Despite the challenges of ICW shoaling and strong currents caused by recent heavy rain, the Sail to the Sun fleet has made it to beautiful Charleston SC without incident, under fleet captain Wally Moran’s cautious and careful leadership. Research, experience and consultation with the experts at Waterway Guide have been the touchstones of this navigationally uneventful trip, according to the happy fleet, now nestled comfortably at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.

But otherwise? This trip has been full of fun events. While Wally was away for a day speaking at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the ralliers relaxed at Cricket Cove Marina, enjoying the sunset from its lovely deck overlooking the ICW.

The following evening, a group of them attended the Pirate’s Voyage show in Myrtle Beach and had another great time.

Wally rejoined the group at Osprey Marina, where the group held a potluck and rocked to the sounds of the Island Junkies. Yes, you heard it here first! The renowned Island Junkies – featuring Tom and Chuck on guitar, and Stan ‘the Man’ Eure as lead vocal – held their first (and definitely not their last) public performance, ending with a rousing rendition of "Mustang Sally" – clearly their signature song.

They will be performing again in Cocoa FL, where the city will be putting out the welcome mat for the Sail to the Sun Rally. We’ll have more details later, but this is going to be a great time for the Rally crew.

Leaving Osprey Marina (bringing along the wonderful swag bags with goodies that Osprey staff give to all its guests), the group travelled on to Harborwalk Marina and Georgetown Landing in Georgetown SC, and then on to Charleston, anchoring overnight on a perfect night: Warm, no winds, and beautiful low country scenery.

Then Murphy showed his hand. One of our boats wrapped its anchor line. Tom (from s/v Departure) was quickly on the scene with snorkel, mask and a sharp knife and the situation was quickly sorted out.

It’s been that kind of cruise - everyone ready and eager to help out their fellow boaters, lending a hand when it's required. A rally such as the Sail to the Sun isn’t all about getting someplace. It’s about friendships made and moments shared, learning and growing with a group of new friends with whom you’ll share adventures and memories for years to come.

Follow us and be part of the fun, here at WaterwayGuide.com, or on the Sail to the Sun Facebook page, and follow the movement of the fleet via Wally’s Delorme Inreach satellite tracker at http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/p/wheres-wally.html.

"Sailing South on the ICW - What it's Really Like!" Ever wondered what a day cruising on the ICW is really like? This video will show you just how enjoyable a day on the ICW can be. Sit back, grab a hot coffee or a cold beer, and settle in for five minutes of living the dream. For more great ICW video and information, join us at http://bloggingtheICW.blogspot.com.

Other Sail to the Sun ICW Rally updates: 

Nov. 5: The Sail to the Sun ICW Rally rolls on...
Oct. 29: Sail to the Sun ICW Rally enters second week
Oct. 27: Daily Advance covers Sail to the Sun Rally visit
Oct. 22: The Sail to the Sun Rally is on its way!
June 10: Join the 'Sail to the Sun' southbound rally

Special thanks to the many other sponsors and vendors making the Sail to the Sun ICW Rally such a success:

The Deltaville Maritime Museum
The Table at Wilton
Fishing Bay Marina
Deltaville Yachting Center
Dozier’s Regatta Point
Norton Yacht Sales and Marine Services
Norview Marina
Bluewater Yachting Center
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Albemarle Plantation and Marina
River Forest Manor and Marina
Town of Belhaven Chamber of Commerce
Spoon River Restaurant
The Tavern at Jack’s Neck
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association