In light of our recent discussions concerning anchoring regulations in Florida, see /?p=143945, the cruising community will be interested in this message from a North East cruiser facing similar restrictions and issues. Thank you Mike ODonnell.

Hi, I cruise the east coast with my wife and two young children. The Cruisers Net has been one of my best sources for Information while travelling the southeast. We like a lot of cruisers head to the North East in summer and don’t have a good source like the Cruisers Net up here. I think the net should expand its area to the whole east coast. We are beginning to have problems with local anchoring laws. It reminds me of what FL went through. When we arrived in Newport RI we were told by the harbormaster that they passed a local ordinance this year and we had to leave the city waters after 14 days for 4 days or take a mooring ball and then return to the anchorage. They also state that any boat left unattended can be taken by the harbormaster and charged storage. They are writing tickets and have towed at least one boat away that was not abandoned or causing an obstruction. Another popular summer stop for cruisers is Vineyard Haven in Marthas Vineyard which has passed a 3 day anchoring limit. These two I know first hand but have heard others have passed similar laws. I think Block Island has also passed a local ordinance. Plymouth Mass says if you anchor you can not leave the boat, Lucky the Pilgrims did not face that problem when they arrived. So besides the anchoring issues us north east cruisers need the Cruisers Net for general cruising info up here also. I am sure many cruisers would support you in expanding to the whole East Coast.
Thanks
Mike ODonnell
SV Bay Tripper