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    • May 25, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Jewfish Bush Banks Anchorage (Florida Keys Inside Route, just west of Channel Five, St. M. 1169.5)

      This anchorage lies off the inside/ICW route, just west of Channel Five. We note that Captain Ron says other guide books suggest dropping the hook in Jewfish Hole (just to the west). Follow the link below to these water’s listing in our “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory,” and you will see that we have chosen a slightly different position, where cruisers will be partially sheltered by a shoal just to the east. Note either of these anchor down spots are fair weather only anchorages.

      The `desired’ anchorage according to the guides is Jewfish Hole. Heavy grass/weed bottom. Only a heavy plow has a chance to dig in. Danforth type anchors just skid along the bottom for a good chunk of `salad fixins.’ I would not anchor here in any sort of blow as your holding will always be tentative. The only positive is that there is a campground there with ice, fuel and a quik mart.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Key Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Bush Banks Anchorage

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    • May 24, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Fanny Keys Anchorage (Marathon – North Shore – off Inside/ICW Florida Keys Route)

      Well, I agree with Captain Ron’s comments below, and I don’t CLEARLY this is a fair weather only anchorage, and should not even be considered if there is hint of foul weather in the forecast. However, weather conditions permitting, we have dropped the hook here, and spent a few very happy evenings.

      I wonder who calls Fanny Keys an anchorage? It’s just a spot on the bayside intercoastal to drop your hook like any other basically open anchorage. Plenty of current, boat traffic from Faro Blanco Marina, no protection from Florida Bay/Gulf winds. You really can’t anchor between the two little nubs/keys(?). Looks good on the chart, but don’t be disappointed if you arrive late after a long sail. The joke will be on you!
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Fanny Keys Anchorage

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    • May 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Pumpkin Key Anchorage, Indian Key Anchroage and Angelfish Creek – Captain Jane Reports

      Is there anything better than an article authored by our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane. We don’t think so! Not only is

      At anchor at Pumpkin Key.

      Jane a very keen observer, she’s also a marvelous writer and we feel very privileged to have her as a regular Net reporter.
      Below, Captain Jane does her usual sterling job of presenting information on two Florida anchorages, with a quick blurb concerning depths on Angelfish Creek.
      Her first anchor down spot, Pumpkin Key, is located off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW/Florida Bay route, near the eastern shores of Card Sound. We provide links below to these waters’ entries in the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” listings.
      Indian Key lies on the Hawk Channel side of the Keys, abeam of the gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. We all collectively think SO LITTLE of this so-called anchorage that we have chosen NOT to list it in our directory. Captain Jane lays bare the reason for our low opinion of these waters as an overnight haven below.
      Thanks for another wonderful job Captain Jane!!!!

      Captain Jane Reports on Two Anchorages between Miami and Marathon: Pumpkin Key and Indian Key with a bonus comment on Angelfish Creek
      First, look at these two peaceful photographs. Don’t they conjure up the ideal idyll of the cruising life? But you and I know better, right? This season, we experienced both the “why are we heeling if we are at anchor” feeling and the epiphany that mooring balls don’t necessarily make you feel secure and comfy.
      So here is a current report on two popular places to swing on the hook or a ball while making your way to or from the Keys.
      Keys-bound, first up is Pumpkin Key. Depths of 8 to 11 feet, shelter from all but a western blow. Caveat: we are two for two for dragging here; watch yourself carefully when you first drop the hook. It’s easy to hook up with a clump of seagrass and drag at an impressive speed. One afternoon in January it took us and another vessel four tries each to get set in actual bottom. The other vessel switched from a plow to a Fortress style anchor, and we found security doing the exact opposite, same day, same time, same channel. Go figure. That’s the science of anchoring. The good news is, once we were set, the holding was great.

      Perfect sunset for a nauseating rocking rolling night on a mooring at Indian Key; historic site on shore.

