Young Brit Lewis Colam left Miami on March 4th heading north. If you meet him on the Waterway, slow down and give him a hearty Cheerio! And he might welcome a hearty meal and a pint of grog!

From HUFFPOST MIAMI, March 21. 2012
He has no prior rowing experience, his boat is not designed for ocean travel, and his great-great uncle nearly died off the coast of Fort Lauderdale the last time his family attempted boating in the Sunshine State.
But 24-year-old Brit Lewis Colam has given up his London job and hopped across the pond to row 1,400 miles solo and unsupported from Miami to New York City, all in a bid to raise money for Alzheimer’s research [follow his adventure at iamfinechallenge.org.]

“[The boat] seems to float very well, which my mom will be happy to hear,” Colam told the Gainesville Sun before setting out from Miami’s Pelican Harbor on Saturday.
The novice adventurer plans to snake his way north rowing up to 18 hours a day split between open Atlantic waters and the Intracoastal Waterway — more Atlantic, he says, in part to avoid alligators.

Captain Jim Healy, author of the article below, is a frequent contributor here on the Cruisers’ Net, and many other nautical mailing lists/forums. This posting is excerpted from a long submission to the GL (Great Loop) mailing list! There’s some really GOOD advice here for those contemplating a visit to the historic community of St. Augustine.
See you at the A1A Ale House!

St. Augustine – must see for history of the region; local tour company and good city bus available; alligator farm and lighthouse museum available by bus; A1A Ale House across from the city marina is excellent; easy access from mooring field and city marina. As your very first activity, take a tour of the city to see what’s there; then, plan for what you want to see in more detail.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine

Recent dredging in this AICW Problem Stretch seems to not be holding, and the USCG has reset the buoys to mark the shoaling. Captain John offers advice on proceeding through this Problem Stretch.

The ICW channel thru there is good but narrow. Stay as close to the east side green buoys as possible because the strong current (and wind) coming in from the inlet often pushes hard east to west, and it is easy to wander into shallow water on the west side of the ICW. Also the sand bar and channel is very crowded on weekends. Be careful.
Captain John

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch

Click Here To View A Local Notice to Mariners Regarding This Problem Stretch/strong>

The new mooring fields in downtown St. Augustine have been both boon and bane, as Capt. Glasser describes below:

Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:18:57 -0400 (EDT)
I was always in favor of a mooring field and some regulations as too many boaters left boats unattended for months making it the city’s problem…my days of boating have come down to a short boat ride to the fort, anchoring for 1-2 hrs, back to my marina and then drive to a restaurant for a nice lunch. I replaced my 40′ boat with a 22′ so I could do this with less work. Now comes the mooring field. Two days ago, the mooring field was 70% vacant so with the intent of sunning mysel for an hour I tied up to a mooring. I was willing to pay the $4 hr city dock rate, if asked. After a half hour their launch boat came by and in no uncertain terms I was told I would have to motor in to their dock, register, pay a $20 flat rate day fee or immediately vacate. Sure, I was wrong to steal time at their mooring but I like to play it safe with anchoring and the only choice I have is to anchor in the middle of the harbor or tuck into just adjacent to a spoil island just north of the fort in the middle of a small boat channel. I see no reason why the city can’t set aside a few moorings for hourly boats, have the smaller boats radio in for assignment, and pay the $4-$8 directly to the launch operator, exact change only.I’m really distressed over this whole situation and my love affair with the city is over.(Also for your info, to park a car costs $.25 for 10 minutes and the lots that have meters go to $8-$10 flat fee, 2 yrs ago, if you knew where to park, you could do so for nothing). For certain, this city is neither tourist or boater friendly on any level!!!
Les Glasser

We came into St. Augustine last week at dusk and called for a mooring. They told us we either had to tie up to the dock to complete the paperwork, which would have required waiting for the bridge to open, or take a mooring in the north field and launch our dinghy in the darkness to get to the dockmaster’s office. Either option was the last thing I wanted to do after being at sea for three days. We stop in St. Augustine twice each year and sometimes stay awhile. I’ve never found the over-priced municipal marina welcoming. This time, we left the mooring field and made our way up the San Sebastian River to one of the marinas (Rivers Edge) where we were welcomed openly. It’s much cheaper than the city marina, more protected and just a short walk into town.
Dennis Jay

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the St. Augustine Northern Mooring Field

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the St. Augustine Southern Mooring Field

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Augustine Mooring Fields

Marineland Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. This marina had been closed for many years, but just recently reopened. While there are not yet any nearby restaurants or good provisioning possibilities (though these are planned for the future), the new incarnation of Marineland Marina IS already another excellent stop for cruisers plying the AICW between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.

