Click for Chartview

The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.

Lets talk weather… scattered thunderstorms, scattered thunderstorms and more scattered thunderstorms. For the next 3 days that is what is in the forecast right after letting us know that the humidity is high and temperatures are in the mid 80′s. Lookout summer, here we come!! Rain chances decrease to 30% for the weekend and going into Memorial Day. Southeast winds the rest of this week and then they are suppose to switch to the north east. The seas will be 3 to 4 feet and a slight chop on the intracoastal. I am sounding more and more like a meteorologist.

As The Propeller Turns:
I am so tired of hearing about all the fish that our tenants are catching. Frank I am talking about you. I am going out with my fishing instructor tomorrow I don’t care if it rains or not (as long as there is no lightening I will survive). I hope you all have had an opportunity to check out our website www.fortpiercecitymarina.com and see the new pictures of the restoration project that I have put on the site. We are coming down to the final weeks and I hope you all are as excited as we here at the Marina are.

On Wednesday the 22nd (tomorrow) there is a meeting at Archie’s at 5pm to discuss the Waterway Cleanup for all those interested in helping.

This Weekend:
Farmers market from 8 to 12 and the arts and craft vendors will be here until 2pm.

Up Coming Events: Make Sure and Mark it on Your Calendar
6th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup is scheduled for July 27th. This event covers Martin, St Lucie and Indian River Counties and approximately 1,000 volunteers. Last year they collected and recorded 7.6 tons of trash from approximately 125 miles of waterways. For more information on how you can be a volunteer or a sponsor, call April Price at 772-285-1646 or e-mail her at info@tcwaterwaycleanup.com

Diving Tournaments: Presented by Dive Odyssea
11th Annual Treasure Coast Shootout – Spear Fishing tournament – June 8th and weigh-in will be on June 9th. Categories will include: Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish/Flounder, Trigger/Sheepshead, Jack/Cobia – call Dive Odyssea at 772-460-1771. The rules and entry form are now up on the website www.tcshootout.com.

June 28th and 29th Lionfish Safari, to be held at the Fort Pierce city Marina. Details will be coming soon.

REMINDERS:
Our night dock attendant comes on duty at 10 pm. You can reach him at 772-979-4019 if you have any problems or concerns. If it is an emergency situation please call 911. If you see someone on the docks that doesn’t belong call 911.

***Our new web site is up and running. www.Fortpiercecitymarina.com will now have all the links that I have previously posted here on the newsletter. So instead of having to read all the way down on my newsletter you can go to our website and look for exactly the information you are looking for. Please let us know what you think of it.

Sunrise Theatre Performances: For ticket information call the Sunrise Theatre at 772-461-4884
For upcoming shows please visit www.Sunrisetheatre.com

Black Box Performances:
Comedy Corner: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month
Peter Hefty and Ramon Garcia may 25th at 8pm

Jazz & Blues Society
Jazz Jams – Sunrise Black Box Theatre
For more information on the Jazz and Blues Society visit their website at www.jazzsociety.org

On-going Events -Visit our website at www.fortpiercecitymarina.com
All information supplied is subject to information acquired from various sources. Marina personnel and the City of Fort Pierce are not responsible for any changes that are made after we have given the information.

Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina

Today NOAA released a beta charting application for Android. Not legal for commercial, but good enough for recreational. Check it out at:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2013/20130520_charts.html
Dave

Wiggins Pass - Click for Chartview

Even with the dredging done in March of this year, we have a Navigation Alert (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=92652) posted for Wiggins Pass, one of the most shoal prone inlets on the Western Florida coastline which cuts the coast between Gordon Pass and Fort Myers Beach. This channel is often dredged, but by the time the dredge disappears over the horizon, the sand is silting back in once again. However, dredging is always welcomed in this busy pass. And to be safe, we strongly recommend calling Pelican Isle Yacht Club at 239-566-1606 for up-to-date depth information BEFORE attempting entry.

FLORIDA-FORT MYERS TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR AND WIGGINS PASS: Hydraulic Dredging.
Orion Marine Construction Inc. will commence hydraulic dredging operations on or about May 24 2013. Operations will occur in Wiggins Pass, Naples. Orion Marine Construction will be performing preliminary construction in Wiggins Pass using a barge for equipment and other vessels. All Barges/Dredges/Tugs/Crew Boats will operate and monitor on working Channel 78 and VHF Channel 16. Hydraulic operations areas and explanations are listed below;
Dredge JERI–B will be dredging in New Pass, Beach operations on Big Hickory Island and Orion Marine Group personnel will be performing crew transfers at Weeks fish Camping in Estero Bay. While dredging, the vessels will be displaying lights and dayboards as required, and may temporally impede the flow of traffic through the channel.
The dredge “JERI-B” will work on Channel 78 and monitor VHF Channel 16. The “JERI-B” will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A submerged pipeline will be utilized from the dredge to the overboard dredge material discharge area. The path of the pipeline will be properly marked IAW USCG 33 CFR 88.15. Buoys with “Caution Submerged Pipeline” will mark the submerged line. For further information contact the Project Manager Mr. Jared Rackley 904-868-9498, Mr. David Folsom Safety Officer (904) 210-2175 and/or the Project Engineer Mr. Patrick Link 813-508-1631.
Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. Chart 11427