      We had the same experience in early February but it only took three tries. Once we got the anchor in, we were secure even while we took a strong blow on our unprotected side.
      Next stop on your way to Marathon is Indian Key. It’s a wonderful place to visit, featuring historical sites and a dinghy dock and three free mooring balls. Signs at the dinghy dock say this ungated park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and we hear it is worth a stroll. We confess that your fearless roving reporter was neither fearless nor roving. Intimidated by rolling and nauseating sea swells, described below, neither of us kayaked ashore to provide you with an up to date site visit report.
      For all the poetic appeal of visiting Indian Key, if there has recently been an extended blow, especially from the South is our theory, you can expect large sea swells to be a feature of your stay. But perhaps you enjoy a quiet night swinging — and we mean swinging — on the hook or mooring, with your nose not just in a book but literally slamming into it every 11 seconds.
      We made the mistake of thinking that when the wind clocked to something other than south, “rock-a-bye baby the cradle will fall” sensation would stop. We were wrong and, as a result, on top of our own physical discomfort, we had to endure 16 hours of intense guilt-demanding glares from the more sensitive of our two boat cats.
      Our advice — visit Indian Key in calm weather. There is no protection from any wind but north and the swells can be quease-inducing. Also, the tackle on the mooring we chose was quite frayed, something to consider if you are looking for shelter in heavy weather. Matecumbe Bight nearby might be a better choice.
      Captain Jane
      S/V Lady Jane
      PS: My most excellent first mate thinks I would be remiss if I did not mention that on our winter 2010 passages through Angelfish Creek to and from Hawk Channel, we found no less than 8 feet. We favored the red marker side of the channel. Now I’m not remiss.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Northeastern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Western Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Southern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

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

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

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    • May 19, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Stock Island Marinas Recommended

      The posting below was copied from the Cruisers Forum (http://www.CruisersForum.com). I suspect one of the marinas on Stock Island that Captain Lorenzo is referring to is Safe Harbor Marina. This is a truly laid back sort of place!

      What a lovely stay we had in Key West. We highly recommend staying at one of the marinas on Stock Island, quiet laid back with great restaurants, fresh seafood right off the boat, and the price is right. If you don’t mind staying at a boatyard or have some work to do, check out Robbies on Shrimp Rd.
      Now we’re off to Cape Cod for some real lobster.
      Lorenzo B

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Safe Harbor Marina

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    • May 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      One Unhappy Review And Many Postive Comments Concerning the Dinner Key Mooring Field (near St. M. 1094.5)

      Even though the inspiration for Captain Sherman’s message below was in response to an earlier posting here on the Net concerning Dinner Key Marina, I’ve posted this note separately, as it pertains more to the adjacent mooring field than to the marina.
      Clearly, the mooring field is a facility that some cruisers love, and some cruisers loathe. We have had comments both ways here on the Cruisers’ Net. Read what Captain Sherman has to say, follow the links below, and make up your own mind!

      Opinions appear to vary widely on the Dinner Key Marina. We stayed three nights on a mooring in the new mooring field. We will NEVER do that again and suggest others pass this mooring field by!!! In moderate winds from the east or south (10 knots) it was a wet and close to dangerous dinghy ride to the totally inadequate dinghy dock!! There is a shuttle boat that they want you to use but two friends who are in the mooring field warned us that their boats had been hit and damaged by the shuttle boat so there was no way we were going to expose Enchantress to that!!!
      We were assigned a mooring ball by the shuttle boat and then they wanted to change it when we went in to check in. They sent us to a slip on a fixed dock in our dinghy to fill some Jerry jugs with water but didn’t tell us to bring a hose, so no water! The dinghy dock which doesn’t have anyway near enough space anyway had a sign saying half of it was closed as apparently the are going to tow it out of the semi-secure marina and put it at the public boat ramp in the adjacent park where there is no security at all!!
      The shower/restroom facilities are tolerable (barely), although the big roach did have me checking my shower bag carefully before taking it back to the boat! They close the restrooms for an hour during peak morning and afternoon times for cleaning although what is done during that time was not readily apparent.
      This is a marina that may understand the needs of boaters who stay in slips but they have no concept of what cruising boats or boats that use moorings or who anchor need. We need easy access to water to fill Jerry jugs in the dinghy and adequate dinghy access.
      Although we anchor almost exclusively when on the move, we like mooring fields (we spend our winters on a mooring in Boot Key Harbor) but not this one. It is poorly managed and not worth paying for. Protection is horrible, may as well anchor in the middle of Biscayne Bay or out in the Atlantic! Provisioning is not convenient, Publix Supermarket requires a bus and trai ride. The only grocery store is a gormet Fresh Foods with poor selection and high prices.
      We have anchored or moored in more than 100 harbors and would return to most but NOT this one!! Did I mention the murder that occured in the anchorage adjacent yo the moorings just before we arrived?
      Larry Sherman

      And, here are several very different point of view:

