Hi Larry,
Seven Seas Cruising Association has been very involved in protecting anchoring rights for all boaters, especially those in Florida. I thought your readers might be interested in the information below.
Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has been representing both their members and boaters everywhere at recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hearings about anchoring rights, laws, and regulations in Florida. After several years of even-handed work with landowners and boaters the approach of FWC in the latest hearings is of some concern.
The “devil is in the details” of course. FWC seems to be under a great deal of pressure to allow local regulation of anchoring in Florida. In particular, stand-off distances from mooring fields, from marine infrastructure (ramps, marinas, and other publicly accessible facilities), and private waterfront property were discussed. In addition, time limits on anchoring were proposed.
Phil Johnson is chair of SSCA’s Concerned Cruisers Committee. He was named SSCA’s 2014 Member of the Year for his efforts on lobbying on behalf of Cruisers’ Rights. As Chair of the Concerned Cruisers’ Committee, Phil’s tireless advocacy of cruisers’ rights from New England to Florida and beyond has been of great benefit to all boaters. SSCA salutes his thoughtful, professional and successful approach, whether the issue is anchoring rights, over-aggressive marine policing, or mooring field management.
Whether you reside in Florida, pass through Florida on your boat or are just concerned about boaters rights in general, you’ll be interested in the upcoming Seven Seas U webinar, “A Florida Anchoring Update” presented by Phil Johnson on January 6. Phil will update you on the very latest attempts for local Florida communities to restrict your ability to drop the hook in a safe anchorage. Everyone needs to be informed and involved to ensure our anchoring rights are preserved.
The webinar will help you understand why this issue is important to all boaters and will let you know just what the Florida FWC plans. You’ll also hear the results of the August-September Anchoring Survey and their implications.
The webinar is free to SSCA members and just $10 for non-members. Go to www.SevenSeasU.com for more informaiton and to register.
If you are a Florida resident please let your legislators know how you feel about freedom to anchor. If you are a cruiser, sail or power, your membership in SSCA supports defense of your anchoring rights (among many other things) in Florida and elsewhere. Go to www.ssca.org to find out more.
Thank you,
Barbara Theisen
Editor
Seven Seas Cruising Association
