Hilton Head Island

Carolina Currents has posted a through review of Hilton Head Island. It provides top shelf coverage of all things yachtwise and many things for the landlocked as well.

While Jeannette Pucella does a good job covering the island, she fails to note two important facts, first entering Harbour Town Yacht Basin from the ocean is tricky at best, and given certain wind and tide down right dangerous.

Second while Tybee Roads, may be the starting point to enter the Calibogue Sound it is by no means all you need to know.

She further states: "This inlet can be quite a harrowing experience for the visiting boater due to the large number of container ships that move in and out by day and often moor around the outside of the inlet overnight waiting for daylight to ensure a safe passage".

Well not really, most container ships anchored offshore are simply waiting for clearance or a pilot, as the Savannah River is a 24/7 operation. Don't mistake a container ship at night as not being a hazard, as chances are they are making way and you don't want to be in the way. Monitoring channel 13 and 14 will give you a good idea of the ship traffic.

Once you have sight of the red and white Harbour Town Light 32º 08' 20" N 80º 48' 40" W you can line up a course with Tybee Island Light on your stern and trust your depth to stay steady around 13 feet or better. But be aware of shoals and bars to the northeast and jetties that remain submerged except at low tide.

Port Royal has a marked channel but adds at least two hours to your trip from offshore, however transiting from Tybee Roads to the Calibouge Sound is not marked and you can get into trouble unless you're paying attention, especially at low tide.