There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor. While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Fishermen’s Village MAY Calendars of Entertainment/Events
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
Florida Keys Without the Crowds
Looking for the perfect escape to the Florida Keys with fewer crowds?
May and June bring warm sunshine, calm waters, and that relaxed island vibe everyone loves. It’s the sweet spot of the season, beautiful weather, fewer people, and unforgettable sunsets each night.
At Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, your sailboat is ready when you are. Sail, kayak, snorkel, and unwind right outside your cottage.
Limited cottages are still available for May and June.
Cottages Available Now
Come experience the Keys at their most peaceful and beautiful. Book your island getaway today.
Call or text Irene at 305-451-3438 to inquire or reserve, or simply reply to this email.
When you book one of our cottages, you get more than just a great escape. You also get free access to water amenities. If you’re a qualified sailor, you can use a 22′ sailboat. You can also take a relaxing kayak ride, paddleboard on the bay side calm waters, or explore the clear waters with our snorkel gear. This is what the Florida Keys are all about, and it is why guests keep coming back to Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages. It’s a hidden gem that captures the true spirit of the Florida Keys, just like in Jimmy Buffet’s songs and Hemingway’s stories.
Plus, if you’re interested in learning to sail, we have a sailing school right on-site. The American Sailing Academy offers a 2-hour Introduction to Sailing, a 2-hour refresher (for those with experience but needing a little refresher), and ASA beginner and advanced certified classes.
You can learn to sail in just 2 days with our in-house sailing endorsement class (non-certification). When you pass the endorsement class, you would have the use of one of our 22′ Catalina sailboats for FREE during the rest of your stay. (Non-guests can rent a sailboat for $300 a day but it’s free for our qualified sailor guests staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.)
And that’s not all! We’ve got more in store for you such as sailing excursions* which include captivating sunset cruises, immersive kayaking tours, and exhilarating snorkel adventures. Departing from the KLSC docks, these fantastic outings are easily accessible to all our guests. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary sailing excursions; they’re the key to creating unforgettable memories.
*Booked through Morning Star Charters and guests staying at KLSC receive a 10% discount.
Win Stays at Key Lime Sailing Club
To our past and present guests: Here’s a chance to come back and vacation at KLSC for free! Send us pictures of your stay here and win a free 3-night stay by participating in our 15th Annual KLSC Photo Contest. Check here for details.
Got a talent for video making? Enter our 12th Annual KLSC Video Contest and get a chance to win a free 5-night stay! Check here for details.
We at Key Largo Cottages at Key Lime Sailing Club love our guests and we would love to see you back again for another fun-filled and relaxing Florida Keys vacation!
Enjoy a Snorkel or Sunset Cruise both bay side and ocean side as well as sailboat rentals from 22 foot to 40 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
The Blue Angels Air Show is a spectacular treat, especially viewed from the water. Please use caution, especially around anchored spectator boats. Be safe!
Good afternoon Charleston HSC,
Please find attached MSIB 07-26 regarding a safety zone for the upcoming Blue Angels Airshow. As a summary:
The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, will be conducting aerobatic maneuvers over the Charleston Harbor, SC, on Thursday, April 30th through Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.
A safety zone, encompassing a rectangular area within Charleston Harbor, will be enforced during the times referenced on the chart below. Please note that no one will be allowed to enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF Channel 16. Coast Guard Sector Charleston will announce the start and end of the safety zone enforcement each day. The Blue Angels’ schedule is dependent on weather, and any changes to the safety zone schedule will be reflected in a future MSIB.
For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (833) 453-1261.
Very respectfully,
LT Nicholas Jones WWM Division Chief USCG Sector Charleston Nicholas.J.Jones@uscg.mil O: 843-740-3184 C: 843-323-7761
I spent half an hour or so with mineral spirits and a cotton rag, wiping every notable speck of dust off STEADFAST’s substantial port hull on a dew-less morning, before the sun rose and just after my first cup of sweet, strong coffee. It’s the best time of the day.
I smoothed every inch of 400ish vertical square feet yesterday, taped seams and edges, calculated timing and wind because we have a gorgeous wooden boat neighbor who is sanding with equal vigor before moving on to paint. Dust is an enemy, among others, to the shiny, protective coating I’m applying. And it’s up to $60USD per quart; we’re careful with it.