      Clearly many folks have many opinions, but I was shocked by Mr. Sherman’s review of the Dinner Key Mooring Field. I just spent a night there and I agree it is an exposed area. But almost 10 years ago I lived in the anchorage where the moorings are now, and let me tell you it felt good to be on a ball.
      I can’t help to feel a bit sorry for Mr. Sherman who obviously had a bad stay. Perhaps his experience should serve as a wakeup call to himself and others; that life at sea is subject to many things (we don’t always get what we want). Perhaps those who find they have experiences like this where they don’t get what they want when they want it should look into life in an R/V or retirement village, because if you are getting everything you want when you want it on a boat your probably some middle eastern sheik with deep pockets or worse on a cruise ship.
      So I am clear, the weather was rough the dingy ride was wet, the dingy dock was small, the supermarket was to much money not enough selection, the supermarket was too far yadadayada.. , Were you really expecting the Ritz? Because if you were, just across the street from Dinner Key is the Ritz, but I wonder if you would just find it failing your expectations. Maybe the city of Miami should have planned the city around the mooring field?
      I had an excellent time at Dinner Key, and hope one day to return soon.
      Sincerely,
      Peter Shemp

      I had a wonderful experience at the new Dinner Key Mooring Field. When I dinked in to get some water I brought my own 2ft hose (because I like to be prepared) and had no problem.
      As far as the dinghy dock goes, yes it’s a first come first serve deal but that’s the wat it is everywhere. Maybe Mr. Sherman didn’t realize that Miami, like all major metropolitan cities, have certain amounts of danger. I felt safe in the managed moring field. I wouldn’t have felt safe if I just dropped the hook.
      I thought the staff and management were professional and the facility up to par. I will stay at the Dinner Key Mooring Field again!
      Charlie Stewart

      Perhaps if Captain Sherman would have spent a few days on a Rickenbacker Marina Mooring he would have appreciated the Dinner Key moorings a bit more.
      I had my boat at Rickenbacker marina for about two years where the dingy dock was a mud bank under mangroves trees. So either you got your dingy full of mud and dirt when you got in it or the tree leaves would fall into the dingy and foul it all up in no time.
      And not only are the moorings there exposed to all but east winds, they right next to a power boat and jet ski freeway. weekdays were bearable if the winds were calm but weekends were like being in a washing machine. And the bathrooms were in terribly shoddy condition. I would take dinner key bathrooms any day after that.
      I only wish that the dinner key mooring field existed at that time, I would have taken on in a heartbeat.
      It seems to me that Captain Sherman has some axe to grind as any sailor with experience can tell from which direction he is going to be exposed prior to taking up an anchorage, and as if the city had any control of how mother nature created the bay and how much wind and from where it was going to blow when he pulled into town.
      As the other post said, we have to take cruising with a grain of salt. and sometimes a geat big one’¦’¦ but that is what makes it an adventure and what makes it worth doing at all.
      P.S. I forgot the mention, I have very fond memories of my days at Rickenbacker Marina.
      Jules Robinson

      Captains Jule and John have a GOOD idea below, AND Coconut Grove Sailing Club is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      An alternative to the Dinner Key mooring field is the Coconut Grove Sailing Club mooring field. CCSC is just to the south of Dinner Key, and its moorings are completely sheltered by mangrove islands. While CCSC is a private club, they do have several moorings for transient, non-member cruisers. They have shower/restroom facilities and a water taxi that runs 24 hours a day. We spent 5 very windy days there ( winds up to 35 knots) in comfort and felt very welcomed by the staff and members.
      Julie and John Stocksdale
      s/v Jolie

      Hey folks
      Just want to say that the folks at Dinner Key seem to really try to make your experience a good one. We had a wonderful experience with them. When we couldn’t return as planned due to a medical emergency, the guys checked our lines and even went aboard found my husband’s passport and sent it to him so he could travel for some work out of the country.
      Yep, the moorings are exposed and the shuttle may ding your boat on occasion, but I think they’re really trying and doing a great job. Thanks James and Daniel and all the crew!
      Kathy
      on S/V SEEKER

      Click Here To Read An Earlier, Positive Posting About the Dinner Key Mooring Field

      Click Here To Read Another Positive Posting About the Dinner Key Mooring Field

      Click Here To Read An Earlier, Negative Posting About the Dinner Key Mooring Field

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    • May 13, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruising From Florida Keys To Cape Sable (Southwestern mainland Florida)

      The two messages below were copied from the “GL” (Great Loop) mailing list. Both were in response to a question about what cruisers could expect while cruising through the Florida Bay waters between the Florida Keys (Marathon or Channel Five) to Cape Sable (south of Marco Island and Everglades City).

