Norfolk – Chesapeake Bay Dockage Recommendation Needed

Received 3/30/06

We are looking for a safe and secure place to leave our boat for about a week in the Norfolk/lower Chesapeake area. We may also need a kennel for our dog. When we return, we hope to connect with some friends who will be visiting their daughter in Richmond. We'd love some info on a fun day cruise in that general area, especially one that would allow us to dock some where for lunch. Any help would be greatly appreciated because we are not at all familiar with the area.
Bill and Jane Stone
aboard "Loose Stones"

We always stay at Ocean Marine in Norfolk,VA. It is a great place to stay, and they have a courtesy car.
Ken and Helen Britton
S/V Tatiana

Ocean Marine is a great place to dock a boat just south of mile marker 0 on the ICW in the Norfolk area, but OM is in Portsmouth, VA, on the other side of the Elizabeth River. Portsmouth is a delightful place to visit with restaurants and interesting shops on High Street in OldeTown, and a ferry landing at the end of High Street will take you over to see Norfolk and Waterside.
Sam Morgan
S/V Rhumboogie

Okeechobee Waterway Height Clearance Question
Received 3/26/06

Okeechobee waterway vertical clearance question:
Has anyone noted the actual height of the port mayaca fixed bridge? I have heard from 53' down to 49'. Is this because the lake levels changes?
Thanks,
Alan

Alan,

The clearance of the Port Mayaca Bridge is reported as 49 feet, but it depends on the lake level at any given time. Daily lake levels (and bridge clearances) are posted on the web by the Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.txt)
I have gotten through the bridge with my Nonsuch, which requires 55' clearance (including antenna), with the help of a local entrepreneur that offers this assistance to cruising sailors by heeling the boat with the weight of water-filled drums loaded onto one side. The entire process was quicker than waiting for many drawspans to open, for a cost of $150 (in 2003). A call to the Indiantown Marina should connect you with the service.
I found a couple of bridges on the eastern end of the St. Lucie canal to be a bit dicier. With posted clearances of 55 feet, I watched my antenna just touching the understructure. If your clearance is that close, be sure to start out at low tide (not an issue once you get through the 1st lock). I was also warned about potential arching from too-low transmission lines crossing the canal, but never encountered any.
Allan DeWall
S/V Cat Rageous, Nonsuch 30
Wrightsville Beach, NC

Dauphin Island (near Mobile Bay) Question
Received 3/26/06

Are there any suggestions for even a semi-protected anchorage from northerly winds when approaching Dauphin Island, AL, from the east on the ICW? Hopefully not too far from the ICW itself? The chart doesn't seem to show any.
The vessel is 36' sail drawing 5 1/2 feet?
Does anyone have a report on the depth of the channel into Dauphin Island just to the west of the bridge? Is there any place to anchor or tie up after the storm? Any info would be appreciated.
Ferd Moyse III
S/V FIDDLER'S GREEN

Pine Island (Western Florida) Question
Received 3/26/06

Has anyone been down the east side of Pine Island Fl lately? [a. k. a. Matlache Pass. Are all the daymarks replaced after the hurricanes? I would like to go from Bokeelia to Saint James City. I draw 4 feet.
Thanks
"DUNWURKIN"
Clearwater, Fl.

All the markers are in place, but if you draw 4', I'd recommend the Bokeelia to Matlacha portion only - it's a bit dicey from there south to St James City with that draft, and I'd only try it if I had to, and that with a rising tall tide
Mike Smith

ICW Anchorages and Gunkholes Questions
Received 3/26/06

This is a general question about researching good places to anchor along the ICW. How have other ICW cruisers found such places? Internet sites, cruising guides, chat sites??....I'm putting together a travel plan and would like to know of any references that have worked for others. Or for that matter, let me know of places you've found and liked along the way.
Many Thanks,
Jim

Skipper Bob's publication Anchorages Along the ICW and another one called Marinas Along the ICW are excellant We are finishing our second full round trip as we speak and are tied up in Virginia in the Great Dismal Swamp, headed north. Have fun.

Good Diesel Prices on the ICW???

