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    • Bahamas Chatter: “Exit clearance from states to enter Bahamas…??” plus 1 more

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: “Exit clearance from states to enter Bahamas…??” plus 1 more

      Exit clearance from states to enter Bahamas…??

      Posted: 13 Mar 2018 04:56 AM PDT

      True or False…I just recently heard that Bahamian Customs is requiring U.S. Customs clearance from the states to enter the Bahamas. Is this just for Canadians or is it something new for US registered boats as well?

      Store in Current

      Posted: 12 Mar 2018 06:41 PM PDT

      Just visited the Current, Eleuthera and they now have a small store with limited goods, cans, frozen meat, onions etc. but the owner does bring in good fresh fish to sell. Nice friendly folks in town. Stop by. There is a public road off the north beach. Nice anchorage in E to SE wind.

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    • 2017 Progress Report from Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association

      Cruisers’ Net is proud to be a supporting member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose efforts toward improving navigation conditions in the Waterway are invaluable. See Brad Pickle and AIWA Recognized by BoatUS.
      If you are not aware of the achievements of AIWA, please read this report and consider joining AIWA to support their efforts on behalf of all Waterway boaters. See membership application below.

      Greetings from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA).
      This year is going to be a very busy year for the AIWA in every state along the waterway and we are relying very heavily on the support of our members. Below is a list of some of our major accomplishments for 2017 and recent efforts in 2018.
      • Worked with Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to increase funding for the dredging of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). As reported to our membership in June, our lobbying efforts led to over $15.6 million for AIWW funding for maintenance dredging in Fiscal Year 2017, which is an increase of almost 80% above the President’s budget for FY17. This is the highest amount the AIWW has received since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Stimulus Bill). We also worked with all Corps Districts along the waterway to secure additional funding to address impacts caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The additional funding for the AIWW is more than $30 million for waterway dredging in every state and brings the total to over $47 million in 2017.
      • Looking forward to 2018 and 2019, we continue to receive increases in the amount of money included in the President’s Budget for the AIWW. In 2018, the President’s Budget included $14.455 million, and the recently released budget for FY19 has $19.139 million for the AIWW. These are much higher amounts than in the President’s Budget in FY17. Earlier this month, our Board of Directors met with sixteen Congressional Offices in Washington, D.C. to request funding for additional dredging needs for FY18 and FY19 and they are supportive
      of our efforts. We also met with staff at Headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the visit to highlight the importance of the AIWW.
      • We presented our annual meeting to bring decision-makers and stakeholders together to discuss issues impacting the AIWW. This year’s annual meeting was on November 15-16, 2017 at the Blockade Runner Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Some of the topics included: State of the Waterway and ongoing maintenance efforts after Hurricane Matthew and Irma, beneficial use of dredge materials including a pilot project in Georgia,
      establishment of no-wake zones in the AIWW, waterway access, and real estate challenges and opportunities. We were also joined by Captain Bion Stewart, Wilmington Sector Commander for the U.S. Coast Guard, Kyle Ward of NOAA, and Amanda Rutherford of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration in addition to many other stakeholder groups. The event was a major success and we look forward to being in Charleston, SC in 2018.
      • We are working with non-federal partners to establish non-federal funding for the dredging of the AIWW. Florida and North Carolina have established non-federal funding programs and we are raising awareness of the benefits of providing non-federal funding in South Carolina and Georgia. This will be critical in the long-term maintenance of Marine Highway 95.
      • Participated in regional and national coalitions to increase awareness of AIWW issues. We are an active board member and on the Executive Committee of the National Waterways Conference, Inc., and partner with numerous other national organizations. In 2017, we presented at the Local Government Meeting and Annual Meeting of N.C. Beach Inlet and Waterway Association; the Institute for Trade and Transportation Studies; the Smart Rivers Conference; and were invited to be on a panel briefing in Washington, D.C for the Congressional Boating Caucus which consists of Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
      • Continued outreach with other federal agencies such as the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to support many efforts including the Marine Highways program and chart mapping efforts, especially in areas where maintenance dredging is needed.
      • We published a newsletter of our efforts and distributed to the membership. Our most recent issue can be accessed from the News section on our website at https://atlanticintracoastal.org/news/. As you can see, we had a busy 2017 and are hitting the ground running in 2018. We want to thank you once again for the opportunity to partner with you as we advocate for waterway maintenance. We do not take our responsibilities lightly, and we hope that we can continue to work together to be the Voice of the Waterway into 2018 and beyond.
      Respectfully,
      Brad Pickel
      Executive Director
      5A Market Street Beaufort, SC 29906 (843) 379-1151