      Florida Bay usually isn’t too bad with an east wind because there is so much shallow water upwind of you. There are two strategies that you might consider.
      1. Leave early in the morning. Like at first light. The wind is usually less in the morning.
      2. From Islamorada, go to Old Dan Bank, then Through the “Yacht Channel” at Arsenic Bank and then past Sprigger, Schooner and Oxfoot Banks on your way to East Cape at Cape Sable. It only about 15 miles from Islamorada to Yacht Channel and then less than 20 miles to East Cape. The course is generally NWish so you should have a good trip, even in 20 kts.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

      The water will be choppy but doable. The biggest problem between Islamorada and the southern tip of FL will be seeing the crab pots in the choppy water. After you get off the southern tip of FL you can hug the coast and have smooth water all the way into Shark River. From Shark to Goodland should also be fine in those east winds, you will run out of the crab pots for the most part and have pretty smooth water.
      Been there, done that,
      Todd & Brenda Lanning
      Life’s2Short
      1985 40′ Oceania Trawler

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    • May 10, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Westin Resort and Marina (Key West)

      Hmmmmm! Other nearby alternatives are the marinas in Key West Bight, and the city marina in Garrison Bight.

      We just spent four very uncomfortable days at this marina. The docks are in disrepair and the surge is unbelievable all day long.
      While the marina is in the thick of things, skip it!
      Sheldon Gawiser

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For the Westin Resort and Marina

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    • May 10, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dinner Key Marina (south Miami, near St. M. 1094.5)

      Dinner Key Marina is now the principal city of Miami Marina pleasure craft facility. It sits in the heart of the Coconut Grove community, and there are lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Security might be a concern in Coconut Grove, however, after dark.
      I notice Captains John and Susan do not say anything below about the shower/bathroom facilities here. We have always found these unit sub-par!

      We enjoyed Dinner Key Marina. Had no problems finding the slip. The Piers were well marked on the ends and each slip has the number on its dock box. We didn’t have any help on the way in, but we didn’t ask. Saw several dock hands helping others who asked, though. On the way out, a line handler showed from the Marina and several volunteers were there as well. We had great dinners and thoroughly enjoyed the walking and Coconut Grove area.
      John and Susan

      Hi,
      We live in Miami and have kept our boat at Dinner Key Marina for about a year now and have had no problem with security at any hour and we have had some very late nights, we walk to and from the bars, shops and restaurants at all hours of the day or night and never had a problem.
      The bathrooms are in very good condition. The showers are in just good condition. Most important is that they are cleaned daily.
      We are very happy with this marina and the overall location is excellent. Everything you need / want is within walking distance.
      Jules Robinson

      On Sunday, July 11th we did not want to run all day since we wanted to celebrate my birthday. South of downtown Miami and south of the Rickenbacher Causeway, we found the long, privately marked, channel into Dinner Key Marina. 6-feet was the least depth I noticed in the channel. We have stayed here numerous times. It is a huge facility with a diverse and fun liveaboard community. Restaurants on the water are just north of the marina. The funky-artsy village of Coconut Grove is a short walk to the southwest of the marina. After dinner on the boat, we went to a dueling piano bar to continue my birthday celebration. We paid $2.50 a foot per night plus electricity. They hold a $25 deposit for each gate/restroom key you want. This is a city marina (its sister marina is Bayside in downtown Miami). The restrooms here are always questionable. They seemed better maintained this visit, but they are old and could use a refurbishment.
      Jeff and Michele Prahm aboard MV Java Girl

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

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    • May 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Islamorado Anchorage + Lor-e-lei Restaurant, Cabana Bar, and Marina (near St. M. 1160, Inside/ICW Route)

      Sounds like Captains John and Susan dropped the hook in the nearby “Islamorada Anchorage, and then dinghied into Lorelei. Clearly, they had an unfortunate experience there.

      We also anchored off the Lor-E-Lei and went in for refreshments and dinner. It was early so we sat at the bar (in the shade) and had a few adult beverages and then had dinner. Dinner was OK except the Fritters were raw inside. We paid, no complaining, and headed to the outside to sit and listen to the entertainment which had just kicked off. One more beer and we were heading back to the boat. The Waitress rudely informed us that we could not sit out there unless we ordered food. No signs stating such. I told her that I had already spent 50 bucks with tip and she said,’I make my money from tips.’ and told us we could not sit. Rude wait staff will always cause patrons to leave. Stay away from this place unless that is OK with you.
      John and Susan

      My experience here is: Nice place, Beautiful Sunsets, sandy beach outdoor seating with torches lit, nice atmosphere, great live entertainment, kids have room to run, mediocre food.
      Been here several times and never had a problem with the staff but then again I was eating or drinking until I left’¦.. you can sit at the bar and listen to the music if you’re not going to order food, it’s just as close to the stage as the sandy area, just on the other side of the stage and still outdoors.
      Jules Robinson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Islamorada Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Lor-e-lei Restaurant, Cabana Bar, and Marina

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    • May 4, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Uninvited Passenger

      Here’s a little story from Ted Jones, former editor and co-owner of the late, great and much lamented “Coastal Cruising” magazine. This tale signifies to me why we all cruise. Who else could have such an experience but cruisers, and Ted has written it so very well!