Received 3/26/06

We will be heading North from Florida soon. Has anyone found a good deal on diesel fuel along the way?
Randy

Miami to Bimini Company Wanted
Received 3/24/06

I am considering a first time Miami-Bimini crossing in my Nimble 25. If you or any other readers don't mind crossing at 4.5 to 5 knots, I'd sure like the company.
Craig Hershoff

ICW Cell Phone Coverage Question
Received 3/24/06

I will be cruising the ICW from Beaufort, SC, to Daytona Beach, Florida, late April, early May, 2006. I am equiped with Marine Radio aboard, but was wondering about Cell Phone Coverage in remote areas, especially between Savannah, Georgia, and Brunswick, Georgia, and possibly any other areas along the way. My current carrier is Altell.
Thanks in Advance, Fellow Cruisers,
Robert(Bob) M. Campbell, Jr.

We took a trip North last spring from Boca Raton, FL thru N.Y. The only place we had any problem was North Carolina (I'm told the problem in NC is U.S. Cellular has the area locked up). We used Verizon for both cell phone and digital wireless internet connections.
Randolph Belli
Boca Raton, FL

About the only thing I can suggest about Altel's coverage is the obvious- contact Altel and ask
specific questions about their coverage, even after you get their coverage map.

My carrier is Verizon, and I was pleased with the coverage. I was only without coverage in some of the way off the beaten path areas. Specific examples: Kilkenny Creek Marina in GA and B&B Seafood place on Mosquito Creek in SC.
Sometimes when I would walk around the Kilkenny area not too far from the docks, I would get about a bar and a half, but only was able to connect once.
There were very few days that I had no coverage all day while underway. If you look at a road map of GA, you can probably guess where those areas may be.
Jack s/v Glisse'

Northbound ICW Advice Needed
Received 3/24/06

I, like lots of other people, will be heading north with my sailboat soon, and have a few questions, not having done this migration for SEVERAL years. We have been thinking of going off shore from Ft. Pierce, Fl to Savannah, Ga., to possibly make better time and avoid some of the bridges, etc. Does anyone have any comments on this plan or experience doing it that way? Also we are curious to know how much of the ICW you can get wireless internet while cruising? AND, is there a corresponding Salty Northeast Cruiser's Net? Our final destination is somewhere on the Hudson River. I have a 30' sailboat with a 4'6" draft and need 45 feet clearance for the mast. Any info is much appreciated.
Sue
stersus@aol.com

The obvious advice would be to wait for a good weather window (no northern component in the wind for several days) I would check with your insurance company, mine specified a minimum crew of at least three for any off shore travel longer than one day.
In spring 2005, I had to go offshore from the Wilmington River, Wassaw Sound to the Savannah River, Tybee Roads entrance. The Causton Bluff bridge was inoperable due to a truck accident. My suggestion would be to veer north out of the channel off Tybee Island to Calibogue Sound (between Dafuskie and Hilton Head Islands). The well known Harbortown Marina is just a short way up the sound and this will cut off quite a few miles of ICW travel. (I was single-handing from Fort Lauderdale to Charleston, so I tended to do the marina thing most nights)
As far as wi-fi goes, I was able to log on in many places that "did not have any". That must have changed by now, hopefully there aren't too many areas actually charging for it. I absolutely will not pay for a wi-fi session, this is supposed to be the land of the free. (Last sentence is an editorial comment and does not necessarily reflect any opinion but mine)
The Ashley Marina in Charleston had the best set up, booster antennae every several hundred feet around the docks. They've gone Dockominium now,so I don't know if they still accept transients.
Jack s/v Glisse'

Bahamas Crossing Companions Wanted
Received 3/20/06

My wife and I are currently in the Fort Lauderdale area on our boat (Sea Ray 420 AC). We would like to cruise to the Bahamas (Bimini, Grand Bahama, Nassau or others). We have never made the crossing before and have heard that reported weather conditions are somewhat unreliable. We would like to join with at least one other experienced cruiser to go anytime in the next month.
David and Garnett Black
aboard Capitol Hill II
dlblackone@aol.com

Lesser Known ICW Anchorages Wanted
Received 3/20/06

Here's something I'm noticing as we go north -- all kinds of boats anchored in various nooks that aren't mentioned by any guide. One interesting example: among the spoil bank islands in the Mosquito Lagoon, just north of mile 865, there's a marked channel leading into a charming cove. I didn't sound the depths or anything, just noted it as I went by. But why would it be marked if it didn't have 3-4 feet or so? And who marked it?
Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing more about the many different anchorages along the way which aren't mentioned in the guidebooks -- especially anchorages near sites where you can land with a dog.
Cheers,
Don
Silver Donald Cameron