Marineland is a magical place! We draw 6ft and have no problem. The heads are spotless. Free laundry. Free WiFi. You can hear the ocean from the boat at night. If you need a ride, the staff will loan you their car. The price is right. Lots to do if you like nature, exploring by dingy or kayak or time at the beach.
Patty D

We stopped for a day and stayed 5 weeks! The marina facilities are always clean, the staff is cheerful and knowledgeable, whether you are tying up in a cross breeze, or taking a Ripple Effect Kayak tour into the hammock across the ICW. The ocean and new Marineland right across the street make your stay really enjoyable. Great rates, free laundry and pump-out, and a courtesy car are also available. Come one, come all! We loved it.
John and Georgie Jackson

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina

It’s a fascinating cruise of some 140 nautical miles from the St. Johns River’s inlet at Mayport, to the city of Sanford on Lake Monroe. And here, cruisers will discover Monroe Harbour Marina, a long-time, cruiser friendly spot! The “local knowledge” shared below will be of help when you visit!

Entering Monroe Harbour Marina’s east basin can be tough, because it is poorly marked. After rounding G “5″, off to the north east you will see two small white PVC pipes. A straight line from G “5″ to the west pipe will give you at least 8 feet of water at the lowest water levels. When you approach the pipes keep them close on Your port side. Continue on this heading until you are clear of the pipes, then you can turn toward the red marker just outside of the East basin entrance.
Lake Monroe Local

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Monroe Harbour Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Monroe Harbour Marina

Since the struggle for Florida anchoring rights began in the 1990′s, I have personally witnessed and been involved with some truly bizarre attempts to run anchored vessels out of city and county waters, BUT this action by the COUNTY of Palm Beach, must take the proverbial cake. As you will read below, Palm Beach County is proposing to FILL IN A GOODLY PORTION OF THE POPULAR ANCHORAGE AND MOORING FIELD IN NORTH LAKE WORTH, and plant sea grass in the newly raised bottom strata. The resulting depths once such a project is completed are in dispute. Some say it would be 6 feet, and others say 3 1/2 to 4 feet. Whatever the depths, you cannot anchor or set moorings in sea grass beds. The final results would be that a major portion of North Lake Worth would become inaccessible to the cruising community!
And, if that is not bizarre enough, Palm Beach County has apparently formulated these proposals with no reference to the adjacent village of North Palm Beach. As you will see from the strong letter, copied below, from North Palm Beach Mayor, Darryl C. Aubrey, and other members of the town council, they were not informed, nor consulted in this matter.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net first heard about this consternating matter some ten days ago from Captain Sue Morgan, Marketing Director for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove Holdings. She also sent along the map reproduced below! Since that time, the SSECN has been working hard to understand this dismaying proposal, and the material below is the result.
And, yes, I know this is lengthy, BUT we have decided to post this article on our Home Page for maximum visibility!
Stay tuned!

Hi Claiborne,
I thought you would like to see the attached Public Notice regarding a proposed project which impacts those who use the very popular anchorage at the end of Lake Worth.
Best Regards,
Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
OLD PORT COVE HOLDINGS, INC. MARINAS

Click Here To Read the Full Text of the Public Notice to Fill and Plant Sea Grass in Northern Lake Worth

Subject: Potential USCOE partial filling of North Lake Worth from c. 15′ to 6′ at Palm Beach County request to provide grass habitat.
Claiborne,
There is a move afoot by Palm Beach County interests to fill the north Lake Worth with sand to bring its’ level from about 15′ to 6′ to provide a habitat for some grasses. This is an area constantly used by North and South bound ICW cruisers. It is a well known layover for wx windox waiting, provisioning and staging for the Bahamas-bound. It is just off the Old port Cove marinas, popular spots for fueling and just hanging out. The request for this project, seemingly surreptitiously submitted, should it be granted, will impinge on its use. For more particulars, would you please contact His Honor,
Mr. Daryl Aubrey,
Mayor of North Palm Beach, Florida
and Commodore Greg Fightmaster, NPB Yacht Club

And this letter from Mayor Aubrey and the Village Council to the County Commissioners and others:

