May 26-28, 2025

We execute an easy escape before boaters were up on a Holiday Monday.  Fishing boats were out early and zooming to their favorite spots. One guy passed by so close it prompted APL to say “hey honey, toss them a beer!”.

I finally captured frolicking dolphins and from fin size it appears young pups were learning from elders.

Our recently tuned Otto handles a 90 degree turn beautifully, rounding it to smooth motion.

When conducting our pre-voyage hazard review of the planned course a railroad bridge is noted as a 4 foot clearance when closed. Upon arrival we observe the bridge is open and from weeds growing, no longer appears in use. One less coordination required but we factored an approximate 30 minute wait into our day for the bridge, if needed.

Twice today our mile markers switched from “up river” to “down river”, which equates to red on right / green on left  TO red on left / green on right. Since these markers are our road signs it is important to keep track and most Loopers have some indicator on their helm. Sometimes it is just a popsicle stick with red and green marks on each end. Ours is ”swag” from an AGLCA conference.

We passed a docked submarine and two navy ship protectors. A security boat was patrolling in front of all three to ensure no one gets close. 😳 Don’t slow down, don’t take too much interest, stay in the channel on the charted course and all is fine!

Officially in Georgia now. Hard to tell where the state line was since there is no sign saying “welcome to Georgia” on the waterway!

We experienced an incredible tailwind obtaining 8.5 knots/hour with just over 1000 RPMs. Assumption is ocean tide is receding and pulling water northward and out the inlet. Woohoo! Great mileage for a while.

The intracoastal leads us out to the Atlantic briefly to avoid shallows and we make another sharp left as we proceed to Jekyll Island.

The Jekyll Harbor Marina is a 250ft linear dock which we anticipate being an simple approach. However it’s right before a 65ft bridge with some wicked strong current and there is boat traffic at the fuel dock. We had been in constant communication with the marina – both phone and VHF radio. They were expecting us and waiting for us at the fuel dock. We notify them we will wait for an oncoming boat to pass under the bridge before we approach since they will be generating current as they pass on by. Nope, they don’t pass by, they undercut us and pull up directly in front of us to the dock. The marina is shocked and so are we! This boater NEVER contacted the marina, just did what they wanted, picked out a spot and docked! Never a dull moment. 

Jekyll Harbor Marina has a complimentary marina car to borrow for 3 hours at a time as well as loaner bicycles and a golf cart. We chose the car to tour the island. The Island is picturesque and historical. The richy rich from a century ago wintered here in fabulous “cottages”.

The island is a state park and highly regulated. There are no large signs and new construction restricted. It is a golf resort area and family friendly. Many inhabitants and visitors use bicycles and golf carts to navigate the island. We see our first wild alligator up close and signs to not feed/beware.

We have dinner at the on-site restaurant and catch up on laundry at their facility. Coin operated washers and dryers are available only to marina guests. This is typical for most marinas. However, some do not offer this amenity.