Don,
Suggest you join the Marine Trawler Owners Assosiation (MTOA). This group of over 1000 boaters has an extensive file of member favorite anchorages
David J. Jogerst

Bahamas Conch Inn Marina / Devil's Backbone Question
Received 3/17/06

Request information concerning Conch Inn Marina / Devil's Backbone
1) Has anyone had recent experience navigating through the Devil's Backbone in Eleuthera. Is a pilot essential?
2) I am looking for recent information concerning Conch Inn Marina in Marsh Harbour.
We have a trip planned for the beginning of April.
Thanks,
Gerry

Gerry,
Conch Inn is now open. However, Harbour view Marina is a better choice. Check their web sight at: www.harbourviewmarina.com. As for the devils backbone, a guide is very desirable and for a first timer mandatory.
Enjoy,
Ben
aboard Final Approach,

Cruising Georgia - Savannah to Brunswick, Question
Received 3/12/06

My Family is cruising from Savannah, Ga south along the Georgia coast next month. Does anyone have any suggestions for the Brunswick or St Marys areas for marinas or restaurants. I noticed that Claiborne (in his 5th edition) doesn't recommend much between Savannah and the Golden Isles.
Mandy

We spent a delightful time for several days at the Brunswick Lanfing Marina right in downtown Brunswick. Well run marina in within walking distance to the old downtown area-several restaurants etc.
"Mani Forti" cruisers- Geof and Benda Brown
Geoff Brown

As you mention, there's not a whole lot between Savannah and Brunswick.
There is a great restaurant not too far from Isle of Hope Marina. The name had changed when I was there in October 2004 (used to be Pearl's Elegant Pelican) but the food was still excellent, though a little pricey.
At about mile 614, just north of St. Catherine's Sound, you'll find Kilkenny Creek opposite G 107. It's a fairly straight-forward entrance if you stay pretty much centered in the channel, maybe favoring the port side as you start in, but I'd call Kilkenny Creek Marina on 16 for the latest advice. The marina is rustic and clean. Right next door is a wonderful restaurant called Shrimp Docks, with great food, not too expensive served up by a chef, no less. The restaurant had only been open for
a short time when I was there in May 2005. The marina is operated by the father and two brothers and has been in the family a long time.
It's fascinating to watch as they launch a small outboard boat, lowering it as much as 10 to 12 feet into the creek.
At Brunswick Landing, you're within walking distance of several good places to eat. My favorites are the Two Can Cafe' and McGarvey's Wee Pub. You can see the building McGarvey's is in (on the fourth floor) from the marina.
If you'd like to see pictures, please click on: http://www.geocities.com/jkamer39/
Then click "Follow....South", then "page 5" and then "page 6".
Jack s/v Glisse'

Savannah River Cruising Question
Received 3/13/06

Aloha Cruisers. Does anyone know how far up the Savannah River one could navigate in a forty foot power boat with a three and a half foot draft? Thanks.
Rick George, Hale Kai
rickgeorge2@aol.com

Received 3/13/06
A navigable channel used to extend to Augusta. But the lock at New Savannah Bluff, 13 miles downstream of Augusta was closed about 25 years ago. Since that time, channel maintenance has been mostly limited to the Savannah harbor. Savannah is 19 miles upstream of the jetties. Augusta is 172 nautical miles upstream.
Bill Marett
Senior Counsel
Civil Litigation and State Services Div.
Tennessee Attorney General

Hell's Gate, Georgia Info Needed
Received 3/10/06

Claiborne,
Concerning Hell's Gate (GA), on our trip south last fall we saw boats on the south side of Hell's Gate passing it and wondered why (Were they going offshore?), now we think we know as a result of Tommy's (aboard Lovers Boat) information.[see the Cruiser's Net's "South Carolina - Georgia" page for this info.]
However, I have a question for Tommy or anyone who has gone this route. Is the passage out to the ocean and back to the ICW on the north side marked? Or is it all deep water?
Bob Kramer
Aboard SV PUFFIN

Bob,
The actual MARKED channel is on the north side. That said, there is adequately deep water on both side all the way out. The seiners use this channel on both sides and most of them draw 10' or more. There are no tricks here and if you have the chart and a working GPS, it is a cakewalk….certainly less risky than Hells Gate.
Tommy
ps. The boat is named LOVERBOAT (NOT Loversboat). It got that name because of its affinity (beyond my control) for docks, pilings and other boats