The pre-dawn breeze was cool with a forecast of 87F. I’m a lizard of sorts, always have been. My finely diamond-wrinkled skin demonstrates how much I worshipped our orb, and those dismaying gems are far more noticeable, I think, when it’s at its apex. Back when it was healthy to have a tan and I had much more resilience, everyone compared contrasting lines and selected tropical destinations for that very purpose. There are few more welcoming experiences than the first rays of spring sunshine warming your back or a colorful, luminescent sunrise announcing another day. Feels so good, doesn’t it? A primal element, essential for so many things, buteven sunshine burns if you get too much. Avoidance is advisable, impossible. A life inside could not be a life I chose.
My mother and I stained the deck each year and did all yardwork wearing bathing suits and tube tops. Now, grudgingly, I take cover with sweaty long sleeves, floppy androgenous hats, my beloved sarongs and substantial sunblock. There used to be single-digit SPF protection out there, which we thought was enough, and now some claim 100x your ‘natural protection’. Is it more poison or a different poison or a good idea or the best solution? I have a dozen or so varieties tucked aboard, none of which I treasure or trust. The scrubbing to get zinc off my tender exposed skin also seems like too much abuse. Who knows for certain what’s best?
As with many things in our lives today, the answer varies depending on how you phrase the question.
I don’t want to ask an entity, any entity, who is trying to figure out what answer it thinks I expect. I want the right answer, whether I agree with it or not. Such questions used to be called ‘leading’ in the realm of growing up when my parents were trying to ascertain truth from fiction. Anthropic AI can now figure out how to wreak serious worldwide havoc, according to a NPR story today. They withdrew their latest model for the safety of humanity, because it’s too I when the whole goal was to make it I! I’m just trying to wrap my mind around what AI can do while it replaces authors and writers, publicists and artists without a backward glance, in fractions of seconds. I don’t use any such tools SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE, both literally and in producing this weekly observe-all, but sometimes I feel surrounded.
Back here in the real world, second cup of coffee in hand on the scaffold (still) surrounding my antiquated wooden boat, I am prepped and ready to paint when an excavator arrived with two dumpsters and the contracted intention of dismantling a piece of Chesapeake Bay heritage—a neighboring classic Skipjack. In six short hours, the hand-hewn vessel was gone, the land leveled; nothing to show but, well, but what? Nothing to show, really. Sure, someone’s living was made upon her, more than one generation, perhaps, the name and hailing port were long faded.
In an attempt at resurrection or stabilization, steel i-beams were inserted lengthwise and side to side in order to maintain her original shape and a scrap of dignity. When I first saw her, she was too far gone to save but the presence that most vessels from early in the twentieth century garnered respect. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to take her to the nearest dump, but it was probably a practical one. STEADFAST lies along the property border between the Richardson Maritime Museum and our current home port, Yacht Maintenance Company. The Museum is a burgeoning, well-intentioned non-profit with what appears to be an assortment of visions. While I personally liked the ashes-to-ashes display, now there is a patch of dirt where the scruffy trees and mulberry had grown up around the skipjack’s keel. Ray, the gentleman with the excavator, was precise and pragmatic. “I don’t know her story,” he said, ”but somebody left her here long enough for trees to grow up through the deck….” He tilted his head at me curiously, “time for her to go.” It was a question and a statement. Wisdom and consideration, combined. “I’m not a boat guy,” he told me in a local accent, meaning he’s got no skin in the game. He might think I’m crazy to live where I live, but still has a modicum of respect for how I spend my resources.
In this photo, I paint the final reconstructed bow section on our page of maritime history as another chapter is hauled efficiently away. The birds who perched there will have to change their routines, just like everyone does when lives are up-ended.
I shift gears with this turn of dust-kicking events, put the topcoat gallon away and pull the building primer back out. The label says “EZPrime” but that is not true. Fate does allow me to work on the shady side of the vessel, but it’s a back-pedal. I’m ready to get this damn project back in the water. Of course I mean damn in the most affectionate way possible; she knows how much I must love her.
The starboard side of STEADFAST (right side facing the bow for my crew of loyal non-sailors…of course I didn’t know that for 95% of my life, either…) is oriented perfectly north. Around the June Solstice there is barely a shady side, but today she protects me as she always does from the unexpected power that is beaming down on my stained t-shirt as I organize my bucket of tools; you’ve seen the kit before and although contents vary, the basics are in the bottom at all times, paint scraper, utility knife, screwdriver, tape, soft putty blade, assorted sandpaper, gloves, sometimes a pair, more often not. I wear the right ones out faster so it often happens that I’m only left with lefts. The awesome gifts received from subscribers last year are still going strong.