THE VILLAGE OF North Palm Beach
501 U.S. HIGHWAY 1• NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33408 • 561- 841-3355• FAX 561- 881- 7469
VILLAGE COUNCIL
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc. D., Mayor
David B. Norris, Vice Mayor
William L. Manuel, President Pro Tern
Robert A. Gebbia, Councilman
Edward M. Eissey, Ph. D., Councilman
VILLAGE MANAGER, Jimmy Knight
VILLAGE CLERK, Melissa Teal, CMC
February 27, 2012
The Honorable Shelley Vana, Chair
Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County
301 North Olive Avenue, Suite 1201
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Re: Turtle Cove Restoration Project
Army Corps of Engineers Permit Application No. SAJ- 2012- 00131 ( IP-EGR)
Dear Chair Vana:
The Village of North Palm Beach has recently learned of a massive fill project involving the dumping of 640,000 cubic yards of sand within a portion of the Lake Worth Lagoon known as Turtle Cove. The project site is not only partly within the Village’ s municipal boundaries, but also is immediately adjacent to two established Village communities with marinas ( Old Port Cove and Twelve Oaks) and one proposed Village development with a marina( Water Club at North Palm Beach f/k/a Domani). The purpose of this correspondence is two- fold. First, the Village wishes to express its extreme disappointment and displeasure with the method in which it was notified of the project. While a project of such a large scale must have undergone months of planning, the Village did not learn of the project until immediately prior to the Army Corps’ issuance of a Public Notice on the permit application, giving affected parties only thirty days in which to submit their comments. The County’ s failure to include the Village in the planning process or to even notify the Village prior to submittal of the permit application violates all notions of intergovernmental cooperation and renders suspect the project’ s stated purpose, i. e., the enhancement of the aquatic environment through the creation of a seagrass habitat.
Second, as outlined in the Village’ s February 24, 2012 letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Village is vehemently opposed to a large-scale fill project that would potentially spoil a forty-two acre currently pristine portion of the Lake Worth Lagoon. Prior projects within the Lagoon have hampered, rather than enhanced, the aquatic environment, and the Village fears that this undertaking will be no different, but on an even larger scale. The Village believes that this massive fill operation will seriously impede navigation in the area by eliminating a long- established navigation channel and essentially pushing all vessels, including those currently located within the established mooring field, to the outskirts of the Lagoon. Additionally, the accumulation of silt would have disastrous consequences for Little Lake Worth and for the existing and proposed marinas in the immediate vicinity of the project site. Finally, the proposed fill operation could impair the riparian rights of owners of properties adjacent to both the Lagoon and Little Lake Worth, and a multi-year construction project will be detrimental to property values that have already seen massive declines in recent years.
Due to the County’ s failure to notify or solicit input from the Village or any other interested party, including the County’ s own constituents, until after the County filed its permit application, the Village strongly urges the County to rescind the pending permit application. Given the potential for disastrous consequences, the Village cannot comprehend the urgency to proceed with a project of this magnitude intended merely ” to enhance the aquatic environment” when there is no imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare.
Sincerely,
The Village Council of the Village of North Palm Beach, Florida
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc. D., Mayor
David B. Norris, Vice Mayor
William L. Manuel, President Pro Tern
Robert A. Gebbia, Councilman
Edward M. Eissey, Ph. D., Councilman

According to the public notice, linked above:

“Comments regarding the application should be submitted in writing to the District Engineer at the above address [DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 4400 PGA BOULEVARD, SUITE 500, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA 33410] within 30 days from the date of this notice.
“If you have any questions concerning this application, you may contact Eric Reusch at the letterhead address, by electronic mail at Eric.G.Reusch@usace.army.mil, or by telephone at 561-472-3529.
The decision whether to issue or deny this permit application will be based on the information received from this public notice and the evaluation of the probable impact to the aquatic environment. This is based on an analysis of the applicant’s avoidance and minimization efforts for the project, as well as the compensatory mitigation propose.”

May I strongly suggest that we ALL MEMBERS OF THE CRUISING COMMUNITY EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO “COMMENT!”

Click Here To Read Cruising Community Reaction to the North Lake Worth Filling Proposal

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the North Palm Beach – Lake Worth Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of North Lake Worth

The waters comprising the Lantana Anchorage lie just south of the Lantana Bridge (itself just south of West Palm Beach), and off the AICW’s western flank. Protection is only fair here, and you are subject to the wake of passing vessels.