New Pass (Sarasota, FL) Question
Received 3/7/06

My wife & I are planning on cruising the west coast of Florida at the end of the month, and would like to go to Sarasota. Does anyone know if New Pass is navigable? I have a sailboat that draws 4 feet.
Bob & Judy
sailing Island Girl

Ocracoke, NC Dockage Info Needed
Received 3/2/06

Can anyone recommend dockage for rent in Silver Lake, Ocracoke? We’ve stayed at the Anchorage Marina and would like to try some place different.
Thanks,
Mary Jane

Captain’s Landing is a lovely inn which has its own docks. Phone is (252) 928-1999 –owner is Elizabeth Chamberlain (an Ocracoke native) and her retired airlin captain husband, Capt. George Chamberlain
Bob Newman

GA or NC Boat Slip Recommendation Needed
Received 3/1/06

I am looking to purchase a boat slip in either Georgia or North Carolina. Does anyone have any suggestion as to where to look?
I thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Jerry De Armond
j.dearmond@att.net

In N. Myrtle Beach Harborgate Condo.marina is building and should be done this summer/fall, but however, you can get in there now. Good location. In NC, Southport I think is leasing long term. Why do you want to buy?
John Winter

Cruising Florida's Big Bend
Received 2/21/06

Hi Claiborne,
We are traveling to [Florida's] Big Bend area from NC and want to do some exploring there. We have Mr. Rhodes book (and others), and some ports look very enticing, such as St. Marks, Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Withlacoochee River, Crystal River, Port Richey to name a few. The idea of traveling up a couple of these rivers looks exciting. But it appears that everyone bypasses these areas and goes from the panhandle straight to Clearwater/Tarpon Springs. Thus, I can not seem to get any additional input at this time. Is it really that scary to enter some these ports for the semi-experienced boater? We draw 4' in our motorboat.
John & Sue
aboard
Miss Liberty

Cruising Health Question
Posted 2/17/06

Greetings,
My wife just had knee replacement procedure. We started the loop last June, got from New London, CT. to the first lock in Troy, NY before having to turn back due to the knee. That I hope this condition has been fixed. Everyone says she is doing great. Is there any cruisers out there boating with a simular condition. Are there any problems, considerations, limitations, etc.
Thanks Phil & Vicki,
MV MIDLIFE-MADNESS

Gulf Cruising Request for Recommendation
Received 2/14/06

I am considering a trip to the gulf coast area this summer. Not sure exactly where Biloxi, Gulfport, Mobile, Pascagoula, ???. I will be trailering a boat in. Will the area be ready for vistors? Any recommendations?
Thanks
Rob

How about Panama City, FL and the Big Bend area of FL We sailed our boat through there after Ivan in 2004 and Panama city was recovering and did not seem to get hit this past summer. The only problem we had was the bridges are a little low in FL. This may be farther east than you want but a lot of beautiful area that is not over run with people.
RBB

This is in response to Rob's question about where to bring a trailerable boat to the gulf coast area. I sail a boat that races from New Orleans to Gulfport and then from Gulfport to Pensacola every June. We have checked everywhere on the Mississippi Sound and it doesn't look as if anything survived Katrina. I wouldn't plan on going anywhere west of Mobile Bay. I understand that there are some marinas open there. The Wharf at Mile 159 and Bear Point Marina a few miles east are open. East of Bear Point in Orange Beach all the way to Fort Walton, between Hurricane Ivan and condo makeovers, the marinas are hit or miss. For the first time in many years, I don't think we'll be able to leave the boat in Pensacola. There's just no available slip space.
Rob Spangenberg

