Motor-sailing the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in South Carolina provides a snapshot of the full spectrum of life along the banks of this expansive canal. Residential communities flank the canal, boasting equipped docks of varying architectural styles and financial capabilities. However, the obligatory motorboats dominated the scene, with only a couple of sailboats lifted on dock elevators during our journey. The spaces between settlements teem with wildlife—birds, dolphins, and, yes, predatory alligators always hiding from us… but it turned out that the biggest danger is hidden in shallow waters. Sandbanks, deviously formed at the confluence of rivers, awaited us—and others—treacherously at the bends. Many places were navigable only during high tides, yet our daily route schedule included high and low tides, necessitating calculated risks. Once again, our heartfelt gratitude goes to TowBoatUS for liberating us from the clutches of shallow waters. This time, the tow boat came to the rescue, saving our vessel and a fellow mariner stranded on a motor boat in the same predicament with 4 feet depth.
The year 2023 bid farewell as we docked in the charming city of Charleston. Spending New Year’s Eve in this historically rich city, adorned with the well-preserved architecture of 18th and 19th-century South Carolina, felt like a fortunate gift. As the most populous city in South Carolina, Charleston, founded in 1670 as Charles Town, has a captivating history. Initially named in honour of King Charles II, it was later simplified to Charleston during a period of toponymic transformations. Charleston’s nickname is the Holy City. There are a lot of rumors as to how the city got its name. Legend has it that it was given the nickname by a fond admirer of the city. Regardless of the name’s origin, it stuck. Today, residents and visitors couldn’t imagine another nickname for the city — thanks to the many spires that dot its skyline.
Charleston’s historical significance is deeply rooted in its role as a major port and primary entry point for African slaves in America. Approximately half of all slaves arrived here, shaping the city’s narrative during pivotal moments like the American Revolution and the Civil War. Amidst the New Year’s festivities, we revelled in the southern beauty of Charleston—its vibrant houses and flourishing flora even during winter.
To usher in the New Year, we celebrated on the “Spirit of South Carolina”, a schooner graciously hosting us for a New Year’s party at the invitation of Captain Davis. Engaging in discussions about our project with the crew, we had the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with this splendid sailing vessel, constructed in 2007 for training cadets. Captain Davis expressed interest in our project, paving the way for future collaborations.
On the first day of 2024, we conducted a CTD cast at the edge of our pier, marking the beginning of our journey to Florida—a voyage filled with new adventures, explorations, and challenges in the promising New Year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Approaching CharlestonWWII Aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, now a part of the museumDocked in the Charleston Maritime Center’s MarinaWelcoming conversation with our dock’s neighbour Dave and his dog Charly (he tried to tell us something about dogs life aboard, but we didn’t understand) Charleston Maritime Center’s MarinaFolding bikes unfolded!International African American Museum opened in 2021 at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf—where alongside several others in the Charleston Harbor—an estimated 40% of African captives entered this countryHuman body patterns and reflections pool under the museum’s buildingSculpture composition near the entry to the museumHaving a crab soup for the lunchBattery ParkWhite Point Garden, USS Hobson Memorial. It commemorates one of the worst naval disasters in US history — the collision of the USS Hobson (a destroyer) with the much larger USS Wasp (an aircraft carrier) The Hobson was essentially cut in two — killing 176 sailors.Biking The Battery waterfrontWaterfront sunset solo on a tromboneUS Coast Guard Base historic buildingIlluminated Charleston Aquarium Illuminated shooner “Spirit of South Carolina”It’s a New Year’s Eve party time!CTD cast in the Maritime Center’s MarinaPlot of CTD cast dataDemonstrating CTD measuring system to DaveGoodbye, Dave and Charlie!Goodbye, “Spirit of South Carolina”!The Battery from the seaThank you, Charleston!