ANCHORED HERE 2 NIGHTS, I DRAW 7 FEET, NO PROBLEM. JUST KNOW THE DEPTH AND TIDES U REQUIRE.
DINGHY TO OLD KEY LIME RESTAURANT OR BOAT RAMP.
BILL

Anchored there on way south and again on our trip back north last year. One of our enjoyable stops. We draw 5ft and had no problem but there are some high spots to avoid so I would advice circle around before dropping anchor and be mindful of tides. Enjoyed Old Key Lime restaurant and meet up with an old friend there I had not seen in more years then I want to say…LOL…a great stop if weather is right.
Susan Dawson aboard S/V Colleen Mae

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Lantana Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lantana Anchorage

After several months of maintenance closures and inconvenience to area boaters and cruisers wanting to access the charms of the St. Johns River, the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge in downtown Jacksonville has returned to its normal schedule, i.e. open except when trains are crossing the river. This is especially good news for Jacksonville boaters since the closed vertical clearance of the bridge is only 5ft.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of FEC RR Bridge

Speaking strictly for yours truly, I have no problem with any of Captain Long’s remarks below, except I would point out that it was only because the FWC refused to permit St. Augustine to enact a 10 day anchoring limit for their waters outside of the mooring field, that we now have a far more reasonable 30-day anchoring limit!

Claiborne,
The St. Augustine Municipal Marina staff told me that the no-anchorage buffer from the mooring areas is 100 feet outside the line of the corner posts that deliniate the mooring fields. Speaking as a former harbormaster, I think this is a reasonable standard which should serve as the precedent for the mooring fields being established to the south.
Roger Long
S/V Strider

Claiborne,
I just read the Saint Augustine mooring ordinance and it strikes me as something that should be promoted as a model for other cities. It permits anchoring for longer than any cruiser would be likely to want to, up to 30 days in any 45 day period, and has a “safe harbor” provision for people who are having mechanical trouble or facing bad weather when their time runs out.
Vessels which are anchored or moored year round, which does not effect cruisers, are required to present themselves at the municipal marina twice a year to prove that they are still functional, capable of moving under their own power, and being cared for at least minimally.
My only beef with the city is that there appears to be no way to get ashore from an anchored vessel except to pay the $20 a day fee for use of the marina dinghy dock. This poor shore access that I’ve seen in Florida will probably be a factor keeping me in GA and the Carolinas for most of my future cruising.
Roger

Submitted on 2012/03/12 at 8:49 am
The new mooring field in downtown St. Augustine is back in use. In June, 2011 the moorings were approximately $28 per night and the mooring field was over 70% vacant. I called to check price in February and they quoted approx. $12.00 per night. Big difference in price and it shows with a higher occupancy of boats. With anchoring being prohibited in mooring fields, we have to watch that they don’t raise the price to the point that the mooring field is excessively vacant, because that would yield the same result as just prohibiting boats! Which was not the intent of the law. Anchoring is prohibited in mooring fields to prevent anchored boats from dragging into moored boats, but if a municipality vacates a mooring field because of overpricing, then there’s no reason to prohibit anchoring. We should watch this, as some municipalities that don’t want the boats will implement this trickery (Ft. Meyers, Miami Beach, etc.).
Tim Benner

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the St. Augustine Southern Mooring Field

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Augustine Southern Mooring Field

St. Johns Marina is just a short hop north of the De Land/Whitehair Bridge, along the St. John’s northeasterly banks.

The St. Johns Marina is open, however the restaurant is CLOSED, and has been for some time.
Captain Mike

2012/3/9
Sittin here- 3:30 pm on a Fri- no one here- restaurant closed tighter than drum and for a long time.
Someone is skimming this place big time- Used to be a full service hopping place-
JockoPfwPfd

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For St. Johns Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Johns Marina

Palm Cove Marina’s marked entry channel cuts into the western banks of the AICW, just north of the B. B. McCormick/Beach Boulevard Bridge. We have personally visited this facility twice within the past twelve months, and can attest it’s a first class facility in every sense of the word.
Well, of course, these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Palm Cove Marina at the ICW and Beach Blvd. Bridge Jacksonville has fuel, full service yard, pool, nearby restuarnts, shopping, good fuel prices, and a short bus ride to the beach.
Bill and Barbara Reed

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Palm Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palm Cove Marina

Dinner Key Marina is located in southern Miami, hard by the vibrant Coconut Grove Community. This marina and its adjacent mooring field are very popular.
We didn’t know that fuel was available at Dinner Key Marina in any form, and we do not, and intend to still not, list this service in our Marina Directory. However, it’s interesting to note that tanker truck diesel fuel deliveries may be available here.