Rob:
I live in Ocean Springs, MS (just east of Biloxi) and we're doing fine, in spite of the fact that many people claim that this entire area was devastated. The Municipal Small Craft Harbor is accepting transients and the launch ramp is working fine. I used it myself the other day and yesterday took a trip out to Horn Island. It's as lovely as ever.
However, it is true that marina facilities all along this area suffered lots of damage and the normal variety of services is not available. In addition motel rooms are hard to get, plus Mississippi sound is large and can be rough in the Spring.
You didn't say how big your boat is, but I'd say launching someplace east of Mobile bay and cruising to the east might be a better bet for you this time. That area was lightly damaged by Katrina and lots of marine facilities are operating, although slips are still scarce as a result of Ivan. The area from just west of Perdido Bay all the way to Panama City couldn't be more varied and beautiful. The GIWW is wide and oriented so that it's possible to sail in most places, there are plenty of wide open bays, good water depths for sail boats, and not too much "ditch" to contend with. We have a nice mix of facilities and remote anchorages and finding either a protected place to anchor or a fun water-side bar is easy. Our barrier islands are beautiful and famous for their sugar white sand and in many places you can anchor and walk across for a swim in the Gulf. Big Lagoon (east of Pensacola) to Destin is my favorite stretch.
Mississippi, Lower Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle still have a few Southerners left and you'll find us to be mostly friendly. Try to learn the difference between "Y'all" and "All of Y'all". Hint: both of them are plural.
Cap'n Bob

New Orleans Fuel Availability
Received 2/14/06

[We are] leaving Houston [in] March for start of loop. [We] need info on gas availability through [the] New Orleans area.
Thanks
Mike

Naples, FL – Goodlands, FL Question
Received 2/16/06

Where can I dock a dinghy at Naples while visiting the town?
Have there been any significant changes to the Goodlands area since the storms?
David Spiwak
Caramba

We where just there and there were NO transient slips anywhere to be had.

Wi Fi Question
Received 02/13/06

Hello Claiborne,
I would like to know which Wireless Internet Provider your Cruisers are currently choosing and how well is it performing? What percent of the Marinas they typically stop by on the Snow-bird trails are providing Wi-Fi Internet and are most of these FREE? My extended cruising opportunity will not begin for another two years, but I am making preparations.
Nelson Gainey
“Last Boatâ€Ãƒâ€šÃ‚

I have been cruising the AICW between the Chesapeake and Key West, as well as the Abacos Islands for the past 3 years. In most areas I have been able to access the internet using my laptop connected through my regular Verizon digital cell phone. Data calls are free between 9PM and 6AM and on weekends; regular per minute charges apply at other times. An external antenna helps in some areas, but with the newer, more sensitive phones I have generally been able to connect in all but the most remote areas along the ICW. Last Spring (2005) the Abacos were being set up for Verizon cell service, so I assume that it is now available there as well.
WiFi service is frequently available in marinas along the ICW, although my experience has been that a service charge is usually assessed – similar to most airports – so that I usually fall back to my cell phone connection. In the Abacos WiFi service was generally offered at no cost and, at least at West End, the signal was so strong that I could still access the WiFi connection from an anchorage just offshore of the Old Bahama Bay Marina. At Marsh Harbour Marina the dockmaster needed your PC's MAC address to allow you to access their free network. I suspect that in 2 years free WiFi will be the norm at all marinas along the AICW. I'm hoping that by then satellite service will also be more affordable.
Allan DeWall
S/V Cat Rageous, Nonsuch 30
Wrightsville Beach, NC

Golden Isles, Georgia Marina Question
Received 2/10/06

I will headed from Charleston to the south in March, and I have not heard anything about Goldern Ilse Marina in a long time. Is it still good, entrance deep enough, just what about it?
Thanks,
Ray

I anchored off there last spring and it seemed in top notch condition. Transient dock is alongside, easy access. If you anchor they charge $20 to come ashore (seems a bit high to me). Nothing is nearby. It is a looong causeway trek to Brunswick or St Simons unless you have a car. Brunswick landing is better choice if you want to walk to things. Enterprise will pick you up (only option for transport)
Nearby St Simons Island is one of my favorite villages. Try Barbara Jeans restaurant (arrive early) crab cakes the best and She Crab soup is a meal in itself.
Greg Han
Allegria
Krogen Whaleback 48

Golden Isles Marina is one of our favorite stops. The facilities are great, the people are friendly and helpful. The entrance channel is good but make sure you have the latest chart which shows Frederica River Day Beacons 1,2,3,5,&7. If not, call the marina on 16/68 and they will talk you in. There is currently no restaurant, no groceries and limited marine supplies at the marina. A courtesy car is available and a new restaurant and swimming pool are under construction.
John & Pat Rodgers
Summertime

Jupiter Inlet Info Needed
Posted 2/10/06
Can someone familiar with Jupiter Inlet give me information regarding channel markers, depth, and ease of passage, as it appears unmarked on the charts?