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    • Avoiding Shallotte and Lockwoods Folly Problem Stretches, NC AICW


      910-457-7380

      Skipper Jim Lea offers an offshore route to avoid two Waterway Problem Stretches in NC. And Jim mentions Bald Head Island Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      The best way to get through this area is to avoid it altogether by exiting the ICW via the Little River Inlet and enjoying a short relaxing sail across Long Bay to re-enter via the Cape Fear River. In eight trips up and down the ICW we have always done this outside hop. In addition, there is a beautiful anchorage off Bird Island at the mouth of the Little River Inlet, avoiding the usually crowded anchorage in Calabash Creek.
      At the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the marina at Bald Head Island is an excellent stop.
      Jim Lea

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

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

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina

      2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (4)

      1. "Fire Dog" -  March 16, 2018 - 6:50 pm

        What is the distance on the outside run. Cape Fear to Little River.

        Reply to "Fire
      2. "Fire Dog" -  March 16, 2018 - 6:48 pm

        What is the distance on that outside run. Cape Fear to Little River.

        Reply to "Fire
      3. Pamela Douglas Webster -  March 15, 2018 - 5:44 pm

        These areas were recently dredged. We saw good depths when we passed through in December 2017. Just in case someone prefers not to duck out.

        Reply to Pamela
    • Bahamas Chatter: Crossing from St Lucie.

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: Crossing from St Lucie.
      Crossing from St Lucie.

      Posted: 10 Mar 2018 11:57 AM PST

      Hey all!

      Departing Vero Sunday mid day and looking to make the crossing to West End. Anyone else making the jump from St Lucie?

      Any qualms with this weather window?

      Smooth Sailing!

      -SV Ruca

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. "Fire Dog" -  March 16, 2018 - 7:02 pm

        Why not just do away with “Hell Gate”????

        Reply to "Fire
    • Little River Swing Bridge to be Renamed, N Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 347


      With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, Little River Swing Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 347 and will soon be named “Captain Archie Neil ‘Poo’ McLauchlin Swing Bridge.”

      Why the Poo Crew is renaming a bridge after North Myrtle’s Captain Poo from Myrtle Beach Sun News

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Little River Swing Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Little River Swing Bridge

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (7)

      1. Woody Cooper -  March 12, 2018 - 5:06 pm

        As long as they open on demand I’m OK with it. I have a soft spot for Socastee because heading South it means you’re officially finished with the Myrtle Beach ditch and entering the Waccamaw River.

        Reply to Woody
      2. Dale McGovern -  March 11, 2018 - 7:16 pm

        I live in Little River easy for someone traveling the ICW to say the bridge isn’t needed because you don’t live here. As far as the name is concerned it will always be the Little River swing bridge to me. Just as Ian’s waterway or whatever new name has been assigned will always be Poo’s to me.

        Reply to Dale
      3. Tracy Hellman -  March 11, 2018 - 6:00 pm

        “Captain Archie Neil ‘Poo’ McLauchlin Swing Bridge.” That’s going to be difficult to say on the radio!

        Reply to Tracy
      4. Ron Widman -  March 11, 2018 - 4:26 pm

        It doesn’t matter what they name it, it should be named “gone”. It (and the Socastee bridge further south) are impediments to navigation. They were “replaced” by high rise bridges but then left in place

        Reply to Ron
        • Sid Clark -  March 11, 2018 - 6:28 pm

          If you lived here you’d understand why they were left in place. Impediments to navigation?? Have you been to the ICW in Florida?

