Day 0 - Preparation

Our first journey down the ICW began with many months of preparation and study. We gathered a number of guides and charts to help determine our stops and anchorages, as well as the lurking problems that we may encounter. Here is a list of what we are using to help plan the trip:
Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay - chesapeakebaymagazine.com
Waterway Guide - Atlantic ICW - waterwayguide.com
2020 ICW Cruising Guide - Bob423 - amazon.com
ICW & Atlantic Coast Mile by Mile
and Planning Guide - chesapeakebaymagazine.com
​The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook - amazon.com
Anchorages Along the Intracoastal Waterway -
Skipper Bob Publications - waterwayguide.com
Waterway Guide - Florida Keys - waterwayguide.com
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We also studied our chartplotting apps to familiarize ourselves with the route.
Navionics - navionics.com
AquaMaps - globalaquamaps.com​

We will be using Navionics on our Raymarine chartplotter and simultaneously running AquaMaps on the iPad (and iPhone). I plot the routes using Navionics on the iPad and upload them to the chartplotter. I can switch between Navionics and AquaMaps easily on the iPad. AquaMaps provides excellent color-coded maps with updated USACE Hydrographic Surveys to help identify areas of shoaling, so I will be monitoring it carefully as we motor down the ICW. We have travelled in shallow waters before, but I would prefer to avoid as much stress as possible during this trip. It's supposed to be fun! Both apps include Active Captain crowd-sourced information about marinas and anchorages imbedded in the maps. AquaMaps also includes Waterwayguide reviews. I have used both extensively to research good spots to stop for the night. We will also be using the Waterwayguide.com website for information and have subscribed to the Waterwayguide Nav alerts that are delivered by email each week. At this point, we don't plan to do any "outside" passagemaking, and intend to stay on the ICW.

A basic itinerary has been developed with contingencies, but we know that weather and other conditions may require us to change plans. Being a flexible traveller and adapting on the fly is not part of my personality makeup, but I hope to get better at it during this trip. I will definitely have to change my "gotta get there at all costs" attitude!
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We have also been monitoring various facebook pages for up-to-date information as many people have already begun the southerly migration. The following have been particularly useful:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ICWCruisingGuide/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SailingandCruisingICW

​In addition to facebook, we have watched many youtube videos. These include general boating videos as well as those that specifically show travel on the ICW. It really helps to get a visual idea of various spots on the ICW as well as marinas, towns and anchorages.
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Since the spring, we have been gathering up various supplies, tools, spare parts, emergency equipment and the like. Since storage space on the boat is at a premium, we removed some things that we knew were unnecessary for the trip and rearranged the storage areas for maximum efficiency. I sent an inquiry through the Prestige owners facebook page to find out what other owners of Prestige Yachts considered essential spare parts based on their cruising experiences. I received some helpful replies and among other things, that led to ordering a spare set of props. Pricey and hopefully not necessary. If they are needed, I won't have a delay waiting for props to be delivered.

I use Evernote for my ship's log and to record all inventory and important information. I like Evernote since it syncs with all of my computers and devices. I created a table to use for the daily log, maintenance log and to record the pertinent data. The example shown to the left is only a part of the extensive data that we input for each trip. I also keep electronic copies of most owner manuals for the items onboard, as well as Coast Guard and state registration for both the boat and the dinghy. Each day is logged as a separate record and PDFs, pictures and other documents can be included. I take pictures of receipts for fuel and maintenance, and load them right into the Evernote log. At the end of the season, I combine all of the logs into an archive for the year. I find it very helpful when I need to go back and get some information about a particular trip, marina, anchorage or maintenance item. I also have an inventory of all spare parts and where the items are located on the boat.

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Having never done this trip before, we are not sure what to expect as far as the need for food and clothing. As usual, we have a lot of both, probably overpacked, and don't expect to go hungry or not have the right clothes for the occasion or the weather. ​​

Our plan is to dock in Jacksonville, FL about two weeks after our departure. As this blog continues, we will find out how effective our planning was.......and hope that many of the spare parts and emergency supplies will not be needed. Good weather would also be appreciated!