Fresh catch is far better use of a bucket. Also why my skin has that premature sun-damaged texture….
I’m solo today, Sailor Steve is working elsewhere, to pay for the primer I’m dripping down onto the filthy felt placed beneath us nearly two years ago, and the rent for the ground beneath that cloth, among other things. When his ears aren’t here I choose the classic country station; I know every word from those times when my mom and I stained the deck, and every Saturday morning without fail. Marti belted them out like I do, out of tune but so sincerely that no one should care.
Since we mentioned lizard, there’s a nine-incher aboard of late, sleek, slightly creepy, shiny black with yellow racing stripes. Yes, I know they eat bugs. I’m OK with it as long as I don’t have to sleep with him and he doesn’t want to sleep with me. ~J
Restacking is a great way to share my work— good folks can discover our wise comments and life lessons…. Thanks! & stay aboard!
*** The title this week comes from a famous, quotable work by Veronica A. Shoffstall, originally shared by my mom, lifetimes ago. I still have the ragged copy.
AFTER A WHILE
After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn…
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth…
And you learn and learn…
With every good-bye you learn.
If you’re interested in learning more about AI, I highly recommend Ruv Draba from Down Under; he, along with Claude from Anthropic, can be found on Substack Ruv DrabaReciprocal Inquiry: from Doubt to Discovery.
Note that sea turtle season starts May 1st, and manatees are returning to South Carolina waters. Keep an eye out on the water and report any sick, injured, or dead sea turtles or manatees online or call SCDNR’s 24-hour wildlife hotline at 1-800-955-5431.
Cruisers Net is pleased to be partnering with GoChesapeake, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, to assist cruisers who are voyaging south or north via the Waterway through Great Bridge, VA, home to Atlantic Yacht Basin, also A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Chesapeake Jubilee May 14th – 17th Chesapeake City Park 900 City Park Dr | Chesapeake, VA 23320 Music & Entertainment | Amusement Rides & Games | Fireworks Tickets required
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25th | 11 AM – 1 PM Chesapeake City Hall 306 Cedar Rd | Chesapeake, VA 23322 Free admission
Click here to discover more about Chesapeake: events, things to do, restaurants, trip planner and more!
Everything you need is within steps of the waterway!
Click here to download a walking map of the Great Bridge Village. Click here to download our Visitor Passport for our Waterway Guests.
Stock up on provisions at the Kroger grocery store. Enjoy a meal at one of our partner restaurants: Lockside Bar & Grill (casual waterfront dining), Woody’s Raw Bar & Grill (casual waterfront dining) or Vino Italian Bistro (upscale Italian). Or, shop in our locally owned shops, chic boutiques and funky retail shops, antique dealers, national retailers and premium outlets.
Feel free to contact us for personal assistance. No request is too small or impossible. Hello@GoChesapeake.net 757.296.3404 GoChesapeake.net
Marker 12 Boater Hospitality Events
The popular Pop-Up Happy Hour hosted by GoChesapeake is held on Tuesdays and Fridays in May and October. Learn more »
Visitor Passport
The Visitor Passport is your guide to dining, shopping, events and experiences. Pick up your copy at the dockmaster’s office or download a digital copy from the GoChesapeake website. Download a copy »
GoChesapeake Waterway Concierge Services
Let us help you make your visit memorable and uniquely yours. No request is too small or impossible. Contact us today with your request! Hello@GoChesapeake.net or 757.296.3404 – Option 1
A Kroger Supermarket is located in the Great Bridge Shopping Center providing our waterway guests convenient, one-stop shopping within steps of the waterway. Learn more and get hours >>
A Community of Partners Devoted to Supporting Our Waterway Guests
The Blue Angels Air Show is a spectacular treat, especially viewed from the water. Please use caution, especially around anchored spectator boats. Be safe!
Good afternoon Charleston HSC,
Please find attached MSIB 07-26 regarding a safety zone for the upcoming Blue Angels Airshow. As a summary:
The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, will be conducting aerobatic maneuvers over the Charleston Harbor, SC, on Thursday, April 30th through Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.
A safety zone, encompassing a rectangular area within Charleston Harbor, will be enforced during the times referenced on the chart below. Please note that no one will be allowed to enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF Channel 16. Coast Guard Sector Charleston will announce the start and end of the safety zone enforcement each day. The Blue Angels’ schedule is dependent on weather, and any changes to the safety zone schedule will be reflected in a future MSIB.