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

NC– FIGURE EIGHT ISLAND – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – FIREWORKS DISPLAY – SAFETY ZONE
Mariners are advised that a fireworks display will be held on May 31st at 9:30 pm. A safety zone will be established on all waters of the un-named channel north of the Figure Eight Island within a 300 yard radius of the fireworks site in approximate position 34-16-21”N 077-45-15”W., approximately 600 yards southeast of the Figure Eight Island Swing Bridge. This safety zone will be enforced from 08:30 PM to ½ hour past the conclusion of the event. This is necessary to control vessel traffic for safety of life and property on navigable waters during the event. Vessel traffic will be restricted on the entire un-named channel north of the Figure Eight Island Causeway. The fireworks will be launched from shore, which will be marked by a sign labeled “DANGER FIREWORKS STAY AWAY”, to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, or his or her designated representative on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene-patrol personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. For any comments or questions, contact the Marine Event Coordinator at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, (252) 247-4525, or at NCMarineEvent@uscg.mil CHART: 11541

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Figure Eight Island Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Figure Eight Island Bridge

15th Annual Edenton Music and Water Festival
brought to you by Scotch Hall Preserve

Free – Boat Rides, Paddling, Wooden Boat Show, Roving Musician’s, Richmond Triumph Register Car Club, Maritime Speakers, Joy the Clown – May 31-June 1st

Edenton, NC – Kick-off this year’s festival on Friday evening, May 31st with a Guided Paddle along Queen Anne and Pembroke Creeks at 6:30 pm or if paddling is not your favorite activity, join the Edenton Historical Commission at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse for the Speaker’s Forum on 18th Century Sailors at 6:30 pm and as a $15 adult/$5 student ticket holder you are eligible for a sailing on the Periauger at either 4 or 5 pm weather permitting.

The Festival rolls into Saturday, June 1st with many new features in celebration of Edenton’s 300th a hand-made Wooden Boat Show and Exhibit by our very own Edenton Boat Builders with some in the harbor and others along the shore such as International Sailing Class Optimist Dinghies and a 14 ft. Lap Street Row Boat to name a few that can be seen. Another first in place will be the Richmond TRIUMPH Register Car Club with TR 2s – 8s from the 50’s – 80’s parked along South Broad Street. Among our tried and true come backs will be Paddling with the Periauger, Boat Rides along the Bay, Joy the Clown, Sharks Teeth Digging, Edenton Steamers Interactive Games, Inflatables and the Student Art Exhibit in the Town Council Chambers throughout the day.

The Main Stage has many wonderful performers scheduled: 10 am – Skye Fortenbery & Cody Rea; 10:30 am – Patrick Rose; 11:00 am – Amy Peters; 11:30 am – Drew Armstrong; 12:00 noon – Chuck Hodges; 12:30 pm – Caston Young; 1:00 pm – Sojourner Band; 2:00 pm – Clay and Thomas Willis; 2:30 pm – Old Fish Hatchery Records; and 3:00 pm – CONNECTED from Elizabeth City State University making for an outstanding day of entertainment.

For those that like a tasty treat, we will have Ice Cream, Funnel Cakes, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Farmer’s Market Items, Snow Cones and Walking Tacos. The Chowan Arts Council has many of their fine Artists at Work and with so many talented entertainers, Roving Musicians along South Broad will complement the Destination Downtown Sidewalk Sale mid-day so plan on making “One of Americas Prettiest Towns” as recognized by Forbes.com your destination and enjoy what Edenton has to offer on and off the water overlooking Edenton Bay!

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Edenton City Marina

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

May 20, 2013

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

MEDIA ALERT:
Boat Owners Association of The United States
Asks Florida Boaters to Speak up on Florida HB 4001

Repeal of the Ethanol Mandate, Keep Options for Boaters

WHAT: A Florida state law passed in 2008 mandates that all gasoline sold in the state contain 9% to 10% ethanol. Although there is an exception for fuel sold for use in boats, this law has made finding ethanol-free fuel more difficult. HB 4001, which would repeal the sunshine state’s ethanol mandate, has passed the Florida Legislature and now awaits Governor Scott’s signature. In order to keep boaters and angler’s ability to buy ethanol-free fuel for their boat and other small engines, we urge boat owners to ask the Governor to sign HB 4001.