Diesel is available at Dinner Key Marina only by arrangement to have it delivered by truck. You can get gasoline or diesel next door (a scant 1/4 mile north) of Dinner Key at Grove Harbour Marina. Check their prices at 305-854-6444.
Bill Donovan

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Dinner Key Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dinner Key Marina

Last June there was a HUGE row here on the Cruisers’ Net, begun by reprinting a letter fellow nautical writer, Captain Wally Moran, sent to the Miami Beach Chief Mayor (check out – http://cruisersnet.net/?p=59515). It seems that one property owner in this area objects so strongly to boats being anchored behind his house, that he shines bright spotlights out over the water, and plays loud music. Captain Wally even experienced a local law enforcement office stopping by his boat, and, after acknowledging that he had no right to do so under Florida state law, Wally was asked asked to move his vessel elsewhere.
Since then, the battle between cruisers and the property owner in question on Sunset Lake has continued! Captain Kettlewell’s comment below refers to the original posting on this subject.

Dennis, by all accounts the abuse has been solely on the part of one property owner, to the point that his shenanigans have been reported toe police numerous times by his land neighbors. He is the one who blasts loud music, shines spotlights, throws wakes, etc. The cruisers just anchor there and get this treatment. Cruisers are fighting back by reporting his illegal actions, like creating excessive noise that disturbs everyone. It is clear that this fellow thinks he owns the water behind his house. He does not. It is a public waterway for all to share.
John Kettlewell

And, the latest from Captain Wally Moran, as of 1/27/12

I’ve received an additional email from m/v Refuge since the above. There are now an additional five small boats anchored out behind Karlton’s property. The local police and, I understand, the FWC, have been around.
I’ve contacted the mayor’s office several times now and requested that the situation be dealt with, since Karlton is not only breaking the law, he is denying to others their rights. The city has not responded directly to me (yet), but I’ll wait a bit yet to see what they might do. They just might not want to speak with me – I seem to antagonize them, if you can imagine that!
Interestingly enough, Karlton is also proving that boaters DO have the right to anchor in Sunset Lake by his actions with his little boats. The irony is palpable, as Claiborne might say.
Karlton has had 8 visits from municipal code enforcement officers in the past 18 months or so, and two tickets. A $250 ticket remains unpaid as of today according to MB records.
My suggestion? Anchor behind Karlton’s place, and when he plays his rap music, call the city. Make sure you give them a valid celphone number, because Karlton is bright enough to turn down the music before they arrive, hence only two tickets out of 8 calls.
The fines run up to $5000 for subsequent offenses. Perhaps after this idiot has paid a few thousand dollars in fines, he might smarten up. Or maybe not. I know how I’ll bet.
btw, look for the red sailboat anchored there in a couple of weeks. I’m heading into Florida now and plan on stopping by to wave hello to Karlton and spend a couple of days at least – it’s a nice anchorage. Would hate to miss it, and I’ve got some great noise cancelling earphones I want to try out.
Wally Moran

With some misgivings about anchoring in Sunset Lake today and dropped the hook.
It’s our first time here and were surprised to see at least a third of the anchorage taken by a fleet of small sailboats. I’m assuming it was the homeowner, confused about our rights to anchor, who has anchored a fleet of used “Pico” sail boats (total of 19), apparently behind his property. Each boat has been carefully anchored and fitted with a short PVC mast with a lawn LED light.
It would appear he has succeeded in making it impossible to anchor behind his house. The boats are under 16′ with no motor so don’t require Florida Registration, but I’m not sure the lawn LED lights meet the USCG requirements for 2NM viability.
There are two boats anchored to the south of “the fleet” with us and there is room for may one or two more. There is also still room to the north for a couple more boats. It’s just kind of sad.
Here is are the links to a couple of photo that show the “fleet”.

[IMG]http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/Brilliant425/P3020016.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/Brilliant425/P3020015.jpg[/IMG]

Pete Peterson

Boca Raton Anchorage on the northeastern section of Lake Boca Raton, east of flashing daybeacon #65, but, as Capt. Smith discovered, the preferred entrance channel seems to be on the north side of marker #65.

Be careful entering this anchorage! We anchored here last night (2/28/12) and it is tricky to get into the anchorage. We entered just south of Marker 65 and almost went aground. The anchorage was crowded but everyone entered North of marker 65. We left the anchorage this morning North of the marker and had plenty of water. Nice anchorage It was crowded until dark with locals but we had a nice, quiet night.
Steve and Regina Smith

Good going on giving advice when entering Lake Boca. You can add that the depth is 6 plus all around the perimeter of the lake and the best depths is in the northeast end.
Advice from a resident of Boca for 22 years.
Harold Egor

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Boca Raton Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Raton Anchorage

State Road 312 Bridge-crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 780, south of the Waterway’s intersection with the San Sebastian River. This fixed span normally has a 65-foot vertical clearance.