      As dusk settled over the ocean on April 29th a land bird suddenly flew into the companionway and landed on Malla’s head as she was working in the galley. Reflexively, she brushed it away, and it flew out over the ocean again only to return, determined to find a suitable perch before nightfall. Malla identified it as a swallow. It had most likely been blown out to sea by the strong westerly winds of the previous several days. Swallows, she said require a perch before dark where they can safely spend the night. Ted was not surprised, having been visited by land birds on several occasions. They rarely survive the experience, and there seems to be no way one can help. We have tried, but the end always seems to be the same despite good intentions. Our little swallow eventually found a roosting place on the extension cord used to connect Ted’s computer equipment when we are dockside.
      Both of us were mindful of our passenger throughout the tumultuous events of the wee hours of Friday morning and were concerned for its safety. Amazingly, it put up with the contents of the ice box counter crashing to the cabin sole at one point and the noise and vibrations of the engine sometime later. It clung to it’s tenuous perch despite the constant motion.
      An hour or so after sunrise, with a `thank you’ chirp, our little bird suddenly took flight, out of the companionway, and with a quick orientation circle disappeared toward land, several miles away. We hope it made it to shore. We will never know, although we told it to say hello to Dorcas when it gets to Vermont.
      Cheers,
      Ted

      Ted’s story about the bird that took refuge reminded me of a similar incident around 1982. While wrapping up a dive trip on the wreck of the City of Richmond some 30 miles or so off the Georgetown entrance a sandpiper landed on the instrument panel’¦and refused to budge. We knew right away the poor critter must have lost it’s bearings and flew out to sea. About the time we approached the Pee Dee entrance it got reoriented and flew away to the beach. Sigh.
      Bill Norris
      (Nobody You Know) Hatteras 40DCMY

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    • Apr 30, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key Biscayne Anchorages

      There is an ongoing discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list about anchorages in or near Key Biscayne.
      Note that the anchorage Captain George refers to below as “Nixon Cove,” we have listed in the Florida Keys Anchorage Directory as “Key Biscayne Anchorage.” Also, as you will see, there is discussion about anchoring on Key Biscayne’s “Hurricane Harbor,” which is just south of the “Key Biscayne Anchorage.” I’ve never tried this anchor down spot, due to concerning about shallow water at its entrance. We would WELCOME MORE INPUT on anchoring in Hurricane Harbor. What depths did you find at the entrance? Would you recommend this anchorage to fellow cruisers? Please register your input on Hurricane Harbor by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.

      No Name [Harbor Anchorage] can fill up or cause swing anxiety for the newbie. As mentioned, the anchorage at “Nixon Cove” (nickname, not on the chart) off of the Yacht Club, northwest of Hurricane Harbor on your chart, is good, and popular, or we have anchored several times just outside and slightly south of No Name, just stay to one side of the rather broadly defined channel. The sport fisher will wake you now and then if too close. Then you can take the dinghy into No Name and have a meal at the excellent Cuban/Carribean restaurant that over looks the harbor and take a nice walk in the park.
      Lots of nice spots to anchor from there on south to Marathon, take your time! How big is your boat and how much do you draw?
      George

      I think you would find Hurricane Harbor preferable to No Name Harbor on the southern tip of Key Biscayne.
      It is much larger, uncrowded, has better holding ground, and you can use a longer scope and swing at anchor without ending up near another vessel. It is also a whole lot quieter. Also, there are no fees for anchoring in Hurricane Harbor as opposed to No Name.
      Just be careful to watch the water depth and avoid the shoal that extends out to the north and west as you make your approach to the harbor. When actually entering the harbor, stay close to the north wall where the channel is deepest.
      Martin I. Veiner

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Key Biscayne Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The No-Name Harbor Anchorage

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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Hawks Cay Resort Marina (off Hawk Channel, north of Marathon)

      Hawks Cay Resort Marina has always struck me as one of the most “swanky” pleasure craft facilities in the Florida Keys. After reading Captain Whitten’s message below, looks like their prices reflect this point of view.
      Note that only very small powercraft can reach Hawks Cay from the inside/ICW/Florida Bay route. Coming from this side, you must pass under a very low, fixed bridge. Virtually all cruising size craft will need to enter here from Hawk Channel