          Reply to Sid
        • Tracy Hellman -  March 11, 2018 - 8:03 pm

          The big bridges were built to replace the swing bridge in LR and Socastee, but after they were completed the locals complained and convinced them to keep operating. I understand their plight, but it would make a whole lot of sense to keep the bridge open (meaning open for boat traffic that is) during non peak traffic periods. 9:00am -11:30, 1:30pm – 4:00pm and after 7:00pm would be my recommendation.

          Reply to Tracy
    • The Burnham Log 3/9/18: Palatka to St. Augustine, FL, St Johns River to AICW Statute Mile 770

      Cruisers’ Net is always glad to hear from experienced cruiser David Burnham, a true Cruiser Helping Cruisers and we look forward to the next log page of his current cruise. Be assured that David’s observations and advice can be trusted and passed along to your cruising colleagues. See Closures Ahead for the latest LNM on the FEC RR bridge in Jacksonville.

      I took a sailboat from Palatka, Florida (on the St. Johns River) around through Jacksonville and down to Saint Augustine today. Apart from the FEC railroad bridge problems in downtown Jacksonville, I have a few other items that may interest cruisers.
      In Green Cove Springs, Florida, the public dock has reopened and there is electricity available. However, the telephone contact number at the city office is no longer posted at the dock. I tied up our sailboat overnight and left again in the morning without any contact from the city.
      At the downtown “Jacksonville Landing”, only the downtown shuttle ferry is making a landing as the signs that the “dock is under repair and no docking is permitted” are still in place and there is no sign of any work in progress.
      This will make it a bit difficult for cruisers who arrive to find that the FEC railroad bridge is closed until the 18th of March.
      Heading south from Jacksonville on the AICW, green floating marker #7 is found just after turning south into the AICW from the St Johns River. However, it seems to have floated out of position as it was sighted a little outside, and on the wrong side, of the channel and to the southeast of red markers #6 and #8. Southbound Cruisers should not try to leave green #7 to port until it is returned to its proper position on the northeast side of the channel. Northbound cruisers should be able to see that green #7 is not on the correct side of the channel as they approach the St. Johns River crossing.
      Further south on the AICW near the St. Augustine Airport, green marker #41 is normally a lighted mark, but it was not lit after dark when I passed it today.
      David Burnham

      See also EF Local Notices to Mariners for other navigation issues

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Norman Mason -  April 23, 2018 - 8:02 pm

        This should be included in one of your frequent briefings.

        There is no diesel fuel available south of Doctor’s Lake Marina on the St. John’s River, including at Monroe Bay Marina in Sanford. Waterway Guide’s 2018 Southern edition shows it available at several places.

        Trout Creek Marina near Palatka is accessible if you can get under a 17 foot fixed bridge. This is the listed height on the NOAA chart, however some resources say the clearance is 14 feet. This marina told us their credit card machine was not working and they would only accept cash.

        We did not check with Mandarin Holiday Marina, but it is just across the river from Doctor’s Lake.

        Georgetown Marina, at the north end of Lake George, told us their diesel system was destroyed by the hurricane. Not sure which one, but no indication it would change.

        St. John’s Marina South, north of Hontoon Island, told us their diesel pump was not working, with no indication it was going to be fixed anytime soon.

        Sanford Boat Works, which is south of Sanford, nay have it available, but there was no answer when trying to contact them on a Saturday. Access to this facility is questionable for deeper draft cruising boats, according to several we talked to.

        Anyone cruising the St. John’s should know this, and be sure to fill at Doctor’s Lake Marina, before heading farther south.

        Norman Mason
        Peggy Sue, Monk 36
        California, MD

        Reply to Norman
    • Boat Trailer Maintenance Tips

      Boat Trailer Maintenance Tips

      A spare tire (if not two), lug nuts and wrench, marine grease, and even a spare hub should be in your trailer repair arsenal, especially when traveling long distances.

