facility Location Phone VHF
Wrightsville Beach Marina Wrightsville Beach 910-256-6666 16
Masonboro Boat Yard Wilmington 910-791-1893 16
Wilmington Marine Center Wilmington 910-395-5055 16
Cape Fear Marina Wilmington 910- 772-9277 16
Southport Marina Southport 910-457-5261 16
Charleston, SC: 32 46N, 79 56W
Waypoints
(see chart on next spread)
Charleston Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy C
Pilotage: Charleston Harbor’s actual
entrance is 15 miles from the start of the
32 37.08N, 79 35.5W Mo(A) W 6M
approach channel at Charleston Entrance
RACON K(– • –).
Lighted Whistle Buoy C, so mariners will
Fort Sumter Range Light
probably want to cut the corner and join the
channel farther W. One possible problem to
(Front light)
watch out for when approaching from N is 32 44.8N 79 51.8W Fl W 2.5s 5M
the presence of a visible wreck about 7.3nm
KRW on skeleton tower, 38ft.
N of Whistle Buoy C marked by R8 Fl R 2.5
Visible 0.5° either side of rangeline
sec. Other shoals exist in the vicinity. See be-
low for the bearing of the range lights leading
(Rear light)
into the harbor. Consult chart(s) for bearings, 1,902 yards, 299.3° from front light.
light characteristics, subsequent ranges in the Iso W 6s 5M. KRW on skeleton tower on piles, 170ft.
vicinity and for other navigational data.
Visible 2° either side of rangeline. Lit 24 hrs.
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