      We entered and left in strong southeasterlies ‘“ 15-20 kts ‘“ at high water with no problems. The small bay the marina is in, following the channel counter clockwise to the north side, is quite protected. The shoal in the middle of the bay is unmarked but obvious. The marina office is in an unusually well stocked tuck shop ‘“ at tuck shop prices ‘“ with offerings stopping short of encouraging you to cook and eat on the boat at the expense of the 5 restaurants on the resort’s grounds.
      The negatives ‘“ the price was $3.50/ft, not $3 as stated here. In addition, a $20/day ‘˜resort fee’ was levied for use of resort facilities that included nothing more than what a top of the range marina offers, mainly a swimming pool. Also, applicable to our 27-footer, the minimum length charge was 30 feet. I contested the two extras as they were not identified when I rang and inquired of the fee. On this basis, and because we used no resort facilities, they waived the resort fee for the two days of our stay but would not budge on the minimum length charge.
      I argued they were charging top dockage fees and offering nothing more than what other top end marinas provide and charging a fee for the extras one expects when paying this rate.
      The resort was quite busy in April with many tourists engaging in boat tours and fishing charters so the marina was not a quiet one, albeit reasonably pleasant. The four toilet/showers were small and shared with the general public, making them quite busy.
      We were the only sailboat in the marina, making us somewhat of an oddity. There were many empty slips. The charter fishing office staff inside the tuck shop were quite helpful, providing us with current wind reports to help us pick our time for departing.
      Conclusion ‘“ the stay was pleasant but the marina was overpriced ‘“ even by Keys standards.
      On another note, the resort keeps two dolphins in a very small pen. They are used for a ‘˜swimming with dolphins’ experience. For anyone who has seen The Cove’, this year’s Academy Award winning documentary depicting how the trainer of dolphins for the Flipper TV series had a complete change of heart about keeping dolphins in captivity, it was shocking that this practice is still being carried on. The urge to want to fish out the boat’s shroud cutters and cut the wire keeping them from entering the channel and leaving with us as we motored by was strong.
      Fair winds and following seas,
      Austin Whitten,
      s/y Discovery II (4′ 6’ draft)

      We just left Hawks Cay marina a couple of days ago. We thought it was terrific. The staff was as helpful as they could be and the resort makes all their facilities available to guests at the marina (although they did charge a resort fee).
      The marina is very well protected even with the high winds and seas that we saw last week.
      We will be back to stay again.
      Sheldon Gawiser

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Hawks Cay Resort Marina

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    • Apr 24, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key West City Marina at Garrison Bight

      Interesting that this Key West city facility charges for power connections even if you don’t use them. Only in Key West!

      The location is fine, worth the 4 nm traipse around Fleming Key to get there if you cannot clear the 19-ft bridge. It’s equidistant between the old town to the west and the three supermarkets to the east ‘“ about 1 mi each way. There’s an excellent bus service right outside the marina with three buses to choose from ‘“ schedule at marina office ‘“ for $1 per ride.
      The negatives ‘“ the toilet for transients is open to the public and the two unisex showers are open at the top to the toilets with attendant smells and sound effects. Liveaboards and mooring field customers have their own facilities. My wife talked the marina office into giving us a swipe card for the former after supplying a graphic description of transient facilities for $1.90/ft. They also charge a $6.25/day `service charge’ for electricity. When I said I wouldn’t plug in, they said I had to pay it anyway.
      I asked what the rationale was and they said they lose money on boats that have air conditioning and refrigeration and make up for it in this way. We have neither and I said I didn’t appreciate subsidizing those that do, especially since I buy ice from marinas so end up paying for my refrigeration and for others! The last marina we were at for three weeks was metered and for the 21 days I paid $5.85, or $.30 per day. Marinas need to install meters or determine what the power usage will be, and definitely allow clients to decline power.
      The marina has no gate and is near well-used public thoroughfares. A guard walks down the dock occasionally at night. I know of no problems but’¦
      Fair winds and following seas,
      Austin Whitten, s/y Discovery II

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    • Apr 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Depths in Fleming Key/Garrison Bight Mooring Field – Key West

      When I received the note below from Captain Jim, I queried him on the location of the “shower and laundry facilities building.” I was not sure whether they were located in Garrison Bight, or Key West Bight. As you will see in the second note below, the new showers and laundry are in Garrison Bight!