Jupiter Inlet can be very kind…or deadly. There are no outer markers to line you up with the channel. From outside, you should approach from the southeast being VERY mindful of the winds and tides. The better water is along the south jetty. Draft is better than 15 feet. After entering the inlet, be aware of shoaling on the north side of the channel. An easterly wind with a strong outgoing tide is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. If you can't wait for slack tide, it might be more prudent to travel a few miles south to Lake Worth Inlet which is significantly more friendly.
Gerry

Jupiter Inlet. You probably should ask someone right there. Several years ago, I came in on a small sportfisher and am still terrified by the memory.
Reece

Sarasota Pass Question
Received 1/26/06

Regarding Big Sarasota Pass,
I read the article from the Sarasota yacht club regarding the pass, but are sailboats able to use the pass as it is marked now? It looks good but I'd like to know if sailboats have been using the pass.
Thanks
Torie Cannon Hunt
Clearwater, Fl.

You can find all the information you need to on Big Pass at the following Sarasota Yacht Club web site http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org/boating/BigPass/BigPass.htm
I have gone through Big Pass a number of times with a 5' draft and have had no problems; however, I suggest you follow the GPS coordinates found on this web site rather than depending on the markers since some of them get knocked down on occasion.
Pat Chadwick
Sarasota FL

About Big Sarasota Pass.
We were there in November and launched the dinghy to check out all the passes and problems in Sarasota. Our dinghy has a depth sounder, and conditions were very calm. We zigged and zagged through that pass all over the place. It seems that you can have 5' at normal low tide. We draw 6', so it is iffy for us.
If there are any waves, and we have been there also with the dinghy in waves, conditions change dramatically, and depths will be below 4' all over the place.
We did our checking inside and outside the marked channel. The outermost channel markers are in deeper water.
As a general rule, it seemed deeper closer to shore, and once you make the right turn by the land, depth is no problem at all. It is 20' or so.
Mat Bockh

To answer Torie Cannon Hunt from Clearwater, Fl. Yes, sailboats are using Big Pass regularly. To check the latest status, go to the Sarasota Yacht Club website http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org , Visitor Information, Big Pass.
Peter van Roekens
Boaters' Coalition Chairman Repair Yard Recommendation Needed for Clearwater, FL
Received 1/16/06

I recently moved my 545 President to the Clearwater Beach area and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good boat yard that can handle a 22.5 ton boat and perform reliable work. I have also been advised by my insurance company that as an absentee owner that I will need a full time captain or haul the boat from June till Nov. which is obviously ridiculous. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
George
Morningstar

RE: Repair Yard Recommendation Needed for Clearwater, FL
Suggest Snead Island Boat Works, Snead Island near Bradenton. It is about a 2.5 hour cruise from Treasure Island's John's Pass Inlet (about a 20 minute car ride south of Clearwater). They do quality work (which never comes cheaply). Their phone number is 941-722-2400.
For insurance, try Jerry Norman of Mariner's General Insurance Group out of Bradenton also. His number is 800-914-9928. Rates (which already were under BoatUS for same coverage) did not go up this year. I fortunately have not had to make any claims (even after four hurricanes!), so I can't speak for payment-of-claims history. Hauling the boat as you describe is not a part of his conditions.
Jeffrey Wright

I found “Noa Marineâ€Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ in St. Pete (727.576.9315) on the south side of the Gandy Causeway to be an excellent facility. I brought my Beneteau 381 from Punta Gorda for bottom paint and some repair work including a new head outlet seacock and relocating the engine’s salt water filter. Good people. Good prices. Good workmanship. And there were large, i.e. 65’, power boats there as well as sail boats.
John Leavy

Checkout the marinas in Tarpon Springs. This is closer and from all reports the yards are doing good work. Check around for new insurance, I have lived in Clearwater for 10 years and was never required to lay up my boat in the summer. Good luck!
Tom

Brunswick, GA Info Needed
Received 1/16/06

We are planning on stopping off in Brunswick, GA this summer and would appreciate any feedback from cruisers who have visited Brunswick Landing. Information that would be nice might include: shopping, flying insect concerns, navigation into Brunswick, marina conditions, things to see, etc. Thank you for any help……..
Cheers,
Roger & Marie
SV Tin Cup