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – ST SIMONS SOUND TO TOLOMATO RIVER – AMELIA RIVER BRIDGE
Gemstone Contracting has advised this office that they will start painting the East Bound SR 312 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 780.0, Lake City, St Johns County, Florida on March 26, 2012. This work will reduce the vertical clearance of one half of the bridge by four feet. This work is expected to be completed by July 11, 2012. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11489

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For SR 312 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the SR 312 Bridge

I’m not familiar with the anchorage Captain Randy outlines below. Can anyone else shed some more light on this overnight haven? If so, please click the “Contribute Cruising News” link found near the top center of this, and most Net pages.

Just before you get to Miami you will find a nice anchorage on the ICW, almost opposite Bakers Haulover Inlet.  Double-check your charts but I’m pretty sure that as you pass MM1080 turn right between 6A & 6B and you will enter a beautiful anchorage carrying between 8 & 16 ft. of water.  On the west side of the anchorage is a quiet campus of Florida International University (I think)
and the other side is a pleasant, wooded park…I think it is Oleta State Park.  There is a great view of the ICW within viewing distance of Miami Beach.  It is a great place to set out for Key Biscayne or Virginia Key.  The last time we were there we left early in the morning, transited through Miami and were tied up at Boca Chita Key in time for lunch.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR

Here’s a bit of additional info on this anchorage from Captain Pascal:

Subject: Anchorage North Miami/haulover
Message: I see your comment about the anchorage mentioned by Randy P.   It’s a popular small boat/week end anchorage behind Beer Can Island. there is always a lot of shoaling in the ICW behind Haulover Inlet so beware of the depth and feel your way in,   Never tried it…
Pascal

Subject: Oleta State Park
Message: I hate to recommend our favorite anchorage in Florida for fear that it will become overcrowded!  South of the Sunny Isles bridge opposite Baker’s Haulover Inlet in North Miami is a quiet, well protected anchorage between a state park and Florida International University.  Leave marker 6A to port and head west past a fishing dock and a public beach.  The anchorage is around the point to the north or anywhere in the bay.  People dinghy into a small beach on the eastern shore of the north anchorage (landing is prohibited at the college)and walk over to the beach or a couple of miles north to shopping.  Other shopping is available by dinghy by heading up New Arch Creek to the south.  There are outdoor cold showers and restrooms near the beach.
Allen Ames

And more:

Nice anchorage But….not dingy friendly….No good place to dingy in the park…No motors allowed in the park area…no dinging in or around the University….a guy got a ticket just for landing on the property….Lots of boats but lots of room to anchor. 10-15 feet of water. NOT pet friendly area. A lot of restrictions for going ashore to the park.
Tom Hamman

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Anchorage

Old Port Cove Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.

Great marina with easy in and out. The staff is very helpful and pleasant.
Steve and Regina Smith

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina

Harbourtown Marina sits on the northern banks of Taylor Creek, which cuts into the Waterway’s western flank, south of unlighted daybeacon #184, just north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet.

We have just finished a three month stay at Harbourtown and it was great. The marina has just had a major refit with all new pilings and decks, so it is a solid place to dock. It is very sheltered; even in a hard blow the water only ripples. The bathrooms are kept clean. We have a very large golden retreiver, and it was no problem to have him there, for it is dog friendly. A few miles away on North Hutchison Island is a wonderful ocean beach where our dog could swim and run. The Fort Pierce inlet is very close to the marina (20 min.) so it was fantastic for us to day sail as we got to know our boat – we are new sailers. The yacht services seem to be well run if you need work done, and finally the dockmaster, Dan, and his crew are very friendly and helpful.
Ian MacInnis

I was in Ft. Pierce in June, 2011 and shopped price at Harbourtown Marina and the City Marina. At that time Harbourtown Marina was significantly higher in price. I like the Marina and hope that they have gotten more competitively priced since then.
Tim Benner

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Harbourtown Marina

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The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel, mentioned by Capt. Kemp below, cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.

There is a nice channel into this protected marina but there is boat traffic and road noise in the harbor. The suggested walking route into the historic district took us thru some rather questionable areas. Facilities are very limited and were a long hike from the slip. No dockside internet.
Alan Kemp

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina

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