      Subject: Min. depth Garrison Bight Mooring Buoys
      Cruising News: We have been here 2.5 years and the least water I have seen in the mooring field is 8′. This area was dredged for sea planes landing area for WW II. They have also completed their Shower and laundry facilities building located at the dinghy dock.
      Capt Jim

      This is Garrison Bight next to the dinghy docks on Palm Blvd. not the Key West Historical bight. I was there two days ago and they were tied off the dinghy dock in two rows from the dock. It is a zoo there now. They charge by the month or by the day there. If you had any other questions of the area, I would be glad to answer what I know or look into it. Keep up the good work on the Cruisersnet. We do appreciate it.
      Capt. Jim

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchroage Directory Listing For The Fleming Key/Garrison Bight Mooring Field

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    • Apr 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, between Tavernier Creek and Islamorada)

      Plantation Key Yacht Harbor is now one of only two facilities that offer transient dockage for cruising size craft between Jewfish Key and Islamorada. The other is Mangrove Marina.
      We have always been very impressed with the Plantation Key facility. Shelter is excellent, the amenities are surprisingly good, particularly for a municipal marina, and there’s shopping and dining close by. What more could you ask?

      Like a magnet we are always drawn back to this great marina. Tim and his crew just have it right. Friendly, knowledgable, and very professional. The marina is well protected and very modern. Tennis, beautiful beach, huge pool, clean showers and rest rooms. Dockside pumpouts. Entertainment and great eateries are nearby but require a car. First class in every respect.
      Marsha & Bob
      M/V Threadbare

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Plantation Yacht Harbor

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    • Apr 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A&B Marina (Key West Bight)

      A&B Marina is one of several quality facilities located in Key West Bight! I must say, though, Captains Marsha and Bob’s review below is about as glowing as it gets. Give A&B your most serious consideration!

      Tina Turner said it best- `Your’re simply the best.’ This describes A&B. Mark and his crew, plus the location make it so.
      Reservations most times are needed. Don’t miss it !! It’s worth the trip.
      Marsha & Bob
      M/V Threadbare

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

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    • Apr 6, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “Back Route” From Marathon to Key West

      The so-called “Back Route” from Marathon to Key West runs north up Big Spanish Channel, turns sharply west at Harbor Key Bank Light, and then skips off the northern face of a series of unhabited keys, until reaching Northwest Channel. This latter passage leads, in turn, to Key West.
      We just love the “Back Route.” There’s a host of wonderful anchorages along the way, and this passage has a true backwater feeling, as if you were out in the middle of nowhere, which, for much of the route, you are.
      There is one major caveat to the “Back Route.” Do NOT attempt this passage while piloting a vessel that draws more than 4 1/2 feet. There is one shallow stretch of the Big Spanish Channel that is the cause for this prohibition. Otherwise all the waters along the way have plenty of depth.

      Good Morning from Key Weird,
      Just wanted to let the group know that because of the strong easterly winds we have been having down here Life’s2Short took the bay side trip via Big Spanish Channel. We left Marathon at half-tide-rising and never saw less than 5.5 feet, and that was only around a small area by Cutoe Key. It was a pretty trip with the tides pushing us up Big Spanish Channel and then pushing us into Key West. The trip took about 7.5 hours going 8.5mph.
      Be sure your liver is in shape before arriving here!
      Todd & Brenda Lanning
      Life’s2Short

      Todd,
      You passed through some of my favorite cruising areas in the Keys. We always pick our way in and anchor for a night or two. Cudjoe Channel to Tarpon Belly Key (take the opportunity to moon Fat Albert!), Johnston Key Channel and especially Jewfish Basin are three of our favorite stops. Try it, you’ll like it!
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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    • Apr 2, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key Largo Pump-Out Boat Available Near Tarpon Basin Anchorages (St. M. 1139.5)

      There are three (at least) anchorages available in Tarpon Basin, just south of Blackwater Sound, on the Florida Keys inside/ICW passage. The “Government Center” Captain Sterling speaks of below is located at the rear of Tarpon Basin. Check out an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net for more info on this facility (http://www.CrusiersNet.net/dinghy-dockage-now-available-at-tarpon-basin-anchorage). Note that in addition to the waste pump-out boat, cruisers will also discover a dinghy dock at the Government Center.
      Sound like, after reading Captain Sterling’s note below, that with a phone call the pump-out boat skipper will service you, even if you are anchored a bit farther way than Tarpon Basin. Anyone know what range of waters this vessels serves? If so, please share that info by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      Subject: pump out boat
      Cruising News: Key Largo\’s pump out boat is docked at the Government Center at mm 1140 on the icw in Tarpon Basin.
      the phone number for this service is 305-747-2388.
      Give em a call and he will come to your boat for your pump out.
      This Government center is also a place to dock your dinky for shopping and supplies. Publix is about a mile south, kli hardware is closer to the north, west marine is a mile and three quarters north.
      Captain Sterling

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Tarpon Basin Northern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Tarpon Basin Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Floridas Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Tarpon Basin Interior Anchroage

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      GREAT List of “Friendly” Mooring Places

      Captain Jim Quince has done the cruising community a HUGE favor by putting together a list of “Friendly Mooring Places,” which are usually, but not always, free. Of course, Captain Jim’s list goes beyond the Southeastern USA waters we deal with here on the Cruisers’ Net, but there’s plenty of info here concerning “friendly” places from North Carolina to New Orleans.