I received wonderful assistance and quality dockage at the Brunswick Landing Marina recently. The service and the new facilities are now very good and good food and drink are within walking distance.
Tim Corbin

Hello, Roger and Marie.
Brunswick Landing marina is excellent and very close to the historic district. So long as you follow the channel around the shoal (assuming you are southbound) making out toward the Atlantic, you won't have any problems. There are several lighted ranges to help you stay on course.
Two eateries you won't want to miss are Ken McCord's Twocan Cafe' and McGarvey's Wee Pub. Ken is a jazz buff and usually has a combo playing on the weekends. The food is great as well.
McGarvey's is on the 4th floor of a grayish white building just about visible from the marina. This is where I was introduced to boiled peanuts, and ate the whole thing! The beer is cold and the food is very good.
By now there should be wi-fi available for a modest fee, the company was just getting started when I was there in late October 2004.
If you'd like to see a few pictures, click on this link to my web page featuring Brunswick. http://www.geocities.com/jkamer39/finally6.html
In case you'd like to start at the beginning of my trip south, click here http://www.geocities.com/jkamer39/Finally.html
for eight pages of commentary and photos.
If you enjoy Brunswick just half as much as I did, you won't be sorry you made the trip up river. If you can make it down the north side on the end of the ebb and then pick up the flood up, you'll have a much quicker time of it!
Jack, S/V Glisse'

Regarding Brunswick and the Marina,
I'm a resident of the area and operate a business in Brunswick. I'm also an avid boater and love to hear good things about our area, so I'll agree with the others about the wee pub. Two Can has moved from it's other location, but is still an excellent choice. Later in the spring check out Christie's a new resteraunt. If you're in the mood for pizza, Fox's is excellent and for "fine" dining it's hard to beat Cargo's Port Side Grille. Hope y'all enjoy the area
Jamey Hornbuckle

Boss Boat Question
Received 1/14/06

Does anyone have cruising experience with a Boss Boat as their dinghy?
Thanks, Sharon

We have a Yachtsman 10 and love it! Tons of storage, very stable, easy to maintain' and readily planes w/ a 2-stroke 15. Not that much more expensive than a good RIB. Only downside is that accommodations for passengers is less than for a same-sized inflatable.
Donovan & Pam,
aboard EOS,
Trawlercat 44

Looking for Crew – Western Florida to the Bahamas
Received 1/13/06

The Leprechaun, a 49 ft. DeFever, will be crusing the West Coast of Florida to Key West and then on to the Bahamas, departing Jan 27 from Niceville (Ft. Walton Beach). Anyone interested, please contact Dave Olsen at: deolsen.fla@cox.net.
Dave Olsen

Adams Creek to Ocracoke (North Carolina)
Can anyone tell me the distance from the northern end of Adams Creek (NC) to Ocracoke? And, is there plenty of water there? I only draw 2 1/2-3 feet.
Tug4Two
Hampstead, NC

First, get a good current chart of the Pamlico Sound and study it before your trip. For planning purposes it’s about 42 NM from Oriental to Ocracoke, a trip we like to make. It should be no more than a mile or two more from the mouth of Adams Creek. As for the depth, following the channel marked on the chart (mostly wide open water) the majority of the trip will be around 20 ft. deep. Watch out for Garbacon Shoal where Adams Creek opens to the Neuse River. Also Call the Anchorage Marina on Channel 16 for current local knowledge on entering Silver Lake (Ocracoke’s Harbor) via “Big Foot Slueâ€Ãƒâ€šÃ‚. The Anchorage Inn and Marina is a great place to stay, on your boat or ashore. Take bikes or rent them. Have Fun.
Capt. Joe
S/V Windward Passage

Looking for Boat Sitter in Cape Coral (Western Florida)
Received 1/1/06

HI;
I recently purchased a home in Cape Coral and have my 42 foot trawler behind it(my lifetime dream). We return to Maine from May to Oct and are seriously considering leaving the boat in the canal for those 4-5 months. Is there anyone in the Cape Coral area that could be hired to check the boat once a month and discuss a plan in the event of a hurricane??????
Paul Roullard
etvet@tdstelme.net
904-707-6102

Redfish Pass Question – Western Florida Coastline

Received 1/13/06

Has anyone had recent experience navigating Red Fish Pass north of Captiva Island? I am planning a trip to this area and have not used the pass since Charlie. 5 foot draft sailboat. Thanks.
Robb Prince