      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from Florida Sportsman Magazine

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    • Bahamas Chatter: “THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION” plus 1 more

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.


      Bahamas Chatter: “THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION” plus 1 more

      THE QUEEN CONCH NEEDS PROTECTION

      Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:36 PM PST

      The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a large marine mollusc, formerly abundant throughout the Caribbean region. It is now under threat from overfishing.

      There has been a major decline in the population of protected queen conchs in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park over the last 20 years.

      The most recent survey found predominantly older queen conchs, with a shortage of juveniles to replace them.

      Researchers believe overfishing in upstream areas has depleted the park’s larval supply. Increased predator density within the park may also be a problem for juveniles.

      Queen conch fisheries outside protected areas in the Bahamas are experiencing intense fishing pressure and are near collapse.

      Conchs play a huge role in Bahamian culture.

      Act now to save the Queen Conch.

      Shedd Aquarium Postdoctoral Research Associate Dr. Andy Kough has been working alongside partners at the Bahamas National Trust to survey different habitats around The Bahamas for queen conch. Using Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, Dr. Kough and fellow researchers are gathering data to inform conch fishery management and protect populations into the future.

      Long Island Update 2018

      Posted: 08 Mar 2018 02:29 PM PST

      Here are some changes to add to your 6th Edition Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, in case you haven’t already found them:

      NORTH END, CAPE SANTA MARIA TO HARVEY’S BAY

      Pratt’s Store at Seymours closed
      Beach Bungalow Restaurant closed
      Internet Connection near Stella Maris closed
      Williams’ Auto Car Rentals at Glintons closed
      No more scooter rentals at Stella Maris Inn

      Coming soon: Tiki Bar and Grill at north end of Queen’s Highway at Seymours; boat tours of swimming pigs and feeding the stingrays.
      Add Columbus Harbour Tours with Omar Daley at 357-1417.

      HARVEY’S BAY TO MCKANNS

      Add Green Leaf Bar and Grill at Bunches
      Long Island Souvenirs at Deals
      Wemyss-ical Treasures at Wemyss

      SALT POND (Thompson Bay to Grays)

      Long Island Breeze closed
      Royal Bank of Canada in Cartwrights closed
      Scotia Bank at Buckleys operating only two days a week with limited services (still have ATM for now)
      Explorer Chartbooks now available at Seafarer Marine, Salt Pond, as well as Long Island Petroleum
      Hardings Supply Centre Salt Pond closed
      Add to Restaurants: Club Washington in McKanns and Tiny’s Hurricane Hole (formerly Parrots of the Caribbean) on Thompson Bay
      Internet at Sou’Side Grill and Tiny’s
      Also laundry at Tiny’s (two washers and dryers)
      Seaside Car Rental (formerly listed as Fox Auto) correct phone number 338-0140 or 357-1528
      Stan’s Car Rentals closed

      DEADMANS CAY AREA
      Add to Groceries: Kirtland’s Supermarket and Deli
      JB Carroll’s Grocery and lodging closed
      Library at Buckleys closed
      Constantakis no longer rents cars in Petty’s
      Add to Restaurants: Lloyd’s Sporting Lounge (Restaurant) at Turnbull, Big Gate on airport road.

      CLARENCE TOWN and SOUTH END

      The new Lighthouse Point Restaurant at Flying Fish Marina offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the cut into the harbour. There is also a new ship’s store with limited but growing supplies.

      Add to Bakery and Groceries: Everyday Essentials (delicious baked bread and goodies and dry goods) on the hill in downtown Clarence Town

      Below Clarence Town, closed businesses are Yelredda’s, Sweet P’s, Red Door at Berry’s, BTC Roses. Government clinic is still open.

      J’s Convenience Store at Dunmore, expanded merchandise

      A road trip revealed that the Queen’s Highway gets worse with potholes as you travel north from Salt Pond and better as you travel south, but it is always worth a road ramble on Long Island to find the old and the new.