      The list of free docks, etc. is now the Friendly Moorings List online at :

      http://friendlymooringslist.blogspot.com/

      Thanks to all of you that have provided input to the list. It has been updated almost daily since I first posted it and has had many additions and revisions. If I already have sent you a copy of the list, I suggest you delete that list as an out of date list and use this one. You can cut and paste it into a new document if you prefer….no strings attached!
      I will continue to add to the list as new information is provided and as we are lucky enough to visit many more places on the list. Please do send any information you think is valuable to other cruisers. I am also including good value stops with relatively low costs like some FL State Parks and Mooring Fields. (Note that we rarely eat at restaurants due to Vaughn’s food allergies. If you know of restaurants with dock space, tell me so I can include them too.)
      This Friendly Mooring List will hopefully be a good outcome from the change of status for the Venice “free” (overnight) dock!!
      Thanks, Jim

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Jumping Off Point To Cruise to Dry Tortugas

      The discussion below was copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list. There is some good info here for those contemplating this southernmost USA destination!

      What is a good staging point from the Naples area to get the shortest/fastest run to the Dry Tortugas?
      Larry
      M/V Cigano
      Lying Crystal River

      Not sure this will answer your question. (not exactly sure what the question is?) Anyway, on my trip there a couple of years ago, we did a crossing from an anchorage at Marco Island to Key west, an easy day trip to the anchorage there. From there it was about a 10 hour run to the Tortugas. If I remember correctly, it was 74 or 75 statute miles from Key West anchorage to the Tortugas.
      Hope this is what you were asking for.
      And the Dry Tortugas is a beautiful place! Well worth the trip!
      Brent Hodges
      Friendship
      Albin 43

      Larry,
      It depends somewhat on the boat. Fast boat could run from Naples straight out. Slow boat probably from Naples, EC or the Little Shark to Key West, provision at Key West, and then out. It’s 65 NM from Key West to Las Tortugas. The first 40 miles are “on the reef;” shallow water that builds up into nasty, short period waves. The last 25 miles is in deeper (100 ft) water, and the character of seas in more like ocean swells with wind driven waves. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how challenging that crossing can be in a pleasure craft. Prevailing winds are easterly or southeasterly. The last two winter seasons, winds have blown 25+ kts for seeral weeks at a time. There are NO facilities there; not even porta potties. The tourists use the facilities on their boats.
      Make sure you are fully provisioned and could stay a couple of weeks or more, worst case. When the winds blow at 25kts for 20 days, you will be hard pressed to run to the groceria for milk. I know one sailboater who took the tour boat in and back to get some galley stores.
      Fort Jeff is very interesting, and the place is very lovely; a lot like the Bahamas. But, with no water available, prolonged stays may not be what you wanted.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
      Currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

      Larry,
      We’ve only been to Dry Tortugas once, but we liked staging from Turkey Creek (our home in Ortona). It’s about 26 hours to Ft. Jefferson, so you can arrive in mid-morning with plenty of time to get snorkeling while the sun is high.
      Mark & Joyce,
      Winnie the Pooh

      Larry,
      Its about 100 NM from Marco Island to Dry Tortugas and about 105 NM from Naples. The course difference is only 3 degrees. Pick your spot.
      Naples has a mooring field but it is “up the creek” a bit. However, you can anchor in one of the residential canals for the night and leave before first light.
      In Marco, Coconut Island used to be a popular anchorage, right near the mouth of the inlet. However, the State of Florida removed all the Australian Pines (non-native species) and the island started to erode away. Its been several years since I’ve been there so I’d recommend calling TowBoatUS or Sea Tow for some local knowledge. There is an anchorage at Johnson Bay. Its little more than a deep-water crook in the channel but would be OK for an overnight staging point.
      In either case, both Marco and Naples have short runs out to the entrance buoys. Its nothing like Crystal River or other Big Bend ports. You will be in the Gulf 30 minutes after you pull the anchor.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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