Thanksgiving

   Welcome to St Marys 2009

   9th Annual Thanksgiving for Cruisers

      Brought to you by America's first cruisers ca 1620 

November 26, 2009 Gaila and Jerry Brandon, proprietors of the historic RIVERVIEW HOTEL / SEAGLE'S have extended an open invitation to cruisers to share Thanksgiving Day with them in St Marys, GA. The hotel is located at 105 Osborne Street; a very short walk from the town dock. Contact by phone at (912) 882-3242 or by e-mail at info@riverviewhotelstmarys.com Although reservations are not required, an advance courtesy headcount is helpful for turkey planning purposes. What to bring It's a big potluck! The community supplies baked turkey, ham, and steamed oysters.  Cruisers bring side dishes, salads, and deserts; everyone contributes. The casual family-style gathering brings good times, good food, good friends. Mail The Brandon's are happy to hold mail for you: Riverview Hotel (include your Name or Boat Name) 105 Osborne Street St Marys, GA 31558 around town Take some time to explore this friendly town while you're here.  Discover the history, museums, architecture, shops, cafes, and the library all within walking distance.  Its a nice place to visit any time of year. How did this come about? It all began with the first load of cruisers who landed in MA in 1620. But you already know that part.  Jumping forward to November 2001, Mike Derivan, aboard "Sweet Dreams" was in St Marys... He approached his friends, Gaila and Jerry about possibly opening up their space at the Riverview Hotel to house a Thanksgiving Potluck for a small group of cruisers who were waiting out weather. The idea was well received. Locals who had no family nearby were also invited; some volunteered to bake turkeys, etc. and the cruisers supplied deserts, veggies, sides, salads. Cruisers at the first St Marys Thanksgiving in 2001 were, Ariel, Dyad, Integrity, Ishmael, Packett Inn, Shamal, Sunflower, Sweet Dreams, Whale Way, Wind Illusion. Gaila and Jerry decided they would enjoy carrying it forward to host this as an annual event.  And such was the beginning of a new holiday tradition. Each year the number of attending cruisers grows. 2007 attracted a record 101 boats to the anchorage for Thanksgiving and the event draws in more locals as well. Thanks, Mike and Liz "Sweet Dreams" and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Front page of the Georgia-Times Union

 Press Coverage 2007
 Press Coverage 2008

Getting There

(compiled by Mike Derivan "Sweet Dreams")

Approach

(compiled by Mike Derivan "Sweet Dreams")

Left box reads: Best anchoring, plenty of good holding but be aware of 8 foot tides. Right box reads: About 2 miles up river from Cumberland Sound. Easy approach but DO NOT crowd the markers. Shoaling out to and past G-3, R-6&8, and G-13 so just stay in the middle. Great holding in anchorage around the west marina and the two mooring buoys. In season sand gnats can be a pain in calm winds, be prepared.

St Marys Map

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More info

Contact the Cruiseheimers Net for information any time.

St Marys local contact person is Charlie Jacobs at (912) 822-REGG

Cruising contact persons are Ann and Lynn aboard  "Sea Tramp"  e-mail seatramp@flash.net or
(713) 823-3864

During the event, the
St Marys Turkey Net  is VHF 69.

Directions

The distance is approximately five miles off the ICW up the St Marys River.

Getting There
Approach
St Marys Map

Giving Thanks

In the true spirit of the season, the cruising community wishes to send many thanks to Gaila and Jerry for the generosity and Southern Hospitality they've always given.