      1 Facebook Likes, 0 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

    • Comments on Problem Stretch Shallotte Inlet/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 330


      The intersection of Shallotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years, but these observations and detailed report from experienced cruiser, Tom Hale, will help you plan for your passage through this Problem Stretch.

      The real NC trouble spot according to the USACE survey of February 18 is in Shallotte inlet. They are reporting depths in the 4-6 foot range according to the survey, and that is what we found in November. That channel is very narrow, perhaps as narrow as 30′. When transiting Shallotte it is wise to time your transit on a rising tide to get the extra water level help. Please see Shallotte Survey for more detail.

      There is a SAIL Magazine Secrets of the ICW FB page which has a lot of charts and tracks for dealing with the known trouble spots along the Atlantic ICW.
      Tom Hale – reprinted with permission from AGLCA’s Forum

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Jim Lea -  March 12, 2018 - 7:04 pm

        The best way to get through this area is to avoid it altogether by exiting the ICW via the Little River Inlet and enjoying a short relaxing sail across Long Bay to re-enter via the Cape Fear River. In eight trips up and down the ICW we have always done this outside hop. In addition, there is a beautiful anchorage off Bird Island at the mouth of the Little River Inlet, avoiding the usually crowded anchorage in Calabash Creek.
        At the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the marina at Bald Head Island is an excellent stop.

        Reply to Jim
    • Bahamas Chatter: Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Update

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Update
      Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Update

      Posted: 07 Mar 2018 01:17 PM PST

      Thanks to a fellow cruiser for this new information on Rock sound:

      Four Points, then Pascals, then Wild Orchids, now it is Frigates Restaurant. They have built a really nice enlarged dinghy dock and the gully has been partly dredged out. Great happy hours, free wifi, really nice but pricey for dinner. Hall’s grocery store has done some renovations and is really nice and well stocked, better prices than the Marketplace. They just completed a big dredging project and bulit an apron at the gov’t dock and the fast ferry/Island Link made its initial run into Rock Sound yesterday, huge uptick for the south end of the island as previously fast ferry only came into Gov Hbr. The old mailboat Eleuthera Express apparently has been retired due to age, all this infrastructure being funded by the Fast Ferry company. Everything else pretty much the same in Rock Sound, just as friendly as ever. Some expansion on the 3T’s laundromat, very clean and friendly.

      The road near Glass Window was washed out with this last storm and folks have said it was worse there Sunday then during recent hurricanes. There is a report of some tourists who were swept away there, one survived but one missing.

      1 Facebook Likes, 0 Facebook Reactions

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    • Report from Lockwoods Folly Problem Stretch, Lockwoods Folly Inlet, NC, AICW Statute Mile 321


      The intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Our thanks to our Looper friends, Sandra Kay and Nelson, for this good depth report posted on AGLCA’s Forum.

      Passed northbound through Lockwood Folly on the north end of Holden Beach (ICW 320) at mid tide this morning. Channel is well marked. Least depth was 9 feet. Also notice a Corp of Engineers mv Currituck staying over night at Holden Beach dolphins. Apparently they’ve been checking the channel depths and markers both north and south of this location. However with each winter storm this could quickly change. Three southbound sailboats inquired and were happy to learn about the good depth, as they were approaching this notorious area subject to drifting shoal.
      Sandra Kay

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tom Hale -  March 8, 2018 - 1:42 pm

        Sandra and Nelson, Your recent transit seems to reinforce the latest USACE survey of the Lockwoods ICW crossing . You did not state a time of your transit, but between 10:00 and 2:00 yesterday you would have had between 2.5 and 3.5 feet of tidal help. Still that means there is 6-7 feet there at low water.
        Tom Hale – reprinted with permission from AGLCA’s Forum

        Reply to Tom
    • Speed Zone Humor

      You will appreciate the humor Tom sees in this photo. As Jimmy Buffet says, “If we couldn’t laugh, we’d all go crazy!” Thank you Tom!

      There are lots of speed restrictions around here, to protect the manatees. I guess the manatees were having trouble reading this sign so they lowered it to make it easier for the manatees to read?
      Tom Hale

      Tom Hale

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