Traveling a stretch of the ICW aboard *Galene*

As winter settles in on the Chesapeake Bay my mind immediately wanders to places where warmer breezes blow and the days are a little longer- south. The Intracoastal waterway (“ICW”) is an inland series of bays, rivers and canals that run continuously from Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL. We are lucky to be located so close to the start of the ICW. The inland waterway allows sailors to travel the Southeastern seaboard without entering the ocean. This is especially helpful in winter when the weather in the Atlantic can be quite volatile with frequent fronts kicking up winds and high seas. Passing through locks, under fixed bridges and through drawbridges, the ICW weaves its way along the coast passing through a variety of small coastal towns and major port cities. Sailing along the ICW is an experience to remember. On December 15th, 2015 Ally and I cast off our 27’ Catalina for Key West via the ICW. We spent most nights at anchor with few or no other boats around. We stopped in charming towns along the way, visited friends and relatives, and met fellow sailors who are great friends to this day.

If you would like to experience a slice of the ICW for yourself, join us aboard Galene in March 2024 for our Coastal Passage from Beaufort, NC to Weems, VA. I hope to see you on the water soon!

-Clay