Another lovely Sunday on the St Johns River

[Jeff Pierson]

The weather this time of the year in N.E. Florida is superb for
sailing, yesterday's temp topped out at about 78 degrees, and as
Mark, Landon, and I launched my Mac 19 at the Trout Creek county boat
ramp, and made our way out to the river, the wind speed was ESE,
about 5 mph. Not much wind, which was fine because our first
objective was to motor ~13miles S. to a small island in the river
owned by a friend of ours. The island, which we call Easter Island,
is a 4-5 acre grassy, live oak shaded point which would truely be an
island at high tide, if not for the causeway built several decades
ago built to provide access via automobile. It is the site of an
annual Easter weekend party/campout for many years, hence the name.
The owners decided a long time ago to leave it un-built except for a
dock and boat shed where they keep their 45' Huckins sedan cruiser,
so traveling south at 3/4 throttle, we cruised, enjoying the sights
along the western bank, passing the little berg of Bostwick before
reaching the island. After lunching, and ejoying a brief visit on the
the Island, it was time to head back. This was where things got
sticky as we had tied the boat up to a section closer in to shore of
the dock which had a low platform for launching kayaks etc.
immediately upon leaving the boat became stuck in the mud by the
rudders, non-pop up variety, by the time we got loose which was
accomplished through getting out of the boat and un-pinning and
raising the rudders while standing in 3 feet of water, I had managed
to crack one of them pretty badly at the very top where the pivot is.
Next, after motoring away from shore, standing on the foot of the
motor I had to lower and pin the rudders back down. What a hassle.
After that we sailed for 2.5-3 hours on a wonderful, beam reach,
freshening E. 10-15mph wind. our course took us down the river
heading N. back towards Green Cove Springs, With genoa and main,
board half-down, at times I would swear the boat was planing for a
for 30-60 sec. durations, working the main sheet like I was sailing a
dingy, keeping the genoa sheeted in tight, trying to maintain a
reasonable amout of heel, the boat just flew down the river! What a
great feeling. Finally though, as we wished we had started out a
couple of hours earlier in the morning, the sun slipping lower in the
sky signaled the end of sailing. Under power, we were soon back at
the ramp, boat loaded, ready to head home as darkness fell about
7:30pm. another stellar day trip in the Mac, more experienced gained,
rudders urgently need to be rigged for raising and lowering from the
cockpit, that will be my next focus. This trip marked the first time
I had to raise and lower the mast while out on the water as the ramp
was on the wrong side of a low highway bridge, so that was good to
get under my belt. Easy with three on board, wouldn't think it would
be so easy with just two people. Unfortunately, my freelance, and gig
schedule will preclude any more outings for a few weeks, perhaps I
can deal with the rudder issue during that time. I am flying to
Minneapolis next week to shoot some video for a client, I'll do my
best to bring some Florida Springtime weather up north when I go.
Happy Sails!
Jeff Pierson

[greybird-M]

I was pleased to read this post. My sweetheart and I had the opportunity to drive through Green Cove Springs two weekends ago to attend the Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games which were held at the Clay County Fairgrounds. A great time we had and we particluarly enjoyed the Green Cove Springs area, well worth a second look, both from land and (of course) the River. My brother-in-law and I took my 26M down the Indian River (ICW) Saturday from Cocoa to Melbourne (about 25 miles one way-I have to load up the GPS track on my computer and get the exact numbers for distance travelled/average speed, etc.) and I explored the motoring part of my motor/sailer What fun!! Empty of ballast I got the 26M to do 17MPH (GPS speed) at about 5500 RPM, and the Honda 50 ran like a champ. We motored down to where my sister was racing her Sunfish in a Master's Class Regatta race (Sunfish Regatta 669) with 70 other Sunfish, dropped anchor, had lunch, then shot digital stills and some video-it was a lovely day on the river, the Sunfish were a treat to watch.
I am now involved with setting up halyards-led-aft on my boat and cannot wait to get back out on the water. Someday soon also to trailer up your way and put out into the lovely St. John's.

[Jeff Pierson]

Yes, the Scottish Highland Games, had some firends who went, the had fun there. Green Cove Springs is a historical river terminus form the days at the turn of the last century when river steamers brought northern tourists down the river to enjoy a little respite from the cold. Its hard to imagine NE FL as a major snowbird destination as it was back then, having been eclipsed for so long now by S FL, but it was a very popular destination, with steamers going south via the St Johns to Sanford near Orlando, and up the Oklawaha River to Silver Springs near Ocala.
There are still many areas along the river south of Green Cove which are undeveloped, including a huge tract just south of town called the Bayard Preserve, which has numerous trails and camping spots, one of which is accessable from the river, so yes, it is worth a second look, plus the river is so wide there for miles, and with the north south orientation it works well with the prevailing winds, usually E-NE.
I certainly intend to bring my boat down to the Indian River, it looks too good to be true, coastal cruising wise. I hope you can recommend some ramps down there.
Please feel free to contact me if you ever decide to do the St Johns River, I'd be glad to point out good launching and cruising locations.
Jeff pierson

[greybird-M]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info. I have not yet launched my 26M from a ramp yet as I have my boat stored on a cradle at Harbortown Marina, Merritt Island, just off the barge canal. I remember seeing a lot of info on ramps on the net, so that is where I would recommend you check for ramp and marina info.
The ICW down here provides a lot of room for cruising and exploration and a lot of boat traffic of all kinds. Last Saturday we put 51 miles on my 26M and averaged 7 MPH (with about 17MPH max) and due to time constraints we did not hoist sail. I would love to bring my boat up north to St. Augustine (where my Fiancee` lives) and we would really like to watch the 4th of July fireworks from St. Augustine harbor this year, but time and experience will tell whether or not we get to do this.
Keep in touch with us here on the board and safe sailing to you.
Walt Worth, Jr.