WHY: Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recognizes that renewable fuels are an important part of our nation’s overall energy future and that boaters over the past few years have had some challenges with ethanol. While there can be honest differences of opinion over the merits of using corn-based ethanol as a renewable fuel source, it is clear that many boaters still want options.

A few important items to consider:

There are over 850,000 registered boats in Florida, most of which use gasoline.
Recreational boating is a $10 billion per year industry in the state and employs 40,633 people.
Although boat owners can currently find ethanol-free fuel in some marinas, the state mandate has made it more difficult to find it at gas stations and convenience stores.
While gasoline with ethanol may cost less than ethanol-free gasoline, it also contains less energy, requiring more trips to the pump.

HOW: Please contact Governor Scott to urge him to sign HB 4001. Go to http://www.capwiz.com/boatus/issues/alert/?alertid=62676576&type=SW to easily send Governor Scott a message.

WHO: BoatUS fights against unfair federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners and works with state agencies to promote boating laws that make sense. In addition to being the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters, BoatUS provides its half a million members with services such as 24-hour on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits that include marina and West Marine shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded non-profit BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Go to http://www.BoatUS.com for more.

Shoaling North of Ben Sawyer - Click for Chartview

From earlier reports and as Captain Mullins confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. These waters have been designated an SSECN Problem Stretch and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms.

AICW abeam of Breech Inlet:
I’ve written about this area before but I am noticing an increasing number of sailboats aground during low tide. It is in the area where 3 creeks wash from Breach Inlet into the AICW. There are 2 green day marks north of the Ben Sawyer bridge and this bad stretch is shoaling between them. You can make it in a 5 ft. draft boat, but you must weave and bob a little to get through.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
S/V Katash

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

Lake Boca Raton - Click for Chartview

Boca Raton Anchorage on the northeastern section of Lake Boca Raton, east of flashing daybeacon #65, and, as reported earlier (see link below), the preferred entrance channel seems to be on the north side of marker #65.

Moving north, Lake Boca Raton is a great anchorage – beware the hordes on weekends but few remain overnight – nice public dock you can use for your dinghy at Silver Palm Park adjacent to the first bridge heading north on the ICW tucked
into the NW corner – not much nearby but a few stores and again the great beaches.
Peter TenHaagen, Transition

Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Lake Boca Raton

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

Dowry Creek Marina - Click for Chartview

Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina that has received MANY laudatory reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. This facility lies off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven.

This is one of my favorite places to stop whenever heading north or south from Albemarle Plantation. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable. Rates are good and there is a lovely club house where there is a social hour each evening. Loaner cars are available for trips into town.
Bill Denison

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina

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

Hey Claiborne:
I really like your anchoring guides. However, I think you have some flaws in the entry you have for Cowen Creek. (Mile 544.5 on the Beaufort River, between Beaufort SC and Hilton Head). I’d like to suggest some corrections on this one.
1). I think it’s misleading to talk about “negotiating several unmarked shoals”. Yes, if you’re coming from the north, you must go far enough south to clear Cowen spit. If you watch your chartplotter, the entrance to Cowen Creek is wide and deep with NO UNMARKED SHOALS. Take a look at the wider area chart, and this should be self-evident. From the south, it’s a no-brainer. Coming from the north, you’re in good shape if you go far enough south to go around the south side of the old range light charted at 32 degrees 20.12N, 80 degrees 39.34W. Do that, and it’s a wide and deep water entrance with no issues.
2). Your little anchor symbol on the chart photo is way upstream in the creek. Yes, it gets narrower up there, but it’s all protected and nearly always flat water once you’re in the creek. Most cruising boats don’t go that far up to anchor. I’ve seen 3 or 4 cruising boats anchored in the area 32 degrees 21.64N, 80 degrees 38.89W. ( Middle of the creek, abeam of the “o” in “Cowen Cr” label on the chart.)
3). Optionally… there’s another anchorage area for someone who really wants a “Hurricane Hole”. It’s the straight stretch of the creek, t32 degrees 22.99N, 80degrees 38.54W. There is deep water all the way there so it allows even a sailboat to reach these areas, going past private docks on Distant Island and around a double set of bends. It is really protected. .
FYI… ( my credentials for sharing this…) I’m a full time live-aboard cruiser, and spend half of my time living in the Beaufort area and half time cruising on a 38′ sailboat. Cowen Creek is a nice, nearby wilderness anchorage, a few minutes away from the marina. It’s where I take “visitors” when they come to visit my wife and I, and they want to spend a night on the sailboat anchored out. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cowen Creek

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