For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (833) 453-1261.
Very respectfully,
LT Nicholas Jones WWM Division Chief USCG Sector Charleston Nicholas.J.Jones@uscg.mil O: 843-740-3184 C: 843-323-7761
Mother Nature reflects on the final finishings protecting STEADFAST’s rebuild. Stay aboard! Sometimes even I want to jump ship, don’t do it! We’re close to launching!
If you just found our very engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, .….it introduces my wonders and my wanders. ~J
I spent half an hour or so carefully wiping the dust off STEADFAST’s substantial port hull, having sanded all those square feet yesterday, taped seams and edges….does this sound familiar? If you absorbed last week’s edition, it could ring a bell, and since I went through that process twice more in the last few days, I thought, what the hell, you fine, patient, supportive people already have an unplanned blow-by-blow of wooden boat repair and since redundancy is a ridiculously large part of my STEADFAST-controlled world, why not share?!
Her substantial port side and the sandpaper to smooth it. Seriously.
I think my boat-dwelling on-land interlude can be/has been slow-moving and I’m trying as hard as my big heart will allow to keep all of this interesting, poignant, and personal, reaffirming that no matter what happens, life is a journey with unanticipated, challenging and marvelous ports of call with lots of adjectives.
On the West Slope of Colorado I owned a custom catering business supplied by an organic garden (LONG before it was trendy), and most people didn’t realize I was the sole guru; marketer, planner, procurement, farmer, chef, baker, employer, QA manager, cleanup crew and accountant. Because I understood the importance and interdependence of every aspect, after fifteen years, I was very good at what I did. When I baked my brilliant cheesecake, not a single ingredient was overlooked, substituted or rushed. Not one…and they all have to be added in a particular order, then manipulated perfectly, transformed into the finished product, and relished. My cheesecake was delish, and constantly reordered. Sometimes I baked three dozen of those cheesecakes at a time; big precision. We all do it in some aspect of our lives.
My current world couldn’t possibly be more different. My work here is done on a big scale, nearly all of it, but, like so many other professions, hobbies, crafts and trades, it takes relentless attention to particulars (as well as patience) in order to complete everything to the required standards.
Even with an inch of leeway, I didn’t stay inside the lines, which probably describes a large portion of my life. But that’s only with rough drafts; on the final product, we take the time for perfect, detailing every inch.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE INSIGHTS INTO BIG PRECISION—
Sighting with a laser level ensures that the waterline is true and straight.
The laser is utilized because not everything your eye tells you is actually true… the transom waterline is the blue line, which is actually level.
STEADFAST’s protective, original bronze Rub Rail was painted when we took stewardship, reclaimed with razor blades & grit. I pamper her bad-ass bronze.
Major milestone: the teak deck atop the replaced forward section is completed! Precise craftsmanship.
Attention to every angle– nothing on a boat is straight or square, gives her the strength to withstand Mother Nature’s occasional onslaught.
Over the course of the project, I’ve installed over 3500 plugs (bungs) to protect the fastenings. Each is created on a drill press, adhered with G-flex epoxy, secured, cured, cut off and sanded smooth. Aligning the grain is a standard.
Ultimately, all of these big details deter water ingress— after all, water is both our favorite medium and our most dire enemy. Since I have my Captain’s License and we can charter, more than our lives depend on the quality of what we are doing here. Until next week ~J
P.S. Maybe I should serve cheesecake…!
I’m so glad you’ve not jumped ship! If you want to learn a bit more about me and what I’ve produced, please visit my website. JaniceAnneWheeler.com; I’d be flattered.
*** Big news —my latest work is on the presses—you’re wondering, aren’t you, what interesting character I chose to draw out of the shadows? Stay aboard! ***
@YachtingSteadfast on Facebook & YouTube—here’s the latest.
Thanks so much for SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE! What crazy weather; she’s as riled up as the rest of the planet! Care to share a peaceful read with friends?
Ironclad Anglers Fishing Rodeo at Colonial Lake (Charleston) | Saturday, May 2nd, 8:30AM – 11:30AM | SCDNR is partnering with the City of Charleston for a hero-themed Youth Saltwater Fishing Rodeo. This is a catch-and-release fishing rodeo (not a tournament) and instructors will be available to help anglers learn the basics of saltwater fishing. Children 15 years of age or younger and their parents/guardians are welcome. 
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